Fun in the Sun

At the Condo

Swimming Pool
Our pool is adjacent to the beach and is heated year-round.  There are restrooms poolside as well.  After a day on the beach, and a quick rinsing in the shower, the pool is a great next-stop to rinse the saltwater off your body.  It's also a great sand-free way to enjoy the day.

BBQ Grill & Tiki Hut
Just below our balcony is an open-pit BBQ grill and tiki hut with picnic benches.  It's a great spot for a family dinner or to meet new friends.  You will know it's dinner time when the smell of your neighbors cooking on the grill rises to your balcony.   Mmmmm, good eats!

Sunsets, Sunsets, Sunsets!
Words can hardly describe the beauty of our sunsets.  Our condo looks westward over the Gulf of Mexico and the daily sunsets are simply astonishing.  Many northerners who have never seen the sunset over the water before try to dismiss this advertising of the sunsets, "we've seen sunsets before -- what's the big deal?"    They are all tongue-tied once they EXPERIENCE one of our sunsets.  In addition to their natural beauty, sunsets also fill our condo with tropical colors.  You can watch them from the beach, our balcony, or our family room.  For you romantics out there, our master bedroom also features a full glass wall facing the beach - you can snuggle up and watch the sunsets from bed.   Relax...  You're on vacation.  (And, the best part is that the sunsets are FREE!!!)

Fireworks!
Technically speaking, fireworks are now illegal in Pinellas County.  You would never know it, however, when holidays arrive!  Whether it's Independence Day (4th of July,) Christmas (Dec. 25th,) New Year's Eve (Dec. 31st,) Labor Day (first weekend in September,) or Memorial Day - the beach lights up at night with fireworks!   In the warmer months, it's fun to walk or float out to the sand bar and watch them from the water.

Fishing
Beachfront fishing is common in Florida.  Local bait & tackle shops will tell you what's biting during this time of year, and what to use for bait.  They will even rent fishing poles.  Typically fisherman like to use little crabs called sand fleas as bait.  You can catch them in the shallows, and then cast them into deeper water.  Shrimp, squid and small baitfish are also favorite baits and can be purchased at the bait shops.  Fishing is best when the seas are calm and the water is clear.  Sand Perch, trout, red fish, rays, even 8-foot Tarpon can be caught from the beach.  You can obtain an instant Florida day-fishing license with a credit card by simply calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA.

Sea Turtle Nesting
Once per year, (usually in June-July) huge sea turtles climb out of the water onto the beaches in the wee hours of the morning to lay their eggs.  Turtle patrols watch for their paths in the sand, and then barricade their nests for protection.  Two months later, the hatchlings surface and make their way to the water.  Lights from the condos can disorient the baby turtles, so you may find many of the beachfront condo lights turned off during these months by the management.

Walking Distance

SunCoast Trolley
The trolley stop is located right in front of Sea Gate condominiums on Gulf Blvd.  The fare is $1.25 for each ride, or $3 for a full-day unlimited ride, unlimited transfer pass (exact change is required.)  The trolleys stop by about every 30 minutes.  Be careful and ask the driver about their destinations (there are about three or four different routes/trolleys that pass by - make sure you are getting on the right bus.)  That's the other advantage of buying the $3 pass; if you get on the wrong bus, just hop off and catch the right one.  The trolleys go as far north as Clearwater and Bellaire, and as far south as St. Pete Beach and transfer to The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg.  It's a GREAT way to get out and see the area without having to drive or pay/search for parking.  You can hardly find a spot along Gulf Blvd. that doesn't have a friendly SunCoast Trolley sign/stop (sign with a sun.)  Enjoy your ticket to beachfront freedom!

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
About 3/4 of a mile south of Sea Gate Condominiums is the not-for-profit Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.  This organization rescues, repairs, rehabilitates and releases seabirds back into the wild. The sanctuary is open to visitors 365 days per year and is FREE!  This is one of the largest wild bird rehabilitation centers in the United States and there are usually more than 600 birds onsite at any given time.

SunCoast Trolley Distance (short drive)

John's Pass Village & Boardwalk
John's Pass is located about seven miles south of Sea Gate Condominiums on Gulf Blvd.  It is a waterfront tourist area featuring TONS of souvenir shops, watercraft and boat rentals, dolphin excursions, pirate ship adventures, casino boat, fishing charters, dinner cruises, restaurants, moped rentals, and much more!  Fisherman love fishing the pass, whether on the bridge, under it, or along the rock jetties.

Restaurants include:
     Friendly Fisherman
     Sculley's
     The Hut (live music)
     Uncle Charlie's Crab Shack
     VFW Hall Post# 4256 Bar & Restaurant
     Los Amigos
     Rusty Anchor Dockside Grille
     Bamboo Beer Gardens
     DeLosa's Pizzeria
     Don's Village Pizza
     Hot Pepper Grill
     Hugo's Topside Cafe'
     Tom & Jerry's Boardwalk Grill
     Frankie & Johnnie's Donut Shop
     Courtyard Cafe
     Gator's (Sports Bar)

Redington Fishing Pier
This fishing pier is about two miles south of Sea Gate.  It requires admission.  People catch all kinds of fish from the pier.   Across from the fishing pier is the Dogfish Tackle Company (one of the largest bait and tackle stores along the beach.)

Westwind Tackle
Fisherman's hidden treasure!!!  This bait shop is smaller than most, but makes up for it in SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE!!!  Tom (the owner) is the friendliest man on Gulf Blvd.  Tom also offers fishing charters and lessons.  If you're lucky, you might catch one of his local fishing tournaments or backyard fish fries!  Westwind Tackle is located five miles south of Sea Gate in Madeira Beach.

Putt Putt Golf
There are several putt-putt (miniature) golf courses in the area.  The closest one is Smuggler's Cove Adventure Golf - just five blocks north of Sea Gate.  The have another location in Madeira Beach as well.  There are other courses in Clearwater Beach and south of Madeira Beach.   

Driving Range & Golf Courses
There are several driving ranges and waterfront golf courses in the area.  Unfortunately, your author is not a golfer.  Feel free to e-mail us your Suncoast golfing reviews and recommendations. 

 Caddy's on the Beach
This is TRUE, sand-in-your-toes, beachfront dining.  One of the few restaurants with picnic tables actually on the beach!  This beachfront bar/restaurant is great for the whole family with live bands and karaoke regularly and a roof-top bar for watching the sunsets.  There are sand volleyball courts.  FREE beach chairs and umbrellas for patrons -- who could ask for more?  This is about as close to a Key West-feeling restaurant as you'll find on the beach.  This restaurant is located on Treasure Island about 10 miles south of Sea Gate.  It's on the south end of Treasure Island - the traffic light just before the blind pass bridge (behind 7-11.)

Holiday Inn Beachfront Revolving Restaurant
The top of this hotel in St. Pete Beach is the only revolving restaurant around for miles.  The food's a bit over-priced for the quality (average $15 per plate.)  The views are what you are here for!  You can see for MILES from here!!!  It's best to go about 45 minutes before sunset.  They initially seat you on the ICW (east-facing) side of the restaurant, then 30 to 45 minutes later, you will be facing west with the best seat in the house!  If you go during a holiday, arrive at sunset.  About 30-45 minutes later, you will be watching the fireworks display at eye-level up and down the beach!  By the time your meal is over, you are facing east again.  There's not a bad seat in the house!!!

Don Cesar Beach Resort
There are two truly historic hotels in the St. Petersburg area.  They are the Don Cesar (pronounced "say-zar") on the beach, and the Renaissance Vinoy Resort  on Tampa Bay in downtown St. Petersburg.  The Don Cesar has older Florida architecture and has fine dining, a piano bar, spa and more.   Naturally, it's a bit pricey.  But, if you want to spend a day in the lifestyles of the rich and shameless, spend it relaxing at the Don Cesar.

The Pier
Downtown St. Petersburg has the largest pier in the area.  It extends out over Tampa Bay and there is a multi-story building at the tip.   The pier hosts souvenir shops, restaurants, a small aquarium, fishing, feeding of pelicans, live entertainment, and views that are worth the trip.  This pier is about a 30-minute drive from Sea Gate and can be reached via SunCoast Trolley transfers.  The views from the Columbia restaurant and Cha Cha Coconuts on the top deck are the best.  The pier also overlooks the downtown St. Petersburg marina and airport.  The most exciting viewing times to visit are during the annual air show at the Albert Whitted airfield (where you will have a unique eye-to-eye view of the air show); during the annual offshore powerboat races in Tampa Bay; or during an approaching squall line (from the safety of the Columbia restaurant). The pier is also within walking distance of downtown St. Petersburg -- with TONS of shopping opportunities!!!  Note:  Columbia restaurant offers fine, Cuban dining.  There is also a Columbia located in Sand Key (about five miles north of Sea Gate) and another location in Ybor City.

Pier 60
Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach is the area's largest pier extending over the Gulf of Mexico.  Pier 60 is more than just the pier itself.  It's part & parcel to the whole Clearwater Beachfront scene.  Like John's Pass (only larger) the Pier 60 area offers tons of shops, marinas, tour and excursion boats of all shapes and sizes, beach volleyball, watercraft rentals, and more.  You name the beachfront activity, and they have it there!  Pier 60 can be reached via the SunCoast Trolleys, but you have to be careful and catch the correct one.  Ditto for your return trip.  There is a local trolley called the "Jolly Trolley" that looks very similar to the SunCoast Trolleys, but it circles the Clearwater beach area only.  (Hint:  The Jolly Trolley is yellow.)

Frenchy's (on the Beach of course)
I think there are five Frenchy's restaurants now.  Each one has a different menu.  The most famous Frenchy's is on the beach!  It's within walking distance to the Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach. Other than Caddy's on the beach in Treasure Island, this is the second-best beachfront restaurant & bar.  It's typically a bit more crowded than Caddy's -- especially during the high seasons.  But, if you go to Clearwater Beach, you should have at least one meal at Frenchy's.

Nearby Drive (that trolleys don't service)

Swim with the Manatees
You can swim with these gentle giants in the summer in the Crystal River and in the winter in the Homosassa River.  Several tour operators offer these get-wet excursions seven days a week, year-round.  Get to the boats early, though, as they depart in the morning.  It's about a two-hour drive (90 miles) north of Sea Gate in the town of Homosassa, FL.  If you "miss da' boats" of the tour operators, you land-lubbers just want the dry version - then visit Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park and take the pontoon boat or tram from the visitors' center to the park.  You can view them via the glass walls of a unique underwater dock.   The park also features other wildlife such as flamingos, alligators, and Florida otters.   The park charges a fee and offers AAA card-holder discounts.  It's a great trip with kids of swimming age!

Lowry Park Zoo of Tampa Bay
Voted #1 Family Friendly Zoo in America! -- Child Magazine.

Ybor City
Pronounced "ee-bore" -- this is the old Cuban, cigar-making, historic, cobblestone-street area of Tampa.   Traditionally, Ybor is NOT a place for the kiddies.  Ybor is Tampa's version of Bourbon Street.   The party doesn't even get started until 10 or 11 pm.  The streets are blocked off for pedestrian traffic only.   VERY INTERESTING shops & shopping (and interesting bars & people as well.)  Naturally, Ybor attracts a large college-age population.  P-A-R-T-Y!!!   One unknown secret of Ybor, however, is the adults-only movie theaters.  No, we're not talking the XXX-rated variety here -- we're talking about the Muvico Centro Ybor 20.  Specifically The Premier Theaters & Bar which is open to adults only (21 & older.)  Yes, we are talking BAR here!!!   Real drinks!!!  Stadium seating!  LARGE leather, comfy, rocking chairs with LARGE arm rests!   No kids crying, no teens rocking and squeaking their chairs.  Sure, it costs a bit more.  But, you're on vacation!!!   If you are looking for an adults-only night on the town, catch a mid-day nap, then head to Ybor City and catch an 8 or 9 pm show.  After the show, hit the shops, and then the bars!  (Please don't drink & drive -- make sure you have a designated driver.)

Ybor is also host to the two largest parties in the area annually.  The first of these is the Tampa Gasparilla Pirate Festival.  Gasparilla is Tampa-wide celebration that begins mid-January with the Gasparilla Extravaganza I the Children's Gasparilla Parade.   These are followed by the Pirate Invasion (boat parade) and Gasparilla Fest itself in downtown Tampa late-January.  Come mid-February, the celebration takes to the nights (or "knights" as it's celebrated) with the Knight Parade that runs through the heart of Ybor.  The Knight Parade is NOT for the kiddies!!!   We are talking about a parade that mimics those of New Orleans.  We're talking about "gimme something mister" and "show me something sister" here!!  Ybor is PACKED shoulder-to-shoulder for this event.

The second event is Guavaween.  As the name implies, it's an October Halloween scream.  Leave the kids behind, though.

The Florida Aquarium
(Swim with the sharks!)
That's right folks - you can swim (SCUBA dive) with REAL sharks at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa.   Swimming with the sharks is a new feature of the aquarium.  Sure, technically you are swimming with the sharks every time you go into the Gulf of Mexico.  But you can SEE these sharks!!!  You must be a certified diver 15+ years of age to dive with our toothy friends.  You need to bring your own mask, swimming suit, and towel (and money of course).

Sunshine Skyway Bridge
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge connects the Tampa Bay's northern St. Petersburg peninsula to Sarasota/Bradenton on the south.  It's an engineering and architectural beauty.  For most, it's like a roller-coaster ride in your car over the top.  The limited in-board supports and low side railings give you an unprecedented view of Tampa Bay.  What many people don't realize is that this is the SECOND skyway bridge!!!  The first one collapsed when it was struck by a barge in the 80's.  The remains of the old bridge are now fishing piers on either side.  The fishing in this area is GREAT.  These are some of the deepest waters near the shoreline which provides a variety of fish.  Also, the parks and shallow waters along the approaching causeways are great for wade-in fishing and a favorite spot for kite surfers to perform their ballets.  The bridge is a toll road (each way) and the fishing piers charge a fee, too.

Derby Lane
Derby Lane is the Greyhound Track in St. Petersburg.  Just take Park Boulevard west to the other side of the St. Petersburg peninsula.  (Note: Park Blvd. will change names near the track and be called Gandy Blvd.)   While live dog racing at Derby Lane is seasonal, Derby Lane itself is open year-round for off-track betting.  Derby Lane also hosts the area's largest poker tables in their Plaza Poker Room for Texas Hold Em, Omaha, and 7-card stud.   

Fort Desoto, Shell Island & Egmont Key
These three keys (islands) are located on the mouth of Tampa Bay.  The waters around this area are MUCH clearer than the beaches.  Great for skin and SCUBA divers!!!
     Fort Desoto:  This is the only one of the three keys that is reachable by car (toll roads/fees required.)  It is the southernmost car-accessible area of Pinellas County.  The most popular and interesting area of this State Park island is its northernmost shoreline.  When you arrive on the island, keep right and follow the road to the end (parking lots.)  Even if you pitch your base camp on the beach near the car, it's worth a stroll all the way to the north end of the island.  There is also a dog park and dog beach on the southern side of the island (about half-way to the northern beaches.)  Dogs are not allowed on the northern beach, however.  Since Sea Gate does not allow pets, Rover is probably not with you during this trip anyway...          Shell Island:  This key is just north (across the cut) from Fort Desoto and extends all the way up to Tierra Verde island.  This key is only reachable by boat.  It's a shell hunter's paradise.  Its backside is a wade-in fisherman's delight as well.  Several tour boat companies offer water taxis/shuttles to these keys.
     Egmont Key:  This key is also only reachable by boat (again, the use of the water taxi/shuttle may be required.)  This key is home to LARGE tortoises.  Trek through the trails and paths and keep your eyes (and ears) open for them.  They are so large, that you can sometimes here them rustling through the brush before you ever see them.   Egmont used to be a coastal artillery base.  The ruins and brick/cobblestone sidewalks still crisscross the key.  There are NO FACILITIES at Egmont Key!!!  The southern tip of the island is a bird sanctuary and is not open to the public.   There are large rocks/boulders off the southwestern (gulf-side) of the island that are a skin/SCUBA diver's delight.  Bring plenty of water and sun block.  Again, there are NO FACILITIES or shops on this island!!!  It is a great place for a picnic.

Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa
This Vegas-style casino opened last year and has been drawing crowds of gamblers since their doors opened.  It's about a 30-minute drive from Sea Gate (I-275 north to I-4 west - on the far east side of Tampa - just before I-75.)   We're talking about a 12-story hotel with 250 guest rooms, 90,000 sq ft casino (open 24 hours,) more than 1,800 machines, 50 poker tables, high-stakes bingo, full-service spa, restaurants, bars, swimming pools and MORE!

Tampa Bay Downs Horse Racing
They're all in the gates...  And, they're off!  Tampa's thoroughbred track is about 30 minutes from Sea Gate near Busch Gardens.    The ponies only run from mid-December through mid-May.  Post times are 12:25 each race day.  The horses do not run every day during the season, so call ahead for details.

Busch Gardens
You don't have to drive all the way to Orlando and mortgage the house to ride exciting roller coasters and water rides.  Busch Gardens, on the northern side of Tampa up Highway I-275, has plenty of coasters and entertainment for the family.  Adjacent to this theme park is their Adventure Island water park.  You can buy multi-park multi-day passes.  Each park is too big to try to squeeze both into one day.  Bring plenty of sun block for EITHER of these two outings.  Even at Busch Gardens, dress to get wet.  Some of the rides are, shall we say, "interactive."  One of the best times to visit the park is on Halloween when they are open at night for a SCREAMING good time!

Adventure Island
This water park is adjacent to and owned by Busch Gardens.  As mentioned above, multi-park and multi-day passes can be purchased at a combined savings.  This place will have the kids growing gills!  Think you're too adult for a "kids" water park -- think again.  Locals (adults) buy season passes to Adventure Island for the thrill of these water rides!!!  They do cater to the toddlers, too.       Here's a sign that you found a winner of a water park.  Every year, Tom Cruise rents the entire park out for an evening.  He invites all his friends and family to come join him as they take over the park.  We're talking about the families of Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley.  No, you probably won't get an invite from "Tom."   But, you can enjoy this Top Gun of a water park without him!

Good Ol' Fashion Drive-In Movie Theater
Florida is one of the few places that still has a couple of good ol' drive-in movie theaters.  Before you rush back to the condo from a day at Busch Gardens or Adventure Island, consider running through a drive-through restaurant with the family and stocking up, and then heading to the Fun Land Drive-In located at 2302 East Hillsboro Ave. in Tampa.  Think about it -- have your kids EVER been to a drive-in movie?

MOSI & IMAX Dome Theater, and Planetarium
MOSI is Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry.  Kids of all ages love this place.  They are located only one mile north of Busch Gardens and Adventure Island at 4801 East Fowler Ave.
 

Just A Little Farther Away...

Orlando
Disney World, Epcot Center, Sea World, Magic Kingdom
There are TONS of websites and reviews of Orlando and all of its famous mousey attractions.  We will not go into any more detail about these here.  What Sea Gate offers is a great place to RELAX after your trip to Mousetown.  Orlando is typically a two-hour drive from Sea Gate.  There's usually door-to-door construction enroute, however, so plan accordingly. 

Venice Beach 
Prehistoric SHARK!!!  Venice Beach is a quaint, seaside community about a two-hour drive south of Sea Gate.  As you enter Venice, head south towards the little municipal airport.  Across the street from the airport (on the beach) is a restaurant (appropriately named) Sharky's.  Park in their lot, and then set-up "beach base-camp" on the south end of their building.  Whether you buy a sand scoop at a local Wal-Mart, or buy one at Sharky's - they make the effort MUCH easier.  Dig into the waves/sand and then slowly and carefully sift through the scoop of sand -- looking for SHARK'S TEETH!!!  Yes, that's right, black, petrified shark's teeth.  This place is chuck-full of 'em!  Once you develop your skills and your "magic eye," you can typically find at least one tooth per scoopful.  A great eye, more patience and a lucky strike will bring you four or more per scoopful.  Sure, some are pretty darn small, or broken.  but, keep 'em and keep on digging.  In an hour, you can collect about 50 teeth!  It's usually more fun for the adults than the kids.  This fact just makes it a win-win situation!  The kids can frolic in the waves and sand while the adults search for shark's teeth.   Still doesn't sound interesting enough?  Sharky's also has a long fishing pier.   Yes, you guessed it, they fish for sharks!!!  Not prehistoric, petrified sharks - REAL sharks!   As they do, look and laugh at all the people in the water.   Don't worry, you'll be in there, too -- with your scoop scraping the bottom for teeth.  That's where all the good ones are!   When you and the family have had your fill of the beach, tooth hunting, and fishing, it's time to shower-off and head into the restaurant for a GREAT dinner!  If you time it right, you'll catch another fabulous sunset, too!  Once you go once, you're hooked and you'll return with every trip to the area.

Daytona
Start your engines race fans!!!  Dayton has shed SOME of its college Spring Break destination image.  They have NOT shed their reputation as a motor town, however.  As a matter of fact, gear heads are flocking to Dayton in recorded masses now.  Daytona's race fans started their fun in the sun with races right on the sandy beaches themselves.  Today, the beaches are one of the few in Florida that you can still drive and park on today.  The races themselves have since been taken inland to the Daytona Super Speedway.   Such legacy events as the Daytona 500, the 24-hours of Daytona and the Daytona Supercross draw huge race fans annually.   Most of these events are now held during February in what is dubbed "Race Weeks."  Motorcycle enthusiasts also flock to Daytona twice per year.  Their first gathering coincides with Race Weeks and is appropriately called Bike Week.  Their second event is during Halloween and called Biketober Fest.  Daytona is roughly a one-way three-hour drive from Sea Gate (an end-to-end run across Interstate 4.)  Keep in mind that there is always some sort of construction occurring on I-4 between Tampa and Orlando (including dysfunction junction at I-4 & I-275.)  Expect delays, allow yourself extra time, keep your speed under control -- and BE SAFE!

Cocoa Beach (Surfing Capital of Florida)
The gulf coast of Florida isn't really known for its surf.  Florida's east coast, however, attracts surfers from everywhere east of the Rockies.  The surfing capital of Florida's east coast is Cocoa Beach.  This little town hasn't been invaded by the condo kings yet.  There are still TONS of family-owned beach cottages.  Cocoa Beach is also a wonderful area to watch Space Shuttle launches from, too.    The photo included here of the shark in the wave is because your author actually saw this EXACT scene unfold in Cocoa Beach.  At first we saw two fins in the waves south of us, and we thought it was dolphins feeding and playing in the waves.  The fins weren't "porpoising" up & down like dolphins, however.  They remained out of the water for extended period of time and truly zigzagged their way up the coastline.  "SHARK!" we yelled to several waders and surfers in the water.  As it swam past us, we saw the exact same image that you see here.  She shark continued cruising northward up the beach.  Before it, surfers would come out of the water.  After it passed, they would reenter the waves!  p>

Boca Grande
Ok, fishermen and women, this is YOUR wake-up call.  Some of the best Tarpon fishing in the WORLD is about a two-hour drive south of Sea Gate in a little fishing community called Boca Grande -- in the Boca Grande Pass.  The waters are deep in the pass, and it's right along the beach.  The family can hang out at the beach, and literally watch you hook the big one offshore.  Some of these lunkers make their way into the shallows, too!  If you want the best odds in the world of hooking into a fish that's nearly pound-for-pound as big as you are (without a five-hour boat ride offshore and back) check out Boca Grande!  Boca Grande is near Punta Gorda.  The Tarpon season is short.  The best time to go is late April through June.

Naples
The gulf-front community of Naples is a beautiful residential community.  Comparatively, there are very few condos or beach-front hotels.  Definitely an affluent group of folks.  Naturally, Naples has it's share of great attractions, dining and entertainment.   There's only one event, however, that makes the drive from St. Petersburg/Tampa to Naples uniquely worthwhile - SWAMP BUGGY RACES!!!!   That's right, this nest bed of million-dollar homes is home to the biggest backwoods mud & swap race in the world.   For true-blue motorheads, this place is pumping enough octane to launch a space shuttle.   For those adults out there who went to auto races as a kid, this place has captured and brought back that look & feel of a good ol' country, down-home, family event.

Key West
A drive to Key West is quite a hike (about eight hours each way from St. Petersburg.)  A few private airline charter companies are now offering flights for less than $100 bucks each way from area airports!  There is also talk of a high-speed catamaran ferry coming to the area soon.   If you have the time, or the money, or both - you could escape to the Keys.  With so much to do here, you probably won't have the time to drive to the end of the US anyway.    :-)

Shopping

Outlet Malls
The biggest and best outlet malls are either in Bradenton, Florida (on the other side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge,) or in Orlando.  They offer dozens of name brand outlet stores with decent discount prices.  Guys, don't be discouraged, there are deals to be had for you, too.  There are great deals on casual wear for men, men's shoes, and business attire.  Some of the swimwear shops also include discount UV-protective fishing shirts, too!   The shaved ice (snow cone) vendor at the Bradenton Outlet Mall has a Pina Colada flavor that's better than the real thing! 

International Plaza
Tampa's International Plaza and Bay Street is the most upscale mall in town.  It boasts all the trendiest retailers, restaurants and even a lavish Blue Martini bar.  Local radio stations host Finlandia Fridays happy hours at the martini bar.  While many of the areas traditional malls are being torn down and redeveloped into some sort of Super Wal-Mart or Target Super Store -- International Plaza continues to draw crowds of shoppers and retailers.

Tyrone Mall
This is just a good old traditional shopping mall flanked by a Sears and a JC Penney.  This mall has a fair amount of average everyday retailers and is only about 10 miles away from Sea Gate.  Head south on Gulf Blvd. to Madeira Beach and then east on Route 666 about five miles or so.

Boating Goods for the Guys
Florida has TONS of boaters and therefore its fair share of boating-related stores.  The area's largest West Marine and Boater's World stores are a few miles inland on Walsingham/Ulmerton.

Redington Beach Hardware and Marine
Closer to Sea Gate and MUCH friendlier, though, is Redington Beach Hardware and Marine.  This is a small family-owned store on Gulf & 170th Ave E. (behind the Frog Pond Restaurant.)  There are some small condos with nearly vacant docks behind the store.  You can probably borrow their docks and arrive by water if you need to.  You have seldom seen more stuff crammed in per square inch and this little hardware/marine store.   They seem to have everything you can remember having troubles finding.  The owner is so nice and cool, you wish you could just hang out and talk for awhile.  But, he's the busiest man in town, too!

West Marine Outlet Store
HIDDEN TREASURES AWAIT YOU!  What most people don't know (even many locals don't know) is that most of the scratch & dent and opened/returned items from West Marine in the entire southeast are all shipped here to St. Petersburg for resale!   This store is located at 2000 34th St. N. in St. Petersburg.  From the front, it looks like a typical mall-based West Marine retailer.  Even inside it looks like just any other West Marine.  You need to go all the way in the far back corner, into a hallway that looks and feels like you are walking into the back "store-room."  You have died and gone to boater's bargain bonanza heaven!!!  This is a separate store within a store.   You even have to pay for your purchases at the back-room register.  Things are a bit disorganized back here; think of it as West Marine's junk drawer.   But, this is where all the deals are found.  Hidden back-room, special "fell of the truck" deals, and its own register. nbsp;  Shhhh.  It's our little secret.

Don's Salvage Yard
Looking for that hard-to-find item for your 1981 Chris Craft?  Been searching e-Bay and hunting the classifieds for MONTHS trying to find it?   One of the best Marine Salvage Yards in the Southeast is located here in Pinellas County.  Again, many of the locals don't even know about it, but, now YOU do.  Don's is located at 5601 126th Ave N.   These folks strip down salvaged boats, and then sort and categorize the parts in their various buildings, sheds and trailers throughout the yard.  All stainless rails over here, all motors over there, etc.  There's almost a whole building full of nothing but props.  There are no price tags on items here, and it's a self-service salvage yard folks.  So, wear your grubby clothes, bring a pair of clothes, and be prepared to dig through 55-gallon drums to find that shifter knob you're missing, or that chromed stainless logo that fell off the last time you rubbed against the dock too hard.  Oh, Don apparently keeps banker's hours, too!  Weekday shopping only.  I think they are open 8:30 until 4:30 pm.  It is probably best to get there before 9 and no later than 3 pm.