Tourist in Own Town – Two Year Review

When we made the Big Move to Florida I started a “Tourist in my Own Town” Possibilities List.  This list came about for a few different reasons. I realized as we were leaving Cincinnati that there were a number of things locally I had always said I would do “someday” and never did. I didn’t want the same thing to happen in our years in Florida. 

I also didn’t know what our new town had to offer and needed to learn my way around.  I needed somewhere to jot down notes from reading best of lists and what to do this weekend articles. Plus I joined a number of local Facebook groups that were often sharing great ideas on things to do. 

I love lists. This Tourist in My Own Town Possibilities List now has 110+ ideas (some ideas have multiple elements). It has been a great resource for me as the “designated planner” for my local fun tribe. It has made me feel like I’m getting roots set down here via experiences. I’ve contemplated if I should attempt to write an article for the local paper or magazine to capture the best ideas! 

Of course it is a Possibility List and I am sure some things will not get done. But, right now, I’m using this review to reminisce about some fun things done and to push myself to plan some of the still unchecked items. Having a list (and check offs) certainly helps with reminiscing, a Positivity Practice.

Some of my favorite things done:

• Local museum exploration – we’ve been to many of the ones we are interested in and some more than once!  This summer we did one new and one repeat – getting out of the oppressive afternoon heat.
• Exploring various neighborhoods from downtown St Pete’s different districts to some local “tourist towns”.  I learned my way abound the city doing this although I did say to someone the other day, “I’m still not sure where Gulfport is in relationship to Downtown!”  Following GPS routing is very different than having a full-size map.  I might need to expand this neighborhood exploration to Tampa, which I have not really explored much.
• Working though the list of restaurants to try.  And more places are added all the time! Trying new restaurants has been an enjoyable experience for me for years… at some point I would like to get a favorite go-to place also.
• Local parks exploration.  I’ve enjoyed all of them so far – from Sawgrass’ alligator spotting to the Raptor Fest at Boyd Hill to boating to Egmont Key State Park.  A number of parks are still on the Possibilities List.
• Unique experiences – from an escape room to axe throwing to improve comedy to a magic show.  Not specific to St Petersburg, but often on “things to do this weekend” listings!
• Uniquely local experiences – Sacred Lands tour, Sunken Gardens, Manatee Viewing Center, Cross Bay Ferry, Bio-illumination kayak trip, and downtown Saturday Morning Market are some of my favorites here.
• Search for favorite plant nursery and local food market.  Yes, I have my favorites now!  And a couple new places recently opened to explore.
• Live theater at various venues.  We have even become donors at one local theater.
• Mural tours in downtown St Petersburg – by foot and by bike.
• Local sports teams venues – Rays baseball game and Rowdies soccer games.
• Day trips to Sarasota, Weekie Watchi, Ybor City (walking tour), Lakeland gardens, and Whimzeyland.

A number of local activities have turned into regular repeated ones including:

• Local art & craft markets – favorites are Dunedin, MainSail, and Shop-aloosa
• Second Saturday Art Walk
• Pass-a-grill shelling at full moon
• Shuffleboard Friday nights
• Beach festivals – Kite and Sand Sculpting are two favorites.

Of the 37 things still not checked off (yes of 110+!), what’s on the MUST DO list – the “I’d regret if never did it” list?  These are the things I’m going to try and make happen this next year:

• Weedon Park mangrove kayaking
• Caladesi Island exploration
• Busch Gardens Serengeti Safari
• Tubing at a local spring
• Florida State Fair
• The Strawberry Festival

Have you ever created a Tourist in your Own Town list?  What’s your favorite local touristy thing to do where you live?

Picture Credit: this morning’s sunrise.

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