FOX 13 Tampa’s chief meteorologist, Paul Dellegatto, shared this gorgeous sunset on Facebook yesterday, and it was a beautiful reminder of just how spectacular Florida’s beaches—and especially its sunsets—can be.
You don’t have to make it all the way to the Florida Keys to find incredible sunsets. Florida’s west coast has plenty of its own breathtaking views, from the beaches around Tampa Bay to the Gulf Coast and beyond. 🌴🌊
Sunset at the Dunedin Causeway — photo courtesy of Dave Doherty
I’ve been to the Dunedin Causeway countless times, but somehow I’ve never stayed long enough to watch the sun disappear over the water.
Sunsets like this have a way of making you slow down and appreciate where you are. And judging by this photo, I think it’s time I made a trip to the Dunedin Causeway and stayed for the sunset.
Here are a few of my favorite beach and sunset shots from south of Dunedin that I’ve taken over the past month. 🌅
Sand Key
Clearwater Beach
Kitesurfing at sunset, Indian Rocks Beach
Sunset at Indian Rocks Beach
A beautiful sunset over the Intracoastal at Belleair Bluffs
It had been several years since we last cruised around Tampa Bay. Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to get back out on the water. We set sail from Harborage Marina, just south of downtown St. Pete, on a beautiful summer afternoon.
The day was hot, sunny, and absolutely perfect for boating. With the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay stretching out around us, it was easy to settle into that relaxed feeling that only a day on the water can bring.
The highlight of the afternoon came when several dolphins appeared alongside the boat. They seemed to be having just as much fun as we were, playing in the water and riding the wake right at the bow. Watching them glide through the waves just feet away was one of those unexpected moments that makes a day on the bay unforgettable.
Thanks to my SIL, we got a close-up look at a dolphin! 🐬
Being back in St. Pete also brought back memories from another time on the water.
Back in 2005, we anchored in the Vinoy Basin while on our way to New Orleans. We had planned to spend some time cruising the area, but our plans quickly changed when the generator broke down. What initially felt like an annoying mechanical problem turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We stayed in Florida until the following summer.
That August, New Orleans was devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Katrina. Looking back, we're incredibly grateful that we never made it there. What seemed like an unfortunate setback at the time may have kept us exactly where we needed to be.
We still have the nautical charts from that planned cruise. Every time we see them, we're reminded of how differently things can unfold—and how sometimes, the things that seem to go wrong can lead to a much better outcome than we ever could have imagined.
St Pete skyline, with mooring balls at the Vinoy Basin
Sadly, the iconic inverted-pyramid pier we remembered from earlier visits is no longer there—it was demolished in 2015. The waterfront has changed over the years, but there are still plenty of familiar sights and new discoveries along the way.
We never get tired of the creativity—and sheer playfulness—people put into naming their boats. Some names make you chuckle, while others make you stop and admire the cleverness. In Boston, we loved a catamaran called Cats Aweigh, whose dinghy was cleverly named Mouse Play. You have to appreciate a boat owner with a sense of humor! In Beaufort, South Carolina, we passed a sailboat called She Got the House every day. It was loaded with a bicycle, a motorcycle, and all sorts of fun toys. Every time we saw it, we laughed. Clearly, someone had lost an argument—and gained a very well-equipped sailboat!
As we made our way back to Harborage Marina, a few boats caught our attention. Their names were simply too good not to photograph and share!
Our friends' Fountaine Pajot catamaran was called One Love
Our latest cruise around St. Pete’s waterfront was a much happier chapter. Beautiful views, warm sunshine, playful dolphins, and a few moments of reflection made for a memorable day on Tampa Bay.
After being away for so long, it was great to be back. And if this trip is any indication, we’re already looking forward to our next adventure on the water.
I remember seeing a photo of Grenoble on the Windows Edge homepage. It showed the Isère River winding through the city, with its signature colorful cable cars in the background. That image caught my attention, but I already knew Grenoble for a more personal reason—my other half had gone to school there.
Strong river currents from melting Alpine snow
But did you know that Grenoble hosted the 1968 Winter Olympics? Probably only winter sports enthusiasts—and those old enough to remember—would know that! The Games were held in February 1968, with events taking place not only in Grenoble but also in several surrounding mountain resorts.
The 1968 Olympic cauldron
But there’s much more to this beautiful Alpine city than its Olympic history. Known as the “Capital of the Alps,” Grenoble is surrounded by three spectacular mountain ranges: the Vercors, rising to 7,680 feet; the Chartreuse, reaching 6,831 feet; and Belledonne, with peaks up to 9,767 feet. The result is a fascinating mix of dramatic mountain scenery, history and culture.
We took the téléphérique to the Bastille, a popular attraction
Spectacular panoramic views of Grenoble
While this was my first visit to Grenoble, it was a trip down memory lane for my other half. He spent three years of high school here, so walking through the city brought back plenty of memories.
His old school has since been demolished, but the ice rink at the Palais des Sports, where he used to skate, is still standing. It appeared to be closed the day we visited, but from what we found online, it still hosts sporting events and concerts. He and his cousin also spent many a day at the library, though it was closed early when we stopped by.
Even so, it was special to wander through the city, hearing his stories and seeing the places that shaped his youth.
I remember it was somewhere along this street ...
Palais des Sport
Library
Grenoble Museum
Pretty flowers at Parc Paul Mistral
On our last day, we made a quick hike up to the Bastille, but only got halfway before the rain started.
So close yet so far
We had some of our best meals in Grenoble. Across the street from our apartment hotel was a charming little brasserie serving traditional French fare at reasonable prices, from escargots, foie gras, and ravioles gratinées to rich, tender duck confit. There were also a few amusing reminders that even the little things come at a price in France—want ketchup with your fries? Be prepared to pay €0.70 for it. The same goes for dipping sauce for McDonald’s McNuggets. Truth be told, we went there because they usually have clean restrooms, and they’re free—unlike the ones at train stations, where you’ll pay €1.
Duck leg confit
Pizza was also incredibly popular in Grenoble, and the ones we tried were wonderfully sumptuous.
Many restaurants lining the Isère River serve pizzas
pizza for dinner
Half pizza, half salad for lunch
Of course, no French meal would be complete without dessert, and we couldn’t resist finishing ours with a delicious crème brûlée and a cup of coffee.
Delicious crème brûlée and coffee
When we told friends and family that we were planning to visit Grenoble, we were warned that the city had gone downhill and that crime was a serious concern. Thankfully, we experienced no problems during our stay, although we were struck by the amount of graffiti throughout the city. In the evenings, some areas felt unusually quiet and deserted, and we would not have felt entirely comfortable wandering around them.
Despite these reservations, Grenoble gave us plenty of wonderful memories. Set against a spectacular Alpine backdrop, the city has a unique charm, with delicious food, inviting cafés, and excellent restaurants. Ultimately, the beautiful surroundings and enjoyable experiences made it a memorable stop on our journey.
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