CLOCK OUT AND TRAVEL

This past weekend was a blast at Anna Maria Island, Florida!  :D  This 7 mile stretch of island is a tourist delight!  The island is at the mouth of Tampa Bay just north of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach with a population of around 1800. We toured the island and our first stop was the City Pier, which looked out over the Bay.  You can see in the Distance a lighthouse on Egmont Key as well as Fort Desoto Park in St. Petersburg, FL.  For best viewing of the lighthouse check it out with the “view scope” at the pier. Here at the North City Pier you have the opportunity to fish as well as take a break and enjoy the City Pier restaurant catching a full view of the Skyway Bridge in the distance… You can also take advantage and catch the “FREE” trolley!  Here you can sit back and tour or jump from one beach to the next.  This trolley extends to Coquina Public Beach with several stops in between.   You won’t find a chain of hotels!  What you will find … unique, clea

Tampa Bay Riverwalk is in downtown Tampa. We started our journey at the midpoint in front of the Tampa Bay Convention Center. Great views of Harbor Island, Tampa General Hospital and the waterway leading to the Hillsborough River or looking out to to the Garrison Channel. If you are staying at the Waterside Marriott Hotel, you can literally walk out their back door and land right on the Riverwalk. If you are staying nearby or attending an event at the Tampa Bay Convention Center take advantage of the venues along the walk and sit back and have some refreshing drinks. How cool is this? You can take the Segway Tours, Streetcar Trolleys, Water Taxi and best of all Jet Ski Rentals!You can also catch up on walking and bicycling tours (bike rentals available too [2019 and now scooter rentals]). A great way to escape the stress of the day! If you like jogging, walking, bicycling or just strolling along to watch the boats the Riverwalk is a great choice.

Little Harbor  (photograph by J.A.Griggs) Clocking out at 5:00pm? Need a little break?  If you live in the Tampa Bay Area, you just might want to check out Little Harbor in Ruskin, Florida. Little Harbor is tucked away from the city of Tampa where you can enjoy a nice dinner or have a relaxing cocktail at the Tiki-bar at Sunset Grill Restaurant and catch the Beautiful Sunset over Tampa Bay. In the distance you can see the city of St. Petersburg, MacDill Air Force Base as well as the skyline of Tampa. If you really want to spoil yourself, take advantage and stay at The Resort Club at Little Harbor.  It is a beautiful resort with lots of amenities.    Enjoy the marina, and  take advantage of Boatworks and rent a watercraft  in the Marina.  My favorite the waverunner :-) ! Little Harbor is located at 611 Destiny Drive, Ruskin, FL 33570

Emerald Coast (photograph by J.A.Griggs)) Driving with two adults and one teenager, the amount of time it takes is roughly 8 hours. Take I-75 to West I-10 cutting South onto Fl 285 following the signs leading to the sweet "Emerald" Coast to Destin. If you are looking for soft, feel good on the feet sandy beaches, beautiful blue waters with a slight surf, then mark this spot top on your list.  Most people think of the Emerald Coast as being Pensacola and Panama City Beach, However Destin is nestled in between Miramar Beach and John Walton Beach. (photograph by J.A.Griggs) Take advantage of the public beaches as well as the beautiful Henderson Beach State Park. Destin, Florida has personality and charm that fits all ages.  There are plenty of restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals too.  Kids always enjoy feeding the alligators at Fudpuckers! (photograph by J.A.Griggs) (photograph by J.A.Griggs) If you decide to go, drop me a line and let m