My mom and I just got back from a glorious, long awaited trip to Florida! We started planning this little getaway during the thick of my first trimester sickness. All I wanted to do was go somewhere warm and sit on a beach. Florida did not disappoint! It was a wonderful, incredibly restful vacation:
We stayed at a darling Bed and Breakfast called Beyond the Wall in Dunedin, which is about a 35 minute drive from the Tampa airport. We were close to St. Petersburg, but loved charming Dunedin which had plenty of wonderful attractions all on its own. On our many mother-daughter trips, mom and I have stayed at several cute places– but this was one of my favorites: a little cluster of cabins, all newly built, and a delicious breakfast menu each morning.
The weather was such a reprieve from Minnesota, which of course, experienced a huge blizzard the day before we headed home. I pray this winter ends soon!
On our first day, we chose to explore Dunedin: we rented cruisers, biked the Pinellas trail, and found several great places to stop at along the way. In our B&B we learned about a pretty, historic church called Andrews Chapel. I was so happy when we came across it on our bike ride. What a gorgeous building it is…
{We traded the snow for shells!}
We kept hearing about Honeymoon Beach, and this is another place I'd highly recommend. It costs $8 to get in and it's wonderfully quiet and peaceful. We even watched a wedding take place not far from where we were relaxing. I've been to Florida many times before, but not to this part. My Grandpa Harris retired to Pensacola, and before he passed away during my senior year of high school, we'd visit often. I've always thought that Florida has some of the most gorgeous beaches– and I still think that is true. Honeymoon Beach was just breathtaking:
{22 weeks and loving the beach! I told Baby Girl that we were at the ocean, I hope Seth and I can take her to Florida sometime next year for a warm vacation… just the thought of that makes me SO happy!}
To mix things up a bit 😉 we also looked up a few thrift, antique, and estate sales… We just love them. I found several treasures including some darling, vintage baby items 50% off. We also ventured down to St. Petersburg and did some boutique shopping on their artsy Central Avenue. While in St. Petersburg, we also visited two museums– my favorite being the Chihuly one. I've seen his work a few other places, and so it was nice to explore his museum and learn more about him.
On Saturday the weather was glorious again so we chose to visit another beach that my cousin {who we had dinner with in St. Pete!} recommended– Siesta Key. I have been to quite a few beaches in my day, but this one tops the list. It was busy, and we soon learned why: it's just gorgeous. The sand is quartz and feels like the softest powder. The water is a stunning aquamarine blue, and the best part? It's free. Siesta Key was actually the first public beach in the US!
We also got to visit St. Petersburg's Farmer's Market. It got hot so we didn't stay long, but loved all the produce and stunning flowers for sale. I love Farmer's Markets and feel like you really can get a sense for the culture and people of a certain place by visiting one… It made me feel excited for the St. Paul downtown market, that is once the snow melts ;)
It was such a WONDERFUL trip. I am grateful to be home, but am so very happy that mom and I were able to plan a little getaway. I will cherish the memories of {most likely} our last mother-daughter trip before this little girl arrives forever. I am hoping to share many wonderful adventures with her and mom in the years to come…
