It's the weekend. It's summer. You need to be in, on or near the water, and no matter where you live — Hillsborough or Pinellas or other parts — you can find your way to the Gandy area and have some wet, splashy fun. It's all about the water this weekend, and when you need to duck inside to cool off, we're giving you some great watering hole options, too. Enjoy it… it'll be 60º before you know it, and even if you don't think that's cold, you don't want to be out on a boat when it is.
If the weekend is the only time you have to put your kayak/SUP/canoe in the water, the sheer number of drunk powerboaters along the beaches and most parks might deter you from doing so. That's why Weedon Island's a great alternative: the mangrove tunnels make for a great (and shady) paddle, far from the Donzis and Fountains of the "more dollars than sense" ilk of boater. It's a paddle best done near high tide; the tides near Weedon will flood around early afternoon this weekend, so put in late morning and plan on being done by 3 p.m. at the latest.
2. Boat or drive on over to Hula Bay's brunch.
After all, what's the weekend without a Sunday brunch, right? It may not be the Big Island, but hey, there's water, there's fresh air and there's rum.
3. Grab some bait from Gandy Bait and Tackle and catch your own dinner.
The early bird may get the worm, but the early fisherman gets the grouper, drum and mackerel. Get out there early and remember, if you catch too much, our offices are nearby in Ybor (we prefer mackerel, though we'll take anything. Not. Joking.).
4. Let your dog get her paws in the sand at the Redneck Riviera.
Hey, we didn't invent the name, but everyone here knows what we mean, don't you? Don't forget your doggie water bowl and poop bags.
5. Watch the sunrise from your boat.
Tampa peeps, put in at the Gandy ramp — it costs $5 (annual passes available). Remember, the early bird catches the grouper. Or something.
6. See the Sunshine Skyway at night — from your boat.
St. Pete peeps: Put in at Sunlit Cove boat ramp and stick around to see the Skyway light up like a Florida Christmas tree. It's pretty spectacular (um, stay out of the shipping channel, for the love of God, and please make sure you have lights, OK?)
7. Wander through the woods at Weedon Island.
Every Saturday morning you can take a guided hike through Weedon Island. Don't think of Weedon Island as having woods? This hike will take you through the mangroves along the coast as well as the upland areas; think of the latter as woods, subtropical style: palm forests, dune ridges and mounds. The walk takes about two hours — bring a hat, snack and water, and wear closed-toe shoes and bug spray.
8. Buy local fish at I C Sharks.
We get it: You don't have a boat. You don't like to fish. You don't want to fish. You suck at fishing. Whatever. I C Sharks buys fish caught by local fishermen, so simply go there and buy some. Tell your friends you caught it; we won't tell.
9. Get crabs.
Yes, we went there. Have you met us? Anyway, the Crab Shack has steamed blue crabs. Yum.
10. Get a grouper sammy at Big Ray's Fish Camp.
Not gonna lie to you: This ain't our favorite fish, but on a sandwich it goes down mighty easy. Big Ray's is an institution. Think food served in baskets and with plenty of beer. Perfect way to end the weekend… or start it.
Want us to feature your neck of the woods one weekend? Email us here and tell us why!
This article appears in Jul 20-27, 2017.