Day One: Sushi Rolling Adventure

Day One: Sushi Rolling Adventure

I arrived in St. Pete-Clearwater with high hopes for a fantastic beach getaway, and this place did not disappoint. The journey from Tampa airport was a breezy half-hour, and I checked into the Wyndham Grand hotel, where my room on the 16th floor offered breathtaking ocean views.

After a refreshing dip in the water, I treated myself to a hot stone massage at the Pallavi Luxury Spa — a must-try for anyone looking to unwind after a long trip.

That evening, I dived into the art of sushi rolling at Ocean Hai, located within the hotel. This culinary experience, led by executive chef Nana Darkwah, was truly a delight for anyone who appreciates Japanese cuisine. The “Sushi and Sips” experience is definitely worth trying!

Day Two: Welcome to Little Greece

The next morning, I made my way to Tarpon Springs and felt as if I had stepped into a little corner of Greece. This charming town was once home to sponge divers in the early 1900s and has now become the largest Greek community in the U.S.

When in Tarpon, make sure to pop into one of the lovely shops to pick up some sponges and definitely enjoy lunch at Hellas. The restaurant offers an authentic cultural vibe with recipes passed down through generations.

After lunch, I strolled through Dunedin and participated in a candle-making activity at Sea Love. I wrapped up the afternoon with happy hour at Dunedin Brewery, known as the smallest and oldest craft brewery in Florida.

That evening, I savored a delicious seafood dinner at Bob Heilmans Beachcomber, capped off with the best key lime pie I’ve ever tasted throughout this trip.

Day Three: Donuts and Dolphins

On my final morning in St. Pete-Clearwater, I enjoyed a leisurely beach walk and stumbled upon some amazing donuts at Parlor Doughnuts, with flavors like Campfire and Maple Bacon.

Next, I hopped on a boat tour where dolphins frolicked around me in the bay, making that day extra special. Lunch was at Crabby’s Dockside, which is the perfect spot if you’re craving fresh crab legs.

Dinner at Book + Bottle rounded off the day perfectly with coffee, wine, and books. A delightful meal at The Crane followed by some fun with shuffleboard wrapped up an exciting day.

Conclusion

In reality, many travelers think they need to go overseas to experience something new. But in St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida, I found myself truly captivated by this destination. With fantastic food and a plethora of exciting experiences, this place is definitely worth a visit.