Hanging Around

By Caron Schwartz

As a native New Yorker, I grew up with public transit. You can get pretty much anywhere, fairly quickly, at a reasonable cost. I’ve relied on public transit wherever I’ve lived, worked, and visited...except here. Until now, my car (or bike) has been my primary transportation.

Imagine my delight when the Sunrunner, Tampa Bay’s first BRT (bus rapid transit), launched October 2022. What a thrill to breeze past cars on First Ave. North or South in a sleek hybrid-electric bus that flies from downtown St. Pete to St. Pete Beach in less than 40 minutes.

For an afternoon jaunt, my sweetheart Lenny and I parked near the stop at Pasadena Ave. and Gulfport Blvd. The elevated platform made it easy to stroll into the bus, no sticky handrail needed to hoist aboard. (Also convenient for bicycle riders and people in wheelchairs to roll on and off.)

Six stops later we were at 22nd St. S, gateway to the trendy Grand Central District. The station is right in front of Tombolo Books, where we browsed contentedly. We’ll return to GCD for Black Crow Coffee and shopping Pieces of A Dream soon.

Lunch at Pete’s Bagels, just a block away at 2361 First Ave. N, was awesome. The sandwiches on New Jersey-style bagels were tasty and filling, and the strong coffee powered our afternoon exploration. Next up was Par Bar, a mini golf course for adults complete with adult beverages, packed with revelers enjoying the Christmas spirits.

Our last Sunrunner stop was Third St. S and Third Ave. S. We strolled through Pioneer Park, past the St. Pete Yacht Club and along Bayshore Dr. and over to the St. Pete Pier. Then we wound our way back to the Fifth St. N station, dipping into Beach Drive’s Kilwin’s for ice cream.

Too tired to shop, we skipped our plan to stop at West Central Shopping Center at 66th St. N and explore Craft Kafé, Bark Life and Earth Origins.

FYI SunRunner buses arrive every 15 minutes from 6am to 8pm, every 30 minutes from 8pm to midnight, every day. www.psta.net/riding-psta/tickets-and-fares

By Nanette Wiser Aperol Spritz was my 2022 go-to cocktail, thanks to Intermezzo. If you are looking for a signature Valentine’s Day cocktail, Paradise serves up dozens of options. Sip sip hooray! Buono Taverna I love their Negroni, which takes its name from the alpine amaro, Braulio, which lends its signature gentian notes to the expected combination of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. DTSP Chill Restaurant & Bar Delightfully refreshing, the Rhubarb Bramble mixes up Edinburgh Rhubarb & Ginger Gin, fresh lemon juice, ginger simple syrup and topped with a raspberry liqueur. St. Pete Beach

Copper Shaker In addition to a clever cocktail menu and sharable apps, they and The Estate are throwing a Bartender’s Prom 1/23, a totally rad 80’s throwback party. We love the 20/20 made with organic carrot juice and spicy, jalapeño tequila. DTSP

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

Now open with a glorious waterfront view, if you loved The Pier, you’ll relish the Campeche fish tacos, mussels and lime panko crusted fish sandwich served with the tropical rum drink of your choice. Jungle Terrace, DTSP Sea Dog Brewing Co. The Maine Mule showcases their Ice Pik vodka and lime juice topped with Capt. Eli’s ginger beer and garnished with a mint bouquet in multiple flavors (blueberry, strawberry, mango, coconut, black cherry, raspberry, and peach). Treasure Island Three Birds Tavern Cool off with Bee’s Knees Lemonade or for happy hour Mon.-Thurs. 3-6pm, especially Thursday for $5 martinis all day long. In addition to The Annex downtown, owner John Ruetz is opening an Annex Two drive-thru in Gulfport and runs Johnny’s Restaurant and Pizzeria. St. Pete

Wild Child Lost Weekend

mixes fresh watermelon, agave, mint and your choice of vodka, gin, tequila, rum and mezcal or Brandy Latte Punch, a delish Bandit vanilla cold brew syrup with Solerno, Averna, brandy and oat milk. DTSP

Valentine Cocktail Recipe: 1.5 oz. gin, 3/4 oz. hibiscus syrup, 3/4 oz. lemon juice, 2 oz. sparkling wine. Shake gin, hibiscus syrup and lemon juice and pour into a wine glass and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with edible flower.

Beachy eats

Indulge your taste buds in one of our three restaurants just steps away from St. Pete Beach!

5300 GULF BLVD • ST. PETE BEACH, FL T:+1 727-363-5100 • Sirata.com • Siratastpete T:+1 727-363-5100 • Sirata.com • Siratastpete