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• October Fun at The St. Petersburg Pier

  Written by Connie Langhorst No Comments
  Last Updated: September 30, 2009

  Autumn has arrived and is a great time to visit Florida’s Suncoast!

  The season ushers in the month of October and one of my favorite holidays-Halloween!

  With trick or treating in mind, plan to explore The St. Petersburg Pier!  Nestled between Vinoy Park and Demens Landing, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and museums, in downtown St. Petersburg (FL), The Pier offers visitors and residents alike the opportunity to shop and sightsee, and to simply relax.  The Pier is open 365 days a year.  The family-friendly venue offers daytime and nighttime fun for all ages!

  If you are considering trick or treating this year dressed as a rabbit, you’ll be “hoppy” to know that The Pier is a short hop, skip, and jump from the South Gulf Beaches!  A ten-minute car ride from any of the beaches communities (Bacopa Bay, Isla del Sol, St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille, or Tierra Verde, to name a few) and you’re there!

  The Pier, home to the Columbia Restaurant and The Pier Aquarium,  has a number of events planned in celebration of the season and, of course, in honor of Halloween!  I’ve included a partial list below.

  Be sure to have a Boo-tiful and Happy Halloween . . . in Paradise Found!

  Thrill the World St. Pete
  Thrill the World is a simultaneous worldwide attempt to break the World Record for the largest simultaneous dance with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Thousands of people in cities around the world will learn the “Thriller” dance and perform it together on the day that Thrill the World take place.  All ages are welcome to participate in the local St. Petersburg, Florida event. Dancers need to sign up, learn the dance (anyone can do it), and show up on Saturday, October 24th, at The Pier.  The dance will take place at 8:30 p.m., but dancers are encouraged to show up two hours earlier to practice on the third floor of The Pier.

  Dance training is available online and at local studios.  Sign up (it’s free) to make sure you’re part of Thrill the World and Thrill the World St. Pete.  Sponsored by Studio 620, The Pier, St. Pete Shuffle, and more!  Following the event, visit Captain Al’s Waterfront Grill and Bar for more “Thriller” and MJ music until 12:30 a.m.

  Free Caricatures & Face Painting
  Lars-Erik Robinson, of Fritzy Bros. One Man Circus, will entertain your entire family with free caricatures on the first and third Sunday of each month. There is also free face painting Saturdays from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

  Salsa Every Friday at Captain Al’s Restaurant
  Captain Al’s Waterfront Restaurant offers Salsa music and dancing every Friday night from 9:00 p.m. to midnight. Free introduction to Salsa dance lessons from 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. by Greg Richardson from B.A.I.L.E. (which stands for Bay Area International Latin Events).  Enjoy a beverage or dinner as you take in Tampa Bay’s wide water views and dance the night away.

  Gallery Walk at Crystal Mirage Gallery
  The Downtown St. Petersburg Arts Association has twenty-five galleries open to the public from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.  The Crystal Mirage Gallery, located on the first floor at The Pier, is one of the galleries and shouldn’t be missed on your stops around the downtown.

  Oldies but Goodies Dances
  The Pier comes alive with the sound of big band and dance music on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month! The dance floor is yours to enjoy! Come alone or with friends!  It’s a great way to meet new people! The “Oldies but Goodies” Dance is free and open to all.  The Downtowners perform on the second Wednesday with big band sounds. The Ron Berringer Trio performs on the fourth Wednesday with dance favorites, including the Electric Slide and tunes from the 50′s and 60′s.

  Movies on the Waterfront
  Family flicks at the St. Petersburg Pier on the third Saturday of each month.  Join the fun in the Waterside Courtyard at The Pier for “Movies on the Waterfront.” Bring a blanket and pillow. Pajamas are allowed, but no coolers.  The event is sponsored by Parent Guide Magazine and KIDS FIRST®.  Movies begin at dusk.  In the event of rain will be moved inside to the Activity Room.  The movie for October will have a Halloween theme.  Moviegoers are encouraged to come in costume!

  About The St. Petersburg Pier
  The Pier is open 365 days a year, rain or shine, Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Attractions and restaurant hours vary. FREE Pier Trolley service from the Dolphin and Pelican Parking Lots runs from 7:00 a.m. until 1/2 hour after the last restaurant closes.

  PHOTO CREDITS:
  Photos of The St. Petersburg Pier courtesy of The City of St. Petersburg.
  Photos of the Jack-o-latern and Tierra Verde trick-or-treaters courtesy of yours truly.

• Get Your Free Culture This Saturday!

  Written by Bob Horn No Comments
  Last Updated: September 24, 2009

  

  I realize that today is only Thursday, but I wanted to publish this post now so that you all know about it in time to build it into your Saturday schedule. The annual ArtsAlive Free Museum day will happen this Saturday, September 26th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Completely Free admission to all of these museums! Choose your favorites, or maybe choose one or two that you’ve never been to before, then grab your kids or your sweetheart or both and go out and get some culture!

  Participating St. Petersburg museums, in alphabetical order, are:

  Dr. Carter G. Woodson Museum @ 2240 9th Avenue South 727.323.1104
  Florida Holocaust Museum @ 55 5th Street South 727.820.0100
  Florida International Museum @ 244 2nd Avenue North 727.341-7900
  Great Explorations Children’s Museum @ 1925 4th Street North 727.821.8992
  Morean Arts Center @ 719 Central Avenue 727.822.7872
  Museum of Fine Arts @ 255 Beach Drive NE 727.896.2667
  Pier Aquarium @ 800 2nd Avenue NE 727.895.7437
  Salvador Dali Museum @ 1000 3rd Street South 727.823.3767
  St. Petersburg Museum of History @ 335 2nd Avenue NE 727.894.1052

• SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Walk

  Written by Connie Langhorst No Comments
  Last Updated: September 14, 2009

  When the month of October nears its end, my husband, Tom, as he invariably does, asks me what I would like to have for my birthday (which is November 6).

  For the past three years, my answer has been the same–and it will be the same this year, too.  I will share with him that I wish to attend the annual SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Walk.

  My annual wish is the result of our adoption (from SPCA Tampa Bay) of a miniature Dachshund.  We renamed the spunky little dog “Moby” (although, as time would tell, his original name, “Rascal,” was befitting).

  After adjusting to his new home and overcoming some minor behaviorial issues, Moby wiggled his way into our hearts and has become the love of our lives.  He makes us smile with his antics and loves to go for car rides (check him out . . . in cruise mode in the photo below).  Tom and I are healthier, too, thanks to the daily walks Moby (effectively) begs out of us.  The joy that comes from saving an animal life and having a loving pet as a member of our family is such a wonderful gift-one that we are very grateful for.

  Okay . . . I admit to being a doting doggie mama.  But SPCA Tampa Bay does great work on behalf of animals throughout Pinellas County.  They offer free feline spay and neutering services, host Pet Photo Days, and offer training and behavior classes.

  The 19^th annual SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Walk, one of the largest and longest-running pet walks in Florida, benefits homeless, abused and unwanted animals at SPCA Tampa Bay.  It is showcased by a one-mile walk along meandering trails at North Shore Park, situated at the water’s edge near The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg (FL).  The Pet Walk will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2009.  Last year’s event attracted more than 2,500 people and raised $212,000!  This year, SPCA Tampa Bay hopes to surpass those numbers.

  Event highlights include 80+ vendors, canine activities, refreshments, entertainment, prizes, and contests, including:  The St. Petersburg Times’ SPCA Adoptable Pet Parade; The Iam’s Pet Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest; Frontline/Heartgard SPCA Tent; PetSmart Amateur Agility Course; The Dog Training Club of St. Petersburg Agility Dogs; Pet Photography Studio; Doggie Spa Area; Caricature Artist, and Balloons and Face Painting for kids.

  There will be demonstrations of fly ball, K-9 obedience and agility, shopping, music, and the 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House Food Court with yummy treats for pets and people!  Meet and greet radio and TV personalities, media sponsors, enjoy complimentary pancakes courtesy of IHOP, complimentary Zephyrhills Natural Spring Bottled Water, and get team and pet photos taken at the Pumpkin Patch!

  There is a $10 registration fee, which makes you an official Pet Walk participant and provides a thank you gift of a pet bandana that you can pick up at donation drop-off sites or on the day of the event.  All proceeds help SPCA Tampa Bay continue to increase pet adoptions, provide 24-hour emergency care for sick and injured strays, investigate suspected animal cruelty cases, educate the public on humane pet care, and so much more.

  To my husband, Tom . . .
  . . . If you read this, then you will know, without asking, what I wish to have as a gift for my birthday.

  To readers of this blog . . .
  . . . Join the community celebration!  Put on your walking shoes, grab the leash, and bring your furry friends to the SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Walk.  Tom and I will be there, with Moby, and thousands of friendly people and their pets.

  Even if you won’t be celebrating a birthday, you’ll be treated to a special day . . . in Paradise Found!

  About SPCA Tampa Bay:
  Serving Tampa Bay’s homeless pets, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Tampa Bay has been at the forefront of humane animal care in our community for nearly 70 years.  Today, SPCA Tampa Bay is the largest non-profit humane organization in the area, providing care to homeless and abused animals every year.

  

  PHOTO CREDITS:

  Vampire & Witch Photo Courtesy of http://www.people.com/. (Tina Calhoun of Atlanta writes, “My black pug mix, George Clooney, is dressed up like a vampire because he has the perfect teeth for the costume – those are really his! And my parents’ dog, Stella, is a little witch sometimes.”).

  SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Walk Mascot photos by Danette Morse.  http://www.photographybydanette.com/.

  Photos of Moby courtesy of yours truly.

• Tierra Verde Community Garage Sale

  Written by Connie Langhorst No Comments
  Last Updated: September 3, 2009

  In April 2009, I participated in organizing the Tierra Verde Island Wide Garage Sale.  The event, which began in November 2008, was hosted by The Island Reporter, a South Gulf Beaches community newspaper.  The April sale, as the November one, was a big hit with island residents and “garage sailors” (as I refer to weekend bargain hunters).

  My husband and I challenged ourselves to stop at each and every sale.  We visited more than 150 of them!  The photos accompanying this post were taken that day.

  Weather wise, the skies were blue, the spring day temperature was just right, and there were thousands of interesting items, value buys, and friendly smiles on display at each place we visited! 

  The event has become so popular that the Tierra Verde Women’s Club is planning to host a Tierra Verde Community Garage Sale at a central location in downtown Tierra Verde on November 14, 2009.  Put the date on your calendar and plan to attend!  There will be booths featuring garage sale items; craft displays; food venders, and island businesses will be hosting sidewalk sales.

  In addition to the Tierra Verde Women’s Club Community Garage Sale, The Island Reporter, intends to sponsor their Island Wide Sale on the same date, making the event, in the truest sense, an oh so fun community-wide activity.

  For homeowners, the sale is a wonderful way to free up garage or closet space.  Participants are encouraged to donate a portion of the proceeds from their garage sale to their favorite charity.  And, augmenting the event, there will be open houses for homebuyers to tour! 

  For visitors, this activity offers a great way to become acquainted with the charm of Tierra Verde and the neighborly friendliness of the island’s residents.  

  After participating in the sale, go a few miles south, to Ft. De Soto Park, for a refreshing walk along the shoreline of North Beach,  rated as America’s Top Beach for the second consecutive year (2009 and 2008) by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest online travel community, and the #1 Beach in the USA by Dr. Beach in 2005. 

  Or, enjoy lunch at one of the island’s many restaurants-there’s something to tickle everyone’s taste buds, from Italian, German, Asian, French, and continental cuisine, including hamburgers, foot long sandwiches, salads, pizza, locally-caught fresh seafood, cold beverages, and ice cream! Yum!

  It has famously been said that “a picture is worth a thousand words.”  So, I will let the below pictures from the April 2009 Tierra Verde Island Wide Garage Sale speak to tell the rest of this happy story for me.

  I hope to meet other “Garage Sailors” on November 14th! 

  Come play on our island and enjoy another fun day . . . in Paradise Found!

  PHOTO CREDIT:  Photos courtesy of Connie Langhorst and Thomas Gerwe.
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