Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
GULFPORT
Don't tell anyone, but Gulfport is the cutest, quirkiest little beach town that's not on the
barrier-island beaches. Nestled at peninsula's end within Boca Ciega Bay, this artists
community exudes that elusive, easygoing, fun-loving attitude Florida made famous. The
hard-to-resist spell is in full effect on sultry evenings when the trees along Beach Blvd
glow with lights and the outdoor restaurants burble with laughter.
It doesn't compare to the barrier islands, of course, but Gulfport does have a beach
with a playground and a shady picnic area. Beach Blvd, meanwhile, is a four-block stretch
of funky boutiques and surprisingly good restaurants. Get the full dose of wry local sens-
ibilities during the twice-monthly art walk , essentially a low-key street party; it happens
every first Friday and third Saturday from 6pm to 10pm. The Tuesday morning market
(from 9am to 2pm), lining Bayshore Dr, is another fun local shindig.
Peg's Cantina ( 727-328-2720; www.pegscantina.com ; 3038 Beach Blvd; mains $10-16;
5-9pm Wed-Thu, noon-9:30pm Tue, Fri & Sat, noon-9pm Sun) is ripe with Gulfport mojo. This
brewpub in a woodsy bungalow perfectly pairs fanciful Mexican dishes with creamy hand-
crafted beers (craft brewery Cycle Brewing was spawned here by Doug Dozark), ideally
enjoyed in the wonderful gardens. Or, sit at the cozy bar and partake in a de facto beer
class, sampling from the cornucopia of international selections from the beer fridge.
If you're tempted to spend the night, the historic Peninsula Inn ( 727-346-9800;
www.innspa.net ; 2937 Beach Blvd; r $130-180; ) has been renovated into a pretty, ro-
mantic choice. It also has a recommended restaurant, Isabelle's , which serves classic
Southern cuisine with jazz on weekends.
For more information, visit www.gulfportflorida.us and www.gulfportma.com . To get
there from St Petersburg, take I-275 exit 19 onto 22nd Ave S/Gulfport Blvd, and turn left
onto Beach Blvd into town. From St Pete Beach, the Corey Causeway connects to Gulf-
port Blvd.
Sleeping
If you don't want a beach-based vacation, Fort DeSoto, Pass-a-Grille and St Pete Beach are
an easy day trip from St Petersburg. If, against all advice, you show up without a reserva-
tion, cruise Gulf Blvd in St Pete Beach and Treasure Island: the main drag is packed
shoulder-to-shoulder with motels, hotels and condos. Low season nets steep discounts.
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