Summary
The following morning, we bid farewell to Clearwater a bit too late to enjoy a substantial breakfast, aside from a quick pastry and a coffee as we departed.
Departing Clearwater, we did not have any particular plans, but we had received several recommendations along the journey—one of which was John’s Pass Village.
A brief search for John’s Pass Village sparked my interest, but visiting it in person made me wish we had structured time to explore further.
This charming, rustic area creates an experience akin to stepping back into a historic fisherman’s harbor. Diverse dining options abound along the boardwalk and even extend to small piers over the water.
Local fishermen engage in their daily activities, drawing a congregation of opportunistic seagulls, eager to catch an easy meal.
Ultimately, we departed John’s Pass and headed towards St Pete Beach, where we had accommodations at the Don Cesar hotel, often referred to as the Pink Palace.
The Pink Palace is renowned, having hosted distinguished guests such as Marilyn Monroe, Al Capone, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, the acclaimed author of ‘The Great Gatsby.’
Its historical significance and local popularity make it a desirable venue for weddings and honeymoons, as affixed by local sentiments shared over Instagram. The ice cream on offer also garners praise.
Unfortunately, we arrived too early for check-in. However, we had planned to explore the city murals of St Pete, which are remarkable, before indulging in lunch.
However, by the time we reached St Pete, our plans had adjusted, and with our appetites growing, we decided to prioritize lunch.
We ventured to Pacific Counter, a venue I had not anticipated would delight me until I set foot inside.
Upon entering the vibrant and colorful setting, I realized I was in for a delightful surprise, although I cannot now recall the expectations I had.
We then took our time to review the menu, which was meticulously explained by the manager.
It became evident that every detail was thoughtfully designed. Even the bright lights served to showcase the freshness of the ingredients, which are prepared daily—an evident quality upon taking the first bite.
Returning to the essence of Pacific Counter, it is fundamentally inspired by Pacific cuisine—think Hawaiian poke bowls and Japanese sushi, sashimi, etc.
The array of options here is extensive, which can initially be overwhelming. However, it is streamlined by providing two methods to ‘create your meal’: as a poke bowl or in a wrap, the latter proving quite convenient as an edible vessel to savor the delicious components selected.
Opting for the poke bowl style, I indulged in everything spicy, emphasizing the selection with extra spicy sauce—because, well, why not.
Lloyd attempted to follow a similar spicy route but changed his mind when it came to selecting his fish and some vegetables.
I must note, this represents a significant claim, especially given the exceptional dining experiences we encountered during this trip; it was unquestionably the most flavorful meal that compelled one to dance while enjoying the taste.
In retrospect, only one other establishment has compared favorably, but that is a story for another time (indeed, it was the final dining establishment we experienced in the city before departing).
The cuisine was utterly delicious, especially before experiencing the frozen sake—akin to a sake slushie—which was immensely refreshing in the Florida heat.
The dessert comprised a delightful soft-serve pineapple creation.
This dessert not only tasted delightful but is also free from artificial ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. In fact, I suspect it is only found in places like Disneyland.
Following our satisfying lunch and with revitalized spirits, we resolved to explore the murals of St Petersburg (the official full name of St Pete).
The murals here are genuinely extraordinary—not necessarily due to their content but rather their integration throughout the city. There are countless murals, and you could easily pass a full day seeking them out, yet still barely scratch the surface.
The key strategy is to decide which murals you wish to prioritize and plan accordingly. This vibrant artwork easily made my shortlist, mainly due to its proximity to the mural depicting Twiggy, among others.
Another captivating piece that pleasantly surprised me was “Mr. Sunshine,” which made me chuckle, particularly because of the random car parked in front, seemingly belonging to someone exceedingly delighted with their new acquisition. (Granted, this amused me significantly at the time, even Lloyd struggled to find humor in my chuckles).
Moving on, we came across “Shark Toof,” a standout piece that resonated profoundly with me.
The creative possibilities seem boundless, yet I was particularly astonished by the intricate details displayed within the artwork.
Such artistry compels one to appreciate the artist’s skill. (Drawing and painting are areas where I excel less than Lloyd, thus I hold artists in high regard).
I could provide detailed accounts on all these artworks (I endeavored to learn more about the artists and their creations as we progressed), yet I encourage you to explore this vibrant city and uncover its artistry for yourself. Allow me to highlight some of my favorites from that afternoon…
In summary, my exploration of St Pete was immensely rewarding, filled with captivating sights and delectable dining experiences that embodied the vibrant culture of Florida.
