“Flori, Flori, Flori, Flori, Florida
FloriDada, FloriDada” ~ Animal Collective

Quit a different view from Colorado, isn’t it? I exchanged my jeans and boots for shorts and flip-flops. Gosh, I love the beach. There is something about it that makes me feel right at home.

Here’s a quick recap of my week in St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Clearwater, FL.

~morning chia yogurt bowl with the sweetest of strawberries~

~Sunshine Skyview Bridge on my way into Sarasota~

~my happy place~

~Siesta Key – white sands <3~

~meeting with Kumar at one of the most beautiful beaches in the US~

~dinner at Flavio’s – Tagliolini Neri~

~Unconditional Surrender~

~this spot in downtown St. Pete~

~Historic Old Northeast~

~tacos at Casita. need I say more?~

~Thursday night beach walk in Treasure Island~

~the most gorgeous sunset…~

~night-blooming cereus~

~no stranger to cocktails here, I actually ate at Red Mesa Cantina~

~all day beach day in Clearwater~

~last cocktail of the week, the Watermelon Smash at Noble Crust~

This was my third trip to St. Petersburg, and it was definitely different from my last few visits. It goes without saying that I enjoyed the sunny skies and warm temps, morning runs on the water, meeting with friends and making new ones, but it was very emotional, and, at times, a bit somber. All in all my visit to the Sunshine State was extremely eye-opening and beautiful. Getting to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen made this whole experience worthwhile.

Goodbye, St. Petersburg…for now!