The Sun might shine here but that doesn't mean some interesting stuff can't fly under the radar. No matter how long you've lived in the Burg it has a fantastic way of surprising you. You probably heard we were listed as one of the 52 destinations you must visit in the WORLD by the New York Times. You're probably aware that year after year, St. Pete Beach is ranked as one of the best beaches in the country. You know the city houses one of the largest collections of Dali's work and imagine you've seen the pieces detailing St. Pete as a foodie and craft beer paradise. From Cocoon to Spring Breakers, St. Pete has experienced its share of the spotlight. With so much to admire, we thought we'd shed some light on a few things you probably didn't know about the Sunshine City.
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*Photo by Ttriolo
The Dali Museum's unique 'Enigma' glass structure is composed and modeled after a mathematical generalization known as geodesic. This philosophy led the designers of the museum to create a glass structure composed of pieces that are each unique in size and position. The purpose of this was to more closely resemble the movements of liquid in nature.
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*Photo by Historic Wings
The first commercial flight first took off from St. Pete and landed in Tampa in 1914. Tony Jannus flew the Benoist Airboat from St. Pete to Tampa on the world's first scheduled airline flight, transporting St. Petersburg Mayor Abe Pheil and a bag of mail.
Dynamic Chihuly Pieces
*Photo by Curated Object
The Glass Chandeliers at The Chihuly Collection do not come with specific assembly instructions. Everytime they are moved or displayed in a different spot the piece is uniquely reassembled to best fit the exhibit it is featured in.
Meet Bestsellers For Free Every Winter
*Photo by EC WIP
Every January the Writer's In Paradise Program plays host to a handful of accomplished authors, poets and literary agents. Writers such as Tim O'Brien (The Things They Carried), Elie Wiesel (Night), Andre Dubus III (House of Sand and Fog), Daniel Woodrell (Winter's Bone) and Tom Perotta (The Leftovers) have participated as keynote speakers and is hosted by Eckerd Alum Dennis Lehane famous for his novels Mystic River, Shutter Island, Gone Baby Gone and Live By Night which have all been adapted into films by the likes of Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese and Ben Affleck. Lehane has also consulted and wrote for many of HBO's popular dramas.
Kahwa Coffee Cups Can Take The Heat
Even though the Sunshine City has a particular proclivity for humid days, sometimes all you want in the morning is a hot cup of coffee or a fresh hit of darjeeling tea. Kahwa understands which is why they designed their to-go cups with those hypnotizing ridges. The design of the cup allows you to grip the cup with a naked palm and saunter out the door burn free. Kahwa Coffee has two St. Pete locations: 475 2nd St N & 204 2nd Ave S.
You Don't Need A Gym Membership To Get Fit
*Photo by TPL
Free exercise stations are scattered throughout the city. You can find equipment at Lake Vista, Gladden, Campbell and Azalea Parks.
Little Free Libraries
*Photo by Keep St. Pete Lit
St. Pete is known for its antique and rare book stores Haslam's and Wilson's Book World but did you know we have Little Free Libraries scattered throughout the city? Head over to 620 1st Ave S and grab a piece of genius to-go.
What The Stars Are For
If you're from St. Pete, then your are probably familiar with the Tampa Bay Rowdies and their green and gold sigil. The dual stars you see on their banner represent the number of championships our local hooligans have won! #GoRowdies
St. Pete is Pet Friendly
A multitude of Restaurants in the Burg are beyond pet friendly. Most joints leave water bowls out for the pups, provide after dinner treats and even have a special doggie menu. Check out our Doggie Dining list for a complete view of all the pet friendly spots in St. Pete.
Pinball Emporium in Grand Central
*Photo by Central Oddities
Central Oddities in the Grand Central District of St. Pete shelves some of the most unique antiques you could imagine. From retired peep show photos, to old beer steins, pocket knives, patio furniture sets, classic vinyls and old election pins, this store literally has something for everyone. If you head to the back of the store you'll find the neon lights of classic pinball machines. Can you hear the iconic bellow of Freddie Mercury in his one sentence soundtrack for Flash Gordon? Leave the quarters behind, Central Oddities allows you to test out their machines for FREE. Check out our article about this shop of exceptional sundries. Central Oddities 2055 Central Ave.
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