BEST WATERING HOLE
Extra Innings Ballpark Café
After a long day on the job, Extra Innings has a lot to offer. Not only do they have ice cold pitchers of Bud (my libation of choice), they have about a million (OK, maybe 20) TVs of varying sizes covering just about every sporting event that's taking place. In fact, it's a sports junkie's dream. I also like the fact that they have pool tables, video games and three bars. Really, it's a nice play to kick back. My second choice for best watering hole is home (and no, you can't have my address or reap the benefits of the no-tip atmosphere). And face it, at home, the price is right for longneck Buds. Plus I can watch whatever I want on TV or hang out with the neighbors and just chill while I sip on the goodness of Bud hops.
Extra Innings, 1850 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-896-9872.
BEST PLACE FOR FANCY DANCING
The Coliseum
With an orchestra-size stage and a 15,000-square-foot wooden dance floor, the Coliseum is the place for a nice evening of fancy dancing with the wife. While you can't dance up a storm there every weekend, when they do have a band playing — it's a beautiful thing. When I go, I put on my suit and treat my wife like a queen. It's all about the romance (after all, ladies like to be taken out for a nice evening). And whether there's a small band or a small orchestra playing, the environment is perfect for a charmed evening.
The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-892-5202.
BEST BAR ON A FRIDAY NIGHT
Cha Cha Coconuts or Wet Willie's
With St. Pete finally making a showing in Bay area nightlife, our fine downtown actually offers choices of establishments for meeting up with my friends, putting a few back and possibly getting my groove on. I welcome the lively, yet laid-back atmosphere of both Cha Cha Coconuts and Wet Willie's. Also, both bars have an outdoor element so that I can take in the lovely Florida nights while enjoying a happening crowd. Plus, I can spice up my nighttime with a little comedy, music and an open-air environment.
Cha Cha Coconuts, on top of The Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St Petersburg, 727-822-6655; Wet Willies, BayWalk, 167 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-822-5650.
BEST THEATER
Mahaffey Theater
Whether there's a play that my wife drags me to see, or say, B.B. King in concert, Mahaffey Theater is another place where I enjoy spending my free time. In fact, the oft-forgotten attachment to the Bayfront Center has plenty to offer with jazz shows, comedians, plays, musicals and special events. I was there for New Year's to hear B.B. King ring in 2003 (it was righteous). Plus the theater offers a Jazz By the Bay series with everything from traditional to smooth jazz performers. Across the hall in the Bayfront Center comes our yearly dose of Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus — which is always a hit in my household. In fact, I'm salivating just thinking about the cotton candy melting in my mouth while watching the clowns trying to make me laugh.
Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-892-5767.
BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS
Bartlett Park and Childs Park
One of the other things that I really like about St. Pete is its array of beautiful public parks. These little havens offer the great outdoors in a relaxing environment with playgrounds for the kids and plenty of space for a nice picnic or a walk. In fact, the parks near my home are one of the reasons I enjoy raising my family in St. Pete. Childs and Bartlett parks offer nice spots for a leisurely family Sunday afternoon. I regularly take my youngest son to both parks, located on the south side of St. Pete. There, I can happily run my kid ragged (which will hopefully lead to early bedtime). Plus I get to take in the fresh air and enjoy the community that I love to be a part of.
Bartlett Park, 2000 Seventh St. S., St. Petersburg; Childs Park, 4301 13th Ave. S., St. Petersburg.
BEST BEACH
St. Pete Beach
When I want to soak up some rays and take a dip in the gulf, I head out to St. Pete Beach. While there're plenty of folks around, I feel that St. Pete Beach isn't as overly crowded as, say, Clearwater Beach. But it offers a great place to feel the breeze coming off the water, listen to the waves crash along the shore and bask in Florida's best attribute. Then, of course, there's always the fun of building sandcastles with my kids, playing Frisbee or throwing a football. With this great escape only minutes from my house, I like to get out there as much as I can.
BEST PLACE TO BUY A COOL HAT
Prime Outlets at Ellenton
When I go out, I go out in style — right up to the hat on my head. And while I also shop in St. Pete, my wife and I have found that the quick trip down I-75 to the Ellenton outlet stores is one worthwhile journey. Not only have I picked up some good hats, but everything from clothes to shoes to jewelry to stuff for around the house. And with hundreds of stores to choose from, I've never left empty-handed (actually, usually I'm carrying tons of bags for my wife).
Prime Outlets at Ellenton, 5461 Factory Shops Blvd., Ellenton, 888-260-7608.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 1, 2003.