Saint Petersburg Off The Beaten Path

EGMONT KEY STATE PARK
The island of Egmont Key has unique natural and cultural histories which have made it a valuable resource since the time settlers first arrived in Florida. Named in honor of John Perceval, the second Earl of Egmont and member of the Irish House of Commons in 1763, Egmont Key has had Spanish conquistadors and nuclear submarines pass its shores as they entered Tampa Bay

Visitors can spend the day on the beach sunbathing, swimming in the warm bay waters, walking through the historic ruins of Fort Dade, or walking the brick paths that remain from the days Fort Dade was an active community with 300 residents. A gopher tortoise can be seen at almost every turn as you walk the historic paths. Many visitors are treated to the sight of hummingbirds as well as other seabirds.

January through May guided walks are conducted on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month from 10:30 AM until 3:30 PM. These walks allow the participants to view the wildlife and natural environment of the island, learn the history of the island and tour the historic lighthouse.

Access to the island is by boat only. The park is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, southwest of Fort DeSoto Beach. To visit Egmont Key State Park, contact one of the following ferry services for schedules and fees.
Capt. Franks (727) 345-4500

Dolphin Landing (727) 360-7411
Hubbards Sea Adventures (727) 398-6577. (departs from St. Petersburg area)
Or call (727) 893-2627 for more info.

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Going across Pinellas Bay to the beaches, take a left and eventually Gulf Boulevard will turn into Pass-A-Grille Way, and around the intersection of 8th and Pass-A-Grille is the little downtown of Pass A Grille. This is old school Florida at its best, no cheesy high rise condos, all the businesses are family owned. Everything is open air, including bars and restaurants. Some nice quaint galleries and coffeehouses. This is what Key West was 15 years ago before it become over-commercialized. This is what Jimmy Buffet was thinking of when he wrote alot of his famous songs I bet. Oh yeah, it also boasts the best beach in the St. Pete area. The beach is much wider and the sands are much whiter than the condo areas of St. Pete Beach. A true laidback vibe. You can park in the village area on 8th street for two hours free, otherwise bring quarters. Oh yeah, on the plaza by the beach there are always artists selling their wares in booths almost everyday.

This is a modern day treasure hunt.....

Geocaching is a game for GPS users and is a wonderful way to explore an area and learn about your GPS.

Geocaching is a relatively new phenomenon. Therefore, the rules are very simple:

1. Take something from the cache
2. Leave something in the cache
3. Write about it in the logbook

Honeymoon Island is in Dunedin Florida and is one of my favorite state parks...and it has 6 Geocache sites. Expect the total walking distance to be 3-5 miles long so please treat this as a hiking trip and bring the usual hiking gear (I.E. Backpack, water, snacks, poncho or rain cover, extra clothes depending on the weather, good walking shoes or boots)

Park Fees to Honeymoon Island:
Admission Fees $5.00 for up to 8 people per car. Single occupant fee of $3.00.
The park has bathrooms, a small restaurant and of course a beach and an Osprey trail (my favorite). You might want to bring your binoculars and I would definitely bring a camera!

The location and information of the 6 geocache sites are as follows:

Honeymoon South
Hidden: 7/27/2005
Size: Size: Micro Difficulty: 1.5 out of 5 Terrain: 2 out of 5 (1 is easiest, 5 is hardest)
N 28° 03.337 W 082° 49.136

Traditional Cache Observation deck
Hidden: 7/8/2005
Size: Size: Micro Difficulty: 1 out of 5 Terrain: 1 out of 5 (1 is easiest, 5 is hardest)
N 28° 03.408 W 082° 49.299

Mother Nature's All Around, Not Just In the Center
Hidden: 9/30/2007
Size: Size: Micro (Micro) Difficulty: 2 out of 5 Terrain: 1.5 out of 5 (1 is easiest, 5 is hardest)
N 28° 03.629 W 082° 49.368

Mother Nature Honeymoons in the Groves of Man
Hidden: 9/30/2007
Size: Size: Regular (Regular) Difficulty: 1.5 out of 5 Terrain: 2 out of 5 (1 is easiest, 5 is hardest)
N 28° 03.698 W 082° 49.444

Between a wall and a grape
Hidden: 7/8/2005
Size: Size: Micro (Micro) Difficulty: 2 out of 5 Terrain: 1 out of 5 (1 is easiest, 5 is hardest)
N 28° 03.783 W 082° 49.895

GatorBruce Is Out Standing In The Field
Hidden: 7/8/2007
Size: Size: Regular (Regular) Difficulty: 2 out of 5 Terrain: 2.5 out of 5 (1 is easiest, 5 is hardest)
N 28° 04.570 W 082° 49.832

This is a 21 acer living history museum that brings to life over 100 years of local history.

More than 25 historic structures and features, some dating back to the 19th century, include a school, church, sponge warehouse, railroad depot and store as well as a variety of historic homes.

They have a lot of special events too and this is really the best time to see the museum. Favorites include Civil War and other reenactments.

Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Free Admission!

One of my favorite places to go on a Sunday afternoon to late evening is the Treasure Island drum circle which usally starts at around 2 pm and goes till late in the night. Whether you are into relaxing and listening to the music or bringing your own crazy instruments made or bought this place is a good place to check out.

Great place to relax on a Sunday before you have to head into another long work week.

Just south of the public beaches in Clearwater cross a bridge over Clearwater Pass onto Gulf Boulevard, and turn right into Sand Key Park.

This 95 acre beachfront county park tends to be less crowded than the Clearwater beaches to the north.

There are picnic shelters and tables with grills, a playground, a dog park, public restrooms, water fountains, cabana rentals, showers. The beach is lifeguarded from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM every day for your safety.

1060 Gulf Blvd.,
Clearwater, FL 33767

There is a small park by the Marina in Safety Harbor, a town in Northeastern Pinellas County bordering Old Tampa Bay.

The park holds a fountain with birds and wildlife figures underneath spigots of streaming water.

Just beyond the fountain is the marina, where many boats are housed. There is a trail here along Old Tampa Bay that many enjoy running along to enjoy the water scenery.

Awww, doesn't this just whet your appetite?!

Haven't you always wanted to go to a "Meat House"? Ha. Now I don't know what kind of meat they're selling here, but I certainly would rather not find out. I might be traumatized for life.

Oh by the way, food stamps are accepted here. Just in case you're broke and have the desire to eat deer instead of tuna for dinner.