I love to travel. There are few things more interesting to me than being someplace other than where I normally am. This is a contradiction to my personality as an introvert who is uncomfortable with change.

Michael and I went to St. Petersburg, Florida last month. I’ve been there many times because Michael’s home office is in Tampa. Yes, he works from home. His 10 ft commute from our bedroom to his office is quite arduous. I get jealous. Especially when he goes on a company-paid trip to work in another part of the country. I know, I know. It’s not a vacation for him, and he’d rather be with me…blah blah. But still! He’s getting paid to travel. That is my dream.

The good thing is I get to tag along on some trips, usually during the summer. So I’m sitting on a beach with a book and a pina colada for a week while he’s working in an office so I guess it balances out.

This particular work trip was going to be longer for him than others, so I flew out for the weekend to visit him. I’m usually rambling around FL alone, so it was nice exploring new destinations with him this time. Here are a few of our discoveries thanks to some suggestions from friends.

Dunedin

This is a peaceful, little town just east of Clearwater Beach. I love a good bloody mary, so a friend suggested we pop into a place called Clear Sky Draught House during their brunch time.

Low and behold there was a small, outdoor bar that is set up to build-your-own bloody mary. The counter is lined with ingredients, and you point out what you want in your drink as the bartender makes it for you, much like a Subway for drunks. It was delicious.

While there, we met a stereotypical elderly couple in Florida who lived in New York but retired here for the warmth and quiet. They were entertaining and funny as can be.

As we walked around the area I could see the appeal of retiring to Dunedin. It’s not a busy town but a hop, skip, and a jump to where all the action is. There are plenty of shops, art exhibits, and restaurants to keep you entertained. Not to mention it’s on the water with a gorgeous view of Clearwater Beach. I already found a house I want to buy with a wrap around porch and ocean view. That sounds like a happy retirement to me.

Indian Rocks Beach

My favorite beach to spend the day is Clearwater. I like being able to rent cushioned chairs and an umbrella so I can adequately people watch and read with my toes squeezed in the sand. Having restrooms nearby is a big plus as well. But Indian Rocks Beach is an amazing beach.

I simply had to put my feet in the sand. There are few sensations as comforting as burying my feet into cool sand and curling my toes, feeling the tiny grains fall around my skin. A stop at Indian Rocks Beach was a must.

We stopped into Jimmy Guana’s for a quick drink. No, we don’t have a drinking problem. Public parking is a hassle and frustrating, so it’s convenient to become a customer at a restaurant in order to park in their “customers only” spots for a short beach excursion.

It was supposed to be a cold day, so I was dressed for an Alaskan hike. But, of course, the day was warm. Even though I stuck out like a sore thumb, I wanted to soak up the gorgeous day so we sat on their large patio area outside overlooking the water.

We met another nice, young couple there who just so happened to work at the same company as Michael. Therefore one drink turned into two. Oh well.

From there we walked to the beach just so I can do this.

And see this.

DTSP

Downtown St. Pete has a lot of trendy hangout spots based on your liking. If you want casual but have a refined palate, then you could head to The Mill. If you’re more sophisticated but don’t want to put a lot of effort into your evening, Anatta Wine Bar and Restaurant is perfect. If you want sophistication and to dazzle all evening, I would head to The Canopy Rooftop Lounge at The Birchwood. It has an incredible view of the city and bay, and the setting of the lounge is downright gorgeous.

So much to choose from and so little time. But Michael and I found the time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Sadly, I had to leave him the next morning to head back home.

I miss the beach. I miss the sand. Luckily we’ll be in the Caribbean next week for spring break. I’m sure I’ll blog about that trip, too…even though this is not a travel blog.