EXPLORE THE TOWN
MORNING
Start by soaking up St. Pete’s world-class arts scene. Begin at the world-famous Salvador Dalí Museum, whose spectacular $36 million building — a masterpiece in itself — anchors the Waterfront Arts District and houses one of the largest collections of the Spanish surrealist’s works. A quick ride uptown is the Chihuly Collection, the permanent new home of works by revered glass artist Dale Chihuly. The 11,000-square-foot space opened in fall 2016, showcasing the eye-popping, largescale sculptures in eight galleries. Also nearby is a concentration of colorful murals on building facades and other spaces — more than 50 along Central Avenue — that have popped up in recent years, giving St. Pete some serious credibility in street art circles. If you’re there on a Saturday, join a guided 1½-hour mural art tour that meets at 10 a.m. at Florida CraftArt, a nonprofit that also houses a gallery space showcasing local artists.
MIDDAY
Stoke your appetite for lunch at the spectacular Locale Market, a 20,000-square-foot testament to St. Pete’s rising status as a culinary destination. The gourmet goodies curated by celebrity chefs Michael Mina and Don Pintabona span everything from European sweets to handmade pasta to fresh local seafood — a mouthwatering selection sure to impress even the most discerning foodie. Taste your way through the food stations — the St. Petersburger is a cheekily named new offering at the grill — or opt for a sit-down meal at Mina’s cheerful FarmTable Kitchen, which serves seafood-centric dishes, Italian favorites and wood-fired pizza.
AFTERNOON
Say cheers to St. Pete’s reputation as a craft beer mecca on a selfguided bike tour of some of the city’s favorite breweries (there are more than 30 independent breweries on the St. Pete/Clearwater Craft Beer Trail). Hop on an aquamarine rental cruiser from Coast Bike Share, with locations all over town, and head first to Cage Brewing, a locals’ favorite with 18 quirkily named selections on tap (Galaxy Cat IPA?), plus free pinball and arcade games. Up next is Cycle Brewery, a fitting nod to the city’s love of bikes and beers, with selections like the Wheelie Scottish ale and the Peloton pilsner.
Wrap up at 3 Daughters Brewing, one of the city’s newest and largest breweries. It’s housed in a huge warehouse brimming with games — ring toss, Pictionary and a giant Connect Four, among many more — that pair perfectly with a rotating selection of tasty brews; the Key Lime Cider is especially refreshing.
EVENING
Experience more of St. Pete’s food scene with dinner at The Mill, which has racked up awards and accolades since opening in 2015. Kick things off with an impeccably crafted cocktail while you look over the menu, which draws from Southern and local flavors with a few daring twists. If it’s available, be sure to order the bizarresounding but slap-yo-mama good pound cake grilled cheese.
Afterward, it’s a quick car ride across the peninsula to Treasure Island, where the chic Treasure Island Beach Resort added a dose of modern luxury to the area when it opened in 2016. With all 77 suites boasting Gulf of Mexico views, the property is an ideal home base for a St. Pete stay — and it just might be the only time you see the beach. Grab a nightcap, pull up a chair at the poolside fire pit, and toast to your actionpacked day in the ’Burg.