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Leisurely Activities in St. Petersburg/Clearwater Florida

April 18, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

My first visit to Florida didn’t disappoint. In fact, I found the St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas to be a traveler’s delight featuring beautiful beaches, an active arts community, and fun around every corner.

We took a direct flight on Allegiant Air from Wichita to the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, which was easy to book and a low-cost fare. Fun Fact: After the Wright brothers’ pioneer flight at Kitty Hawk, the first ticket for air travel was sold by the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line to a fare-paying passenger.

ST PETES

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

We kicked off our trip in St. Petes. The first thing we did once arriving to “The Sunshine City” was jump in the rental car and head to St. Pete Pier to have lunch at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille with views of Tampa Bay.

The seaside restaurant is known for an extensive menu of rum drinks and fresh seafood, which have received rave reviews. It was an incredibly windy day, so we dined indoors near a window. The service was excellent. Our waitress took the time to review the menu with us and give her recommendations.

We knew we were in the right place. I ordered a cucumber mojito and the seared tuna appetizer. Tossed in peanut vinaigrette, the chilled rice noodles, veggies, and herbs paired nicely with the seared tuna. It was a meal for one dine, yet perfect for sharing for two people. The mussels appetizer was tasty but certainly wasn’t nearly as large of a portion.

If you get the chance, visit Doc Ford’s at the near the St. Pete’s Pier. It’s a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. The deck seating area is a choice spot for snapping a photo with Tampa Bay in the background

View the menu prior to visiting. Pro Tip: Take a look at their up-to-date Instagram account to get inspired before ordering.

St. Pete Pier

I did my research before leaving for Florida and knew that we needed to check out St. Pete Pier overlooking Tampa Bay. The newly renovated area is breathtaking and has something for every age to enjoy.

We hopped on a free shuttle from the gateway to Pier Teak, a rooftop bar serving cocktails and beer. The view of the city’s skyline were in the background as sailboats and yachts sat docked near shore. We admired the city’s architecture noting a contrast between modern skyscrapers and Art Deco, brightly painted buildings.

Level 2 of the St. Pete Pier is the Driftwood Cafe. Quaint in size, it offers vast views of the bay in a cozy setting. We found ourselves inside Pier Gear & Gifts on Level 1. After purchasing new sunglasses, we headed outside to the fishing deck.

If you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the option to catch fresh seafood and clean it on-site. Gator Jim’s Tackle sells last-minute fishing supplies if you find yourself in need.

Further down the pier’s walkway we discovered the Family Park with a splash pad nearby. Families stood in line for ice cream at a nearby creamery. The weather might have been windy, but the sun was shining and everyone was enjoying themselves.

Public art reigns supreme at St. Pete Pier at the 26-acre complex. “Bending Arc” by Janet Echelman sways in the breeze above onlookers’ heads. The artist used twine and knots to sculpt a massive piece that constantly changes shape. If you return to see it after the sun goes down, projected lights illuminate it with vibrant color.

Whether you’re relaxing in an Adirondack chair in the shade under a canopy of palm trees or watching children at play on the beach, you’ll find more than enough to do on a good weather day. Adults can peruse the Marketplace to shop from local vendors while art enthusiasts can seek out public art installations like the 10′ tall Red Pelican by artist Nathan Mabry.

This red pelican is a miniature version of the large scale one at the gateway’s entrance.

The Red Silk Cotton Tree is located near the Museum of Fine Arts.

Don’t miss Benoist Centennial Plaza for the World’s First Airline Monument. Located adjacent to the Albert Whitted Airport, the area is home to “First Flight” by artist Mark Ailing. The life-size sculpture features a Benoist bi-plane commenting the world’s first commercial plane flight by pilot Tony Janus in 1914.

I particularly appreciated “Morning Stars,” a mosaic mural of geometric shapes created by artist Xenobia Bailey. As I walked back and forth, it appeared as if the shapes took a movement of their own.A visit to St. Pete isn’t complete without spending time at the pier. Parking at St. Pete Pier requires payment but it’s inexpensive. Once you park, make note of the parking space number and walk to a payment kiosk to deposit $4 for two hours. It’s a small price to pay for access to pristine beaches and the pier’s grounds. Pro Tip: View weekday vs. weekend parking rates here.

GREEN BENCH BREWING COMPANY

Central Avenue in St. Petes offers visitors in search of murals, breweries, eateries, and hipster shopping a place to feel right at home.We stopped by Green Bench Brewing Company, which was crawling with beer lovers who were pre-gaming before heading to the Tampa Bay Rays baseball game across the street at Tropicana Field.Known for serving craft beer, mead, and cider, Green Bench’s slogan is “It’s more than beer. It’s community.” If you’re not sure what you want to order, they’re happy to pour you a sample or two. The menu is always changing. The staff goes out of their way to make patrons feel right at home.

Pro Tip: I’d recommend sipping your drink outside on the astroturf patio to hang out with locals. Patio tables with umbrellas provide shade from the sun. Love dogs? Bring yours! You’ll love the relaxed vibe.

BODEGA ON CENTRAL

When I spot a long line outside of a restaurant, my interest is piqued. Bodega on Central attracts hungry locals like bees to honey. They serve Latin street food made with fresh ingredients. From salads to fresh squeezed juices and sandwiches to desserts, your mouth will salivate while looking at the menu of options.

Several of us in our group ordered the Cuban sandwich made with roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mayo, and mojo served on crusty bread. The sandwich’s flavor was no joke. I could’ve easily eaten another one. Latin pop music played over the stereo. It was a festive experience.

Pro Tip: When visiting Bodega, order at the window on the sidewalk. They will give you a number to take to the table and servers will run your food to you. View the menu here.

MURALS

There is a long list of things to do when in the St.Pete area including mural hunting. Its known for its eye-catching street art found in various district within the city. View a list of areas to track down massive murals here.

INDIAN SHORES

Our condo was a 40-minute drive from St. Pete’s and only a short drive to local eateries and coffeeshops. Every where you look, you’ll see signage with names like Aloha To Go, The Dog & Parrot or Salt Rock Grill. Influenced by the water, restaurants and play up the seaside vibes.

DJ’S CLAM SHACK

We chose to have lunch at DJ’s Claim Shack, a franchise restaurant popularized by Food Network’s Guy Fieri. The fast casual restaurant appeared on the chef’s Drive-Ins, Diners and Dives show. The most popular item on the menu is the lobster roll, according to the employee who took our order. Curiously, I asked about Conch Fritters. It was a hard “no!” for me.

I settled for the Fish & Chips, which arrived to our table piping hot. The Garlic Steamed Middle Neck Clams didn’t last long either. Other good-looking menu items included Mahi Mahi Tacos and the Grilled Garlic Shrimp Roll.

Pro Tip: A small restaurant, seating is first come, first served. However, outdoor patio tables accommodate patrons on a busy day. Takeout ordering is available.

CLEARWATER

BENEDICT’S

We were craving a scratch-made breakfast so we drove to Benedict’s after learning it was highly rated on TripAdvisor. Situated in a strip mall near a grocery store, this unsuspecting restaurant serves incredibly satisfying food. The portions were heart and the food plating was eye-catching.

I chose the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs served with fresh fruit and toast. Our family seemed just as happy with their menu selections ranging from chocolate chip pancakes for the kids to omelets and breakfast skillet meals. The server was a pro at managing a bustling restaurant, ringing up orders, and attending to our needs. The restaurant experience was 5-stars.

Pro Tip: Arrive before the weekend brunch rush by dining early.

CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM

Touring Clearwater Marin Aquarium was my chance to see sea life up close and learn about their rehabilitation, an opportunity I don’t get in Kansas. My goal? To watch dolphins swimming and happily interacting with visitors. I had never seen one before this trip!

Highlights of the world-class aquarium include listening to animal handlers as they feed turtles, fish, and dolphins. Also serving as an animal hospital, many of the exhibits showcase information about on the walls about each animal in captivity and their rehabilitation story.

We took the aquarium at our own pace rather than booking an animal experience session. However, if you’d like to get an up close look at what it is to care for dolphins or have a photo moment with one, you can book a hand-ons Animal Care Experience here. Members get a discount on tickets.

This year, the aquarium is celebrating 50 years of dedication to marine life so be sure to check the website prior to your visit to learn about special events and discounts.Pro Tip: If you arrive in your own vehicle, you can park in the nearby parking garage. Ticketing is on the third level near the entrance. We parked our car in the neighborhood and walked to the aquarium’s third level to purchase admission. Plan your visit and get directions to the aquarium here.

PIER 60

Beach life doesn’t get any better than hanging out near Pier 60. Performers, events, and food vendors make for a lively experience at the beach on just about any given day.

During our visit, an overcast sky and wind had closed the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, but we still made the most of our self-guided tour. You can expect sunshine and clear water most days.A popular destination for anglers, you can fish from the pier if you pay for admission. It’s the spot to see dolphins, hammerhead sharks, and other fish like grouper and snapper. Charters are also available for serious fishermen who want to leave the shore to reel in a big one.

If traveling with family, make a point to stop at the sandy playground and take a photo with the colorful public artwork on display. I was impressed by the massive size of the monkey bars, jungle gym, and swing set areas. Bathrooms and refreshment areas are within walking distance.Pro Tip: Parking at Pier 60 requires depositing money at a pay station. Be prepared to deposit $4 per hour at nearby lots. A downtown-to-beach trolley runs every 30 minutes Monday-Thursday, every 15 minutes Friday-Sunday.

CRABBY’S DOCKSIDE

We drove to Crabby’s Dockside for lunch – more fresh seafood! A beachside restaurant with views of the marina, it’s an ideal spot for a mid-day break.

Popular with tourists and locals, the restaurant is known for its fresh gulf grouper dishes, fish tacos, and Boom Boom Shrimp Bites. I opted for a House Salad with Blackened Mahi. Other menu items that caught my eye for a future visit included the Stuffed Flounder and Clam Chowder.

Pro Tip:To get a sneak peek of the restaurant’s upper deck view, check out their live web cam here. Because of the weather, the deck’s shades were pulled during our visit, but I still think it was worth the visit and the food was scrumptious.

Have I convinced you to escape the Florida yet? The fresh sea air, the sound of the gulls overhead, splashing waves, and the sunshine are reasons enough. Plus, there is a long list of leisure activities designed for every kind of traveler in the St. Petesburg/Clearwater area. It is paradise away from home.

Sun Palace: A Couples-Only Resort in Cancun, Mexico

May 25, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside 2 Comments

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Exceeding a guest’s expectations is what all-inclusive resorts in Mexico do best. If you’re in search of a locale where the sunsets always wow you and the resort amenities are stunning, look no further than Sun Palace resort in Cancun, Mexico.

Having visited several all-inclusive resorts, Sun Palace resort sets itself apart because it prides itself on luxurious accommodations in a couples-only setting. From the moment you walk into the lobby, you are treated like their only guest, a feeling you quickly learn to appreciate.

Whether you’re a “I don’t want to leave the resort” kind of traveler or a “I like to adventure off the resort and return to luxury” kind of traveler, Sun Palace has everything you’re looking for and more. I prefer during a vacation to take each day at my own pace, and Sun Palace resort caters to that kind of whimsy.

LOCATION

Located along the resort strip overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea, the resort is a short 15 minute drive from Cancun International Airport. You can easily get to the resort by shuttle van, a much preferred method of transit versus taking a bus. The room’s balconies face the ocean so you’re perfectly poised for breathtaking views from your balcony or pool lounger.

ACCOMODATIONS

The rooms defy your expectations. Blonde marble floors stretch from wall-to-wall accented by dark wood finishes. Every room comes with a complimentary full bar (liquor included!), jacuzzi spa, walk-in shower, and a spacious balcony. There’s no need to pack extra toiletries or hair styling tools since the bathroom is stocked with everything you need. The closets are large and come with two, plush robes and slippers. Need to lock away your passport, cash or jewelry? You can use the secure safe located inside the closet.

We were pleased to find our Deluxe Ocean View room decorated especially for us as we were celebrating our 10 year anniversary. Heart-shaped balloons adorned our room and rose petals were strewn along on our bed. A bottle of chilled champagne, two glasses, and chocolates awaited our arrival! At Sun Palace, you can expect to be treated like every day is a celebration.

Take my advice. Upgrade your room. The accommodations of a deluxe or presidential suite are definitely worth the extra charge. Our room was a large as a small apartment, and the view was unmatched by any that I’ve seen in Mexico thus far. You’ll find that your pace slows down upon arrival to paradise. There’s no rush to make it to anywhere. Pull up a front row seat to the best sunrise you’ve ever seen.

As far as amenities, the room comes with a small kitchenette space that include a fully stocked refrigerator, snack drawer, liquor bottle dispensers, and coffeemaker. It’s all included so enjoy it! Should you crave a snack that your room doesn’t include, simply call room service.

Do you love to unwind with a spa treatment? Look no further than your own jacuzzi tub in the middle of your room. Open the complimentary red wine and enjoy the bubbles.

Note: The resort has been undergoing renovations to improve its luxurious offerings. There was some painting taking place on the grounds, but it did not take away from our experience.

DINING

I can’t stress enough how impressed I was with the dining options at Sun Palace. The menu options, the flavors, and the presentation were top-notch! This resort doesn’t just provide a buffet where tourists gather every day for breakfast and lunch (Aurora Resturant), but it includes multiple reservation-only restaurants on the premises such as Thai, Feugo, La Tratto. Expect your dining experience to take one to two hours. Be sure to also make a stop at the lobby cafe. You can order ice cream or crepes there any time.

Available 24 hours a day, the resort promptly delivers exceptional room service. We ordered breakfast to our room nearly every morning so we could watch the sun come up over the ocean while enjoying plates of bagels and lox and steak and eggs. You can even order from a late night menu that includes all of the foods you crave from nachos to sandwiches. Sometimes when you visit an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, some foods and condiments don’t taste quite the same as they do in the States. That is not the case at Sun Palace! We were quite impressed.

Should you get hungry while lounging poolside, simply walk over to grab lunch from the taco cart (a popular choice!) or order a sandwich or small pizza at the Snack Bar. If visiting the Bar at Sun Palace indoors, a comfy spot for happy hour, you can order tapas and appetizers to nibble on while waiting for your dinner reservation. The bartender will make you anything you want from their full bar.

THINGS TO DO

Whether you want to unwind with a spa treatment or leave the resort for an ocean excursion or seaside adventure, there is more than enough to do! We reserved a couples massage at Awe Spa where we had access to cold and hot plunge pools, herbal steam rooms, and comfortable lounge beds before and after our spa appointments. Oh, and don’t forget to use your resort credits when booking spa treatments!

If you’re an adventure seeker, simply visit the concierge desk to discuss the off-resort options from scuba diving excursions to sailing. We took a catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres via Cancun Sailing, which I recommend if you’re comfortable at sea and want to take in the view while someone else captains the boat. Our experience included adult beverages and lunch.

Once back at the resort, you have a multitude of entertainment options. The staff hosts various nightly activities from trivia nights to musical performances. The Bar at Sun Palace is the place to be every night if you want to participate in group games or just kick back and relax and watch others interact. Don’t forget to tip your bartender! I recommend bringing at least $40-50 in single bills to have on hand depending on the length of your stay. (I learned that the bartenders rotate the property every couple of weeks, so they share in the heavier foot traffic in different areas of the resort.)

Of course, you’re going to want to take a dip in one of two pools (or both) when you’re not sitting near the ocean taking in the sound of the waves. The service is prompt no matter where you claim your beach chairs. I recommend grabbing a couple of magazines or towels of your own to claim chairs before breakfast time. Make sure to check which areas are available to you based on the color of your wristband, which is most of the resort even if you don’t have diamond status.

SISTER RESORTS

Take advantage of your ability to visit sister resorts of Sun Palace during your stay. We took a resort shuttle to M oon Palace so the guys could play a round of golf while I lounged by the pool. A family-friendly resort, expect to see areas dedicated to kids including a wave pool and playroom. I thoroughly enjoyed getting a new perspective on the resort life while relaxing poolside. Moon Palace caters to your every need. Other sister resorts to visit include Beach Palace and The Grand at Moon Palace. However, check with the front desk clerk to discuss which ones you can visit with your wrist band status. When visiting the other sister resorts, you’re able to eat and drink at any restaurant or bar.

I have no doubt that you’re going to enjoy your stay at Sun Place. From the moment you step inside the lobby, prepare to be transformed to paradise. Let the future travel planning begin!

Of all of the resorts I’ve stayed out in Mexico, this one is my favorite thus far. If you love traveling to all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, you will also appreciate staying at Barcelo Premium in Puerto Vallarta. Be sure to click on this link to learn more from one of my past travels to the resort!

Simple Ways to Reduce Your Use of Plastic

September 25, 2019 by Vanessa 2 Comments

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

I have a challenge for you. (It’s one I heard about on TV during a “60 Minutes” episode on climate change and pollution.) After you read this post, I want you to try to go as long as you can without touching anything plastic. How long do you think you could last?

Almost everything we use is made of some form of plastic. One day, I accepted the challenge. It was impossible not to touch my phone or my toothbrush within moments of waking up.

I’m concerned about the rate at which we are contributing to global warming and our overdependence on plastic, especially single-use plastic. While some usage of plastic materials is unavoidable, I believe we can do without an abundance of it. For example, “we are producing over 300 million tons of plastic every year, 50% of which is for single-use purposes – utilized for just a few moments, but on the planet for at least several hundred years,” reports Plastic™ Oceans. The plastic garbage that makes it into our oceans, lakes, ponds, and streams are killing wildlife from fish to birds. Much of this trash washes up on shore and pollutes beaches.

How can someone do their part to reduce their use of single-use plastic? Follow my lead! While I’m not perfect (our household has only begun the journey to a reduced-waste lifestyle), small changes are decreasing our dependence on plastic. Which one of these small actions could you take in your household starting today?

STOP BUYING INDIVIDUAL BEVERAGES

The days of grabbing a water bottle on the way to leave the house are over for me. If I need a roadie drink, I fill up a reusable metal bottle for the trip. Aside from the fact I’m no longer spending a ton of money on bottled water in bulk at Sam’s, I’m consciously decided that I don’t need to buy single-sized sweetened beverages. Now, that is better for my health, too!

USE METAL OR BAMBOO STRAWS

Although not as common as a metal water bottle, metal straws (some are collapsable and made to fit in your pocket or purse!) and bamboo straws are the solution for not using plastic ones. Don’t worry about how you’re going to clean them either. Most straws of this kind come with their own cleaning brush. I stock both types of straws and typically prefer the metals ones. When dining in a restaurant, I don’t use the straw provided or decline it.

An example of a reusable straw that we keep on hand at home.

SWITCH TO BAR SOAP

I’ve switched to bar soap. It’s funny, I used to think bar soap was so archaic, so I dunno…grandma-ish. Today’s premium bar soaps are luxurious, made from all-natural ingredients, and lather up just as well as most bottled shower gels. If you really want to go for the gold, ditch your plastic shower loofah and opt instead for a wash cloth.

BRING CLOTH TOTE BAGS TO THE STORE

I’m not sure why my local grocer hasn’t switched to an anti-plastic bags rule yet, but they haven’t. I bring reusable, cloth bags to the store and ask that they use them instead when sacking my groceries in small, plastic bags. If I accidentally forget my cloth bags, I simply ask the store to use paper bags.

Durable cloth totes like these can be purchased at nearly any natural foods store or grocery store and can be laundered.

REUSE PLASTIC PRODUCE BAGS

I use drawstring mesh produce bags to avoid using plastic produce bags for items such as avocados or citrus that I can hand-wash before eating. If I have to bring home any plastic bags, then I simply stash them in my cloth grocery bags so they make their journey back to the store.

PACK BAMBOO CUTLERY

Made from earth-friendly material, bamboo flatware is surprisingly durable and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. While it’s most likely not strong enough to cut a steak, it does the job for most foods. I pack a set, like this one from Knork, in my lunch bag daily.

USE A CLEANING CLOTH INSTEAD OF PAPER TOWELS

Easy to wash in the laundry, cleaning cloths can be used to wipe up spills or wash your dishes. I don’t use them to clean windows, but they are awesome for use in the kitchen. I’ve noticed that I’m buying far less paper towels now and eventually I will stop buying them at all and opt for micro-fiber cloths instead.

MORE IDEAS FOR REDUCING YOUR USE OF PLASTIC

Instead of buying your milk or juice in a plastic jug, buy it in waxed cardboard instead. The packaging contains some plastic material, but it’s far less than the alternative.
Buy ingredients in bulk.
Store leftovers in glass containers.
Avoid using restaurant take-out containers. Bring your own or request some items to be packaged in foil.
Don’t buy frozen dinners. Cook for yourself. Grab a dinner recipe here.
Buy bread in a paper sleeve or make it yourself.
Don’t change out your garbage can’s trash liner after every use. Better yet, don’t use a bag at all.
Use real silverware instead of plastic cutlery when hosting parties.
Make your own salad dressings and store them in mason jars like this recipe, Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing.
Use biodegradable bags instead of plastic bags for disposing of pet waste.
Make your own household cleaners. Consider this one that uses leftover orange peels. I reused a plastic spray bottle at the time, but I see value in using glass spray bottles now.

It’s on us to make a contribution to reduce our use of plastics since so much of the waste is ending up in our world’s oceans, rivers, and streams. To do more research into the environmental issue, I encourage you to visit this link by National Geographic.

Do you have ideas to share about how to reduce one’s dependence on plastic? Feel free to leave it in the comment section below to inspire others!

Tulsa, Oklahoma’s “The Gathering Place:” A Park for Everyone

September 24, 2018 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

On a recent trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma we made it a priority to visit the city’s latest project “The Gathering Place,” a riverfront park built entirely from donation dollars. The mission for the park’s construction was to build a park that not only beautified the area but attracted diverse populations to positively interact with one another while enjoying the outdoors. Tulsa nailed it.

You can enter the interior of the park from all sides, which are well marked with signage.

The entirely free park sits on 66 acres near downtown Tulsa. Thanks to 80 corporate and philanthropic organizations, The Gathering Place was built with $400 million in donations starting in September 2014. The park opened to the public two years later.

We arrived just after the park opened (regular hours are 9am-10pm) and found a parking spot just outside the Chapman Adventure Playground, an interactive area devoted to children (and adults). Soon after our arrival we found ourselves immersed in the fun of the park. Every inch of the park provides a sensory experience!

Within the Adventure Playground there are areas devoted to testing your strength (and desire for fun) and teaching areas with interactive stations about nature. At one point, my boyfriend and I became so excited wandering around discovering new areas that we lost each other!

Speaking of the park’s vast size, I would recommend picking up a map or viewing the website prior to entering the park. Volunteers walking the park can give you one as well. If you don’t want to spend time climbing wooden fortresses or swinging from ginormous chairs next to giddy children, you should visit the other areas built with just adults in mind such as Peggy’s Pond or the restaurants.

You can climb to the top of multiple towers and look out on the park!

Looking out toward Peggy’s Pond. A relaxing space for adults to sit who are not with children.

As an adult, I think there’s something completely freeing and almost rebellious about living like a kid again. I took advantage of the opportunity to cross a suspended rope bridge that connected wooden castles, walked through the Mist Mountain, and explored the Sensory Garden with careless abandon and complete curiousity. Without any concern from time, I allowed myself to giggle inside a mirror maze and trample along the path beside man-made waterfalls. It was worth every moment.

Despite my crippling fear of heights, I crossed this rope suspension bridge! To be totally frank…I ran!

Parents toting children will enjoy interacting with their families and taking photos. We saw dozens of families snapping photos of kids playing joyfully at Swing Hill and areas like Slide Vale and Willow Beach. The backdrops for group photos are limitless.

Playing in the interactive water feature area of the park, one is easily reminded what it feels like to be a kid again.

After we took full advantage of the play areas, we walked to a glass enclosed, two-story ONEOK Boathouse located on Peggy’s Pond. Those interested in enjoying the water can check out paddle boats, kayaks and canoes from the lower level of the building. Although it wasn’t open yet, a fine dining restaurant called Vista at The Boathouse will offer affordable meals for all ages and provides alfresco patio seating on the second level.

You can check out canoes and kayaks free of charge at The Boathouse.

Later, we meandered our way to the oversized chairs on the dock of Peggy’s Pond. I could easily see myself enjoying a coffee while reading from this tranquil spot, if I had more time. While serene and beautiful, I wished we were there at night to view the daily light show that takes place at 9pm. The park’s designers have meticulously added rows of lights to illuminate the shore after dusk.

Bringing your pup? Dog owners should bear in mind that pups are not allowed inside the park unless it’s Wednesday. However, we several dozen dog owners walking along the trail along the Arkansas River just outside of the park. The concrete sidewalks are wide enough to allow for cyclists, runners, and dog walkers to co-exist easily.

Of course, dogs must be on a leash. Areas that don’t allow dogs are well marked.

At some point when we return to Tulsa, we’ll visit the park again since we didn’t see the entire area even after two hours. For me, I love that the park requires you to relinquish all sense of adult responsibilities and instantly gives you the feeling of pure freedom that comes from acting like a a kid again.

Interested in visiting? Plan your next trip here. If you have any questions about navigating the park or what else you can expect from your visit to The Gathering Place, ask me in the comments section below!

Want to see bonus photos and videos of the park? Check out my Instagram!

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