Sawgrass Lake Park

If you're looking for a great place to go for a walk, clear your mind or nature watch, then Sawgrass Lake Park is the place for you. With 1.1 miles of boardwalk and plenty of wildlife, it is the perfect setting for photographers of all skill levels. In all of my trips to Sawgrass Lake Park I have seen everything from gators to squirrels and raccoons to butterflies. Below are a few of my pictures:

Address: 7400 25th St N. St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Open 7AM to Sunset

Tour De Pizza: The All Pizza Diet

The new year is almost here and for many of us that means it is time to start figuring out how we are going to fulfill our resolutions to lose weight or get back in shape. Owner Matt McClellan of Tour De Pizza in St. Petersburg believes he has the right plan to help you lose those extra pounds.

After being ridiculed by local gyms for handing out free slices of pizza outside of their establishments, Matt set out on a 30 day all pizza diet to prove that pizza can be more than just a junk food and seen as a healthy diet choice. During this diet Matt lost 25 pounds and lowered his cholesterol.

The full story can be seen in this My Fox Tampa Bay segment:

Matt is publishing a book about his experiences with this diet and will be setting out on a 30 city tour to promote the book. To meet Matt and have a great slice of pizza, check out Tour De Pizza at:

212 37th Ave N
St. Petersburg Fl. 33704

Thrill The World St. Pete - A New World Record

Last Saturday, 198 dancers filled the St. Pete Pier in an attempt to break the world record for the "Largest Simultaneous Worldwide Thriller Dance". At exactly 8:30 PM they began the iconic dance along with dancers from over 32 other countries. Although officials are still counting the number of participants, the current tally is at 23,000 people which shatters the previous record of 4,179.

The following is a video of the St. Petersburg performance of Thriller on the St. Pete Pier:

For those interested in breaking the record next year, plans are being made to make another attempt on October 24th, 2010.

On a side note: I am very disappointed that I was not able to make it to this event. I have always wanted to learn the dance to Thriller and have always wanted to be a part of a world record. With that being said... Expect to see me at The Pier next year!!!

Columbia Restaurant: Ybor City

A couple weeks ago I was showing some friends from Austria around the Tampa area and was very lucky when we stumbled upon Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. I had heard a little about how good the restaurant was but had no idea how great it would actually turn out.

Columbia Restaurant was founded in 1905 when Colombian immigrants were making their home in Tampa's Ybor City. It is the oldest restaurant in all of Florida and has grown to become the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. The large dining rooms are extremely beautiful and very authentic. It did not take long before the atmosphere had me feeling like I was vacationing in Spain again as I sipped on my Sangria.

I know that I normally blog about attractions in the area that are cheap or free but this dining experience is worth every penny! I ordered the Boliche "Criollo" which is "Roasted eye round of beef stuffed with chorizo and roasted in flavorful gravy." The food was absolutely amazing! The beef practically fell apart in my mouth and was so full of flavor. I was very surprised by how much I loved something as simple as the black beans, rice, and plantos that came as a side dish with my meal. I also had the chance to try the Pampano en Papillot. The dish is described as a "boneless fillet of Pompano with seafood stuffing of shrimp, crab meat, artichoke, butter and white wine, wrapped in parchment paper and baked". I will admit that I am not a big fan of seafood, but I would order this dish in a heartbeat if given the opportunity. If the entrees were any indicator of how good the deserts would turn out to be, then I definitely wish I would have saved room for desert!

For those that are looking for more than just a dining experience, Columbia Restaurant Ybor also touts a cigar bar, live music and nightly traditional Flamenco Dancing shows Monday through Saturday. If you can't make it out to Ybor, Columbia also has locations in St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Celebration, St. Augustine, and Clearwater Beach.

If you are coming to visit the Tampa Bay area and are looking for things to do or live in the Tampa area and have never experienced this "Gem of Spanish Restaurants", I highly recommend doing so! Your taste buds will thank me...

You can find more information at the Columbia Restaurant Website.

Free Fun St. Petersburg: Dance Lessons

Do you have two left feet? Looking to learn a few new moves? Well we found a few opportunities to get some free dance lessons around the St. Petersburg area!

What: Salsa En St. Pete
The salsa lessons at 8:30PM are free and they keep the music playing from 9 until midnight. Take advantage of the waterfront views, and remember fellas... ladies love a man that knows how to dance!
Where: Captain Al's Waterfront Grill & Bar @ The Pier, 800 2nd Ave. N.E. St. Petersburg, First Floor
When: Fridays from 8:30PM - 9:00PM

What: Free Belly Dance Class
Introduction class to introduce newcomers to the art of belly dancing. Make sure to show up early so you can fill out the registration form!
Where: Hip Expressions Dance Studio 1108 62nd Ave. N St Petersburg
When: Fridays at 6:00PM