Biking and Boating
            St. Pete Beach/Treasure Island

        Several years ago my wife and I made a New Years resolution, to
    getaway at least one weekend a month.  It all began with day trips
    to St. Pete Beach for bike rides. While riding down the back roads
    like we always did, we noticed a vacancy sign on one of the mom and
    pop hotels. We stopped in to check out the rate and it seemed clean
    and reasonable, so we said "We'll take it". That was the start of it all.

        Here are a few ideas, but it's up to you to know when to begin.

        Biking at the beach is a great way to explore the island without
    the hassles of parking and driving. With a bicycle you can get
    "Off the Beaten Path". This is where the local fun is.
 

        We like to start at Blind Pass Park on the beach.
    Free parking and restrooms and if you like,
    grills for cooking out. It is located on
    Blind Pass Rd. just before the T.I. bridge.
    From there, just get on your bike and go.

        A good way to start is to cross the bridge
    head to Sunset Beach. It is a nice ride with
    little traffic. Ride up and down the side roads
    and get lost in the peacefulness and beauty.
    While your over there, stop in at Caddys for
    lunch or a cool drink. It is located right on
    the beach. And if you want a feel of real
    locals pub, just down the street is Ka'tiki.

        If you want to, head south from the park
    on Gulf Blvd. which is a less traveled back
    road, it will take you to Upham beach. A
    public park with restrooms and food are
    here.
        On the way you will pass several food
    stations, one is Philthy Phil's. Don't let
    the name fool ya, it is a great place for
    food and drink. Also the Sloppy Pelican is
    just across the street and boat friendly, on
    the water with boat slips. We enjoy stopping
    here by boat; it's on the way to the gulf.
    And on down the road is Woody's, also a
    great place for burgers and wraps. They
    even serve breakfast on Saturday and
    Sundays starting a 8am...

        Now this just a sample of what can be
    done in a day at the beach...Spend the night
    and take the Trolley for ride, on weekends
    it runs till 12am and a daily pass is cheap.

        Ever since our mom and pop hotel closed
    and new owners took it over, it wasn't the same.
    We began to stay at the Travel Lodge, then it
    too felt the down fall of the economy. The lodge
    had affordable rates and close to everything as
    well. It has been taken over by The Post Card Inn
    and they have overhauled the entire place,
    including the rates. Just bit too much for us.
    So we had to find another place to stay. Our
    travels took us up the block to Lamara Motel,
    I believe the owners are Polish and very nice.

        We are boat owners these days and when
    the weather is right, we are on it always. If
    you're into boating such as we are, a nice place
    to stay is the BaySide Inn. Located on beautiful
    Treasure Island this place was just remodeled
    last year, everything is new. It sits on a canal
    which leads to the Intercostals waterway.
    Each slip has water and electric hook ups.

        You never need a car once you get here;
    we always take the boat wherever we go.
    Several restaurants dot the waterway. As
    mentioned before, we enjoy stopping at the
    Sloppy Pelican on our way to the gulf. And
    if you find your self near Pass-A-Gill beach,
    them by all means pull in to The Warf, and
    next door is Sea Critters. Both great places
    to take in the local atmosphere.

        Also another reason not to use the car,
    Publix has built a store on the water with
    slips. We go there all the time. Forget some
    thing like food, drink or ice while on the boat.
    BAM!!! Right there, no hassle.
        Another thing you will notice will be the
    friendliness and how helpful people are at
    these places. When you pull in with your
    boat, there is always someone ready to help
    with the lines. I am telling you this because
    we have been other places where the people
    aren't so friendly...