Port of Call: St. Petersburg, Florida

St. Pete has come a long way from its old reputation as “God’s Waiting Room.” We were smitten with downtown St. Pete the first time we dropped anchor at the North Yacht Basin years ago. Even then, it exuded a small-town charm, with everything just a short stroll or boat ride away.

Since those early visits, the city has blossomed into a vibrant destination brimming with art, culture, and an unmistakable coastal energy. Today, St. Pete pulses with creativity—alive with music, craft breweries, and a youthful energy that rivals any major coastal hotspot. The Central Arts District bursts with murals, galleries, and cozy cafés where locals and travelers mingle. The iconic Dalí Museum remains a must-see, as does the mesmerizing Chihuly Collection. New cultural landmarks like the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement and the Imagine Museum have further cemented St. Pete’s reputation as a true haven for art lovers.

The new pier opened in 2020

North Yacht Basin

The Vinoy Hotel and Marina

Looking at St. Pete downtown from the new pier (2020)

looking at St. Pete downtown from the old pier (2009)

Old Inverted Pyramid Pier (1973-2013, demolished in 2015)

Just last Saturday, St. Pete celebrated the new Pier’s fifth birthday with a stunning drone show lighting up the night sky.

The city is best explored on foot or by bike, where every corner reveals a new surprise. Its flat, sun-drenched streets and scenic waterfront paths make getting around effortless, inviting visitors to slow down and soak in the local vibe. The culinary scene is equally captivating—rooftop bars offer sweeping views of Tampa Bay, while tucked-away eateries serve up fresh Gulf seafood and inventive, globally inspired dishes. St. Pete has truly evolved into a foodie destination. The vibe is relaxed yet refined, adventurous but never pretentious—a perfect reflection of the city itself.

Whether you arrive by boat, car, or for a spontaneous weekend getaway, St. Pete feels like one of Florida’s best-kept secrets — a city that’s rediscovered itself without ever losing its coastal charm.

Have you been to St. Pete?

What were your favorite spots to eat, explore, or just relax by the water? Drop them in the comments below—your insider tips might just inspire someone’s next great Tampa Bay adventure. 🌴✨

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday.

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From Canvas to Garden: How Van Gogh's Sunflowers Inspired My Green Thumb

I have to admit—I was never really drawn to still-life paintings. But that all changed when I saw Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Something about those bright, joyful blooms bursting off the canvas completely changed my perspective. I was smitten. 

Sunflower on a lovely summer day at a friend's farm in TN

Van Gogh's artwork on a house in Mount Dora, Florida

Van Gogh's immersive art at the Dali Museum in St Pete, Florida

Dali Museum

That same vibrant energy came to life at the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market. The sunflowers there were so cheerful and radiant, it was impossible to walk by without smiling — or wanting to take a bunch home.

Saturday Morning Market

Feeling inspired, I decided to try growing my own sunflowers. I picked up a pack of Mammoth Russian seeds from the Dollar Store and planted a few in a large tub. A few weeks later, I was thrilled to see little seedlings pushing through the soil. When they finally bloomed, I was amazed - these sunny giants were absolutely stunning.  What a rewarding experience! Sunflowers are not only easy to grow, but truly breathtaking once they reach full height.

One year, I even documented the life cycle of a sunflower by taking a photo every day and turning it into a time-lapse video. At the end of the season, I carefully cut off the flower head and placed it in a paper bag to dry out for seeds. A perfect plan — until my well-meaning hubby unknowingly tossed the whole bag! 😢

This video below shows a butterfly on the sunflower. 

From my Florida garden

If you’re ever in the Tampa Bay area, I highly recommend spending time in downtown St. Pete. It's such a charming spot, filled with cozy restaurants, local art galleries, and museums. In fact, the city just had a Free Museum Day two Saturdays ago —and it was a great way to explore without spending a dime.

And don’t miss the Saturday Morning Market, which kicks off its season on October 4! There’s live music, friendly vendors, fresh produce, and that laid-back Florida vibe that makes it such a fun way to start the weekend.

And for all you beach lovers—you’re in luck! The stunning Gulf beaches are just minutes away, offering the perfect setting for sunbathing, shell collecting, a barefoot stroll along the shore, or simply soaking in one of Florida’s breathtaking sunsets.

Have you ever been inspired by art to try something new? 

Whether it’s planting flowers, picking up a paintbrush, or just pausing to appreciate the colors around you—I’d love to hear your story in the comments!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday and Saturday Sparks.

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Weekend Reflections: Imagine Museum, St Petersburg, Florida

Happy Fall!

Well… sort of. It still feels like summer here in West Central Florida, with daytime temps lingering in the mid-90s °F. Thankfully, the early mornings and evenings have started to cool down, dipping into the low 70s, which feels great. 

This past weekend, St. Pete hosted a Free Museum Day, with eight local museums participating. You can check out the full list here. The Imagine Museum offered free admission for two days instead of just one. We decided to skip the Saturday crowds and visit on Sunday instead—and it turned out to be a lovely day.

The Imagine Museum offers a truly breathtaking collection of contemporary glass art. Featuring works by artists from around the globe, the museum showcases a wide range of styles, techniques, and creative expressions in glass. We were amazed by the artistry and innovation on display — as you can see in the photos below. 

Before our visit, the only glass artist we were familiar with was Dale Chihuly. During our time at the museum, we learned a little more about him and his mentor, Lino Tagliapietra — a Venetian glass master whose influence can be seen in the exquisite glass boats that seem to float from the ceiling at the museum's entrance. These delicate, gondola-like forms are a stunning tribute to Venice’s rich glassblowing heritage and set the tone for the incredible experience that awaits inside.

glass boats hanging in the ceiling greet you at the entrance

Japanese glass art

Venetian glass

Chihuly's signature blown glass

Amazing number of Buddha heads

Next time you’re headed to the popular Clearwater Beach, consider making a quick detour to nearby St. Pete for an arts fix — the city is packed with amazing museums, including the Dali Museum and the Florida Holocaust Museum, just to name a couple. If you’re a fan of glass art, you’re in for a treat: the Imagine Museum and the Chihuly Collection are both must-visits. They’re just a few blocks apart, so it’s easy to see both in one trip. 

Fun fact: the Chihuly Collection is less than a mile from downtown St. Pete, and you can either walk or hop on the free Looper Trolley to get there.

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday, **Art*Journal*Journey* and ColorufulWorld.

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