We’re so happy to welcome you to our beautiful city. If this is your first time in St. Pete, we’d like to give you some advice. Below are 10 must knows about the Sunshine City:
1. We like nicknames. Hipsters call St. Pete “the ‘burg.” However, you’re not in the “‘burg” at the annual meeting. You’re at the beach.
2. We like food. Many of us are transplants from other states. That means you can get amazing deep dish pizza, Philly cheesesteaks and New York deli without leaving town.
3. We like heat. If you see anyone swimming in the Gulf, they don’t live here. We only swim when the Gulf is 80+. We’re freezing when the air temp dips below 75, even those of us who moved from up north. Doesn’t take long for the blood to thin.
4. We like dogs. Don’t be surprised to see them dining next to you at one of our outdoor cafes. Most of the time they are with their human companions.
5. We like art. If you venture downtown you’ll see lots of independent studios and two great museums. Also, keep an eye out for the beautiful murals that adorn the sides of many of our buildings. There’s a particularly interesting series on Central Avenue in downtown depicting different creature riding bikes (yes, even a mermaid).
6. We like grouper. Grouper is our pride and joy. Order it whenever you can.
7. We like Hurricane’s. Hurricane Seafood restaurant is a must visit. If you tell someone you’ve been to St. Pete Beach they’ll ask about that place.
8. We like history. Fort de Soto Park really has a fort. Check it out. It also has beaches, camping, fishing, nature trails, boating and more.
9. We like our beaches. Take time to walk our beaches. (You couldn’t get any closer.) They’re continually voted some of the best in the nation.
10. We love you. The Don CeSar is a magnificent property, rich with history. Take some time to walk around and enjoy its beauty. If you want to see and be seen check out the Postcard Inn while you’re in town as well.
Those are my tips on St. Pete. We hope you enjoy your stay. Feel free to ask any of the YMers at the AMCI annual meeting where to go and what to do. We love to talk about St. Pete.
For those of you who know the area, do you have something to add? Leave it in the comments below.
