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DINE OUT WHILE STAYING IN Evening cocktails or afternoon tea. Lunch by the pool or award-winning cuisine for dinner. Enjoy some of the finest local dining, without ever leaving the Vinoy.

Marchand's Bar & Grill Award-winning classic American cuisine, fresh seafood, meats and pasta. Sundays, join us for our special market-style brunch. Fred's Steakhouse Exclusive to resort overnight guests and Vinoy Club members. Serves prime beef and seafood. Open Friday and Saturday. Alfresco's Dine inside or out by the pool for sun-washed breezes, Floribbean-style cuisine and delightful tropical drinks. Clubhouse Restaurant Casual lunch and dinner fare overlooking the sweeping fairway vistas of Snell Isle. Promenade Lobby Bar A stylishly appointed gathering place serving light fare and a top-shelf selection of cocktails, wine and beer. Veranda Bar & Patio An outdoor lounge experience like no other features a full bar, light fare and amazing bay breezes. LOBBY CafÉ Serving authentic Italian illy coffee and gourmet grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and snacks.


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WELCOME

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A LEGEND TRANSFORMED

Our goal is to make your visit to the Vinoy and St. Petersburg the best you have ever experienced.

The historic Vinoy, recently renovated, has care- fully preserved its gracious heritage while creating an upbeat, new waterfront vibe.

14 DESTINATION: ST. PETERSBURG

Experience this bayside city's vibrant cultural mix of internationally renowned museums, shops, restaurants and attractions.

26 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Enjoy family-friendly special events and activities throughout the year.

28 THE FINEST DINING

Savor sublime cuisine and gracious service in a variety of settings. Our renowned Executive Chef shares favorite recipes you can recreate at home.

36 SPECTACULAR AMENITIES

Rev up or simply relax—the Vinoy’s extraordinary amenities offer the perfect mix of active fun and restorative downtime.

44 MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Celebrate weddings and special occasions, or enjoy Afternoon Tea and pampering getaways, making memories to cherish forever.

46 GREEN Versatility

Learn why meeting and incentive planners across the country have rated the Vinoy a top convention/special events venue.

48 AREA MAP

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welcome Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club 2012 Welcome to the warmth and beauty of St. Petersburg, Florida, and one of the nation’s most revered resorts.

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e are delighted to welcome you as our guest to the legendary Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, where our goal is to make this visit the best you have ever experienced. The satisfaction of our guests has always been, and continues to be, our number-one priority. We are devoted to providing elegant, personal service in a warm, friendly, and comfortable environment. Our intention is to continually create an ambiance that is inviting, delightful, expressive, even a bit whimsical—and always interesting. The Vinoy has been known as one of Tampa Bay‘s finest luxury resort destinations since its construction in 1925. It has attracted VIPs and dignitaries over the years and has been regarded as a playground for the rich and famous. Even now, many years later, the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club is regarded as the place to stay in Tampa Bay. What keeps our guests coming back time after time? We believe it is the level of “above-and-beyond” service we provide to them; the quality of food that we take such great pride in serving; and the view from the most beautiful historic property overlooking the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay. Or it could be that they feel at home here, warmly welcomed each and every time by our smiling ambassadors. Whatever the reason, we are pleased to have the opportunity to serve you. The Vinoy magazine is also dedicated to you and is designed especially for your use and enjoyment while you are here, introducing you to the history and amenities of the resort and serving as a helpful guide to things to do here in St. Petersburg. Please take this copy with you as your keepsake when you return home—we hope it will remind you of this beautiful destination and the wonderful memories created during your stay with us. The Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club offers the finest recreational facilities and amenities for our guests: a private 18-hole golf course, swimming pools, tennis complex, fitness center, marina, and the Vinoy Salon and Day Spa for your pampering needs. Please enjoy! Once again, welcome to the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. We're glad you are here. Sincerely,

Russell C. Bond III General Manager

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501 Fifth Avenue N.E. St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 Phone: 727-894-1000 Guest Fax: 727-502-9088 Sales Fax: 727-894-1970 www.vinoyrenaissanceresort.com Russell C. Bond III General Manager Chris Adkins Director of Sales & Marketing

Custom publishing services for The Vinoy provided by Platinum Media Services, Inc. 10285 Winterview Drive Naples, Florida 34109 Phone: 239-591-3323 Fax: 239-592-9697 platinummedia@earthlink.net www.platinummediaservices.com Sharon Van Rite, Publisher Barbara Amrhein, Editor Marlene Lukas, Marketing Director Zina Cochran, Creative Director Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein; however, neither the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club nor Platinum Media Services, Inc. shall be held liable for any errors or omissions. ©Copyright Platinum Media Services, Inc. 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, including digital/Internet reproduction, without written permission from The Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club and Platinum Media Services, Inc.


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A legend Transformed

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The crown jewel of St. Petersburg hotels, elegant and timeless, is embracing laid-back luxe while creating a new waterfront vibe.

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ighty-six years young, the legendary Vinoy is enjoying a remarkable transformation. In just a few short months, it has metamorphosed from stately grande dame to hip octogenarian. The resort's newly reconfigured and refurbished lobby now boasts five luxurious seating areas with glam furnishings in satisfying silks, velvets and leather. They're rendered in rich, vibrant hues that mirror the city's thriving arts scene, and soothing blues, gold and warmer tones echo the resort's premier waterfront location. Although the Vinoy's iconic Mediterranean Revival architecture— including the original vaulted ceiling and quarry glazed tile floor—was carefully preserved, starburst lighting and contemporary art, including a custom Renee Dinauer steambent wood sculpture at the entry and one-of-a-kind Dale Chihuly glass pieces and paintings, add chic new pizzazz. But the makeover isn't simply cosmetic. In keeping with its hallmark of exceeding guests' expectations, the Vinoy's new legendary lobby is more like a welcoming living room where you can comfortably socialize in small groups or sit tucked away in quiet, intimate corners. "Our mission was to stay true to the Vinoy's historic roots and at the same time be relevant to current and future travelers," advises General Manager Russell Bond. "The Vinoy is keenly attuned to the social and technological needs of today's guests. People want to be able to work, meet and socialize in the lobby. They like to sit and chat with friends, and they want the option of working in the lobby on their laptops or smartphones." The re-orchestrated lobby now includes a library—warm and inviting, with a central fireplace, a resort shop and expanded Promenade Lobby Bar, where you can gather with friends. It also features a cafe featuring illy® specialty coffee drinks and a grab-and-go style menu that offers delectable, healthy options like mango chicken salad, hummus, cheese wedges, turkey wraps and yogurt. The Vinoy's new upbeat vibe spills out onto its historic veranda, too, where added seating and a fire pit at the patio level, along with an expanded indoor/ outdoor bar, invite relaxed get-togethers and people-watching along pedestrianfriendly Beach Drive. Some things at the Vinoy remain unchanged, of course, including the superior quality of its legendary amenities and friendly, personal service. During your stay, enjoy restorative, pampering options that few other waterfront resorts can match: award-winning dining; a world-class marina and championship golf; opulent day spa and salon; state-of-the-art fitness center; an exceptional pool; and, just minutes away, sugar-sand beaches rated among the world’s finest. Shop, dine and stroll along the downtown waterfront and tour St. Petersburg’s many impressive museums and galleries (see pages 14-24). Learn more about the Vinoy's colorful history and the resort's commitment to eco-friendly, intimate comfort and amenities on the next few pages. Vinoy 2012

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Something WONDERFULLY NEW

The team at Leo A. Daly, an award-winning architecture and interior design firm, developed the lobby’s striking color palette.

The newly expanded Promenade Lobby Bar and Veranda Bar and Patio, featuring a menu of comfort classics, are open seven days a week, from 1 to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until midnight on weekends. A fire pit on the patio level invites casual meet-ups and relaxing conversation.

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Sample a variety of luscious illy coffees at the cafe, which also offers take-out pastries, wraps, snacks and sandwiches.

"The new library is receiving a lot of attention and proving to be very popular," says Vinoy General Manager Russell Bond. "And, we hear lots of local residents and resort guests mention that they are now meeting friends in the Vinoy lobby to start or finish their nights out dining, shopping and gallery-hopping."

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Art on a Grand Scale

Internationally renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly created several art glass pieces for the Lobby and a centerpiece chandelier, "Isla de la Luna," for the Vinoy's historic Grand Ballroom. An astonishing nine feet high, the chandelier weighs 1,250 pounds and is comprised of 750 separate pieces of hand-blown glass. "Isla de la Luna" was created in Chihuly's studio in Seattle, disassembled, and packed into 52 boxes that were shipped to the Vinoy. Assembly and installation of this remarkable masterpiece required three full days. Chihuly's works are legendary for their beauty and intricacy. To view more of the artist's spectacular creations, take a short stroll to 400 Beach Drive N.E., home of The Chihuly Collection, presented by Morean Arts Center. The magnificent custom Renee Dinauer sculpture that graces the Lobby's entry, and the smaller work that adorns a wall in the Promenade Bar, are created from steam-bent hardwoods. Dinauer has been creating his unique, freeform wall and free-hanging sculptures since 1990, and his work is held and displayed in a variety of public and private settings.

Eco-Initiatives

Proving that luxury and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand, the Vinoy participates in the Florida Green Lodging Program, initiated by the Department for Environment Protection (DEP). The resort has implemented green practices that include water conservation, energy efficiency and recycling measures. The Vinoy also uses green cleaners and highefficiency air filters, and cleans air handler units frequently.

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New looks

Guest rooms have been updated with a new design inspired by the resort’s waterfront location.

FYI • Wondering about that unusual structure in the Vinoy's Tea Garden? It's one of the resort's historic solariums, used by early Vinoy guests as a sunbathing booth. Enclosed on the sides but open at the top, the booth contained a chair and a cot, and guests removed their clothing to sunbathe au naturel. • You might be staying in a room that housed a celebrity. VIPs that have visited the Vinoy include Paul Newman, Raquel Welch, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Jay Leno, George Clooney, Bo Derek, Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence, Tom Petty, Wolfgang Puck, Eartha Kitt, Joe Namath, Melissa Etheridge, Tiger Woods, B.B. King, Dionne Warwick, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Olivia Newton John, Harrison Ford, Lauren Hutton and Queen Latifah. • The Resort’s signature drink, Aymer’s Promenade Punch, is a non-alcoholic delight available in the Promenade Lobby Bar. It contains cranberry, orange and pineapple juices; peach nectar; and sparkling water.

THE VINOY CLUB Experience the historic elegance and luxurious amenities of the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club every day of the year, as a member of the private Vinoy Club. Receive discounts on rooms, restaurants, services and Vinoy merchandise, and enjoy complimentary valet and self-parking and Member Social Events. For membership benefits and a tour, dial Extension 8041.

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A Celebrated Place in HISTORY

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ew of the more than 230 U.S. hotels honored as Historic Hotels of America can claim the Vinoy's happy distinction: a resident historian. Elaine R. Normile fills that role with an unabashed affection for the elegant resort she knows so well, captivating visitors with deftly told anecdotes (ask her about the famous silver creamer) and intriguing historical tidbits as she ushers them through the hotel's story-filled corridors. Along with a staff of docents, Normile leads guided tours four days a week, quickly putting guests and visitors at ease and welcoming questions as she shares her passion for one of the nation's most remarkable landmarks. "Guests often comment on our obvious pride in the Vinoy," Normile remarks. "It is genuine. This is a very special place."

Architectural Footnotes The Vinoy's original 1925 color—a pinkish-coral hue—was created by the Gutta Percha Paint Company exclusively for the hotel and was named “Vinoy.” Its octagonal Observation Tower, built to resemble a Renaissancestyle bell tower though it never held a bell, provided a lofty perch for guests to enjoy the view, just as they might at an Italian seaside villa. The hotel's Mediterranean influence is evident in its decorative archways, especially the ornately carved stone treatment of the main entrance door and the great arched window in the south wall of the dining room wing. The Veranda, running the full length of the lobby, provided a cool and breezy respite from the hot Florida sun, much like a Mediterranean palazzo. Barrel ceilings, archways and ornate plaster moldings highlighted the Vinoy’s Grand Ballroom in a display of absolute symmetry. The Pompeian Dining Room tapped into the news-making glamour of its archeological namesake, where a flurry of new discoveries in the 1920s captured the public’s imagination. The vibrant “Pompeian” colors of red, blue, black and yellow, plus fanciful and mythological decorative motifs, were lavishly applied in the elegant dining room overlooking Tampa Bay. The frescoes were meticulously restored during the Vinoy's complete renovation in the 1990s and can be seen today in Marchand’s Bar & Grill. 12

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The Vinoy Timeline 1880s: The Vinoy's bayside property is purchased for $35. 1923: Aymer Vinoy Laughner and his friends, Gene Eliot and Walter Hagen, a famous golfer, conceive the idea for the Vinoy. 1925: The Vinoy Park Hotel opens on December 31. 1920s-1930s: Celebrities, presidents and the wealthy flock to the grande dame, and St. Petersburg's residents depend upon the Vinoy as an elegant venue for important social occasions. 1940s: WWII army cooks and bakers train at the resort, which later closes briefly for post-war repairs. 1950s: During the post-war boom, the Vinoy is a favored winter destination. 1960s: Guest numbers decline, due to lack of air conditioning and repairs. 1974: After several years of deterioration, the Vinoy finally closes. 1978: St. Petersburg citizens are instrumental in securing the Vinoy's place on the National Register of Historic Places. 1980s: A voter referendum spares the Vinoy from the wrecking ball. 1992: After a painstaking, two-year renovation, the Vinoy re-opens, restored to its original grandeur and its place as the epicenter of St. Petersburg's downtown waterfront. The National Trust for Historic Preservation names it one of the Historic Hotels of America. 2000: The Vinoy celebrates its 75th birthday, more opulent than ever, and the Palm Court Ballroom is added. 2009: A multi-million-dollar renovation includes a Dale Chihuly chandelier in the Grand Ballroom. 2010: The Legendary Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club celebrates 85 years. 2011: The lobby and veranda are transformed, creating a lively waterfront vibe.

STEP BACK IN TIME Recently honored with an Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Preservation Education/Media by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, the Vinoy's History Gallery encompasses two walls and spans the period 1901-2010, linking the resort with the history of St. Petersburg. Intriguing artifacts and exhibits—original room keys and floor tiles, pieces of china and silver, postcards and photos—are displayed in a chronological diorama. To discover the resort’s real insider secrets, though, take a guided tour, reliving an era of elegance as you wander through the gardens, galleries and ballrooms. You’ll learn about the Vinoy's amazing heritage—did you know it was begun on a bet?—and be enchanted by the tales of the rich and famous who preceded your footsteps down its historic halls. The guided tour departs from the Navigator desk at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday through Saturday. It flies by in about an hour, and a fitting finale (optional) is the special lunch menu available in Marchand’s, the Resort’s historic dining room. For reservations (required), please call the Navigator at Extension 8005.

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Destination: st. petersburg

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Ranked as the nation's top City of the Arts, this bayside destination bustles with cosmopolitan shopping, dining and major sporting and entertainment events.

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ot so long ago, St. Petersburg was known as a quiet retirement haven whose claim to fame was sandy beaches, warm weather and the signature green benches that lined its sleepy downtown sidewalks. Today, the "Sunshine City"—360 days each year, on average—boasts a bustling downtown waterfront that is pedestrian-friendly, criss-crossed by well-tended parks, and enlivened by world-class museums, galleries, theaters, restaurants, shops and boutiques. Striking new architecture rubs neighborly shoulders with historic structures, and St. Petersburg is the first city in the state to earn the designation of "green city" from the Florida Green Building Coalition.

A City of the Arts

Another well-deserved accolade was accorded in 2010 and 2011 by American Style magazine, which ranked St. Petersburg number one in its annual survey of the nation's top 25 arts destinations. Music and theater take center stage at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts/Mahaffey Theater and in more intimate venues such as The Palladium Theater and American Stage. Local and regional artists are represented in the city's downtown gallery district, and public art enhances local landmarks and delights passers-by. Museums are must-see attractions—the city boasts venues that include the internationally renowned Dali Museum, an architectural wonder whose 66,450 square feet house the most comprehensive collection of Salvador Dali's works; The Chihuly Collection of stunning art glass, presented by Morean Arts Center; the Museum of Fine Arts, best known for its collection of French Impressionist paintings; the Florida Holocaust Museum, one of the largest in the United States; Great Explorations - Children's Museum, an interactive experience; the St. Petersburg Museum of History; and the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Museum, devoted to African-American history.

A Sought-After Destination

St. Petersburg's lively downtown waterfront attracts high-profile sporting and special events, as well. Its sunshine-filled streets welcomed more than 8,000 runners in February 2012 at the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete Half Marathon. In late April, athletes from around the nation gather to compete in the St. Anthony's Triathlon, and November finds runners toeing the starting line for the Lady Speed Stick Women's Half Marathon. The Tampa Bay Rays, the 2008 World Series baseball team, swings for the fences at domed Tropicana Field during home games from April to September. In March, the city's waterfront streets buzz with the rev of race cars during the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the season-opening race of the IZOD IndyCar Series. More sedate pleasures can be enjoyed every Saturday at the year-round, downtown farmers' market that features fresh produce, flowers and handmade crafts and gifts.

Endless Options, Just Steps Away

Any time of year, blue skies and golden warmth invite you outdoors to stroll through gardens and waterfront parks, swim and shell along pristine beaches, sail away for an afternoon's fishing or sightseeing adventure, or hike or pedal along the scenic Pinellas Trail, a 34-mile dedicated recreation trail. Evenings along St. Petersburg's shoreline are magical, as well: Nightspots and restaurants come alive, gallery walks welcome evening strollers, and the city hosts a big block party along Central Avenue with live jazz, food, drinks and dancing in the street. Best of all, everything is close to your home base at the Vinoy. Follow your feet, get behind the wheel, or hop aboard one of the open-air trolleys that stop at the resort and shuttle between downtown points of interest. Need directions? Just ask the Vinoy Navigator! Vinoy 2012

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A CULTURAL DESTINATION (Note: Listed venues can be found on the map, on page 48)

The Chihuly Collection Presented by Morean Arts Center

400 Beach Drive N.E. 727-896-4527 www.chihulycollectionstpete.com The Chihuly Collection, which opened in 2010, is a stunning, permanent collection of works by world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, showcased in a 10,000-square-foot setting designed by award-winning architect Albert Alfonso. An iconic 20-foot sculpture created specifically for the site—the Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier—welcomes visitors to the Collection. On exhibit are spectacular large-scale installations and several popular series of works, such as Macchia, Niijima Floats, Persians and Tumbleweeds, which have thrilled audiences around the globe. A pioneer of the studio glass movement, Chihuly is credited with transforming the methods of creating glass art and leading the development of complex, multi-part glass sculptures and environmental art. His work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Musée des Arts Decoratifs, Palais du Louvre, and the Corning Museum of Glass. The Chihuly Collection also includes a retail store featuring Chihuly glass works, and a 30-seat theater that offers an informative, entertaining video presentation. Enrich your experience further by watching live glass-blowing demonstrations at the Morean Arts Center's Glass Studio & Hot Shop, at 719 Central Avenue, or experiencing it yourself by participating in a personal Hot Shop Glass Experience. (See the Morean Arts Center listing on page 19 for more information.) Chihuly Collection hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 12-6 p.m., Sundays. Docentled tours begin every hour on the half-hour, Monday through Friday, and floating docents are available for guests on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Dali Museum One Dali Boulevard 727-823-3767 www.thedali.org The new $36 million Dali Museum welcomed 370,000 visitors in 2011, its inaugural year. A work of distinguished architecture, it is listed as one of the top buildings to see in your lifetime by AOL Travel News. Visitors are welcomed at the entrance by a visionary Avant-Garden created in the spirit of the late Spanish surrealist, Salvador Dali. The museum's exterior, featuring 1,062 triangular-shaped glass panels, is itself a work of art reflective of Dali's unique combination of classical and fantastic elements. The geodesic creation, nicknamed the "Glass Enigma," is the only structure of its kind in North America. No two glass panels are identical, providing a kaleidoscopic view of St. Petersburg's picturesque waterfront. The Helical Staircase—a spiral that ascends to the third floor galleries—is the main architectural focus of the interior. An energetic form created with mathematical precision and resembling a strand of DNA, the helix was recognized by Dalí as evidence of the divine in nature. Named the top-rated museum in the American South by the Michelin guide, The Dali features one of the most acclaimed collections of a single modern artist in the world. It houses 2,140 pieces of art by Dali, including 96 oil paintings and eight of the artist's renowned Master Works—paintings that measure more than five feet. The museum's Café Gala, named in honor of Dali's wife, Gala, is a casual eatery that introduces visitors to Spanish food and history. You can eat inside or out on the Avant-Garden patio, making a visit

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to Café Gala a destination in itself—a museum ticket is not required. Likewise, the museum store, stocked with Dali-inspired gifts, books, jewelry and home accessories, is admission-free. During summer 2012, the Dali will launch the first-ever conservation project of its Master Works, which are now a half-century old. The project will be a living exhibition that the public can view in the Hough Family Wing. Dali curators will work with the foremost painting conservationists from the Metropolitan Museum of Art during museum hours. During fall 2012, the exhibition, Jeff Koons at the Dali, will present the wildly impish and perfectly crafted avant-garde works of this internationally known American artist. Koons, who met Dali as a teenager, has stated that the remarkable surrealist was a personal and artistic inspiration to him. In 2013, the Dali Museum will bring works by Eduardo Chillida, the great Basque sculptor, to St. Petersburg. The following year, in 2014, the museum will bring Pablo Picasso’s work to Florida. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Wednesday and Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. ,Thursdays; and 12-5:30 p.m., Sundays.

Mahaffey Theater at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts

400 1st Street South 727-892-5767 www.mahaffeytheater.com The recently renovated Mahaffey Theater is a 2,030-seat bayside cultural jewel. A three-story glass curtain wall and glass-enclosed atrium overlook St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront. The Mahaffey hosts top-quality national and international artists and performances—Broadway, classical, pop, rock, comedy, dance, family and the renowned Florida Orchestra. Additionally, the theater supports the highly successful Class Acts program, which enables school children to experience the performing arts through in-theater performances as well as in-school outreach and extension programs. Upcoming performances include Diana Ross; American Pickers; Creedence Clearwater Revisited; Pop Goes the Rock by Cirque Dreams; and 1964-The Tribute (Beatles). Check with the Vinoy Navigator for a current schedule.

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) 255 Beach Drive N.E. 727-896-2667 www.fine-arts.org From a legendary permanent collection to fascinating traveling exhibits, the MFA inspires visitors with diverse and ever-changing opportunities to experience art. Discover 4,500 years of civilization in thousands of objects extending from antiquity to the present—the only comprehensive art collection of its kind on Florida’s west coast. On view are striking works by European artists Monet, Gauguin, Renoir, Morisot, Cézanne and Rodin; and American artists Georgia O’Keeffe, George Inness and Robert Henri. Ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Asian, African, pre-Columbian and Native American art is also displayed. The MFA's photography collection is one of the largest and most significant in the Southeast , and a Steuben glass gallery and sculpture garden round out the museum's encyclopedic collection. A landmark exhibition, on display through April 29, 2012, brings to life one of the greatest civilizations in the history of the world. Ancient Egypt—Art and Magic: Treasures from the Fondation Gandur pour l’Art/Geneva spotlights astonishing objects of every kind, including mummy cases and sacred works in diverse media, tomb and temple reliefs, a vignette of the weighing of the heart from the Book of the Dead, alabaster vessels and rare objects comprised of precious stones. The MFA Café, open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday (until 8 p.m. on Thursdays), serves bistro-style gourmet lunches, a Sunday Brunch and delectable desserts that are themselves works of art. The Museum Store resembles an art gallery and is a prime shopping destination on Beach Drive, brimming with distinctive gifts, challenging games, mind-broadening books, artistic jewelry, greeting cards and more. Museum and store hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; and 12-5 p.m., Sundays. The museum's galleries remain open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Vinoy 2012

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More Museums & Theaters (Note: Listed venues can be found on the map, on page 48)

American Stage Theatre Company at the Raymond James Theatre

163 3rd Street North 727-823-7529 www.americanstage.org American Stage Theatre Company, founded in 1977, is a professional equity regional theatre that offers an annual Mainstage Series and American Stage in the Park. The 20112012 season showcases a mix of comedy and drama, including: 2.5 Minute Ride, winner of the 1999 Obie Award (March 16 through May 6); The Rocky Horror Show, presented as the 27th Annual American Stage in the Park performance (April 11 through May 13); Vanishing Point, a musical fantasy (June 1 through July 1); and The Foreigner, offering non-stop hilarity (July 27 through August 19). The theatre company recently relocated to its new, 182-seat state-of-the-art facility in the heart of downtown, across the street from Williams Park. Call or go online for a complete schedule and performance details.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum

2240 9th Avenue South 727-323-1104 www.woodsonmuseum.org The museum presents the historic voice of one segment of the St. Petersburg community in the perspective of local, regional and national history. Call to inquire about the planned Legacy Garden Music Series that will take place under the oaks on the museum grounds. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., TuesdayThursday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Fridays; and 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays.

Photos pages 16-23 courtesy of St./Clearwater VCB

Florida Holocaust Museum

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55 5th Street South 727-820-0100 www.flholocaustmuseum.org One of the largest of its kind in the U.S., the museum collects, preserves, and makes available to the public the historical record and artistic interpretation of the Holocaust and other genocides. History, Heritage and Hope, a permanent exhibition, uses original artifacts, historical photographs and documents to tell the story of the Holocaust, with a special emphasis on the personal stories of local survivors. The centerpiece of the museum is a Polish boxcar used to transport victims to the death camps during World War II. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Sunday; open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays, seasonally; call ahead to confirm.

Great Explorations - Children’s Museum

1925 4th Street North (by Sunken Gardens) 727-821-8992 www.greatexplorations.org Interactive exhibits on the arts, sciences, health and technology will amaze and delight the all ages. Among them are the Engine Company 15 Fire House; Fit4AllKidsville; I Can Construct; Robot Lab; Animation Station; and Sound Waves. Hours: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday; and 12-4:30 p.m., Sundays.

Heritage Village

11909 125th Street North, Largo 727-582-2123 www.pinellascounty.org/heritage This 21-acre living history museum contains more than 28 historic structures and features—a school, church, sponge warehouse, railroad depot, store and homes—some dating back to the 19th century. Docents in period costumes describe the pioneer lifestyle and demonstrate crafts, skills and activities such as gardenening, rope making, net mending, blacksmithing, traditional fiber arts and pioneer cooking. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday; and 1-4 p.m., Sundays.


required; call ahead or go online). Center hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., MondaySaturday; and 12-6 p.m., Sundays. Hot Shop demonstration begin promptly at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. daily, with an additional 12 p.m. demonstration on Sundays. Image by Tes One

The Palladium at St. Petersburg College

Morean Arts Center

719 Central Avenue 727-822-7872 www.moreanartscenter.org The Morean connects people with art through innovative, community-oriented art and art education. The center offers studio art classes and workshops; mounts contemporary art exhibitions; reaches out to at-risk youth through several programs; conducts special events; hosts summer and winter arts camps; and programs early childhood education initiatives in its Bank of America Children’s Learning Center. The Morean also runs one of the Southeast’s leading ceramics programs at the Morean Arts Center for Clay, at the Historic Seaboard Train Station (420 22nd Street South; 727-821-7162). Upcoming exhibitions at the Morean include Bloom (through March 11), featuring paintings, sculptures, installations and video works by Florida artists, based on the subject of flowers; and Leave a Message: Street Art in Florida (June 9-August 24). At the Morean's Glass Studio & Hot Shop, watch a demo artist turn molten glass into a magnificent example of glass art. Create a blown glass ornament or paperweight yourself, via the Hot Shop Personal Glass Experience, designed with the novice in mind (reserved, timed tickets

253 Fifth Avenue North 727-822-3590 www.spcollege.edu/palladium This historic, 880-seat theater is home to concerts, dance and more, showcasing local and regional performers; Encore, a Tampa Bay favorite chamber music series; and national and international acts. The St. Petersburg Opera Company also performs here (727-823-2040 or www.stpeteopera.org). Check with the Vinoy Navigator for a current schedule of events.

Ruth Eckerd Hall Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Performing Arts (See map on page 20) 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 727-791-7400 www.rutheckerdhall.com Ruth Eckerd Hall hosts world-class performances in music, theater, dance and children’s theater. The Florida Orchestra performs here, as well (for more information, visit www.floridaorchestra.org). Visit the Ruth Eckerd website or check with the Vinoy Navigator for a current schedule.

St. Petersburg Museum of History

335 2nd Avenue N.E. (by the Pier) 727-894-1052 www.spmoh.org The museum collects, preserves and communicates the history and heritage of Florida, with emphasis on St. Petersburg and the Pinellas Peninsula. One hugely popular exhibit

recognizes St. Petersburg as the birthplace of scheduled aviation. In 1914, pilot Tony Jannus flew the Benoist Airboat from St. Petersburg to Tampa on the world's first scheduled airline flight, transporting St. Petersburg Mayor Abe Pheil and a bag of mail, and the museum features a full-scale, operational replica of the historic airboat. The interactive Walk Through Time exhibit is an intriguing way to learn about the regions’s colorful past. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sundays.

Science Center of Pinellas County

7701 22nd Avenue North 727-384-0027 www.sciencecenterofpinellas.com The Center includes a 600-gallon Marine Touch Tank; a replica of a 16th century Native American village; an Animal Room; exhibits showcasing African American contributions to science; and gardens. The planetarium’s MediaGlobe is a stateof-the-art digital, full-color, full-sky-view planetarium projector. The Carol Samuels Observatory features a powerful Meade 16-inch telescope. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday; planetarium shows are scheduled at 3 p.m.

on Fridays. Hours vary during the summer months, and the center is creating a new website for 2012; call ahead to confirm hours before your visit.

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Shopping & Art Galleries, St. Pete-Style: Waterfront Vistas, Main Street Charm and Luxurious Options St. Petersburg’s vital downtown area beckons with a delightful array of sophisticated shopping choices. Upscale boutiques, one-of-a-kind retail shops and intimate art galleries nestle side by side with bistros and restaurants, museums and high-end condos along the Beach Drive District. The tree-lined, waterfront pathway runs north to south, connecting the Vinoy to shops at Baywalk and Muvico 20, the Mahaffey Theater, the Chihuly Collection and The Dali Museum. Nearby is the Grand Central District, a Main Street Community and Revival District whose motto, "Eat, Shop and Play," reflects its diverse mix of fine galleries, antique shops, boutiques and eclectic dining and drinking establishments. Grand Central District is located just west of downtown, between 16th and 31st streets in the Central Avenue corridor.

THINGS TO DO (Note: Listed attractions can be found on the map, on page 48)

Ambria’s Gallery of Wearable Art 222 Beach Drive N.E.; 727-895-8609 www.ambrias.com Now in their twelfth year of business, offering a vast selection of special occasion wear in sizes 4 to 26, jewelry, shoes and accessories. Ambria’s also provides quick, efficient and professional alteration services on the premises. Bella Moda 30 Beach Drive N.E.; 727-623-9981 Bella Moda sells fashions by top Brazilian designers Maria Valentina, Morena Rosa, Moikana and Zinco, each representing a different age group. Daywear, occasion wear, dress shoes, swimwear and jewelry. Bernie’s & Son Fashion Jewelers 154 Beach Drive N.E.; 727-823-2000 www.berniesandson.net Tampa Bay’s most unique jewelry store for more than 30 years. Wonderful variety of estate, custom-made and designer pieces. Diamonds and gems. Classic timepieces. Sizing, settings and repairs while you wait Appraisals. C2 Fine Art 727-822-8270 www.c2fineart.com A contemporary art gallery whose exhibition schedule rotates every eight weeks and features work by international and national emerging and established painters. Constance James, Fine Artist constanceusa@hotmail.com; 727-488-1789 Internationally renowned artist Constance James paints Impressionist and Abstract/Expression oils. Her work is displayed at Northstar Realty, on Beach Drive, and the Color Bar Salon, in the Parkshore Building. She Pinellas Trail also creates her colorful magic in front of The Gift Box and Sweet Divas.

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Gallery 670 670 Central Avenue; 727-741-3944 www.kevinbrant.com The working studio of artist Kevin R. Brant features his nature, wildlife and game fish art and vinyl snook, tarpon and redfish decals. Brant also creates custom tile murals and backsplashes. The Gift Box 400 Beach Drive N.E., Ste. 169; 727-209-8300 www.thegiftboxstpete.com Appealing gifts, including china, glassware and barware; baby, wedding and hostess gifts; candles; and jewelry, scarves and beach bags. Selections from local artists and crafts people, too. Shooz on Beach Drive 212 Beach Drive N.E.; 727-821-2200 www.shoozonbeachdrive.com Featuring the finest brands in the latest styles for men and women, including Naot, Eric Michaels, Pikolinos, Onex, OluKai, Mezlan, Bacco Bucci, Spira and Rainbow Sandals. Uniquely Yours Boutique 111 Second Avenue N.E., Ste. 101; 727-896-5400 www.uniquelyyoursboutique.com Uniquely Yours’ carefully edited collections of apparel, fashion jewelry and accessories are ever-changing, unpredictable and exciting. Each piece is intended to wow!


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Getting Out & About Explore Our Wealth of Attractions Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 1-888-800-5447 www.buschgardens.com A world-class zoo with record-breaking roller coasters, Great Explorations entertainment, animal attractions, shops and restaurants. The Coliseum 535 4th Avenue North; 727-892-5202 www.stpete.org/coliseum This historic 1924 ballroom, one of America’s largest, was featured in the motion picture Cocoon. It hosts concerts, ballroom dancing and Big Band swing, sock hops, dance lessons and more. The Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-273-4000; www.flaquarium.org Housed within an 83-foot-high multi-tier glass dome are more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals native to Florida and from around the globe. Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Lowry Park Zoo 1101 West Sligh Avenue, Tampa 813-935-8552; www.lowryparkzoo.com Voted the #1 Family-Friendly Zoo in the nation by Child magazine. Recognized by the state of Florida as a center for wildlife conservation and biodiversity. Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. The Pier 800 2nd Avenue N.E; 727-821-6164 www.stpete-pier.com This five-story inverted pyramid on Tampa Bay is just steps from the Vinoy. Specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, an aquarium, boat tours and charters, electric boats, bikes, fishing and entertainment. Open daily.

Travel by Trolley

It's easy to find your way around downtown and the Grand Central District—just hop aboard the St. Petersburg Trolley. From Grand Central Station or Williams Park, you can catch a ride on PSTA routes throughout Pinellas County, the beaches and Tampa Bay. Look for the bright red and yellow trolleys, hop aboard and connect to all the city's major museums and attractions on two routes: the Downtown Looper and the Central Avenue Shuttle. Both routes cross paths at The Pier and BayWalk.

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Sunken Gardens 1825 4th Street N.; 727-551-3102 www.stpete.org/sunken A botanical paradise more than 100 years old, with meandering paths, demonstration gardens, cascading waterfalls, a Butterfly Encounter, and more. Open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon-4:30 p.m., Sundays.

Beach-Bound

The St. Petersburg/Clearwater shoreline is known as “Florida’s Beach,” famous for its 35 miles of clean, safe, powder-white sand. Fort De Soto Park was recently named America’s top beach by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest online travel community, and nearby Caladesi Island State Park was rated the best beach in the nation by Dr. Steve Leatherman (“Dr. Beach”). Caladesi is accessible only by boat or ferry service; for more information, call 727-469-5918. More than 20 barrier islands, also known as keys, buffer the Pinellas Peninsula from the Gulf of Mexico. The gentle slope and calm surf of area beaches make them perfect for family water activities and ideal for sunning, shelling, swimming and surf fishing. Quaint shops, chic boutiques and a variety of waterfront restaurants can be found along the way. To sink your toes into some sugar-soft sand, just ask the Vinoy Navigator for directions; our beaches are a short drive from the Resort. You can also take the air-conditioned Suncoast Beach Trolley, which offers quick transportation along the St. Petersburg/Clearwater beaches and to downtown St. Petersburg. Trolleys operate every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost is $2 per ride (exact change required) or $4.50 for a one-day GO Card with unlimited rides. See the map on page 20 for beach locations. Fort De Soto Park 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde (Pinellas Bayway off I-275 & 54th Avenue S.) 727-552-1862; www.pinellascounty.org Fort De Soto was named America’s top beach for two consecutive years by TripAdvisor, which cited a “spectacular combination of soft white sand; calm, clear water; and a laid-back atmosphere.” With 1,136 acres on five interconnected islands, Fort De Soto is the area’s largest county park and includes more than seven miles of beaches, boat docks, campgrounds, fishing piers, nature trails, and a canoe trail. It was named “America’s Best Beach" by Dr. Steve Leatherman ("Dr. Beach") in 2005.


Ambria’s

Gallery of Wearable Art Sophisticated Social and Special Occasion Wear

Dining, Food & Spirits

400 Beach Seafood & Tap House 400 Beach Drive N.E.; 727-896-2400 www.400beachseafood.com Lunch and dinner daily and Sunday Brunch Buffet. Honored for "Best Seafood" in 2011 by Metromix, and "Best Raw Bar" by Tampa Bay magazine. Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro 300 2nd Avenue N.E.; 727-894-4429 www.frescoswaterfrontbistro.com This is waterfront dining Florida-style, just steps from the Vinoy, with a variety of seafood and classic menu items. Happy Hour with tasty drink specials. Open for lunch and dinner daily, and their Sunday Brunch is like no other! The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge Albert Whitted Airport, 540 1st Street S.E.; 727-823-7767 www.thehangarstpete.com This café by day, bistro by night serves varied breakfast, lunch and dinner fare. Watch planes take off while you dine. The Moon Under Water 332 Beach Drive N.E.; 727-896-6160 www.themoonunderwater.com British Colonial-style Tavern offering indoor-outdoor dining. Easy walk from the Vinoy. Superb curries, tandooris, Indian and British fare and fine international cuisine. Lunch and dinner daily. Parkshore Grill 300 Beach Drive N.E.; 727-896-9463 www.parkshoregrill.com Just one block from the Vinoy, overlooking the Vinoy Yacht Basin. Honored for "Best Contemporary Cuisine" in 2011 by Tampa Bay magazine. Indoor-outdoor dining, lunch and dinner daily, created by Chef Tyson Grant with a commitment to green practices.

222 Beach Dr. NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701

727-895-8609 www.ambrias.com Vinoy 2012

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Sweet Divas Chocolates 400 Beach Drive N.E., Ste. 181; 727-379-4567 www.sweetdivaschocolates.com Delectable temptations featuring the finest Belgian chocolate. Gourmet cupcakes and muffins, artisan ice cream and specialty teas and coffees. Valentino's Little Italy 1003 4th Street N.; 727-895-5610 www.valentinoslittleitaly.com New York-style pizza and Italian specialties created from the freshest, most flavorful ingredients. Happy Hour 4-6 p.m. features 2-for-1. Wine Madonna 111 2nd Avenue N.E., Ste. 102; 727-289-7257 www.winemadonna.com A relaxing, fun and cozy wine lounge featuring 38+ wines by the glass, light beers and specially packaged tastings from local chefs. Open from 3 p.m. until the last sip.

St. Pete Baseball History Baseball Boulevard, a series of home-plate plaques, is an intriguing history of spring training and the “boys of summer,” from 1914 to the present. The plaques lead from Progress Energy Park’s Al Lang Field to Tropicana Field, a self-guided tour of about 10 city blocks; most are on the south side of Central Avenue. On Centerfield Street at Tropicana Field, the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame (www.tedwilliamsmuseum.com) honors the “greatest hitter who ever lived” and such legends as Willie Mays, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, and Sadaharu Oh.

Natural Pursuits

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way South 727-893-7326; www.stpete.org/boyd More than three miles of easy trails and boardwalks wind along Lake Maggiore’s scenic shoreline through 245 acres and five unique ecosystems. Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, and a bird of prey aviary. Picnic areas, children’s playground, environmental education center and gift shop. Florida Botanical Gardens 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo 727-582-2100; www.flbg.org Some 30 acres of cultivated gardens and 90 acres of natural areas make up Florida’s largest garden, which showcases environmentally friendly techniques. Family-friendly walking tours, workshops and a children’s trail. Open 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily; free admission. Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum North Shore Drive & 10th Avenue N.E. 727-893-7335 www.stpete.org/parks/palm.asp Just a short walk from the Vinoy is this restful two-acre waterfront park, with pathways, a gazebo and conversation corners. More than 500 palms and cycads represent some 150 species from around the world. The Pinellas Trail (See map on page 20) Runs from St. Petersburg north to Dunedin (Vinoy Navigator has trail maps) 727-464-8200 www.pinellascounty.org/trailgd/default.htm This 34-mile, security-patrolled linear greenway for walking, jogging, skating and biking links picturesque parks, neighborhoods and scenic coastal areas. Bike racks, refreshment stops and pay phone stations are conveniently located along the way. Open year-round, but during daylight hours only.

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Real Estate & Realtors Northstar Realty 216 Beach Drive N.E.; 727-528-7653 www.northstarrealty.com A premier boutique real estate company representing buyers and sellers of choice properties in all price ranges and neighborhoods in the Tampa Bay area. Ovation / JMC Communities 120 2nd Avenue N.E.; 727-898-1180 www.ovationjmc.com The ultimate in sophisticated urbanwaterfront living, Ovation offers the spacious comfort of estate-sized residences complemented by opulent amenities. The Simms Team ALVA International Florida Real Estate 238 Beach Drive N.E.; 727-898-2582 www.simmsteam.com Specializing in waterfront and luxury properties and relocations throughout the Tampa Bay area. Smith & Associates 300 Beach Drive N.E.; 727-342-3800 www.smithandassociates.com For more than 40 years, helping individuals and families acquire homes that accommodate their unique sense of luxury.

Spas & Hair Salons The Retreat European Aesthetics 2837 1st Avenue N.; 727-498-6554 www.bodyjetretreat.com Roxana Stoici, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon, offers Body Jet, Zerona, Botox, Restylane, Juvederm, facials, waxing and chemical peels.

Salon LaRu 206 Beach Drive N.E.; 727-894-8418 www.salonlaru.com A premier salon that offers cuts, styling and color in a relaxed setting, as well as makeup and complete makeover services.

Sports & Recreation

Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (See Calendar, page 26) 727-824-7223 www.GPStPete.com

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - NFL Raymond James Stadium, Tampa 1-800-795-2827 or 813-870-2700 www.buccaneers.com Catch National Football League excitement at this world-famous stadium, often called the “crown jewel of the NFL.” Buccaneer Cove, in the north end of the stadium, is a 20,000square-foot pirate extravaganza; its centerpiece is a 103-foot-long replica of an early 1800s pirate ship. Tampa Bay Rays Tropicana Field; 1-888-326-7297 www.tampabay.rays.mlb.com The 2008 World Series team and the American League’s Florida favorite, swings for the fences at domed Tropicana Field, with home games April-September. Visit the unique Rays Tank, a huge tank that is home to gentle and curious cownose rays that fans can touch and feed throughout the game. The 10,000gallon tank is one of the 10 largest in the U.S. Tampa Bay Lightning - NHL St. Pete Times Forum 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa; 813-301-6600 www.lightning.nhl.com This National Hockey League team takes to the ice, October through April.


The Shoppes At 400 Beach Drive

Sophisticated . . . Charming . . . with delightful finds and one-of-a-kind treasures. Enjoy a unique shopping experience along St. Petersburg’s beautiful downtown waterfront.

Vinoy 2011

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Fridays – Planetarium Show. 7 & 8:15 p.m., at the Natural Science building at St. Petersburg College, 69th Street N. at 5th Ave. Free. Call to confirm dates. 341-4320.

CALENDAR

First Saturday of the Month – Book Nook by the Bay. A family program of The Pier Aquarium. 10:30-a.m.-12 p.m. 821-6443. Saturdays – Saturday Morning Market. European-style open-air market. Organic produce, gourmet foods, baked goods, arts and crafts and live music. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in the Al Lang Stadium parking lot at 230 First Street S. www.saturdaymorningmarket.com.

S

pecial events and celebrations take place yearround in the St. Petersburg area. Phone or go online to verify dates and locations, or check with the Vinoy Navigator. Unless noted, location is St. Petersburg and area code is 727. St. Petersburg Entertainment Hotline: 727-892-5700 Citywide events, including The Pier, Coliseum and Mahaffey Theatre. Also provides a Looper Trolley schedule. Visit www.stpete.org. Museums & Theatres: See the listings on pages 16-19 for information. Tampa Bay Rays (American League baseball), Tampa Bay Lightning (National Hockey League) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (National Football League): Ask the Vinoy Navigator for home game schedules.

Ongoing Events

Tram Tours & Monthly Walks – Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Tram Tours: 1 p.m., Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m., Saturdays. Interpretive programming on a variety of environmental and natural history topics. 893-7326; www.stpete.org/boyd. Kids…Dillydally with Dali – Youngsters can discover the creative world of Dali every day with stories, puzzles and craft activities that educate and encourage family interaction. Free program. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., weekdays; 11:45 a.m. -4:30 p.m., Saturdays; and 12:30-4 p.m., Sundays. The Dali Museum. 823-3767; www.thedalimuseum.org. April-October – Tampa Bay Rays Baseball! The American League’s favorite Florida team swings for the fences at domed Tropicana Field. 1-888-FANRAYS; www.raysbaseball.com. 1st Friday – Get Downtown! Dancingin-the-streets block party, 6-10:30 p.m. Live music, food and drink vendors. Central Avenue between 2nd and 3rd streets. www.firstfridaystpete.com.

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Saturdays, OctoberApril – Historic Walking Tours by St. Petersburg Preservation. Begin at 10 a.m. at the Central Café & Organics, 243 Central Ave. Various two-hour tours: Downtown; North by Old Northeast; Westward Ho; and the Waterfront. 824-7802; www. stpetepreservation.org. 2nd Saturday – Gallery Walk. Art galleries from 30th Street N. to the downtown waterfront welcome strolling browsers. Meet owners and artists. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Downtown Arts Association. 323-2787; www.stpetearts.com.

Sundays – Pier Paddle Social. Join fellow stand-up paddleboard enthusiasts to paddle around the iconic Pier at 1 p.m. Rental boards available. Meet at Spa Beach Park. www.stpetepier.com. 1st Mondays – Monthly Jazz Jam. Presented by the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association at The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge. 8-10 p.m. www.aldowningjazz.com. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, October through July – Tea Dances at the Coliseum. Instruction, 11:30 a.m.; dancing and live music, 1 p.m. 892-5202.

January 2012

1 – Outback Bowl. Teams from SEC and Big 10 Conference. Raymond James Stadium, Tampa. www.outbackbowl.com. 28 – Pinellas Folk Festival. Folk, bluegrass, country and gospel musicians perform at Heritage Village, Largo. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 582-2123.

February 2012

1 – All Country Music Fest - St. Petersburg Festival of States. Presented by the Florida Suncoasters and held at the Mahaffey Theatre. www.festivalofstates.com. 10-12 – Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete Half-Marathon. More than 8,000 runners compete on Sunday, the 12th, as the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Pete Half Marathon debuts. Race weekend kicks off on Friday, the 10th, with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo at Tropicana Field that includes interactive clinics from fitness experts; free admission.

Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 23-25, 2012 727-898-4639 www.GPStPete.com Billed as the World's Fastest Spring Break Party, the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg features motorsports racing through the streets of downtown St. Petersburg on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn waterfront circuit. This will be the eighth running of the event, with drivers racing at speeds in excess of 170 mph. The 2012 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will mark the first race for the new IZOD IndyCar Series car, which replaces the current chassis introduced in 2003. The event will also mark the beginning of a new form of competition among engine manufacturers, with three different engines, Honda, Chevrolet and Lotus, competing for track leadership. The Festival of States Illuminated Night Parade and Fireworks starts the weekend of festivities. Race drivers wind through downtown and along the waterfront to celebrate the official start of the Honda Grand Prix. With fabulous floats lighting up the streets and fireworks illuminating the night sky, combined with a night of music and beads, it's a great way to jump-start the weekend. Friday is packed with qualifying sessions, and practice and qualifying sessions continue on Saturday. The main event unfolds Sunday with concerts and air shows all morning, leading up to the exciting pre-race ceremonies and the IZOD IndyCar race start. The Vinoy is the headquarters for this race, popular with VIPs and celebrities.


Known for an electrifying combination of fitness and entertainment, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series now runs in 27 cities across the world, with events held in the U.S. and five international destinations. The Vinoy is one of the local corporate sponsors of the event. www.runrocknrollcompetitor.com.

13-15 – Tampa Bay Blues Fest features worldrenowned musicians. Held at Vinoy Park. 895-6153; www.tampabaybluesfest.com.

9-20 – Florida State Fair. Nationally known entertainers and the state’s best food, arts and crafts. Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa. www.floridastatefair.com.

21-22 – 37th annual Mainsail Arts Festival. One of the nation’s top 100 art festivals. Entertainment, food, children’s art tent. Vinoy Park. www.mainsailartsfestival.org.

17-19 – Big Ten/BIG EAST Baseball Challenge. Ten total division I baseball games each day throughout Pinellas County. www.bigtenbigeastbaseballchallenge.com.

28-29 – Green Thumbs Festival. Celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day. This family-friendly city event includes the Garden Club of St. Petersburg Flower Show. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Walter Fuller Park, 7891 26th Avenue N. 893-7441.

18 – 7th Annual Grand Central Chili CookOff. 2400-2600 Central Avenue. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Family-friendly event with arts and crafts, entertainment, food and wine, and chili galore. www.grandcentra​ldistrict.org.

27-29 – Sports & Fitness Expo. Held in conjunction with St. Anthony’s Triathlon. Free product samples and great buys. Free event in Straub Park. www.satriathlon.com.

18 – Pioneer Music Jamboree. Music, pioneer activities and hayrides. Pinellas Pioneer Settlement at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. 893-7326; www.pinellaspioneersettlement.org.

19-22 – Sunscreen Film Festival. Held at the BayWalk Muvico 20 Theatres. www.sunscreenfilmfestival.com.

29 – St. Anthony’s Triathlon. 29th annual swim, bike and run competition. Safe and scenic waterfront course. Starts at 6:50 a.m. at Spa Beach, The Pier. www.satriathlon.com.

March 2012

17 – Spring Fling! Fun for the whole family at Pinellas Pioneer Settlement at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. 893-7326; www.pinellaspioneersettlement.org.

30-April 1 – 2012 Festivals of Speed. This extraordinary event gathers some of the world’s most exotic automobiles, aircraft, motorcycles and watercraft. • Saturday, March 31 – Tampa Bay Poker Run, at the Vinoy Marina, includes a display of high-performance boats exceeding speeds of 100 mph. • Sunday, April 1 – Motorsports Collection & Luxury Lifestyle Display, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at North Straub Park and the Vinoy Marina. www.festivalsofspeed.com.

April 2012

May 2012

TBA – Annual Taste of Pinellas! Fabulous food and music festival at Vinoy Park. Family fun for all ages, including a Kids’ Zone for children. www.tasteofpinellas.com.

July 2012

4 – 4th of July Festivities. All-day family fun begins at 2 p.m. at Vinoy Park, North Straub Park and the Pier. Exhibits, entertainment, food and waterfront fireworks display at 9 p.m.

18 – Lady Speed Stick Women’s Half Marathon and Women's Running Magazine 5K. Both races wind along the scenic downtown waterfront. www.womenshalfmarathon.com. End of November through December – Holiday Lights & Open House. Beach Drive and downtown shops and galleries sparkle with lights and offer extended shopping hours. 24-Dec. 31 – Holiday Traditions. Each of Heritage Village's historic buildings is beautifully decorated for the season. Largo. Free. 582-2123.

December 2012

TBA – Bruce Watters Jewelers Holiday Festival & Illuminated Boat Parade. Live entertainment and children's activities begin at noon; the parade begins at 6 p.m. and is viewable from The Pier and downtown waterfront. www.stpeteboatparade.org.

TBA – City of St. Petersburg Santa Parade & Snowfest! Downtown waterfront. Morning parade heads north along Bayshore Drive, followed by Snowfest! in North Straub Park. 1-31 – Holiday Fantasy at The Pier includes decorations, carolers, entertainment, Santa visits and more. www.stpetepier.com.

October 2012

TBA – Creative Clay's FolkFest St. Pete art and music festival is held on Central Avenue (from 11th to 13th streets). www.folkfeststpete.org. TBA – 20th annual St. Petersburg Times Festival of Reading. National and regional authors, storytelling, music and food. 10 a.m.4 p.m. at USF St. Petersburg, 140 7th Ave. S. 893-8523; www.festivalofreading.com.

8 – Sunrise Easter Service at The Pier. 6:30 a.m.

18-21 – Clearwater Jazz Holiday. Offers the best in jazzdom, from bebop to blues. Free. Coachman Park, downtown Clearwater. 461-5200. www.clearwaterjazz.com.

11-May 13 – American Stage in the Park presents The Rocky Horror Show. Demens Landing. Call for complete 2012 schedule. 823-7529.

27 – Fall Jubilee. Giant flea market, book sale and handmade holiday gifts at Heritage Village, Largo. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 582-2123.

1 – Orchid & Hibiscus Festival. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunken Gardens. www.sunkengardens.org.

16-17 – Lady Speed Stick Women’s Half Marathon Expo. Presented by Women's Running magazine to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Health and fitness booths with information and products. Held in the Vinoy's Grand Ballroom.

TBA – St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show. The Gulf Coast’s largest boat show is held at Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park. Family activities. See and sail the newest models. www.boatshow.com.

17 – National Quilting Day Celebration. Music, dance, crafts and hands-on activities at Heritage Village, Largo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 582-2123. 22 – Honda Grand Prix Illuminated Night Parade - St. Petersburg Festival of States. Presented by the Florida Suncoasters. Fabulous floats, music, dancing and beads galore highlight the official start of Grand Prix weekend. Spectacular fireworks immediately after the parade, and a Party in the Park in North Straub with Grand Prix drivers and a marching band. www.festivalofstates.com.

November 2012

TBA – RibFest 2012. A classic rock concert, best-ever ribs, and great family fun. Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg. www.ribfest.org.

31 – First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration. Downtown’s fun-filled, alcohol-free event at the Vinoy basin welcomes all ages to help ring in the New Year. Enjoy music and dancing; refreshements available at the food court. 5 p.m.- midnight (fireworks at midnight). www.firstnightstpete.com. Vinoy 2012

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FINEST DINING

the

Marchand’s 28

Vinoy 2012


Exquisitely presented, each plate is an experience to be savored, in settings that range from laidback to luxurious.

E

xecutive Chef Mark Heimann says that people today are more knowledgeable about food, and he couldn't be happier. "It's gratifying to see people enjoy well-prepared, healthy meals," he says. "I have a passion for what I do. I love to cook and I love to create." Featuring fresh ingredients—obtained locally whenever possible—and innovative twists, the Vinoy's menus are as tantalizing to read as they are to sample, and each offers "smart dining" options that feature healthier alternatives. "Dining should be a pleasure for all the senses," Heimann advises, "blending complementary flavors and aromas, and the visual enticement of dishes that are beautifully presented. Nothing is more satisfying." Heimann's philosophy, shared by the resort's entire culinary staff, helps underscore why the Vinoy, and Heimann's delectable recipe for Seared Scallops with Pumpkin Puree, are featured in the guidebook, Florida's Culinary Coast, a selection of the best resorts, restaurants and recipes from Tarpon Springs to Marco Island. Honored for several consecutive years with Florida Trend magazine’s Golden Spoon award, which recognizes the state’s best restaurants, the Vinoy has earned a place in the prestigious Golden Spoon Hall of Fame. Food and dining ambience were also important criteria for the “Best in the World” designation given to the Vinoy by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. And, in 2010 and 2011, the Resort's signature restaurant, Marchand's Bar & Grill, earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in recognition of its wine program.

Food with Flavor and Flair

This year, the Vinoy has partnered with New York chefs and restaurateurs, Eric and Bruce Bromberg, to introduce Blue Ribbon Classics to the bar menus at Marchand's and the Promenade Lobby Bar. The Bromberg brothers' Blue Ribbon restaurants in New York are known as the go-to places for chefs after their kitchens close. Now, the Brombergs and Renaissance chefs, joined by a shared commitment to good food, are bringing the taste of Blue Ribbon from Manhattan to Renaissance Hotels around the nation. Here at the Vinoy, you can enjoy a dozen signature items and specialty cocktails created exclusively for Renaissance Hotels. Energizing menus and infusing them with global touches is a specialty for Chef Heimann, who relishes the opportunity to continually surprise and delight Vinoy guests. "I like to listen to our guests, and then do everything in my power to create their dream experience," he says. "Simply put, I like to make people happy. And consistent, really good food makes people happy."

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PLEASURES OF THE PALATE

Distinctive architecture, inspired decor and sublime views distinguish the Vinoy's several restaurants and new lobby café and lounge. Savor the resort's award-winning cuisine and impeccable service in relaxed, elegant settings that make each meal, beverage or snack a memorable event.

Lobby Café • The ideal spot to pick up to-go fare that is anything but basic, the lobby's new café features illy coffee—the best of authentic Italian coffee—and freshly made gourmetstyle salads, sandwiches and snacks, such as mango chicken salad, hummus, turkey wraps and yogurt. Marchand’s Bar & Grill • Enjoy fine dining as it was meant to be, at the

Vinoy's recently renovated signature restaurant. Leaded arched windows overlook panoramic waterfront vistas, and the hand-painted ceiling and walls set a festive, 1920s mood. Marchand's features award-winning classic American and comfort cuisine, fresh seafood, meats and pasta, as well as Blue Ribbon Classics, created by the Bromberg Brothers, at the bar. Boosting the weekend vibe are DJ Nights with the Best of Lounge Music, from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.on Fridays and Saturdays. Stop by after dinner for a nightcap and take in the best sounds in town. Marchand’s Market-Style Sunday Brunch features individual food stations offering tapas, waffles, seafood, hand-carved meats, desserts, breads

Marchand’s is the Vinoy’s signature restaurant, consistently winning top awards for its innovative cuisine. The fresco work above the columns is original to the hotel and was meticulously restored during the resort’s renovation in the 1990s.

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Savor top-shelf selections of liqueurs and other libations in the Promenade Lobby Bar.

and more. A “Chef’s Table” room allows guests to enjoy private tastings in a secluded setting. Marchand’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fred’s Steakhouse • With the intimate feel of a plush, private club, Fred’s is open for dinner and cocktails, Friday and Saturday evenings. Exclusive to Vinoy Resort guests and Vinoy Club members and available for private parties, Fred’s serves prime beef and fresh seafood. Alfresco's • Sun-washed breezes caress Floribbean-style cuisine at this casual restaurant. Sit inside, or out on the terrace overlooking the pool. Alfresco’s serves lunch, dinner and delightful tropical drinks. A not-to-be-missed breakfast is offered on Sundays. Clubhouse Restaurant (at the Vinoy Golf Club) • Relax and savor a casual lunch or dinner while you enjoy the sweeping fairway vistas of Snell Isle. Breakfast is served on Saturdays and Sundays. Promenade Lobby Bar • Newly expanded as a relaxed and casual, indoor/outdoor gathering space, the Promenade Lobby Bar encompasses the resort's iconic Veranda. The indoor/outdoor bar features LED screens and is open seven days a week, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until midnight on weekends. At 7 p.m. each Friday and Saturday, experience the passionate beat of the Flamenco music of Eddy Lugo, one of St. Petersburg's top musicians. Enjoy a menu of comfort classics like housemade kettle chips with Ybor City Amber Cheddar Dip, housemade jerky plate, shortrib flatbread or Kobe beef burger with housemade pastrami bacon. Top-shelf selections of liqueurs, champagnes, apéritifs and cognacs are also available, along with the resort's signature drink, Aymer’s Promenade Punch, a refreshing concoction of fruit juices, peach nectar, vodka and sparkling water.

Enjoy people-watching overlooking the Vinoy’s pool while sipping a refreshing tropical drink at Alfresco’s. Vinoy 2012

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VINOY RECIPE

During your stay, enjoy the singular tastes created by Executive Chef Mark Heimann. Here, he shares two of the Vinoy's mostrequested recipes—PanFried Trout with Brown Butter, and Strawberry Bruschetta with Spiced Almonds—so you can recreate your own Taste of the Vinoy at home.

Pan-Fried Trout Yield: 4 servings

4 6- to 8-oz. trout fillets 2 Tbsp. butter 2 cups cooked jasmine rice 12 oz. blanched haricot-verts 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced 4 tsp. roasted and sliced almonds Salt and pepper, to taste Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in sauté pan. Sauté trout with salt and pepper. In separate pan, sauté haricot-verts, apples and almonds. Place prepared rice on plate. Lay trout over rice. Top with vert-apple mixture. Drizzle 1 oz. brown butter over the top.

Brown Butter 1/2 lb. butter 1 Tbsp. chopped garlic 1 Tbsp. diced shallots Melt butter. Add garlic and shallots and sauté until lightly brown.

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Strawberry Bruschetta Yield: 4 servings

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4 slices 3" x 3" hearty white bread, crusts removed 2 cups sliced strawberries 1-3/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 oz. crumbled goat cheese 4 cups micro greens 4 Tbsp. spiced almonds (recipe follows) Salt and pepper, to taste Marinate strawberries in 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar for 1 hour. Toast bread squares. Combine greens, olive oil, 3/4 cup balsamic and salt and pepper to taste. Set strawberries atop toasted bread. Layer with goat cheese, micro greens and spiced almonds, and drizzle with additional balsamic vinegar.


Seek Happiness… Drink Wine!!!!

COMFORT WITH STYLE

Co-owners Madonna Metcalf, a Court of Masters Certified Sommelier and Bestselling Random House Author Kris Radish invite you to drink, laugh and relax in a fun, cozy atmosphere where rules go out the window.

• 40+ wines by the glass • Red and white tasting flights • Bottles to go • Tapas available

Featuring only the finest brands in men’s and women’s shoes, handbags and accessories. Naot • Pikolinos • OluKai Spira • Onex • Bacco Bucci Mezlan • Sperry Handbags by Mary Frances • Hobo Anuschka • Chaos

Spiced Almonds Yield: 4 servings

1 cup water 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. fresh-cracked black pepper Pinch of cayenne pepper 2 oz. sliced raw almonds

111 2nd Avenue NE • St. Petersburg, FL In the First Bank Plaza Courtyard

727-289-7257 Open daily - 3PM until the last sip! www.WineMadonna.com Find us on Facebook for news and events

212 Beach Drive NE St. Petersburg, FL 727-821-2200 shoozon beachdrive.com

Combine water, sugar, salt and pepper in pot. Bring to boil. Add almonds and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, until sugar thickens, stirring constantly. Remove and drain. Deep fry for approximately 2 minutes, until crisp.

Recreate the Vinoy's awardwinning cuisine with Taste the Vinoy - "Without Reservations", a lavishly illustrated cookbook co-authored by Chef Heimann. He also collaborated on Fire It Up - Grill with Flavor, Flair & Fun, filled with techniques, tips and 150 recipes ranging from starters to desserts. Both books are available at the Café, in the Lobby.

COMPLETE HAIR SERVICES

• Color Specialists featuring Pravana Chromasilk Hair Color • Makeup Application featuring Mirabella Mineral Cosmetics

A short walk from the Vinoy 206 Beach Dr. NE • 727-894-8418 info@salonlaru.com Vinoy 2012

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Spectacular Amenities

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Historic yet hip, the reinvented Vinoy offers amenities that make it one of the "World's Best Places to Stay," per Condé Nast Traveler.

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esterday's Old World-style grande dame has become today's Vinoy, a modern marvel of classic luxury, redefined for today's faster-paced, high-tech world. What remains unchanged is how the resort dotes on details, each meant to enhance the enjoyment of its guests. Experience unparalleled amenities that include a day spa and salon, championship golf course, marina and sailing school, tennis complex and pool. Here, you can do as much—or as little—as you like, in surroundings of casual elegance and ease.

Sail Away

For those drawn by the irresistible pull of the water and the desire to travel by current, not causeway, the Vinoy's full-service marina offers new horizons and adventures. Just steps from the resort, it features 74 fixed concrete slips and can accommodate vessels up to 130 feet LOA. Guests can sail or motor in, then stay onboard while enjoying all the Vinoy's amenities, including room service. If you left your yacht at home, a licensed captain from the Sailing Florida Charters & Sailing School can navigate your course aboard one of their Hunter yachts. Skim along the water while sighting dolphins, pelicans and St. Petersburg's skyline. Relax as a passenger, or help hoist the sails as an apprentice sailor. Half-day cruises, sunset cruises and ASA (American Sailing Association) sailing school packages are available.

Linger Pool-Side

Sparkling by day and serenely lit by evening, the Vinoy’s heated pool is waterside relaxation at its best. Laze on a lounge chair and catch up on the latest best-seller, swim laps, sample a complimentary water aerobics class, or just paddle around, enjoying the views across the marina. Feeling like a lounge-potato? You can summon a pool attendant for refreshing drinks or cooling towels without leaving the comfort of your chair.

Stay Buff

Foregoing your fitness regimen is not an option, and the Vinoy's state-of-the-art fitness center makes it easy to stay in step with your routine. Its 5,000 square feet include Nautilus® stations, Life Fitness treadmills, Lifecycles® and Stairmasters®, free weights, Elliptical Crosstrainers, a Concept II Rower, plus an aerobics room. Knowledgeable trainers offer workout consultation and supervision, or you can opt for a personalized fitness evaluation, exercise “prescription,” and one-on-one training session. Complimentary classes in water aerobics, yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, strength training and Zumba are offered throughout the week, and separate men’s and women’s private lockers, heated whirlpools, steam rooms and saunas are available, as well. Prefer walking or jogging for your cardio workout? A scenic, paved trail winds around the marina. Bike rentals are available, and the Vinoy Navigator has a map showing area bike paths. Vinoy 2012

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“Why do we all want to play the best course? Because golf is a game that engages not only our bodies, but our imaginations and affections.” - Ron Garl

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Tee Up

Originally created by Donald Ross, the championship Vinoy Golf Course was recently redesigned by Ron Garl, who believes that a course should, “. . .sit softly on the land.” Garl’s layouts, which include several of Florida’s top 50 courses, artfully employ the unique characteristics of the natural terrain, while adhering to sensitive land management. The Vinoy's beautifully manicured and scenic greens, a testament to his success, are home to a colorful variety of birds and wildlife. As stimulating to play as it is enjoyable to view, the 18-hole, par-72

course challenges serious golfers while providing an enjoyable round for casual players. A driving range, practice putting green, bunker and chipping area help you hone your game. The course is located on picturesque Snell Isle, just minutes form the resort via complimentary transportation. Its clubhouse is another historic treasure, an ornate collection of Spanish and Moorish Renaissance influences that was once a section of a European palace and was brought to St. Petersburg in 1925 by local developer Perry Snell. Designed as a replica of a mosque and open-air market, it features minarets, heavily bracketed cornices, horseshoe and keyhole arches and onion domes. Cool off after your round with a refreshing dip in the clubhouse pool, then enjoy cocktails and a casual meal at the bar and restaurant overlooking the back nine. The pro shop carries the latest golf equipment and accessories, along with fashionable apparel. And, if you’d like a lesson or two (either private or group), sign up with one of the club’s teaching professionals.


Head Courtside

Each game, set or match is a memorable experience for tennis enthusiasts at the Vinoy. The Tennis Club's 12 championship HarTru速 green clay surface courts are complemented by lush, tropical surroundings and lit for shadow-free night play. Daily morning or evening clinics are geared to all levels and tailored to those who sign up. Find the latest equipment and the finest names in tennis fashions at the pro shop, where helpful staff will also match you up with a suitable partner. Private or group lessons are available, as well.

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Each of the Vinoy’s 12 championship Har-Tru courts is lit for night play.

Hints from Hans: Be the Best Partner A Vinoy Tennis Tip from Hans Gallauer, Director of Tennis The server's partner plays an essential role in helping the server hold serve. One of the first responsibilities is to get into the head of the person returning the serve. It is very important that the server's partner makes their presence known. Whether through poaching or constant movement, the responsibilities of the server's partner are as follows: • the threat of poaching; • communicating with the server; • staying alert and ready. A few tips for the server's partner are: • Position yourself in the middle of the service box, not too close to the net. • When poaching, lead with your racket and try to cut the angle. • Move forward toward the net when poaching. • Don't stop poaching after making a couple of errors; you still are putting pressure on the returner. • Try to cover your own lobs. Finally, be aggressive. It's a good habit to poach early, especially during the first game, to get into the head of the returners. Always be aware of the score and potential opportunities (e.g., a good serve to a player's weak backhand). Too often, the server's partner might as well be wearing a windscreen, because they blend into the background due to lack of movement. The server can help here by letting their partner know they expect them to be moving. The Vinoy tennis pros can watch your game and coach you while you play, and lessons and clinics are always available. Please call one of our pros by dialing Extension 8026. We will be happy to point you in the right direction.

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Course Tips from Randy Mosley, Director of Golf

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t first glance, the Vinoy Golf Club’s score card seems normal. You’re thinking to yourself, “Three of the par 3s look rather lengthy, but the two par 5s on the outward nine are medium length. Maybe I’ll get there in two—this could be my day, my chance for a personal best, and yes—maybe a course record!” Imagination ends at the first tee. Dreams are crushed and harsh reality rears its ugly head. Balls fall to the wayside, and the pencil lead is worn away from numbers larger than the national debt. This is the true reality show: golf at the Vinoy. Where dreams don’t always come true, but you keep trying. And we will be there to prop you up when you fall. Hole #1, 302-Yard Par 4 This is a deceiving hole! Although it's a short starting hole, don't be fooled. It's important to start with a "safe play" off the first tee. With water to the right the entire length of the hole, a lake short left, and another straightaway through the dogleg, this short par 4 deserves respect. Unless you are a precision long-iron player, play away from the water on the right. If you can carry the ball at least 175 to 180 yards, you should be able to carry it over the left fairway bunker where there is nothing but light rough and a few trees. If you're like most golfers who slice or fade the ball, this should be an excellent play with a driver. Try to start off with a comfortable par or bogie on this hole instead of taking a big chance and a big number. Hole #9 465-Yard Par 4 Golf courses are normally designed and built with 18 individual holes, and each hole is ranked by its difficulty. The ranking is from one to 18, with 1 being the hardest hole. The 9th hole at the Vinoy is definitely ranked number 1 and is the hardest hole on the course. At 465 yards from the back tee, it is a par 4 that may give up only a handful of pars in a day’s time. It is not just the yardage that makes this hole so difficult; it is the two lakes left and the five bunkers that line the right side of the fairway, as well as a 9,000-square-foot green, sloping hard towards the lakes’ bulkhead that butts up against the front and left side of the green. The last problem spot on the hole is the high-lipped pot bunker that guards the front pin position. The 9th hole demands two extremely well-struck and positioned shots to reach the green in regulation. Once you reach the green, you have to deal with 8- to 10-foot breaking putts. The smartest way to play this hole is to minimize damage by playing aggressively on a conservative path. Do not try to overpower the hole by pushing your ability beyond your limits. Great rounds are not created by one hole—but can be destroyed by one hole. There is no greater feeling than playing a great hole well. A par on this hole can create one of those moments.

Hold Your Finish for Better Balance A Vinoy Golf Tip from Kurt Lang, PGA Teaching Professional Swing to a full finish and hold it until the shot lands. If you cannot do it without tipping over, hanging back or shuffling your feet, then you are out of balance or rotating your body incorrectly. You will be quite surprised by how much your balance and rhythm will improve when you start focusing your attention on the way you finish. The finish is a direct reflection of impact! You will be amazed at how much your transition and tempo improve when you start focusing on the finish this way. At the finish of your follow-through, the spikes or the bottom of your right shoe should be visible to anyone standing behind you.

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AHH... SPA

Personalized Pampering The Vinoy Salon & Day Spa Surrender to an hour–or an entire day–of pure bliss at the Vinoy! Experience signature treatments for men and women, impeccably delivered, that you won’t find anywhere else. Melt your stress away with a Poolside Cabana Massage. Refresh your tired body with Ashiatsu Massage. Reverse the clock with a Vie Eternal Youth Facial, or feel rejuvenated by our Gentlemen Only deep cleansing and anti-aging treatment. Whichever you choose, our staff of highly skilled professionals will pamper you with the nurturing service you deserve. Facials are available in private skincare rooms and utilize Dermalogica or Phytomer products that restore, regenerate and revitalize. Body treatments include Mineral Salt Therapy and the Fountain of Youth Body Wrap, designed to ease stressed muscles, soothe the senses, increase collagen production and restore luminescence. Special occasions call for The Golden Treatment, a thorough exfoliation and warm wrap, completed with an application of gold dust. For total relaxation, warm your body with our signature Hot Stone Therapy treatment or succumb to our Lavender Scalp Massage and feel your tension melt away. Hair care, manicures and pedicures are also available as part of the Vinoy's Salon & Day Spa's complete menu of services for women and men. Choose what you like à la carte, or opt for a pre-arranged spa package. A customized experience created around your mood and your needs awaits.

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BOUTIQUE MEDICINE WITH

N AT U R A L R E S U LT S Dr. Roxana Stoici is St. Petersburg’s Source for Comprehensive Healthcare • Board-certified Primary Care Family Physician Including well women’s exams and wellness care • Aesthetician, massage and chiropractor on-site • On-site blood work and ultrasound • Physician supervised weight-loss programs • Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine, including: Dysport, Restylane® Perlane® Juvederm® Chemical Peels, microdermabrasion, and Body-jet® water- assisted liposculpture (an office procedure done under local anesthesia)

Mind-Body Fitness

Located nearby in a chic, 1920’s bungalow in historic Kenwood, Dr. Stoici is available for Saturday appointments.

Health-boosting tips from Kim Huff, Vinoy Fitness Coordinator • Take time for some holistic fitness routines in 2012. Three of the best are Qigong, Tai Chi and yoga, all available at the Vinoy. Qigong—pronounced chee gong—focuses on slow, rhythmic breathing, often coordinated with gentle movements. Tai Chi (tie chee), a form of Qigong, is often called "moving meditation;" its low-impact, weight-bearing movements enhance strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. Yoga, too, offers these benefits and can calm the mind while invigorating the body. • Walking is one of the best all-around aerobic exercises, and at a moderate pace, it burns at least 127 calories per hour. Try the scenic paved walking/jogging path around the Vinoy Marina. • For interval training with zip, sample Zumba, a “feel-happy” workout based on Latin and international music/dance themes. Its fast and slow rhythms help tone and sculpt the body—you’ll burn more than 650 calories in just one hour!

european aesthetics Most insurances accepted. Self-Pay Rates for Primary Care.

727-498-6554

2837 1st Ave. North • St. Petersburg

www.DrStoiciRetreat.com

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Memorable Moments Gracious traditions—with a 21st-century twist—preserve little luxuries and help you celebrate life's most cherished events in an elegant setting.

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iving life to the fullest is all about enjoying present moments—and what better way to make them memorable than at the legendary Renaissance Vinoy. From afternoon tea to dream weddings, pampering escapes to fun-filled getaways, the Vinoy offers unforgettable venues and revitalizing packages that promise an escape from the ordinary.

Afternoon Tea

The charming custom of Afternoon Tea was established in England during the 19th century by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. At the time, lunch was eaten quite early and supper very late, so the duchess started taking tea, together with a light meal of sandwiches and cakes, between three and four o'clock in the afternoon. She began inviting friends to join her, and as word of these relaxing social repasts spread, the custom of afternoon tea became quite fashionable. Experience this gracious tradition for yourself at the Vinoy. Savor gourmet teas, miniature pastries, pates and freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream and preserves while you relax and visit with friends and family. Afternoon Tea is available from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays, in Marchand’s, with menu selections to accommodate the tastes of ladies, gentlemen and youngsters. Advance reservations are required--please call the Vinoy Navigator.

Weddings in Paradise

A perfect wedding is all about the details—and the Vinoy's certified wedding planners are poised to seamlessly handle as many or few as you desire. Whether it's an intimate affair for 50 or an event for hundreds, the resort offers a worthy setting for every grand romance, allowing you to bask in historic glamour while being treated to impeccable service. From the Old World charm of the Grand Ballroom to the delightful ambience of the outdoor Tea Garden, the Vinoy transforms any wedding into a memorable vision, complete with customized menus that feature our award-winning cuisine. Host your life’s most important day at this legendary destination, where dreams really do come true. 44

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Special Packages

Imagine a carefree getaway that embraces you in total luxury. That’s the mission behind the Vinoy’s “destination delights”—pampering rendezvous at one of America’s most historic landmarks. These special "Escape!" and "Getaway" packages combine splendidly appointed guest rooms with a variety of signature touches customized to each getaway theme: romance, spa, golf, tennis, family, museums and more. Special packages vary during the year, are subject to availability, and require advance reservations. Ask the Vinoy Navigator for details.

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Green Versatility Stylish, distinctive and unique, the Vinoy is an eco-friendly, comprehensive meeting and convention venue.

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Vinoy Meeting Space 42,000 square feet of indoor meeting space: • 11,520-square-foot Palm Court Ballroom (accommodates up to 1,500 people) • 6,120-square-foot Vinoy Grand Ballroom • 2,619-square-foot Grand Ballroom Foyer • 4,080-square-foot Plaza Ballroom • 2,880-square-foot Sunset Ballroom • Maximum 24 breakout rooms 21,000 square feet of outdoor function space: • Tea Garden, for intimate social gatherings • Mezzanine Terrace, for covered outdoor receptions • Esplanade, with a bay view for outdoor receptions • Veranda, for smaller receptions • Hospitality Deck, overlooking pool/marina

urnkey solutions for corporate, special event and social needs are a specialty of the Vinoy, which combines a world-class vacation atmosphere with uncompromising business amenities and environmentally responsible hospitality management. From visionary concepts to intricate logistical execution, the resort's onsite team works with yours to produce dynamic events of all sizes. The Vinoy’s impressive 63,000 square feet of indoor meeting and outdoor function space lends itself to endlessly versatile

configurations for all types of groups. The resort features newly renovated rooms and a reinvented lobby/lounge/library, as well as enhanced patio/veranda seating that welcomes business visitors. Four ballrooms, a Tea Garden, an Esplanade and pool deck can graciously accommodate any theme or function, and the Vinoy's award-winning catering team customizes menus for any event.

The Palm Court Ballroom

Linked to the main resort via a covered walkway, the Palm Court Ballroom defines flexibility. With 11,520 square feet that can accommodate up to 1,500 people, 22-foot ceilings and state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, the Ballroom hosts everything from simple meetings to extravagant multi-media productions. Divisible into eight rooms in a variety of configurations, it’s ideal for business meetings and conventions, automobile and boat shows, and product launches. A pre-function and conference area adds to its versatility. The Palm Court Terrace is an outdoor venue adjacent to the Ballroom.

Elegant Options

Those who value a venue with historic significance will find much to admire in the Vinoy Grand Ballroom, a marvel of detail and splendor. Another distinctive choice is the Sunset Ballroom at the Vinoy Golf Club; here, Moorish-inspired architecture lends a 1920s mood, and minarets, carved cornices, keyhole arches and onion domes call to mind the Taj Mahal. Outdoor functions—weddings, fashion shows and gala parties—can be held in the Tea Garden or the beautifully lit Esplanade Courtyard that overlooks the bay and harbor. The Vinoy’s team works with any group to

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design programs to build camaraderie, communication, motivation and leadership (Corporate Olympics, fitness programs, and tennis and golf tournaments, for example). To ensure that everyone has a good time during a convention stay, the Vinoy also offers imaginative spouse and kids programs.

Catering to Business Visitors

All public meeting space in the resort is wired for high-speed wired and wireless Internet access; and multiple seminar and roundtable rooms, plus a boardroom, accommodate groups. Amenities include computer services, most business supplies, copy and fax machines, and overnight and messenger services. Guests can also easily work from their rooms or in the lobby/library area, which offer wireless Internet access. The Vinoy’s optional “Wiredfor-Business� in-room technology package includes unlimited access to a secure highspeed Internet connection, plus the ability to simultaneously work online and use the phone (unlimited local and long-distance calls within the 50 United States). Guests requiring larger quarters can choose among 15 suites.

Green Initiatives

The Vinoy is an Energy Star-certified and Florida Green Lodging certified property. In addition to resort-wide initiatives that address energy efficiency and recycling, the Vinoy thoughtfully provides eco-friendly details for business meetings and events, including 100 percent recycled note pads; pens made from recycled materials; eco-friendly water service; meeting room recycling, where available; online event menus; a recyclable box lunch program; and paperless billing.

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9 Central Ave

Albert Whitted Airport terminal

ATTRACTIONS 1. The Coliseum 2. Florida Power Park at Al Lang Field 3. The Pier 4. St. Petersburg Marina 5. Sunken Gardens 6. Tropicana Field - Rays Baseball

21. Great Explorations The Children’s Museum 22. Mahaffey Theatre/Bayfront Center 23. Morean Arts Center 24. The Museum of Fine Arts 25. Palladium Theatre 26. St. Petersburg Museum of History

DINING 7. 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House 8. Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro 9. The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge 10. The Moon Under Water 11. Parkshore Grill 12. Sweet Diva’s Chocolates 13. Valentino’s Little Italy 14. Vinoy Dining 15. Wine Madonna

PARKS & NATURE CENTERS/TRAILS 27. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve/ Lake Maggiore 28. Florida Botanical Gardens (See map, page 20) 29. Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum

MUSEUMS & THEATRES 16. American Stage Theatre 17. Dr. Carter G. Woodson African-American Museum 18. The Chihuly Collection 19. The Dali Museum 20. Florida Holocaust Museum

SHOPPING & SERVICESS 30. Ambria’s Gallery of Wearable Art 31. BayWalk 32. Bella Moda 33. Bernie’s & Son Fashion Jewelers 34. Gallery 670 35. The Gift Box 36. The Retreat European Aesthetics 37. Salon LaRu 38. Shooz on Beach Drive 39. The Shoppes at 400 Beach Drive 40. Uniquely Yours Boutique


Vinoy 2012

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Vinoy 2012


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