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8/21/2006

Also Known as —50 Ways to Leave Your Hummer”
(With Apologies to Paul Simon)

CLEARWATER, FL (Aug. 21, 2006) – As gas prices hit records this fall, the St.
Petersburg/Clearwater area offers electric-, wind- and people-powered alternatives for a fun
vacation. In fact, the area features so many gas-free activities that they have borrowed from Paul
Simon’s 1975 chart-topping song to come up with —50 Ways To Leave Your Hummer.”

The problem is all inside your wallet, she said to me
A great vacation is easy if you take it logically
I’d like to help you make your vacation be gas free
There must be, 50 ways to leave your Hummer
She said when you travel you don’t want anyone to intrude
But all these high gas prices could put you off your food
So I’ll repeat myself at the risk of being crude
There must be fifty ways to leave your Hummer
Fifty ways to leave your Hummer
Just slip on a backpack, Jack
check out the land, Stan
You don’t need that big toy, Roy
Just get yourself gas free
Hop on a bike, Mike
You don’t need to sit at stop lights
Just sail out to sea, Lee
And get yourself gas free
She said it grieves me so to see you pay at the station
I wish there was something I could do to make you enjoy your vacation/smile again
I said I appreciate that and would you please explain
About the fifty ways
She said why don’t we both just camp out for the night
And I believe in the morning you’ll begin to see the light
And then she kissed me and I realized she probably was right
There must be fifty ways to leave your Hummer
Fifty ways to leave your Hummer
Just slip on a backpack, Jack
check out the land, Stan
You don’t need that big toy, Roy
Just get yourself gas free
Hop on a bike, Mike
You don’t need to sit at stop lights
Just sail out to sea, Lee
And get yourself gas free

Here are 50 ways to see the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area that don’t require gas or vehicles.
After arriving in the area, visitors can rent all types of gas-free vehicles ranging from Segway
people movers to electric scooters.

1. Combine Exercise, Yoga and Kayaks With KaYoga or Kayakercise at Sculptured Bodies
Sculptured Bodies fitness studio is the nation’s only KaYoga and Kayakercise station. Personal
Trainer Tim Ganley offers unique ways for visitors to experience the area’s barrier islands. For
KaYoga, guests combine a kayak trip to an undeveloped barrier island where they get a private
yoga or tai chi class. Kayakercise is a combination of kayaking and fitness training. Guests use
the kayaks as the exercise equipment to power them to an island where they will run through a
set of boot camp-style exercises. 727-424-2899 www.beachadventure.com

2. Go Electric on a Segway Tour of St. Pete from Bayside Tours
Bayside Tours allows visitors to glide into the future as they tour the sights and sounds of
beautiful, waterfront St. Petersburg on Segway Human Transporters. It’s a whole new —high
tech” way to step up and enjoy the city— for individuals, couples, families and groups on the go.
Segways are electrically powered, tipless, two-wheeled transporters that allow people of all ages
and abilities to effortlessly glide down the walkways and byways of St. Petersburg. Tours are
one or 1 ½ hours and are by reservation. Each tour includes a tour guide and basic training. 727-
896-3640; www.gyroglides.com

3. Hit the water with the Electric Marina’s Electric, wind and People Powered Crafts
Give gas a break at the Electric Marina, which features electric, wind and people-powered boat
rentals in the heart of St. Petersburg. The Electric Marina is the only location in Florida to rent
Duffy electric boats. Fumeless, safe and silent, Duffy electric boats are the perfect alternative to
a conventional motor boat. They offer seating for up to 10 people, a bonus refrigerator and
dining table for those professional couch potatoes. The boat’s surrey top has a sun or moon roof
making it ideal for sunning or star gazing. Each boat is equipped with Coast Guard approved
safety package, a ladder for swimming and best of all, you don’t need to hire a captain because
the boat is as easy as a golf cart on water. Within a five minute orientation you’ll have no
problem navigating your journey. The Marina also offers water bikes, sailboats, kayaks and
remote-controlled boat rentals. 727-898-2628; www.electricmarina.com

4. Let someone else pedal you around the beach at Fun Ride Rentals
Getting around the beach is easier than ever and at Fun Ride Rentals you’ll have lots of gassaving
rides to choose from. This family owned business operates on Clearwater Beach and
rents electric bikes, bicycles built for two, strollers, pedicabs, surrey bikes and much, much
more. Want to get tons of miles to the gallon? Try a Fun Couple or electric scooter. Or let
someone else pedal you around on a free pedicab on Clearwater Beach. Just make sure to tip
your pedaler. 727-519-3008

5. Learn to Sail at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center:
The Clearwater Community Sailing Center provides safe, enriching and affordable sailing
opportunities to residents and visitors, including youth, seniors, and the disabled for the benefit
of the entire community. They offer kayak and sailboat rentals, sailing lessons, daily and weekly
summer sailing camps and boat storage. 727-517-7776 www.clearwatercommunitysailing.org

6. Kayak the mangrove trails at Caladesi Island State Park
Accessible only by boat, this is one of the state’s few remaining undisturbed barrier islands.
Caladesi is ideal for swimming, shelling, fishing, picnics, diving and nature study. A three-mile
nature trail winds through the interior. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. A ferry
departs hourly from nearby Honeymoon Island, weather permitting. The island features canopy
kayak trails through the mangroves. Guided trips are available. Caladesi rated in 2006 as having
the #2 beach in the United States. 727-469-5942 www.floridastateparks.org/caladesiisland

7. Let the wind do the work on a Dolphin Landings Sailboat Charter
This charter boat center offers dolphin watch sailing cruises, Shell Key Adventure trips and
Sunset Sails. Dolphin watch cruises are two hours. The Shell Key Adventure takes visitors on a
3-4 hour trip to an undeveloped barrier island for beach relaxation. Two-hour sunset sails take
visitors into the Gulf of Mexico for an unobstructed view of the sunset. Cruise prices and sailing
times vary. 727-367-4488 www.dolphinlandings.com

8. Hike the nature trail at Honeymoon Island State Park
A state park suited for swimming, shelling, fishing, picnics and nature study. Like Caladesi
Island, Honeymoon Island is one of the state’s pristine barrier islands. Honeymoon Island
features a three-mile nature trail in a slash pine hammock that is home to many native species
and a bald eagle nest. 727- 469-5942 www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland

9. Ride the wind at Sailing Florida Charters & Sailing School
Sailing Florida in St. Petersburg offers everything from bareboat or crewed charter - day or week
long – allowing visitors to have family vacation, sneak away for a romantic weekend, hold a
special corporate event, try our team building adventure program or just relax and enjoy a
spectacular Florida sunset. 727-894-7245 www.sailingflorida.com

10. Walk, skate or bike the Pinellas Trail
This 37-mile long, 15-foot wide trail is part of the county park system and is one of the longest
linear parks in the southeastern United States. It enables visitors and residents alike to bike, inline
skate, jog or walk -- all without the hassle and safety concern of being in automobile traffic.
There are rental shops for bikes and skates at numerous points along the trail. The trail runs from
the sponge docks at the north end of Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg in the south end of the
county. The original rail track saw the first Orange Belt Railroad train in 1888. The first stretch
of rail line opened for recreation in 1990. 727-549-6099
www.pinellascounty.org/park/12_Trail.htm

11. Kayak the Mangrove Trails at Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center
Weedon Island Preserve combines a wonderful nature experience on a site with fascinating
historical significance. The Cultural and Natural History Center features classrooms and exhibit
areas designed by anthropologists, historians and Native Americans to reflect the art and history
of the area’s first people. Weedon Island Preserve is a group of low-lying islands in north St.
Petersburg whose history goes back 10,000 years when early peoples such as the Timucuans and
Manasotas made the island their home. The center combines a look at artifacts excavated from
the site by the Smithsonian in the 1920s, with a chance to experience aspects of Native American
culture including dance, cooking, art, crafts and more. The preserve also includes a four-mile
canoe trail, nine-mile hiking trail, fishing pier and waterfront picnic sites. Free guided walks at
the preserve are conducted Saturdays at 9 a.m. Reservations are required. Open Wednesday
through Sunday. 727-453-6500 www.weedonislandcenter.org

12. Study up on solar power at Moccasin Lake Nature Park
This 50-acre park features an environmental and energy education center with a lake, upland
forest, wetlands and lots of native plant and animal species. A one-mile nature trail winds
through the park and the Interpretive Center features wildlife exhibits, displays and information.
The sun and wind provide the park’s power and water supply. 727-462-6024 www.clearwaterfl.
com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/mlnp.asp

13. Get offshore without gas at Steve & Doris Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School
The school offers three-day learn-to-sail and six-day live-aboard sailing classes from the
Harborage Marina in St. Petersburg. Classes are available for everyone from beginners to
experts. 800-221-4326 www.offshore-sailing.com

14. Let the wind power you on a Kai Lani Cat:
Kai Lani Catamaran is a 49-passenger, Coast Guard certified 50-foot sailing catamaran based at
the Clearwater Beach Marina. With more than 1,500 square feet of above deck space, a
snack/beverage station, and two bathrooms, the Kai Lani is the perfect vessel for your special
occasions including wedding parties, birthdays, reunions, and corporate outings. 727-446-6778
www.kailanicat.com

15. Paddle a kayak to Anclote Key
This park and preserve features four miles of open beach directly on the Gulf of Mexico. A
picturesque 1887 federal lighthouse stands sentinel on the southern end of the island while
ospreys nest in the tall pines found throughout the island. Anclote Key is accessible only by boat.
Primitive camping is available with more than 75 campsites on a pine ridge in the center of the
698-acre park. Modern facilities and a dump station are on the premises. Five picnic areas with
shelters are available along the shore of Big Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway on the back
side of the island. Open 8 a.m. till sundown. Primitive camping is available free, but you must
call 727-469-5942 first. 727-469-5918 www.floridastateparks.org/anclotekey

16. Walk, bike, kayak, or just relax on one of America’s Best Beaches at Fort De Soto Park
A historic fort built during the Spanish-American War is located on Mullet Key, the largest of
the five islands which make up this unique area. The park consists of 1,136 unspoiled acres,
seven miles of beaches, two fishing piers, picnic and camping areas, a small history museum and
a 2,000-foot barrier-free nature trail for guests with disabilities. A concession stand, bathrooms
and covered picnic shelters are available. Toll on bridges to the park is 85 cents. Fort De Soto
recently rated as the best beach in the United States in a national study. 727-582-2267
www.fortdesoto.com; www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm

17. Hike the trails of Brooker Creek Preserve and Environmental Education Center
Explore the area’s wildest place at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center.
Brooker Creek is an 8,500-acre wildlife preserve northeast of Clearwater. The $6 million,
12,000-square-foot center features a 3-D theater, herbarium, dorm for visiting
professors/researchers and research library. The center shows visitors an educational and
entertaining look at man’s influence on Florida’s environment. The theater brings visitors
through the area’s landscape from the time of the first native people to modern day. Exhibits
stress the importance of water, fire and other natural cycles on the variety of habitats in the
preserve. Visitors are able to climb through a gopher tortoise burrow to see how animals share
habitats. The preserve also offers free nature hikes and a scenic 6-mile horseback trail. 727-453-
6800 www.friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org

18. Take a walking haunted history tour of the Belleview Biltmore:
Built in 1897 by railroad magnate and West Central Florida pioneer Henry Plant, the 247-room
Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa holds an honored position on the National Register of Historic
Places. Situated on a high coastal bluff near the Gulf of Mexico, the resort is reputed to be the
largest continuously occupied wooden structure in the world. The Biltmore is also the oldest
major resort in Florida. History tours are offered daily. 727-442-6171
www.belleviewbiltmore.com

19. This road is no longer for cars, so make a friend on the Friendship Trail
The —Old” Gandy Bridge spanning Tampa Bay north of St. Petersburg underwent a $7 million
transformation into a recreational park called the Friendship TrailBridge. The 13,770.5-foot (2.6-
mile) trail is the longest over-the-water recreation trail in the United States. The Friendship Trail
is an operational trail for all types of non-motorized activities including biking, walking, running,
roller-blading and fishing. 813-289-4400 www.friendshiptrail.org

20. Let Steam do the work at the Largo Central Railroad
Largo Central Railroad features large-scale, live steam model trains. Free public runs are held on
the first full weekend of each month. Donations are accepted. The 1.2-mile track through Largo
(more)
Give Gas A Vacation, Page 6
Central Park features a tunnel, bridge and numerous passing sidings. 727-586-7415;
www.lcrailroad.com

21. Walk the boardwalk at Sawgrass Lake Park
Open daily 7 a.m. until sunset. This 360-acre park provides a unique learning opportunity for
school and community groups. A mile of elevated boardwalk winds through a maple swamp, and
an observation tower provides a panoramic view of Sawgrass Lake. The Environmental
Education Center houses a laboratory, classroom and display facilities. A self-guide booklet is
available for nature trails. The park has no admission fee. 727-217-7256
www.pinellascounty.org/park/16_Sawgrass.htm

22. Be kind to a bird while kayaking to Shell Key Preserve
Named one of the state’s most important birding sites by Audubon of Florida, this undeveloped
barrier island is known for excellent shelling, sunbathing and bird watching. Shell Key Preserve
was established to protect the island as a nesting site and continue to allow its use as a
recreational destination. Numerous suppliers offer boat or kayak sightseeing trips to Shell Key’s
recreation area for sunbathing and dolphin watching. 727-453-6900
www.pinellascounty.org/Environment/pagesHTML/envLands/el7000.html

23. Let your pet pull you around the Paw Playground at Sand Key Park
This 90-acre county park features a ½-mile white-sand beach that has been rated among the top
20 beaches in the United States. The park offers two bathhouses, picnic shelters, lifeguard
stations and ample parking. Sand Key Park is open every day from 7 a.m. to sunset. A lifeguard
is on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 727-588-4852
www.pinellascounty.org/park/15_Sand_Key.htm

24. Save a Bird at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
A refuge and rehabilitation center for as many as 500 injured and permanently crippled birds.
This non-profit organization is known worldwide for its preservation of wild birds. Permanently
injured brown pelicans, cormorants, white herons, birds of prey, song birds and other species
may be seen daily. Open 9 a.m. until dusk seven days a week. There is no admission fee for the
sanctuary. Group tours can be arranged. 727-391-6211 www.seabirdsanctuary.org

25. Walk in the steps of the ancient peoples at Philippe Park
Philippe Park is a historical site overlooking Old Tampa Bay. The park is named for Odet
Philippe, who claimed to be a surgeon for Napoleon. Philippe settled there in the 1830s and
introduced the New World’s first successful grapefruit trees. Before Philippe, the area was a
significant Native American settlement. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, a sizable
ancient ceremonial mound exists today. The park also features picnic area, playground and
nature trail. 727-669-1947

26. Channel Some Psychic Energy on a Ghost Tours of Tampa Bay
Ghost Tours of Tampa Bay features knowledgeable, costumed guide who recounts true stories of the area's past and ghostly legends. Tours are available three times per day all year round, except
for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is $18 for adults; $10 for children 2-11 and
children under two are free. Tours last one hour. Four different tours are offered focusing on
John’s Pass, St. Pete Beach, Gulfport and St. Petersburg. 727-398-5200;
www.allthebesthaunts.com

27. Snow Ski at Bill Jackson’s (Yes You’re Still in Florida)
Bill Jackson’s Shop For Adventure This one-of-a-kind adventure shop has been family owned
for more than 50 years. More than just a store, Bill Jackson’s teaches what it sells with on-site
pools for SCUBA, kayaking, canoeing and a 12-foot by 18-foot ski deck that moves underneath
you to simulate the feel of the slopes – Imagine snow skiing in Florida. The shop specializes in
backpacking, camping, canoeing, fishing, fly fishing, hunting, in-line skating, kayaking, metal
detecting, SCUBA diving and snow skiing. 727-576-4169 www.billjacksons.com

28. Share the walking trail with a gopher tortoise at Egmont Key
This 440-acre island is the home to one of the last government-operated lighthouses (built in
1858) in the nation. It is still an active navigational aide to all ships entering Tampa Bay. Now a
wildlife refuge, Egmont Key was a camp for captured Seminoles during the Third Seminole War
and was a Union Navy base during the Civil War. The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection cooperatively manages Egmont Key with the U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service and the
U.S. Coast Guard. Several boats offer snorkeling excursions to this island which is accessible
only by boat. Egmont Key also has a variety of significant natural resources, including a large
population of gopher tortoises, and its beach is used as a nesting area by loggerhead sea turtles.
Admission is free but there is a fee for the ferry, call 727-893-2627.
www.floridastateparks.org/egmontkey

29. Ride a Surrey Bike at The Pier
The landmark Pier in the heart of St. Petersburg is a unique piece of Florida architecture that
offers visitors a chance to experience the waterfront along Tampa Bay. Located at the end of a
mile-long approach, this five-story inverted pyramid features shops, restaurants, its own
aquarium, live music and even boat docks. Surrey Bike rentals are available on the Pier approach
for exploring throughout downtown St. Petersburg. The top floor of The Pier combines both the
tropical dining of Cha Cha Coconuts with a huge observation deck, giving the visitor a truly
unique observation point on Tampa Bay. The Pier features plenty of parking, complete with
trolley service linking the Pier to the rest of downtown. No admission fee charged. The Pier is
open 365 days a year rain or shine. Most shops open 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. 727-821-6164
www.stpetepier.com

30. Take an Art Walk at Gulfport’s Art Village
Enjoy more than 40 galleries, studios, boutiques and restaurants all within walking distance in
this pedestrian-friendly historic district. Gallery Walks with free trolley service, street
entertainment and snacks run from 6-10 p.m. the first Friday and third Saturday of the month.
727-459-1963 www.artvillagevoice.com

31. Train a dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium:
Live and model displays of area marine life are on exhibit at this research and rehabilitation
facility which frequently houses rehabilitating sea turtles and dolphin. Popular exhibits include
tanks containing numerous varieties of fish and baby sea turtles. Daily tours available. The
Aquarium also features Marine Life Adventures, Sea Life Safari programs and Trainer-for-a-day
programs. Summer marine biology class available for children ages 8-l6. Open Monday to
Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adults $9,
Children 3-12 $6.50, under 3 free. 727-447-0980. www.cmaquarium.org

32. Tour all our ecosystems on foot at Boyd Hill Nature Trail
This area features 216 acres of natural beauty with six trails that lead visitors through Florida’s
various ecosystems. Wildlife abounds in this park and excellent photo opportunities exist on
every trail. Guided tours available. Special programs include educational shows, day camps,
nature photography classes, bird walks and more. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Adults $2,
Children 3 to 16 - $1, under 3 are free. 727-893-7326 www.stpete.org/boyd

33. Stop to smell the flowers at Pinewood Cultural Park and the Florida Botanical Gardens
Pinewood Cultural Park combines a cultural, historic and botanical experience at a single
destination. The 190-acre park is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Florida
Botanical Gardens features walking tours and workshops allowing visitors to learn about the
environment as they experience it. The $16 million project is one of Florida’s largest gardens and
the centerpiece of the Pinewood Cultural Park. Admission is free. 727-582-2200 www.flbg.org

34. Lift your spirits with a walk through Sunken Gardens
An exotic collection of more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers including more than 200
species bloom year-round at the six-acre garden. One of the most popular roadside attractions in
Florida in the 1930s, Sunken Gardens was bought by the city of St. Petersburg in 1999. The city
restored the property and added more than 6,000 plants and a butterfly garden. A walk-through
aviary features tropical birds of all types, and thousands of rare, fragrant orchids are found in the
Orchid Arbor. Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 12 – 4:30 p.m.
Adults $8, Seniors $6, Children (2-11) $4. 727-551-3100 www.sunkengardens.org

35. Walk with the old city’s spirits on a Ghost Tour St. Petersburg
This tour is an entertaining candlelight walking tour through the historic streets of downtown St.
Petersburg where visitors hear the seldom-told tales of mystery and intrigue that lurk in the
shadows of Florida’s —Sunshine City.” Costumed tour guides lead a leisurely journey to push
aside the cobwebs of history with fascinating tales of ghosts and hauntings. Appropriate for all
ages. Tours are scheduled for 8 p.m. year-round and depart from the corner of 1st St and 2nd
Ave NE across from Baywalk. Reservations required. Group tours and private outings available.
727-894-4678 www.ghosttour.net

36. Cast a line from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Fishing Piers
The old Sunshine Skyway Bridge has been dismantled, and its approaches have been converted into the world’s longest fishing piers. Common catches include snook, tarpon, grouper, black sea
bass, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, red snapper, pompano, and many
more. Snacks, drinks, bait, and fishing supplies are available. The pier is open 24 hours a day
year-round. 727-865-0668 www.floridastateparks.org/skyway

37. Give your kid an art fix at the David L. Mason Children’s Art Museum
The Center features a variety of exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations to foster the growth
and development of visual arts. It is also home to the David L. Mason Children’s Art Museum.
This museum presents interactive exhibits that help children, in partnership with adults, to be
creative and get a new understanding of the arts. The museum’s Palm Café serves specialty
coffees and lunch. Call for the latest exhibition information. Open Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 5
p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. All exhibits are free, though
donations are accepted. 727-298-3322 www.dfac.org

38. Take a trip to the surreal at the Salvador Dali Museum
The Dali features the world’s most comprehensive collection of work by the famous Spanish
master. Valued at more than $125 million, the collection includes 95 oil paintings, 200
watercolors and drawings and 1,000 graphics, sculptures and objects d’art. Open Monday
through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (open Thursday until 8 p.m.); Sunday noon - 5:30 p.m.
Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for Seniors/military and police (with ID), $9 for students, $3.50
for children 5-9 and free for children four and under. Group rates available. 727-823-3767
www.salvadordalimuseum.org

39. Let the dogs do the hard work at Derby Lane
Derby Lane features greyhound racing and pari-mutual wagering January through June with 14
races daily, Monday through Saturday. Matinee races are held at 12:30 p.m. everyday Monday –
Sunday. Evening races take place on Friday and Saturday nights and start at 7:30 p.m. $1 general
admission, free admission Tuesday and Sunday. 727-576-1361 www.derbylane.com

40. Take a walk around BayWalk
The $40-million —BayWalk” entertainment complex has become a hot spot for shopping and
nightlife adding momentum to a revitalization of downtown St. Petersburg. A 4,200 seat, 20-
screen Muvico Theater complex featuring stadium seating theaters, childcare service and fresh
cuisine, anchors the 150,000 sq. ft. open-air themed plaza. The Mediterranean Revival-themed
complex known as the —Soul of St. Petersburg” includes bars and restaurants such as Wet
Willy’s, Dish and Dan Marino’s Town Tavern as well as a full-line Ann Taylor shop and other
retail outlets. 727-895-9277 www.baywalkstpete.com

41. Explore alternative transportation at Great Explorations The Children’s Museum
A —hands on” museum where visitors touch, move and interact with exhibits that educate and
entertain. Adjacent to St. Petersburg’s Sunken Gardens, the 24,000 square-foot museum is
located in the building that was Sunken Gardens’ —World’s Largest Gift Shop.” Great
Explorations exhibits include a climbing wall and a raceway where visitors build a tabletop
racecar, and a sailboat exhibit where visitors learn about direction and air pressure. A gift shop is
also included. Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4:30 p.m. on
Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults; $8 for seniors (56 and above) and children; and free for
children under 11 months. Group rates available. 727-821-8992 www.greatexplorations.org

42. Dive into history on the walking history tour of the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
Built by Pennsylvania oilman Aymer Vinoy Laughner in 1925, the $3.5 million Vinoy Park
Hotel was the largest construction project in Florida’s history. In its heyday, the Mediterranean
Revival-style hotel was frequented by Calvin Coolidge, Babe Ruth, Herbert Hoover and
numerous celebrities and entertainers. In the early 1940s the property was converted to a military
facility, reopening as a hotel in 1945 and continuing operations until it fell into a state of
disrepair and was closed in 1974. The Vinoy re-opened in 1992 after a $93 million restoration
and expansion that added a guest tower and complete recreational facilities, including an 18-hole
golf course designed by Ron Garl. The property is listed in the National Register of Historic
Places and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. History tours are offered daily. 727-
894-1000 www.renaissancehotels.com

43. Walk through time at the St. Petersburg Museum of History
The museum features a permanent interactive exhibition of the chronology of St. Petersburg’s
history filled with priceless artifacts, documents and photographs. The Benoist Pavilion houses a
replica of the world’s first commercial airliner which made the first scheduled commercial flight
from St. Petersburg to Tampa on January 1, 1914. Hours are Monday noon to 7 p.m.; Tuesday
through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults; $5 for
seniors and students (with ID); $3 for children 7-17; and children under 6 are free. Group
rates/tours are available. 727-894-1052 www.stpetemuseumofhistory.org

44. Soak up a sponge-diving story at the Sponge Factory
This exhibit captures the history of the sponge industry and Greek settlers who created the town
of Tarpon Springs, America’s —sponge capital.” A museum, movie and gift shop are included.
Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 727-942-3771

45. Step through 10,000 years of history at the Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History
This Florida history and archaeology museum features 10,000 years of history. The museum
offers dioramas and displays of fossils, projectile points, shell tools, beads and pottery that tell
the story of Florida’s first people and the arrival of Spanish explorers. Photographs and
memorabilia illustrate Safety Harbor at the turn of the century when visitors were first drawn to
the place —where healing waters flow.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 1 p.m. to 4
p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and teens and children 12
and under are free. 727-726-1668 www.safety-harbor-museum.org

46. Dance like Don Ameche did at the Coliseum Ballroom
Featured in the popular motion picture —Cocoon,” this landmark opened in 1924. An all-star list
of Big Band musicians have performed there and hundreds of thousands have danced on the
(more)
Give Gas A Vacation, Page 11
13,000 sq. ft. maple dance floor -- one of the nation’s largest. Call for dance and events schedule.
727-892-5202 www.stpete.org/coliseum.htm

47. Walk the plank at John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk
A quaint shopping district which overlooks —fish famous” John’s Pass, the Village is home to a
large commercial and charter fishing fleet. Art galleries, restaurants, boutiques are located in the
area and the boardwalk provides a scenic view of the waterfront. Take a trip on the Pirate Ship at
John’s Pass. It is also the site of several festivals and special events. Open daily. No admission
fee. 727-391-7373 www.johnspass.com

48. Open a Bottle of Citrus Wine at the Florida Orange Groves & Winery
Florida Orange Groves is the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area’s first and only award-winning
winery. This family-owned facility produces —citrus-based” fruit wines that are unique in their
fermenting process allowing them to stay fresh for years. The facility includes a tasting bar with
free wine tasting 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Tours of the small factory where citrus is packaged and the wines are bottled are available yearround.
Groups should call in advance. 727-347-4025 or 800-338-7923 www.floridawine.com

49. Let it swing at the Gulfport Casino
For 100 years, the Casino Ballroom has hosted political events, wedding receptions, concerts and
sporting events plus meetings and celebrations of every description and, of course, dances -
always dances. Despite its name, it is not a gambling hall. If you are looking for swing dancing
and swing lessons, this is your place. The Casino features a 5,000 sq. ft. 1930s wooden dance
floor. The building overlooks beautiful Boca Ceiga Bay and is available for rentals. 727-893-
1070 www.ci.gulfport.fl.us/City_Departments/Leisure_Services/Casino/Casino.htm

50. Get back to a time when horses carried the load at Largo’s Heritage Village
This living museum features a fascinating collection of restored homes and buildings on 21
wooded acres. The historical museum is the centerpiece of this park and depicts the county’s
pioneer lifestyle. Spinning, weaving and other exhibitions are regularly held. On the fourth
Saturday in October, the Country Jubilee is held at the park. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. and on Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission, donations accepted. 727-582-2123
www.pinellascounty.org/heritage

MEDIA CONTACT: Mary Haban, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area CVB
Media line: 800-822-6461 or 727-464-7379; mary@FloridasBeach.com

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