St Petersburg - Florida's Cultural Hub

St. Petersburg Florida is known for their amazingtreat. My sister and I splurged and got really good
beaches and beautiful coastline. It is an island paradiseseats. Of course the acoustics in The Mahaffey are
only half a mile from Tampa, Fl. My sister and I hadimpeccable, but my sister is convinced that nobody in
heard stories about their tropical beaches and exoticthe audience that night heard the concert the way we
restaurants. We were no longer spring chickens anddid. I am inclined to agree.
we dreamed of a respectable place to lay in the sun3. Downtown St. Petersburg. On one not so rainy
and swim in the ocean. We decided on St. Petersburg,afternoon my sister and is splurged on rain gear and
Fl and for two whole months we looked forward toheaded downtown to explore. This of course is the
our three-day getaway like children waiting forcity's hub and many offices and businesses are
Christmas. We were both married and had kids and alocated in this area. My sister and I were distracted for
weekend with just us girls sounded like the ideal -noa while by the quaint boutiques that were scattered
the only way to escaped from the challenges ofaround the city streets and despite the rain we were
everyday life. So we packed our bags and headed toable to enjoy the view of the bay. We were
mysterious little island only six hours away from wherepleasantly surprised by all the cultural activities that
we grew up. And when we got there it rained -and itwere so readily available. We browsed through almost
didn't stop. But we still had an amazing time! If you can'thalf a dozen art galleries and we couldn't resist visiting
get to the beaches in St. Petersburg than you have toThe Museum of Fine Arts. We spent a lot of time in
go to these places.Haslam's, used bookstore and then we went for lunch.
1. Salvador Dali Museum. Who knew that the tiny islandWe waited fifteen extra minutes to get a seat with an
of St. Petersburg, Fl hosts the largest collection ofamazing view of the Bay, which was gray and lively
original Dali paintings in the world? Yeah, neither did I!because of the rain.
My sister and I literally spent the whole morning there4. Tranquility Day Spa is conveniently located in
and after three hours we weren't able to see all 96downtown St. Petersburg and it was a much needed
paintings. I am a huge Dali fan and it was amazing today of pampering for my sister and I. Yes, I know I
see how his work progressed and changedsound like an ad for the place, but trust me, they spent
throughout his fifty-plus year career. Getting thealmost three-hours catering to our every need. We
chance to witness this evolution face on was like astarted off with full body massages, and then we
one in a lifetime opportunity. I wouldn't miss seeingindulged in their Indoceane Spa Ritual. We felt so
these unique works of art together in one place forrelaxed and so serene after it was over that we
anything. This is a definite must see!almost fell asleep during our pedicures. In fact, the
2. The Mahaffey Theatre was simply magical. Mypedicure was kind of a complete blur, and I didn't
sister and I got dressed up and walked into the theatrerealize what was going on until I looked down at my
expecting to have a "nice night". Instead we werefeet and so florescent green toenails. My sister and I
faced with a breathtaking view of Tampa Bay throughcould not find heaven on the beach so we happily
a three-story high glass window. It was twilight and thesettled for the dreamlike utopia of the spa.
stars were just starting to emerge. The lights inMy sister and I left St. Petersburg completely relaxed
Tampa were glittering as well and the majestic viewand excited from having a little too much fun! We
turned a simple theatre lobby into a dreamlike night-sky.discovered that St. Petersburg is not just the beach. It
It is rare that I go to the symphony. Seeing the Floridais about culture, luxury, and fun! Wet or dry, it is a
Orchestra in The Mahaffey Theatre was completewonderful vacation island!