To the Don!

With my knee surgery recuperation taking up the summer, the Turk and I have had to eek out some mini-vacations as I feel better.  It seems we like St. Pete.  The Don Cesar was calling. The grand dame of St. Pete Beach opened in 1928 and was the vacation spot for high society.  In 1942 the Army purchased the hotel for use as a hospital and convalescent center. It reopened as a hotel in 1973 and has gone through a series of renovations since then.

Afternoon storm gathers as we walk on the beach behind the Don

 The Turk and I arrived early so we could spend as much time as possible at the pool - heated to Turk temperature - and the beach.  The wait staff at the hotel served us smoothy samples, cooled cucumbers and of course any poolside drinks we wanted.  The beach was beautiful with its white smooth sand and warm water!

The architecture at the Don is so fun because it is immersed in the 20's.  I loved the added touches like the mix of tiling used around the pool bar. We enjoyed the gym, breakfast by the beach, and I even participated in water aerobics in the morning.

pool bar flooring - a bit of everything!

We discovered a great restaurant called Jackie's Bistro, on Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach.  Jackie came by to say hi after we sat down.  She has been chef at a number of well known restaurants  - Chez Panisse, Top of the World, Postrio, and told us that she was usually brought in to turn a restaurant around.  But she decided she wanted her own spot and chose St. Pete Beach.  Corey Avenue was extremely quiet for a Saturday night, but her goal is to bring life back to the downtown. It seems this will happen.  We arrived for an early dinner and things were quiet, but within an hour, the restaurant was full. Each customer seemed to already know Jackie and was looking forward to their evening.  We were entertained with relaxing guitar music by a local musician.  What a nice evening!

And a Great Weekend!