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1. Cool Kids Call It "The Burg"
Source: Downtown St Pete via Facebook
If you want to be hip and cool right away in your new hometown, you
might think to call it 'St. Pete." While that works just fine, the locals call
downtown "The Burg." And yes, you call the locals "Burgers." Just don't
tell them you heard it here.
2. St. Petersburg Is Sunny. Reeeeally Sunny
Source: Downtown St Pete via Facebook
What do sailing, fishing, drinking on patios and rooftop bars and outdoor
festivals have in common? They're all better with sunshine. St.
Petersburg is nicknamed "The Sunshine City" with good reason. It holds
the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine
ever-768!
3. You Can Eat Anywhere, Anytime
Source: Tropiccool via Facebook
The food truck scene is booming in St. Pete, where the weather is perfect
year round (like I said before). You can find all over the city, but
favorites are Jimmy Meatballs, Tropiccool, Maggie on the Move and
The Cheesesteak Truck.
4. You Can Root For The Home Team At
Tropicana Field
Source: Flickr User Bryce Edwards
Locals love the major leagues and Tropicana Field is awesome. Home to
the Tampa Bay Rays, you can bet your bottom dollar that if there's a
game going on everyone will be there eating hot dogs, drinking beer and
petting and feeding the more than 30 cownose rays in The Rays Tank.
5. You'll Learn To Love Funky Local Art
Source: St. Pete Indie Market via Facebook
You can find local artisan wares all over the city, but to really shop like
a local, get your indie shopping experience on at the St. Pete Indie
Market. It's a funky free-for-all where you'll find the best local goodies
from jewelry and canned goods to herbs, jewelry and art.
6. And Embrace The Weirder Side
Source: Flickr User Matthew Paulson (Photomatt28)
For a more trippy creative experience, the Salvador Dali Museum is
home to the largest collection of Dali works outside of Europe. Not only
can you explore the surrealism inside, but the museum itself is an
architectural wonder all its own.
7. Taco Bus Or Bust
Source: Flickr User tampabaybites
From a shredded pork burrito to a tofu tostada, Taco Bus is a Mexican
food lover's dream.You can take anyone, from your carnivore self to
your vegetarian girlfriend and her vegan cousin-and every single one of
you will walk away with a belly full of delicious, authentic Mexican.
Doesn't get much better than that.
8. St. Petersburg Wishes You A (Ridiculously)
Merry Christmas
Source: Flickr User Matthew Paulson (Photomatt28)
St. Petersburg knows how to party Christmas-style. You won't miss the
snow and freezing cold because you have the best part: More Christmas
lights than you know what to do with. Put on your flip flops, grab your
camera, and head to The Oakdale Christmas House for a spectacular
computerized light show with 500,000 lights!
9. Watch Out For The Super Creepy Cemetery
Source: Hellview Cemetery via Facebook
St. Petersburg might have 360 days of sunshine a year, but early natives
said it was near a "Gateway to Shadow," believing that the Hellview
Cemetery area was a portal for evil-or so the myth goes. Several
paranormal groups have actually investigated and confirmed it as
haunted. Go to the annual Halloween haunting, if you dare.
10.
But The Rest Of St. Petersburg Might
Haunt You Too
Source: Ghost Tours of Tampa Bay via Facebook
If visiting Hellview Cemetery isn't enough to scare you, try a walking
candlelight ghost tour of the city to learn about Dead Man's Key, Al
Capone's love nest, age old curses, haunted forts and "deserted" islands.
You'll be counting the minutes until that sweet sunshine comes back in
the morning.
11.
One Of The Best Beaches In The United
States
Source: Flickr User Bill Froberg (billfrog2)
Miami and Ft. Lauderdale have got nothing on St. Pete. The Ft. DeSoto
Park beach is so much more than a beach. It also has a campground, boat
launch, fishing pier, fitness and nature trails, in addition to the seven
miles of pristine, white sandy beach. It's been called "America's Top
Beach," dont'cha know.
12.
St. Petersburg Rocks Out At Ribfest
Source: Ribfest via Facebook
St. Pete is full of Southerners, and they love delicious ribs and good ole
country tunes and rock n' roll. Every November the best barbecue
ribbers from all over the world compete at St. Pete along with a great
line-up of national touring bands. And it's all for a good cause-Rockin'
Ribs, Helpin' Kids. That's all great, but the thing to remember is
amazeballs ribs from all over the world.
13.
The Burg Used to Be "God's Waiting
Room"
Source: Flickr User jon collier
About 50 years ago St. Petersburg was known as "God's Waiting
Room." Why? Well, it seemed like all the residents were old, and
waiting for. well, God. Those days are long gone. Now it's a city
teeming with activity and people of all ages
14.
You Can Stroll Through a Botanical
Paradise
Source: Flickr User Mills Adventure
Talk about a romantic first date. Sunken Gardens is St. Pete's oldest
living museum, and bursting with exotic plants, waterfalls and lush
tropical flowers, it's the perfect place to stroll with your sweetie.
15. Burgers Are Proud Of Their Past
Source: St. Petersburg Museum of History via Facebook
St. Petersburg has a history of being... well, proud of their history. For
$15 you can take a walk back in time at the Museum of History and
enjoy the archives of all things St. Petersburg. After the tour, you'll feel
just like a local.
16. A Craft Beer Lovers' Dream
Source: The Ale and the Witch via Facebook
If you're one of those craft beer snobs, you'll feel right at home at The
Ale and the Witch. They serve strictly American-owned small batch
craft beers, but their revolving tap list is still pretty impressive.
17. Fido Is Welcome Here, There, And Everywhere
Source: Flickr User Brittanie (Brittanie Shey)
St. Pete has several dog friendly, off-leash parks, but the city takes the
dog love a step further with not one, but two dog friendly beaches: Ft.
De Soto Paw Playground and Beach, and the Gandy Bridge Causeway.
You don't have to leave your best friend at home when dining either,
since St. Pete has dog-friendly restaurants of every flavor.
18. Good Old Home-Roasted Coffee
Source: Kahwa Coffee via Facebook
There's nothing like a great cup of joe, and there is no better place to get
it in St. Pete than Kahwa. They roast all their own delicious coffee for
their three city locations. Whatever you do, don't forget a chocolate
croissant.
19. A Permanent Chihuly Collection
Source: Flickr User teletypeturtle
If you've ever seen the twisted and sculpted glass by Dale Chihuly,
you'll know why St. Petersburg has a permanent collection of this unique
artwork at the Morean Art Center. It's stunning and spectacular, and
these people love it so much they had a building specially designed to
hold it.
20. The Burg Is Veggie Friendly
Source: Meze 119 via Facebook
Vegetarians and vegans are all welcome in St Petersburg. Grab your
vegetarian and vegan grub at Meze 119, and if you're part of the healthy,
raw vegan, gluten-free and GMO-free crowd, head to the Leafy Greens
Cafe. If you're outnumbered by your meat-eating friends, don't fretmany other restaurants in St. Pete have vegetarian and vegan-friendly
options.
21. But Still Loves Its Carnivores
For the absolute best burger in town, head to Engine No. 9 Bar and Pub.
They might have limited seating (for good reason), but there's no limit
on flavor-their gourmet prime burgers are out of this world. Also,
sriracha crusted hot wings. Enough said.
22. Burgers Have A Need For Speed
Source: Grand Prix of St. Petersburg via Facebook
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has been heating up the
streets every spring for 10 years. This three-day downtown event has
something for everyone: IndyCar Series, the Pro Mazda Championship
and more.
23. Saturday Mornings Are A Blast
Source: Saturday Morning Market Facebook page
From October to May the Saturday Morning Market is your destination
for fresh, organic veggies and fruits, local arts and crafts, and enjoying
street performers, live music and generally having a terrific time with
about 10,000 other folks.
24. You Can't Go Inside The Pier-For Now
Source: Flickr User Matthew Paulson (Photomatt28)
The St. Petersburg Pier, lovingly referred to as simply "The Pier," was
closed in June 2013, but the pier approach and pier head were reopened
this year for pedestrians. With any luck, the main pier building- which is
stunning-will be opened once again to the public. Give the mayor a little
time, he'll make it happen.
25. Push Ultra Lounge Is Where The Party's At
Source: Push Ultra Lounge via Facebook
You can dance the night away at many different venues in St. Petersburg
(partying is one of their favorite pastimes) but only Push Ultra Lounge
has two awesome floors full of drinking and dancing. It can get packed
and every now and then you're going to see a bunch of 40 year-olds
waving glow sticks, but in general the crowd is great and the music is
thumping.
26. St. Pete Has The Best Outdoor Venue, Ever
Source: Jannus Live via Facebook
Like I said before, St. Pete knows how to have a good time. Case in
point: They took a courtyard downtown and turned into a super stylish
way to enjoy live music-Jannus Live. With a capacity of 2,000, this
outdoor spot pulls out all the stops. There's indoor, air-conditioned
restrooms, waterproof covering, a patio bar and even mobile bar stations
so you don't have to wait in line to get your drink on.
27. Burgers Show Off Their Vintage Babies Every
Year
Source: Flickr User Walter (WalterPro4755)
St. Pete cruises in style-and by style I mean pre-1980s. This year is the
12th annual St. Petersburg Yacht Club Vintage Motor Classic, a
spectacular sight with cars, boats and motorcycles on display along the
waterfront.
28. St. Pete Gets "Thrilled"
Source: Thrill St. Pete via Facebook
Okay, so the "Thrill The World" event is admittedly held all over the
world. But St. Pete loves it, and does it up right. They've been part of the
fun since 2009 and even have professional instructors teach the dances.
29. Regular Yoga Is So Over
Source: Nava Yoga Studio via Facebook
Here in St. Pete, it's all about trying new things. If doing the downwardfacing dog and standing on your head isn't challenging enough on solid
ground, try it on a paddleboard with Nava Yoga Studio. Not for
beginners!
30. At Last, The Fountain Of Youth
Source: Flickr User BXGD
See if you can get those wrinkles to disappear with a sip from The
Fountain of Youth downtown. Hey, if it's good enough for Ponce de
Leon, it's good enough for the rest of us.
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