It's fun to just hang at The Pier and see what or who comes along. Old farts on motorcycles, hugged by saggy old broads. Young families with kids who feed the screeching birds. Couples necking in the dark on its top deck. Runners circling its backside and jogging back down its long length. College kids with their books, studying al fresco. There's lots to eat: Ice cream, candy, fresh chocolate and fudge, burgers, pizza and sandwiches from the first-floor Pier Marketplace; full-dress Spanish meals, courtesy of The Columbia Restaurant on the fourth floor; Chinese, pitas, cheesesteaks, seafood; and exotic drinks from the bar and grill on top, Cha Cha Coconuts.
The Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-821-6443 or www.stpete-pier.com.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 1, 2003.