10 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
As someone who grew up in the Knoxville area, there's no part of the Volunteer State I haven't spent time in. This video highlights the 10 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee from what to do in Memphis and Gatlinburg and everywhere in between.
Official Visitor Information
“Saw Man” Tim Martin Shares His Passion for the Musical Saw
The saw is a tool you might have out in the garage. But how many times have you thought about picking it up and making music with it?
Connecticut native Tim Martin retired from real estate and moved to Florida a few years ago. Martin is an accomplished saw player, one of just a handful in the entire state.
Coming up on October 22nd, he brings his unique musical talents to the Barberville Pioneer Settlement. From 9am to 4pm that day, the Settlement will host the first annual International Florida Musical Saw Festival. The one-day event will feature a musical saw contest with performers from around the world.
I recently met up with Tim in Barberville to learn more about his passion for the saw and how he came to make beautiful music with an unlikely instrument.
8 Best Stops on the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail
The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail is one of the most popular drives in the state of Florida.
It covers more than 30 miles taking riders through some of the most beautiful and diverse natural scenery along the Atlantic coastline. This scenic gem is a favorite of motorcycle enthusiasts year-round. It is the top ride during annual special events, Bike Week and Biketoberfest.
Lovingly referred to simply as “The Loop” by locals, the roadway takes riders through a magnificent canopy of live oak trees, past a number of historic sites, and along the ocean for some truly spectacular, unspoiled views.
In this episode, we’re taking you along for the ride and telling you about the 8 best stops on the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail.
10 Best Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach
The Atlantic coastline of Florida is home to a number of really cool beach towns. Perhaps none is more classic and laid-back than the one we’re featuring today. Of course we might be a little biased since we live a few minutes away.
New Smyrna Beach is a popular family-friendly destination earning all types of accolades from travel insiders.
In this episode, we show you the 10 best things to do in New Smyrna Beach. From the town’s history to its natural beauty and everything in between.
4 Incredible Must-Do Outdoor Experiences Near St. Augustine
The city of St. Augustine is a popular travel destination beloved for its epic history dating back centuries. The most significant structure to the town’s story is the massive Castillo sitting on Bayfront. Completed in the late 17th century, it is the oldest masonry fortification in the nation and a favorite of tourists.
Some visitors might be surprised to learn the Castillo de San Marcos is not St. Augustine’s one and only fortification. At one time, three existed in St. Augustine.
Fort Mose Historic State Park to the north of town was the site of the nation’s first legally sanctioned free African settlement, predating the founding of the country. While the fort is no longer standing, the site has a museum and 40 acres of thick hammocks and green maritime forest to explore.
South of St. Augustine sits another fort built in the 1700s to ensure protection of the city via its many waterways. Off-the-radar compared to the attractions in Old Town, Fort Matanzas National Monument is an outdoor experience that’s well worth the short drive.
In this video, we’re gonna take you to Fort Matanzas and show you what there is to do at St. Augustine’s other fort. Then we highlight three other beautiful natural areas nearby you should experience when you visit the nation’s Oldest City.
5 Can’t-Miss Places in Winter Haven, Florida
Between Orlando and Tampa sits the community of Winter Haven. This city of nearly 50-thousand residents is known for dozens of lakes within its borders, including its famous Chain of Lakes. It's a haven for all types of water-based recreational activities and has a quaint downtown that's quickly becoming known across Central Florida for its variety of food options. In this episode, we're running down some of the places you can't miss in Winter Haven.
10 Things You Must Do in St. Augustine, Florida
If you’re a history buff, St. Augustine is the one city you have to put on your Sunshine State bucket list.
Established by the Spanish in 1565, this town less than an hour drive south of Jacksonville is the nation’s first enduring settlement. It predates Jamestown in Virginia by more than 40 years.
Flash forward to the 21st century and it’s estimated some 2-million people from all over the world visit St. Augustine every year. They come here for the history, the diverse shopping, the quality food options and the natural beauty of the bay and the beaches.
There’s so much to experience here, you might need a little help sorting it all out, knowing where to start, especially if its your first time. We’ve put together this list to make it simple for you.
20 Essential Tips for a First Visit to Washington, DC
The seat of American government, bustling Washington DC is home to the touchstone by which all other museums are judged as well as monuments and memorials that tell the story of the nation’s rich history.
A DC trip can be easier on the budget than other destinations across the country because so many attractions within the city are free.
If you plan on spending time in the District and you’ve never been here before, we’ve put together a list just for you. In this episode, we share with you 20 essential tips for a first visit to Washington DC.
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Bloom Watch from the National Park Service
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Experience the Cathedral
Explore some of the most beloved Cathedral features at your own pace during posted sightseeing hours. Self-guided tour brochures are included with admission. A limited number of audio tours are available for purchase upon arrival.Advance reservations are not required, but are strongly encouraged. Booking your visit in advance will help ensure a smooth check-in.
Sightseeing Admission Tickets
Adults (18+): $15
Seniors (65+), students, active military and veterans (ID required), and youth (5-17): $10
Kids under 5: Free -
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10 Things You Can’t Miss in Clermont, Florida
Take State Road 50 west from Orlando into Lake County and you’ll reach the “gem of the hills.” The city of Clermont was founded in the 1880s, a heritage that’s on full display through a series of original structures on the banks of Lake Minneola.
Dominating one of the largest hills in the area is the 50’s-era Florida Citrus Tower. This 226-foot-tall tribute to the region’s citrus industry provides a bird’s eye view of the landscape which has evolved from orange groves to modern-day housing developments.
While an observation tower might be the city’s biggest claim to fame, the historic downtown area has become a destination for local foodies. With several food halls and vendor markets occupying space on and near Montrose Street plus other brick and mortars locally-owned and operated, historic Clermont has become one of our favorite places to hangout on a Saturday.
Here’s our list of 10 Things You Must Do in Clermont.
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Florida Citrus Tower
141 S Hwy 27
Clermont, FL 34711
Ride to the top of The Citrus Tower and stay as long as you would like:
Adults: $11.00
Children: $7.00
Senior, AAA, First Responder, Nurse, Military: $10.00
Open Every Day
Mon-Sat: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas -
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490 West Ave
Clermont, FL 34711
Galleria at Soma
821 W Minneola Ave
Clermont, FL 34711
821 W Minneola Ave
Clermont, FL 34711
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793 W Montrose St
Clermont, FL 34711
639 8th St
Clermont, FL 34711
756 W Montrose St #102
Clermont, FL 34711
716 W Montrose St
Clermont, FL 34711
Blushin’ Bubbles (inside Sugar Mama’s Candy Bar)
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Lake Louisa State Park
7305 US-27Clermont, FL 34714
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Tiki Bar & Grill
508 S Main Ave
Minneola, FL 3471
Menu: lakeminneolainn.com
Phone: (352) 394-2232
10 Best Things to Do Right Now in Miami
One of the most colorful cities in the world is also one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. And it’s one I had the opportunity to live and work in more than a decade ago. Sometimes referred to as the “Capital of Latin America,” 60 percent of Miami’s population was born outside the U.S. It’s a melting pot of different cultures and influences making the Magic City one of the most energetic you’ll find anywhere.
From art-deco masterpieces along Ocean Drive to the Wynwood Walls and Little Havana, this is the list you have to see if you're considering traveling to Miami. In this episode, we’re running down the 10 Best Things to Do in the Greater Miami Area.
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Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach
1933-1945 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Admission to the Memorial is free.
It is open to the public 365 days a year beginning at 10:00 am and closing at sunset every day.City metered parking is available at the Memorial; coin change is needed. Additional municipal parking is available on Meridian Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets, next to City Hall.
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266 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127
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Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
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16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
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Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant
128 S Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, FL 33004
1100 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019
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Clyde Butcher Big Cypress Gallery
52388 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141 -
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
10 Things You Must Do in Mount Dora, Florida
Just over a half-hour drive northwest of Orlando is a quaint New England-style village that’s a vacation destination all on its own.
Located on a plateau more than 180 feet above sea level, the town of Mount Dora dates back to the middle of the 19th century. That’s when the community became a popular retreat for hunters, boaters and fishermen.
Train service was established in 1887. Primarily used to transport citrus, the rail line also brought visitors to town.
And folks have been coming to this waterfront community ever since. Mount Dora is known for its historic district with locally-owned shops and restaurants, natural areas and a vibrant arts scene with several nationally-acclaimed festivals held here each year.
This video showcases 10 things you must do when you’re in Mount Dora.
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Renninger’s Florida Twin Markets
20651 US-441
Mount Dora, FL 32757
Flea and Farmer’s Market Hours
Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM
Antique Center Hours
Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM -
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A Look Inside the New Market at Sawgrass Grove in The Villages
Minutes south of Ocala and less than an hour drive northwest of Orlando you’ll find the largest active retirement community in America. Covering an area larger than Manhattan, The Villages continues to be one of the fastest-growing places in the nation.
Just off Florida’s Turnpike is the brand new Market at Sawgrass Village. This food hall and entertainment venue opened in mid-July 2022 and we paid a visit during the Market’s first weekend of operation.
While fairly modest in size, the top-rate food options at the Market make this a worthwhile destination for foodies and travelers alike. On this episode, we’re taking you inside Central Florida’s newest food hall in The Villages.
The Market At Sawgrass Grove
Darlin’s Sweet Shoppe – 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Darlin’s serves sweets that make you smile, including ice cream, baked goods and other dessert creations.
Golden Hills Coffee Roasters – 7:00am to 4:00pm
Your neighborhood espresso bar offering classic Italian espresso drinks, milk shakes and cold brew coffee.
Frenchy’s Wood-Fired Pizza – 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Authentic sourdough crust pizzas cooked in a specialty oven.
The Villages Grown – 11:00am to 8:00pm
The Villages Grown Market at Sawgrass Grove is filled with the beautiful colors and fresh aromas of just-picked produce. We bring local, nutrient-dense produce and goods to our community, while maintaining the highest level of food and customer safety.
Willy’s Original – 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Smashburgers and sandwiches served up by a culinary artist.
Southern Oaks Golf Shop – 6:30am to 6:00pm
The Southern Oaks Golf Shop offers a full line of attire and any other equipment you may need, and the adjacent Golf Car Barn offers golf car rentals.
Sawgrass Bar – 11:00am to 8:00pm
Visit Sawgrass Bar for refreshments to go along with whatever tasty treat you selected from the variety of options inside The Market.
There are still a few more shops coming soon!
7 Reasons You Should Experience Charleston, South Carolina in 2022
It is impossible to visit Charleston and not fall in love. This coastal South Carolina city has seen it all since 1670. That’s when it was founded as Charles Towne, honoring King Charles II.
Fast forward more than 350 years and this historic city continues to charm, consistently ranking as one of the top cities to visit not just in America, but in the entire world.
Charleston has always been one of our favorites. If you’re on the fence about paying the capital of the low country a visit yourself, we’re here to help you make a decision. In this episode, we’re giving you seven reasons you should experience Charleston, South Carolina.
10 Things You Must Do in Cocoa Beach
The nearest beach to the theme parks and attractions of Orlando is located about an hour away on the Atlantic Coast.
Cocoa Beach is an authentic East Coast Florida beach town with roots going back to the 1880s. That’s when a group of newly freed slaves established the first non-native settlement in the area.
The community as we know it today started to develop in the 1920s. With the rise of America’s space program in the middle of the century, Cocoa Beach saw tremendous growth. Many young families moved to the area and the town would hold big parades when astronauts returned from their missions.
Cocoa Beach has become known as the “Surfing Capital of the East Coast” and is proud to promote America’s surfer lifestyle. It’s home to the world’s largest surf shop and a great place to learn the sport if you’ve always wanted to give it a try.
Cocoa Beach and its surrounding neighbors of the Space Coast are action-packed with activities for a dynamic vacation.
In this episode, we’re running down 10 Things You Must Do in Cocoa Beach.
Best Things to Do in St. Petersburg, Florida
The fifth-most populated city in the state, St. Petersburg is known as “Florida’s Sunshine City.” Did you know it averages 361 days of sunshine each year? In fact, between 1967 and 1969, St. Pete logged a world record for the most consecutive days of sunshine. 768 straight days of nothing but sun and fun.
St. Pete’s downtown area is dynamic, always evolving and reinventing itself to attract a younger demographic. When it comes to the best things to see and do here, it’s all subjective and even locals would tell you there’s so much, even they haven’t done everything. '
In this episode, we’re showing you what we think you should see when you’re visiting St. Pete, the best things that should be at the top of your list.
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This location has been home to a number of different piers over the years, each one more elaborate than its predecessor. The landmark pleasure pier extending into the blue waters of Tampa Bay recently underwent a multi-million dollar facelift.
The latest incarnation includes the new 26-acre Pier District that elevates this area to a modern community gathering space.
Families will enjoy the Discovery Center with interactive exhibits about Tampa Bay’s unique ecosystem. Kids can expend some energy on the playground or cool off in the Splash Pad while Spa Beach is a great spot to get a little sand between your toes.
Impressive multi-level Pier Point is where you’ll find eateries, a rooftop tiki bar and a gift shop. The views of the bay and the skyline of St. Pete are breathtaking from up here.
Public art adds to the ambiance of the Pier, including this massive billowing net that is perpetually in motion with the wind and this sculpture that commemorates the world’s first commercial plane flight which happened here in St. Pete back in 1914.
The Pier District is free to visit and is open 30 minutes before sunrise. Closing time is 11pm. Pier Drive has metered parking spots and there are 2 parking lots on the property.
At a whopping 3,000 feet, the St. Pete Pier is one of the largest in the world. A tram is available to take visitors to Pier Point. -
Learn more by visiting Discover Downtown.
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Find a list of museums here.
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Hours
Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 4:30 p.m.
The last admission is sold at 4 p.m. daily.
Sunken Gardens is open on most holidays except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when the attraction is closed. The Sunken Gardens Business Office is closed on most holidays, while the Gardens remain open.Admission
Adults: $15
Seniors (62+): $12
Children (2-17): $6 -
10 Things You Must Do in Knoxville, Tennessee
Forty years ago, 11-million people from all over the world descended on Knoxville for one of the most popular expos America has ever put on. The 1982 World’s Fair put this scruffy city on the banks of the Tennessee River on the map and some people who attended during the expo’s six-month run never left.
With a growing population of just under 200-thousand, Knoxville is more popular than ever. People gravitate here for its natural beauty and some of the nicest, most hospitable folks you’ll find anywhere.
In this episode, we’re showing you 10 Things You Must Do in Knoxville from the perspective of a native East Tennessean. (That would be me!) Hope you enjoy my take on this special place.
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The official Visit Knoxville website is the most valuable resource in planning your trip to Knoxville.
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The WDVX Blue Plate Special® is a live performance radio show held at noon, with your host Red Hickey. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Visit Knoxville. On Fridays WDVX takes the Blue Plate Special to Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria for “The Big Plate”. Then Saturday it’s back Visit Knoxville. Here’s the calendar. It’s always free to join in so please don’t be shy. Make yourself at home as part of the WDVX family. From blues to bluegrass, country to Celtic, folk to funk, rockabilly to hillbilly, local to international, it all part of the live music experience on The WDVX Blue Plate Special.
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The Historic Homes of Knoxville is a local partnership between seven historic homes that offer guided tours throughout the year. You can visit each site individually, or visit all of the sites by purchasing a combo pass at any of the seven locations or from the Knoxville Visitors Center.
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601 South Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902Hours:
M-F: 9am - 4pm
Sat: 10am - 4pm
Sun: 1pm - 5pmAdmission is $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors 55 & over, and FREE for children 16 and under. A $6 per person Group Rate is available for adult groups of 10 or more. Admission is FREE each Sunday.
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The 4th level of the Sunsphere houses the Observation Deck. It offers a 360-degree view of the original 1982 World's Fair site (now World's Fair Park), downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains.
There is a $5 admission charge, children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Please click here to purchase tickets to visit the Observation Deck.
10 Ways to Beat the Heat in St. Augustine
During warmer months, temperatures in St. Augustine, like the rest of Florida, can easily climb above 90-degrees.
In the summer, visitors from all over the world flock to St. Augustine to experience the city’s rich history.
Even on the hottest days, the city’s time-worn streets can be packed with sightseers. While the intense heat might slow you down a little, it doesn’t have to ruin your vacation. There are plenty good options of things to do here in St. Augustine when the mercury rises.
From activities on the water to indoor places where you can soak up the cool AC and of course everyone’s favorite, some tasty frozen treats.
This episode details 10 Ways to Beat the Heat in St. Augustine.
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Dolphin, Birding and Nature Tour
This tour provides personalized interpretive tours for small groups of 2 to 14 guests. This ensures a dynamic trip as the guide can cater the experience to the interests of the group.
All guides are interpretive naturalists and USCG licensed Captains who will explain the elements of the estuary. Our most popular one and a half hour trip explores the rivers and creeks surrounding St. Augustine and combines dolphin and bird watching with marine ecology, historic sights, and an amazing boat ride.
This trip is guaranteed to excite and educate guests of all ages–our youngest passenger to date was six months old and our most experienced celebrated her 90 birthday on a sunset trip. Our goal is to provide intimate experiences for everyone who wants to get out on the water.
1.5 hour Dolphin & Nature Eco Tour CALL 904-377-7245 and get on the water today!
$45 / Adult
$35 / Kids ages 3-12
$25 / Infants 2 years and youngerCruisin Tiki
Come along with us for an hour and a half (1.5 hours) adventure around Historic Matanzas Bay. See the Castillo, Downtown, The Bridge of Lions and the Lighthouse - all from the water!$50/person 6 max.
Info@cruisintikisstaugustine.com
(904) 980-TIKI (8454)1-877-578-5050
St. Augustine Parasail is the highest rated parasail provider in the St. Augustine area.
(904) 547-9608
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Lightner Museum admission tickets are for general admission any day of the year that the museum is open.
Valid the entire day of your visit.
Adult - $17.00
Senior(65+) - $14.00
College Student - $14.00
Youth (12-17) - $10.00
Child (11 and under) - $0.00
Military - $14.00 -
Tours depart daily from the main lobby (Rotunda) of Flagler College located at 74 King Street.
Guests begin their tour by exploring the courtyard while learning of the hotel's Spanish Renaissance architecture and of the techniques and innovations used to construct Henry Flagler's vision. Next is the grand lobby where they will stare up into a 68-foot domed ceiling supported by eight ornate oak caryatids hand carved with robed women, each slightly different from the next.Guests move on to the dining room where 79 Louis Comfort Tiffany Stained Glass windows stream light onto the beautiful hand-painted murals on the walls and ceiling.
Finally, the Flagler Room, formerly the Women's Grand Parlor, where they will gaze upon handcrafted Austrian crystal chandeliers, a clock containing the largest piece of intact white onyx in the western hemisphere, original hotel furniture and art, as well as personal photos and mementos from Henry Flagler and his family.
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FREE TOURS & TASTINGS - 7 DAYS A WEEK
SELF-GUIDED TOURS AVAILABLE 10:30 AM TO 5:30 PM
No reservation required for tours -
Official info available here
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Ticket info available here
Can’t-Miss Things in Gulfport, Florida
In the shadow of its larger neighbors of Tampa and St. Petersburg to the east is a quaint town that’s just under three square miles. What it lacks in size it makes up for in personality.
Known by several names in the mid and late 1800s, the town was incorporated as Gulfport in 1912. In the early days, it could only be reached by boat. Escaped blockade runners from Key West settled this place and it remained a mullet-fishing village for years.
Come along as we explore this quirky little community with a great big heart.
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Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Other hours by appointment and open during all special events.
727-201-8687
5301 28th Ave. S., Gulfport, Florida, 33707
Admission: Free. -
Visit the Gulfport Historical Society Facebook Page
Things You Can’t Miss in Treasure Island, Florida
If you’re looking for a cute, old-fashioned beach town on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Treasure Island fits the bill.
Located south of Clearwater Beach and north of St. Pete Beach, this community of 6,500 residents got its catchy name in the early 1900s. That’s when several property owners attempted to boost sales of the properties being developed on the island in a way that I’m pretty sure would be scandalous and unlawful by today’s standards.
They buried a couple of wooden chests on the beach and then pretended to discover them. After claiming the chests were filled with treasure, news of the discovery quickly spread and people began calling the community Treasure Island.
On this episode, we’re gonna show you around Treasure Island and highlight just a few of the things you can’t miss when you’re here.
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All city-owned parking lots are metered or have pay stations and take credit cards. All parking is $2.75 per hour, unless noted below. You can pay by using a smartphone and the Parkmobile app, or at the meters or pay stations using cards or cash/coin.
SUNSET BEACH PARKING
Heron Lot, Bay Shore Drive & 75th Avenue (15 spaces)
Sunset Inn, West Gulf Boulevard & 80th Avenue (6 spaces)
Tern Lot, West Gulf Boulevard & 77th Avenue (55 spaces)
Ring-Billed Gull Lot, West Gulf Blvd. between 82nd and 81st Avenues (43 spaces)
Black Skimmer Lot, West Gulf Blvd. between 80th Terrace and 80th Avenue (16 spaces)
Brown Pelican Lot, West Gulf Boulevard & 88th Avenue (10 spaces)
MID-ISLAND PARKING
99th Avenue end-street (3 spaces)
Sandpiper Lot, Gulf Boulevard & 100th Avenue (16 spaces)
101st Avenue East & West end-street (8 spaces)
102nd Avenue East end-street (6 spaces)
103rd Avenue West end-street (10 spaces)
DOWNTOWN PARKING
Gulf Front Park Lot, 104th Avenue & Gulf Boulevard (77 spaces)
City Center, 10451 Gulf Blvd. (62 spaces)
106th Avenue street parking (11 spaces)
Community Center Lot, 106th Avenue & Park Place (104 spaces) $2.50 / Hour
City Hall Lot, 108th Avenue (41 spaces, evenings & weekends only)
SUNSHINE BEACH PARKING
Ibis Lot, 121st Avenue & Gulf Boulevard (19 spaces)
124th Avenue street parking (17 spaces)
White Egret Lot, 126th Avenue (12 spaces)
127th Ave end-street (6 spaces)
Kingfish Drive (28 spaces)
Please note that the City of St. Petersburg Municipal Lot at 112th Ave. and Gulf Blvd. is not a City of Treasure Island lot, but is open to the general public. -
The Florida Shell Shop
9901 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706
Bucky the Pirate at Treasure Island Community Center Park
154 106th Ave, Treasure Island, FL 33706
Suncoast Surf Shop
9841 W Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706
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The Treasure Island Beach Trail is a paved biking and walking trail that parallels the Gulf of Mexico along a one-mile stretch of Treasure Island Beach. The trail runs from Gulf Front Park at 104th Avenue (near Publix) and runs north to 119th Avenue. There is public parking at Gulf Front Park and at 112th Avenue.
Best Things to Do in Madeira Beach, Florida
Just under 30 miles southwest of Tampa and about a half-hour drive from downtown St. Pete, you’ll find one of America’s best beach towns.
With a shoreline that’s about 2 1/2 miles long, Madeira Beach continues to pile up accolades.
Locals lovingly refer to it as “Mad Beach” with it cracking Tripadvisor’s Top 10 Beaches in the nation just a couple of years ago.
This popular beach town was born out of an old fishing village.
During the late 1940s and into the 1950s is when the community started to develop in earnest. Retirees built single-family homes and mom and pop motels sprung up attracting sun-seekers.
Over the years, condos have replaced many of the smaller lodging options while snow birds continue to make this their winter home.
Today, this pristine beach on the Gulf Coast draws visitors from all over. Step foot onto the sand and it’s easy to see why.
On today’s episode, we’re showing you the best things to do in Madeira Beach, from one of the area’s most popular tourist spots to a candy store that’s been in business since 1950 and a location where you can close out a busy day after exploring this captivating little beach town.
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Metered Parking
Current parking rate: $3.00/hour
*You may park at these locations between 6 a.m. and midnight, except for at Kitty Stuart Park which closes at 10 p.m. Meters are in effect during these hours, seven days a week. Parking any other time without a weekly or monthly parking permit is prohibited.
There is also privately owned parking around John’s Pass Village including the John’s Pass Village Parking Garage (727-398-3968) and lots operated by FLParking (727-401-0530). Pinellas County owns and manages the lot located on Gulf Blvd at 145th Ave. and can be contacted at 727-582-2100 Ext. 0. -
The City of Madeira Beach offers weekly and monthly parking for visitors in city owned parking lots. Passes are for a specific lot, and are assigned to the closest lot available to your desired location. The current rate for passes is $ 100 per week or $ 200 per month (No daily rates are available). Payment can be made by cash or check, or can be charged with a 3% service charge. Passes allow overnight parking, and are also good during daytime hours on a first come first served basis.
**Starting on June 27th we will no longer be issuing visitor passes. You will be able to feed the meter for overnight parking via ParkMobile App. There will only be a select number of spot available per lot for overnight parking.
Visitor parking permits can be purchased in person at City Hall or over the phone..
Parking passes do not guarantee parking spaces.
Passes are accepted at the following locations:
130th Ave located west of Gulf Boulevard at 130th Avenue.
City parking lots – Located on the west side of Gulf Boulevard at 131st, 132nd, 133rd, 134th, 135th and 136th Avenues, and on the east side of Gulf Boulevard at 133rd Avenue.
Passes are NOT accepted at the following locations:
Kitty Stuart Park, West side of Gulf Boulevard at 141st Avenue.
Archibald Memorial Beach Park, 15100 Gulf Boulevard.
John’s Pass Village parking lot at Village Boulevard and 129th Avenue East.
John's Pass Park Lot (Beach access)
134th Avenue E.
Passes allow overnight parking, and are also good during daytime hours on a first come first served basis. Passes are for a specific lot, and are assigned to the closest lot available. -
Madeira Beach uses pay stations and phone apps (Park Mobil and Where To Park) to collect parking fees of $3.00/hr.
This is a complete list of city-owned and managed parking lots.
John’s Pass Park, Gulf Boulevard and 129th Avenue West
John’s Pass Village parking lot at Village Boulevard and 129th Avenue East
John’s Pass Village on Village Boulevard
Gulf Boulevard at 131st Avenue
Gulf Boulevard at 133rd Avenue East and West of Gulf Blvd.
Gulf Boulevard at 134th Avenue
Gulf Boulevard at 135th Avenue
Gulf Boulevard at 136th Avenue
Gulf Boulevard at 141st Avenue (Kitty Stuart Park)
You may park at these locations between 6 a.m. and midnight, except for at Kitty Stuart Park which closes at 10 p.m. Meters are in effect during these hours, seven days a week. Parking any other time without a weekly or monthly parking permit is prohibited.
There is also privately owned parking around John’s Pass Village including the John’s Pass Village Parking Garage (727-398-3968) and lots operated by FLParking (727-401-0530). Pinellas County owns and manages the lot located on Gulf Blvd at 145th Ave. and can be contacted at 727-582-2100 Ext. 0. -
Archibald Memorial Beach Park is located at 15100 Gulf Blvd. Archibald offers metered parking spots directly by the beach with four wooden walkovers, public restrooms, two outdoor shower areas, covered picnic area, and two sand beach volleyball courts. Located on site, The Snack Shak provides beach goers a great opportunity to grab a meal or pick up a beverage to enjoy on the beach.
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Complete list available HERE.
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For a list of shops, bars, restaurants and tour options, visit the official John’s Pass website.