#vacationstpetersburg

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/vip-lounge-mexican-restaurant-treasure-island/

VIP Lounge & Mexican Restaurant – Treasure Island

Popular Gem Tucked Away

If you are new to the area, here's what you need to know about VIP:

The food and atmosphere are addicting (watch out, waistline)

It has a cult-like following (do they put something in the food so I can't stop?)

They don't take reservations or call ahead orders (who wants to wait, right?)

It's a TI landmark that is hard to find at night (maybe you shouldn't be driving at night?)

VIP has an insane number of "regular" patrons (will there be any room for little ole' me?)

Parking may be tricky. Free parking impossible really.  (I thought the best things in life were free?)

It's small so best for smaller groups (But I want to go with all my Facebook friends?)

Why You Should Go

However, if these things sound like reasons not to go, think again:

Tomorrow is always a great day to start a diet.

Yeah, they do put stuff in the food. Spices.  Peppers. Cheese. Tortillas.  It's a restaurant, not a grocery store.

If you don't want to wait go in the afternoon! You are on vacation so your day probably started late anyway.

I bet your Uber or Lyft driver can find it. Better yet, put the address in your GPS map app and then just stop your car in the middle of the road when she says you have arrived.  Take your time looking around while you hold up traffic. Its cool - everyone does it.

VIP is friendly but not clique-y. It isn't high school all over.  You'll be welcome.

Free parking? Even love isn't free.  There are diamonds, Tinder subscriptions, diapers...

All 12 of your real Facebook friends will fit.  For those of you with thousands of Facebook friends, they're probably already at VIP.  You don't really know all those people anyway.

​The chips are so good you don't need the queso and guac, but get them anyway

Because VIP has been around since the 70's, locals and visitors who have been coming here for years have grown with the restaurant. It's a true Rapisardi family affair, and one that's focused on making your experience here as memorable as possible.

The Food

So here's one thing I always forget between visits to VIP: The food can be spicy.  Really spicy.  So much so that your beverage of choice will become your BFF.  And if that BFF involves a VIP margarita, you may need a "Lyft" or Uber home.  Even items that aren't labeled spicy are spicy, so you know if they mark an item "Spicy" AND mark it "No Returns Please", they mean it..

Can't handle spice? Then ask your server about the menu item you're considering or eat from the Gringo menu. Gringo food includes the mandatory chicken tenders loved by children everywhere, along with hot dogs and hamburgers.

insider tip: Better for small groups

It's pretty small inside and very popular.

I've heard the fajitas at VIP are phenomenal.  I've only smelled them, and always too late when I've already ordered. (If you've had them feel free to leave a comment below and tell us what you thought.) Having lived much of my life in Texas, I have a thing about fajitas.  The best place in Austin for fajitas used to be the Hyatt Regency on Town Lake. And it was THE place for runners to go post Cap 10K.  Then Pappasito's arrived on the scene, with garlic butter poured over tender, sizzling fajitas.  That's the bar VIP fajitas have to beat.

I've also heard folks get quite emotional talking about their Wet Burrito.  It's actually the Tinga Chicken tacos that make me cry.

If only you could sense the heat this dish packs

The Parking

So more about parking.  Because let's face it, you're at the beach so parking is limited to begin with.  But then you put it in a tiny little center next to Ricky T's Bar & Grille and Sweet's n' Treats ice cream shop, and put it right on Gulf Blvd where Central Avenue comes over and you can imagine the difficulties.  

Paradise parking has a large lot located behind VIP, where Park Place dead ends at 106th Ave.  It's paid parking but unless you have a parking fairy on  your shoulder this will be your only shot. 

However, if you park back in this lot and walk in through the back entrance (through the patio section), you'll likely see cars parked 3 deep.  Don't be tempted, dear tourist.  This is not for you.  This is for those locals I mentioned earlier that frequent VIP so often that other frequent patrons know who's car is whose and therefore who they can park behind and block in. I only wish I could drink margaritas and eat Mexican food so often that I could be a regular there.

Anyway, walking in through this entrance also means you will walk through the kitchen to get to the dining area. 

insider tip: One small bathroom

Don't wait until the last minute to go. It's all fun and games until there's a line for the potty.

​

The Details

VIP Mexican American Cuisine  - 10625 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, Florida  727-360-5062.  Enhance your visit to the VIP by visiting their website, Facebook page and Trip Advisor!

Visit the news page of the website to find out about special events (Cinco De Mayo is one) and daily specials.

Website

Facebook page

Trip Advisor

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/november-st-petersburg-area-events-splashy-ventures/

November St Petersburg Area Events Splashy Ventures

November recurring events

Gulfport: First Friday Artwalk

St Pete: First Friday

St Pete: Second Saturday Artwalk

Gulfport: Third Saturday Artwalk

Gulfport: Tuesday Fresh Market

St Pete: Saturday Morning Market

St Pete Beach: Corey Avenue Sunday Market

Treasure Island: Open Air Market (Fridays)

November Special Events

Tampa Bay Holiday Market

November 17 and 18, 2018 at the Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N. Free parking. (pay attention to the N or NE or S or SE on the end of street addresses when you head into downtown St Petersburg.  For the sake of your sanity.)

Santa will be there both Saturday and Sunday.  Just in case you need your Santa fix.

Check out the event's Facebook page here.  They promise to help you with your holiday shopping list.

Ribfest

Nov 9-11 Vinoy Park. Tagline - Rockin' Ribs - Helpin' Kids.  

There's some really good musical talent at this event. Both mainstream and cover/tribute bands. Check out the lineup here.

A list of "Ribbers" can be found here.

Shopapalooza

Nov 17 & 24, 2018.  South Straub Park, downtown St Petersburg.  Or more specifically, 198 Bayshore Drive. 10 am - 5 pm.  Admission is free. There are other ways they will get your money.

This event features more than 130 local shops.  There's a kids' zone so you can let them exhaust themselves for a bit, then get back to your shopping. 

Well-behaved pets on leash are welcomed.  The 2018 Vendor List is here.

St Pete Power & Sailboat Show

Heralded as the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast, this event runs from November 29th to Sunday, December 2 at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park in St Petersburg, Florida. 

Clearly displaying boats takes up a little space.

In addition to boats you will find marine gear, special events and educational activities. Hopefully no cooking demonstrations for the latest miracle cookware.

Click here to plan your visit! This event is big so you need to know where you're going.

Kenwood BungalowFest Tour

Nov 3, 2018, 10 am - 4 pm.  This event is in its 20th year and will feature 10 homes that reflect the historic architecture and character of the Kenwood Neighborhood.  

Kenwood's roots are in an avocado grove in 1912, when the grove was subdivided and developed.  Craftsman homes were common, with most homes built between the 1920's and 1950's.  However, as suburbanization occurred, many homes fell into disrepair over the next 3 or 4 decades. Revitalization began in the 1990's, as a few people began buying and restoring these homes.  

Historic Kenwood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Purchase tickets in advance here.  (They are also available the day of the event.)  A trolley is available to take you from house to house.

You can read more about Kenwood here and watch a video.

Old Salt Foundation Fish Spread Contest

In 2018 this delicious event is being held on November 13th at Gators Cafe at John's Pass.  

Not familiar with fish spread? Check out our blog post on fish spread here.

This is not an observation-only event.  For a $2 donation you can sample all of the entered fish spreads and vote for the Peoples Choice Award winner.  And if making fish spread is your thing, you can enter for only $10 per entry!

Smoked Fish Spread Old Salt Fish Spread Contest

Treasure Island Sand Sculpture Competition and Music Festival

Also known as the Sanding Ovations Master's Cup.  November 20-24, 2019, near the Bilmar Beach Resort, 10650 Gulf Boulevard.

Several tons of sand, a bit of water, a vivid imagination (and a plan!) and you find the largest masters competition in the southeastern U.S. 

The competition is invitational and will feature at least ten master sculptors.

The event's website is here and the Facebook page here. 

View our blogpost on the 2018 event (with tons of photos!) HERE.

Giant sand castles and sand sculptures

Sponge Docks Seafood Festival

The Sponge Docks are in Tarpon Springs, so a little more of a drive than we normally consider for the St Petersburg calendar of events, but the docks are so different that it is worth the drive.

This event is in its 31st year, so they've clearly figured this festival thing out. Admission is free and there is limited free parking at Dog Splash Park at 508 Live Oak Street, Tarpon Springs.  

The Tarpon Springs and Greektown Historic Districts (separate areas) ae listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so you may wish to make this an all-day trek and visit them while you're in the area. The Tarpon Springs Historic District is bounded by Read Street, Hibiscus Street, Orange Street, Lewis Avenue, Lemon Street and Spring Bayou.  The entire area is about 700 acres and it contains 145 historic buildings.

The Greektown Historic District is Florida's first Traditional Cultural Property listing. Check the App Store Icon on your phone and search for "Florida Stories".  You can download the app and click the "Discover" tab to find the Walk: Tarpon Springs tour. 

Live music, local seafood, arts and crafts and specialty vendors. Insider tip: Visit Spongeorama while you're there.  There's an exhibit center inside along with a short movie/video and the people that work there are extremely knowledgeable.  We wanted to pull up a chair and listen for hours!

Clearwater Beach Uncorked - Sip Savor Repeat

Uncorked is not just a food and wine event in a beach town.  The trademarked phrase for the event is "Wine in your hand, toes in the sand".  This event is held directly on Clearwater Beach, south of Pier 60.  The event is held rain or shine and there are no refunds for inclement weather.

Children under 21, pets, outside food and drink and backpacks not permitted.

Craft Beer Festival

Get a souvenir tasting mug and sample over 100 craft ales. It's not every day you can find this many choices in one place.

Hosted at Cajun Cafe on the Bayou in Pinellas Park.  2 - 6 pm November 3, 2018

Fall King of the Beach Fishing Festival

Another great event sponsored by the Old Salt Fishing Foundation, the fall Kingfish tournament Nov 8-10, 2018 is being held in Maderia Beach Florida. 

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the tournament, so there's sure to be some celebrations to make it even more memorable.

St Pete Beach Bike Fest

Nov 14 -18, 2018 St Pete Beach, Tradewinds Resort.

Five days of motorcycles, music and mayhem. You can find the event calendar here.

Brocante Vintage Market

November 3rd and 4th, 2018.

St Pete's only monthly vintage market. 15,000 square feet of vintage goods sourced by 50+ vendors. The vendors are called Brocanteurs.

Night Market St Pete

Nov 8, 2018.

The Night Market in St Pete's Warehouse Art's District takes place about 5 times a year in the St Pete Side Lot located at 2133 2nd Ave South.  The best way to stay up to date on the events is to sign up for one on Facebook and then you'll be alerted to future events. 

Attending a market at night is so unusual that its worth a trip.  Local vendors dominate the event and there is plenty of food, shopping and drink.  The market is family and pet friendly.  

The market typically lasts from 6 pm to 10 pm, but the 3 Daughters Brewery next door stays open later for an AfterParty!

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/october-st-petersburg-area-events-splashy/

October St Petersburg Area Events Splashy Ventures

October recurring events

Gulfport: First Friday ArtWalk

St Pete: First Friday

St Pete: Second Saturday ArtWalk

Gulfport: Third Saturday ArtWalk

Gulfport: Tuesday Fresh Market

St Pete: Saturday Morning Market

St Pete Beach: Corey Avenue Sunday Market

October Special Events

VW Beach Bash - Pass-A-Grille

October 20, 2018.  9th Ave from 10 am - 4 pm. In its 10th year. 

Betty's Beach Clean Up starts at 8 am. VW Car Show at 10 am. 

Free to the public. Merchandise goes early, so you may wish to order early. Check the event's Facebook page here. You can order by emailing them or messaging them from the Facebook page and they will ship them a few days after the show.

VW Bash at Pass-A-Grille

Clearwater Jazz Holiday

October 18-21, 2018. Coachman Park, Clearwater.  National and local performing acts.  2018 headliners include The Doobie Brothers and George Thoroughgood and the Destroyers.  

Tickets go up the day of the event.  Reserved seating available.  Sounds like a good time!

Honeymoon Island's Halloween in the Park

October 26-27, 2018 at Honeymoon Island State Park, 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, Fl

Haunted hayrides, carnival games, crafts, DJ music jams, Boo in the Zoo, costume contests (for children 12 and under), bounce houses, scary trail, mythical-magical children's trail, storytelling! Oh, and ghouls, ghosts and goblins!

$5 ($10?) parking, $5 Haunted Hayride, $10 Wristband (includes most other events). Pricing unclear.

Download the flyer here.

Ghosts, goblins and ghouls!

Howl-O-Fest

October 19 and 20, 2018 at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 6-10 pm both days. 2900 31st St S, at the Environmental Studies Area.

This family-friendly event features Inflatable games, fire shows, hay rides, arts & crafts and trick or treat cabins. Cake Walks at 7 pm, 8 pm and 9 pm.  Bet you haven't done one of those in awhile.

St Pete Zombie Food Booze Crawl

Zombie flash mob anyone? Um, maybe? Albert Whitted Park (downtown St Pete) hosts this event with fun, food, live music, and, of course, zombies.

Tons of food trucks and a costume festival.  Admission is free. 6-10 pm.  October 19, 2018

Clearwater Chalk Art Festival

Arts, crafts, a kid zone.  Three days. October 19th, 20th and 21st in 2018.

During these 3 days chalk artists quite literally transform sidewalks of BeachWalk on South Clearwater Beach. Planning on hanging around for awhile and watch these artists create these masterpieces before your eyes.

Competition, prizes and "People's Choice Awards" on the last day of the event.

Views photos from the 2017 Chalk Art Festival here. 

John's Pass Seafood Festival - Last One October 25-28, 2018

A 4 day celebration, including a halloween Block Party.  Live music.  Costume contests.  Battle of the Gulf Fishing Tournament.  World's Largest Bloody Mary Toast. Face painting.  Balloon artists. John's Pass Seafood and Jazz Holiday.

Unfortunately, the City of Madeira Beach has now begun charging fees for the event and waited until a few weeks before the 2018 event to waive a portion (but not all) for this year's event.  So the committee that organizes the event is calling it quits after the 2018 event.  This is pretty sad in that the event was able to donate $34,000 to charities in 2016 as a result of the event.  

Location: John's Pass Boardwalk 

Strut, Wag & Rock - Tampa

October 20, 2018 at Ferg's Live Tampa. 490 Channelside Dr, Tampa. 2-9 pm

This year's event will have a 60's theme - "Grateful Dawg Day" and music will be provided by a Grateful Dead cover band, Uncle John's Band.

The event will have a 100 dog costume contest, although contestants do not have to dress in the theme.  

You can register online and proceeds benefit Vets4Pets Charitable Clinic.

Howl-O-Ween Pet Fest & PAWrade, St Petersburg

Bring your best furry friend and push, pull or carry him or her in the most spook-tacular PAWrade of the year.

You can make a float to use in the PAWrade, as long as it is not motorized.

Costumes are judged on both the pet's and pet human's costume.

11 am - 3 pm, October 27, 2018 at 3 Daughter's Brewing, 222 22nd St S, St Petersburg, Fl.

Your pet here!

Treasure Island Children's Halloween Spooktacular & Fall Festival

October 26, 2018 at the Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis Facility at 10315 Paradise Boulevard, starting at 6 pm.  

Interactive Inflatables, Games, Moonwalks, Train Rides, Fortune Teller, Stiltwaker, Magician, Face Painters, Caricature Artist.

Costume Contest 6:30 pm; Haunted House 7-9 pm. 

Event flyer here.

SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Walk

Held in 2018 at Vinoy Park.  Dedicated to raising money to help support the homeless animals of the Tampa Bay community, this event has something for everyone.  Music for the humans, agility courses, costume contents and a doggie water park for your furry friends.

Click here to visit the SPCA Tampa Bay website and learn more.

St Petersburg Festival of the Arts

Rather than a single festival, the St Petersburg Festival of the Arts is really a month-long series of artistic events ranging from plays to music to film to dance to wine. 

The events are spread out during the month, so click here to be taken to the website and their listing of events and more information.