Sarasota, St Petersburg & Fort Desoto County Park

Feb 24-28 - Loved loved loved this area. Thanks again Doug P from Desert Trails. This county park is at the end of a long peninsula south of St Petersburg and the setting is amazing. It was rated best beach in the country in 2006 and it deserves it. Miles of beautiful uncrowded white sand beaches. Also miles of great bike paths and walking trails, along with big scenic camping sites.

So much to do in St Petes and it is such a pretty town. Started with the waterfront parks and the pier the first morning. Lunch overlooking Tampa Bay before a terrific afternoon at the Salvatore Dali Museum. I haven't been a fan of the artist but after seeing all his work I am now. From there we drove to the gulf coast and did the scenic drive from Clearwater all the way to St Petes Beach. 30 miles of amazing beaches with the big pink hotel at the end as the topper. One day spent at the park and running errands and chores but still fun in such a pretty place.

Our last day in the area we took a day trip to Sarasota. Drove around the town as it is lovely and historic before spending the next 5 hours at the Ringling complex. This place is not to be missed if you are in central Florida. John Ringling was one of the 4 Ringling Brothers who owned the original circus. The complex includes his mansion, a circus museum with a complete circus in miniature, his private train car used to travel to circus locations, and a HUGE art museum with a number of beautiful Reubens. You could spend days at this place but we only had one so we made the best of it.






Have to come back here some day......