St. Pete, Florida

Getting to St. Petersburg, St. Pete, The Burg:

You can fly into either Tampa Bay Airport (TPA) or Saint Pete/Clearwater Airport, both 30 minute drive away. I recommend renting a car for your adventure to the Burg. An Uber will cost you about $30 one way to take you downtown, and its 3 hours using public transportation. Rent a car.

What to do:
St. Pete is known for their murals and street art all around town, hundreds of them. Every Saturday at 10am Florida CraftArt does a street art tour. Visitors will hear the inside stories of the making of over 30 murals found in the four block tour. Who is Woo? Why Frida and Twiggy? Photo opps as a bird, a fish, a bug! The cost for the tour is $19 for adults, $11 for children ages 6-18, under 5 is free. Visit Florida CraftArt to reserve your spot.

Take a half day to visit The Dali Museum to view most comprehensive collection of Dalí's paintings outside of Europe. The building is surreal and has great views of the bay. You can even get a picture with a giant Dali mustache! The museum offers a free audio tour with admission and has docent guided tours on the hour throughout the day. Check out The Dali website for upcoming special exhibitions, they do not disappoint. 

The Morean Arts Center has a stunning collection of Dale Chihuly glasswork. The Collection includes Chihuly’s spectacular large-scale installations such as Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier created specifically for the Collection along with several popular series works including Macchia, Ikebana, Niijima Floats, Persians and Tumbleweeds which have thrilled audiences around the globe. Each space has been designed individually to complement each installation producing unique visual experiences. Visit their website for details on pricing, location and hours.

The Grand Central District - 1600-3100 Central Ave., is a great place to shop, eat, get a tattoo, or ride a bike. This area of town has some of the best eats in town and unusual shops to stroll in and out of. They have different types of events weekly for everyone. Check out their calendar of events, list of restaurants, and where to shop on this hip street.

Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Game at Tropicana Field. Rain or shine the Rays will play in their domed stadium. A small and nondescript stadium is a great place to get out of the rain and into the A/C for a game. Except for maybe opening day or playoff games this place is pretty empty, but a good time for baseball lovers. Check their schedule for game days.

My favorite eats in St. Pete:

Taco Bus

The Burg Bar & Grill

Old Key West

Urban Brew & BBQ

The Mill

Stillwater

The Cider Press

The Avenue

Specialty Grocery Shopping

Downtown St. Pete Saturday morning market - Every Saturday from October to May from 9am-2pm in the Rowdies (Soccer) Stadium parking lot you can pick up fresh fruits and veggies, hand made soaps, jewelry and artwork. The summer market takes place in Williams Park from June to August from 9am -1pm. 

Mazzaro's Italian Market - From fresh roasted coffee to delicious deli selections, gourmet baked goods to handmade pastas and specialty cheeses, Mazzaro’s is more than a one-of-a-kind Italian gourmet market – it’s one of Tampa Bay's favorite culinary destinations. For more information on this amazing culinary hot spot, visit their website.

Shep's Food Mart - It's more of a beer mecca. Located in the Historic Old Northeast, this place has an amazing selection of over 1200 beers and beverages. 2001 4th St NSaint Petersburg, FL 33704.

City Produce Fruit and Veggie Market - A simple fruit and vegetable stand located on 4th St. across from Trader Joes is a fantastic place to stop for fresh local goods. They also have some goods like olive oil and spices, as well as freshly made hummus, baklava, spinach pies and a selection of olives. They only take cash, but you won't need much because they keep their prices low. 2701 4th St N #101, St. Petersburg, FL 33704.

Where to Stay:

No hostels in St. Pete, so my suggestion is to look on AirBnb for an inexpensive place to rest your head. Take a look in the area near Central or Beach Ave.

The Venoy Renissance is the fancy place to stay in town. With beautiful views of Tampa Bay this historic hotel is located less than 1 mile from St. Pete Pier and The Dali Museum. Prices start at $209/night.

Bed and Breakfasts around town:

Beach Drive Inn

Watergarden Inn at the Bay

Larelle House Bed and Breakfast

Sea Shell Motel & Hostel, Key West, Florida Review

Located about a 5 minute walk to the Southernmost Point, The Sea Shell Motel & Hostel is one of two Hostels in town. I was very disappointed with the cleanliness, room set up, bunk types, security, street noise and price. If I had gotten bed bugs, this would have been the worst hostel I have stayed in yet.

I booked two nights by calling the hostel, the reservation was non refundable unless you call a week in advance to cancel. One bunk was $56 per night, in a room with 9 other bunks, sharing one dirty bathroom. This was more than I spent in San Francisco, New York and Chicago per night.

Check in was through a window, I was given two keys on a key chain with my room and bunk number and the WiFi passcode, a set of sheets, a towel and pointed to my room. They didn't explain what the 2nd key was for or tell me where anything else was. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on premises, the hot water was lacking and the bunks felt like they would collapse at any moment.

The Motel and Hostel does have standard motel rooms, that run around $150 per night. I got to see a room and it was in the same condition as the dorms, dirty and dark.

If you can avoid it, don't stay at the Sea Shell Motel and Hostel. However, it is a cheap place in town to rest your head.

So Many Options!

Panning a trip with so many options can be stressful! Do I go to beautiful Iceland and swim between the tectonic plates? Or do I take a trip to Tokyo to see the cherry blossoms? Having flight benefits on Delta totally has its perks, but deciding where to go for a weekend or a few month trip takes a lot of thought.

I am currently in a toss up between two trips. Either flying to Tel Aviv, spending a week there and taking a side trip to visit Petra, Jordan then off to Cappadocia, Turkey for some hot air balloon adventures and cave exploring. After getting high, head to Izmir on the west coast of Turkey for a week, and explore the beautiful architecture and delicious Turkish food, then ending up in Istanbul for a week to get lost in the Grand Bazaar Market and visit Europe and Asia in one day.

Or, I could make my way around Ireland. Starting in Dublin making sure to visit all of the pubs and having a pint or seven of some Irish cider. I would make my way to Cork to volunteer at a bake shop for two weeks, learning all I can about baking and of course visiting a few pubs there too. I'd also like to stop at a hostel for a few nights in Limerick and Galway to get a taste of the Irish culture and love. I would then make my way up to Belfast in Northern Ireland to visit Giant's Causeway, have a pint in Crown Bar (dubbed "the most beautiful bar in the world"), and go underground in the Marble Arch Caves.

I have always had "happy feet" and loved to move around and explore new areas, see new things and meet new people. And having flight benefits really enables me to keep my feet dancing. I can book last minute and if one plan doesn't work out, and off to another place because maybe thats where I was meant to be anyways.

Where do you think I should go? My plans are to travel in May and June, returning to Hawaii first week of July. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Falmouth, Jamaica

6 things I learned from staying with locals in Jamaica:

1. Jamaicans are really friendly, pushy, but friendly. In Falmouth, the cruise port, if you remotely resemble someone that got off the ship they will ask you a ton of questions. Including if you want weed. It is legal and the smell can sometimes be overwhelming. I found that if you tell them you are local, even if you are not, they are more likely to leave you alone. If you ask someone where something is, they will walk you there and expect a tip. They hustle for their money.

2. If you would like to smoke a joint, don't pay more than $.50 or 500 Jamaican dollars for it. The stuff grows on trees here!

3. The market is a great experience on Saturdays. Falmouth market is open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and the best day to go for the best prices and selection is Saturday. You can expect to find bananas, potatoes, onions, cauliflower, broccoli, eggs, eggplant, lettuce, bok choy, okra, oranges, coconut, pineapple, mangos,  and many other local goodies. Most items are 100JMB per lb. I was unable to find any meats, but locals told me that if you track down a fisherman he will bring you any local fish you want the next day.

Hole in the wall Jerk Chicken place

4. The jerk chicken and rice is very tasty. At a hole in the wall place I got 2 pieces of chicken with rice and slaw for $3. Give it a try, it's likely you'll go back for another helping. I did...

5. It's likely you may not understand the Jamaicans when they speak. In the hills they speak Potio, Jamaican broken English. Many of the workers in the tourist areas you will be able to understand. And if you speak it, you'll get the local prices at the market.

Jamaican Beach Bar

6. Red Stripe is called 'beer' here. It's one of 3 beers I found here and red stripe is obviously the beer of choice here (It's the Jamaican beer, if you didn't know). Other choices are Heineken and Guinness, but I did not find them to be served at restaurants. Don't pay more than $4 or 400 JD for a beer.

Fun at Everglades Hostel

The Everglades Hostel is a great place for a couple of days to relax and see the sites around Florida City and Everglades National Park. I have reviewed the hostel, but also wanted to include some of the things to do while you are staying in the Everglades.

The Everglades Hostel also offers Everglades day tours and night walks, $129 for guests and $150 for non guests. The full day tour you will kayak in the Everglades! It's great for those who want to see all 9 Eco-Systems of the Everglades National Park. Enjoy a relaxing pace spending 8 Hours in the Everglades. A relaxing evening is spent on the Night Walk and is easy introduction to the park. Stroll on paved trails and boardwalks under the Stars and Feel the Everglades Come Alive!

Check the Tour Board in the reception area to see the tours and sign up.

Around the corner from Everglades Hostel, about two miles down the road, is a great fruit stand called Robert Is Here. Their fruits and veggies are delicious and diverse, such as dragon fruit, apple bananas, mangos, coconuts, several different kinds of tomatoes (green and red), and all kinds of citrus, yes including the world famous key lime. And, on top of all that they make killer fruit milkshakes with several different blends of fruit. I had strawberry key lime, my mom had pineapple key lime, they were so delicious! It's a great stop any time of day to cool down and pick up road snacks.

Of course you are in the middle of The Everglades and about 20 minute drive from the National Park. Cost of entry to the park is $20 per car. Just a warning the mosquitos are the size of small birds and will still eat you even if you have bathed in deet for hours. Unless you are prepared with mosquito repellent clothing or don't mind being eaten alive, I don't suggest going to the park during mid to high mosquito season, which is disappointing because there are some really good hikes and walks around the park. Instead book an Airboat ride to see the maximum amount of gators and wildlife.

image credit: www.evergladestours.org

Other than the The Everglades Hostel, the National Park and Homestead Air Force Base there isn't much to do in Florida City. The Hostel is great and a wonderful place to meet other travelers and a perfect stop on your way to or from the Keys.

Everglades Hostel

I drove up after spending 3 days in the Keys and arrived at Everglades Hostel. It was easy to find, just of HWY 1 and around the corner from Starbucks, Walgreens and a few other shops. Upon arrival I was greeted by a very nice lady that got me checked in, took me on a tour of the grounds, explained the kayaking tours, $5 dinner, all you can eat pancakes in the mornings, wifi access, gave me sheets and showed me to my room, bathrooms and most importantly, refrigerator where I could cool my cider. Also, I did arrive earlier than traditional check in time, but was accommodated quickly. The room was spacious with 6 bunks, clean sheets, clean floor and cool AC. The guest room doors are locked with the newest swipe card key's (like the newest hotels have), making me feel safe and secure.

Garden and outdoor seating area

Each night the staff cooks a homemade meal for the guests and fellow staff members. They charge $5 for the meal. They served a salad, mashed potatoes, garlic bread, ham, veggie bake, and fruit salad the first night I was there. It was a great deal! I was at the hostel over Christmas, they charged $10 for the meal and included turkey, ham, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and fruit salad. You must sign up for dinner at the front desk, so they know how much to make, then pay at the kitchen door at dinner time. If you are into it, you can assist with cooking dinner or cleaning up if you'd like.

Big kitchen with all of the gadgets.

Communal dinner in the garden. 

In the mornings for breakfast they offer coffee and all you can make and eat pancakes for FREE! Many people come out to the communal garden area to talk story and enjoy their morning coffee together, or grab the a hammock and get a few more zzz's in.

Pancake Breakfast

The beds aren't the most comfortable and I recommend, as usual, to bring an eye mask and ear plugs because you never know if you're bunked with a snorer. Also the doors are loud when they open and shut and the adjacent bathroom door sticks and woke me up a couple of times throughout the night. There was a late night gathering in the garden the first evening, but couldn't hear any noise from my room.

The hostel has such a fun vibe with a good sense of backpacker community. When I visited the other visitors were so open to conversation and exchange of ideas about what to do in the area and where to visit where they are from. I really enjoyed the garden, fire pit and the nightly dinners.

Reception Area

Outdoor Shower

Click here to visit their website and book at the Everglades Hostel Urban Oasis.

Key West, Florida

There are two most convenient ways to reach Key West, Florida. To fly or to drive. I drove from Fort Lauderdale, Florida passing through Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Key Largo, Mid Keys and then to Key West. The more convenient way to get there is to Fly into EYW, however due to the short runway, only small airplanes with light loads may come in. So, some airlines (Delta) will only allow 1 checked bag plus your cary on luggage.

Getting from the airport EYW to your hotel/AirBnB/hostel
Most major hotels have a shuttle that will pick you up at the airport and drop you off right at the front door. You will also be paying the big bucks to stay at these places, rooms start around $300 per night. If you are staying at a hotel without a shuttle, an AirBnB or the only hostel on the island, you will be taking a cab. No Uber here! A taxi will run you max $15 for a ride to your place.

There are so many boats! And all types of them from a weedwacker powered dingy to four story yachts, to the big cruise liners. I opted for an arm powered boat, a kayak. I took an amazing sunset and Starlight tour with Blue Planet that I highly recommend. It set me back $50 for 3 hours with a beautiful sunset and some night time paddling through mangrove trees in search of nocturnal under water creatures.

Key West is a hospitality hub and can be a tourist trap, especially Duval St. There is so much to see and do and eat here, you couldn't possibly be bored. Most activities are revolved around the water, because... well... you're on an island, and so does the eating. Key West's speciality is their Conch (pronounced konk, like honk, but with a k) Fritters, they are very similar to hush puppies with the conch meat. Not my favorite. If you want to drop the big bucks, go for some lobster or crab catch of the day, your stomach wont regret it, but your wallet may.

Good Eats & Drinks!
The cheapest way to eat in Key West is to hit up happy hours. From around 4-6/7 restaurants around town serve their appetizers and cold beverages for a discounted price. I asked around for a late night happy hour (10-12/1), these don't exist.

Turtle Kraals has a great happy hour from 4:30-6:30 with half price appetizers, beer, wine and well drinks. I highly recommend the Bucket of Bones (ribs in a bucket) then stick around on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays for turtle races at 7pm. I tried the Conch Fritters, not my thing.

The Waterfront Brewery also has a good happy hour from 4-6:30. An open area with foosball, ski-ball, shuffleboard, pool, and a few video games will keep you entertained while sipping on their yummy craft brews. The brewery also has a wonderful view of the many, many boats in the harbor.

I stopped in a Schooner Wharf Bar, after happy hour, and it was fun and young atmosphere with live music every night. Beers were $3.75, mixed drinks around $8. A great place to go out with a group of friends.

Kelly's Caribbean Bar, Grill, and Brewery was also a stop on the self made pub crawl. If you stop in here make sure you get the key lime margaritas. At happy hour they are $4. It was the most delicious margarita I have ever had!

I also visited Greene Street Cigar Company, their motto is "Your wife is not here. Come in!", but its anything from a mans cigar lounge. I was welcomed by CJ, told him what I liked and he pulled out exactly what I was looking for. They also have wine, beer on tap, in bottles and a very delicious cider for me! It was a great way to relax, watch the game on TV and enjoy a cigar.

Off Duval St. the streets roll up (restaurants and bars close) around 10pm, pushing everyone to continue drinking on Duval St. It's not a bad area, just reminded me of a clean Bourbon St. in New Orleans. Not my cup of tea, but there are some really good restaurants and bars to keep you entertained if you like that kind of thing.