Better RVing Advertisement
Downtown Tierra Verde Center

Just down the Bayway from Fort DeSoto State Park is a small, two-story shopping plaza that can cater to all your day-tripping wants and needs. Start your day with a steaming cup of coffee or a sweet treat at the alluringly cute Bikini Beany Coffee Shop (727.510.3668) where the smoothies, mochas and picnic sandwiches are served with just the right amount of Continental sass. Just next door you can order breakfast, lunch or dinner with Deutsch flair at the German Crepes House (727.867.5800). Don’t forget to order one of their signature beers or wines with your schnitzel. Just next door to the Downtown Center you can find a taste of Southern Italy at Jo Jo’s Pizzeria (727.867.3577). Still hungry for Italian? Check out Sorrento’s Pizza and Subs (727.864.2900). Both of these Mediterranean inspired menus are tops with tourists and locals alike. Looking for more American fare? Billy’s Waterfront Restaurant (727.866.2115) offers succulent seafood, plus steaks, ribs and chicken. The stunning sunsets are complimentary. Just looking for a cool drink after a hot day of play at the Park? Smuggler’s Cove (727.867.0743) is the perfect neighborhood tavern to slip in out of the sun, tip a few rounds and swap fish stories with the locals.


The Candy Kitchen
The Candy KitchenNot too far from Fort DeSoto is a beachside sweet shop with enough kitsch, variety and nostalgia to impress even the legendary Wonka himself. Since 1950, the Candy Kitchen has invited Madeira Beach visitors to “come for the bathroom but stay for the ice cream.” This is the perfect tongue-in-cheek invitation to visit this confectionary institution where, over the last six decades, thousands of sweet-toothed visitors have left their signatures on the walls and walked away with another “favorite place” to add to their Florida scrapbook. You can buy fudge by the pound, ice cream by the cone, rock candy by the stick and find a piece of the childhood you thought you lost forever. Visitors can browse more than 500 different varieties of goodies, including saltwater taffy, and 200 nostalgic candies. Says owner Brad Holybee, “If you bought it in the last 50 years, it’s likely you can find it there.” Folks who want to take the memories with them can buy a Decade Box full of sweet treats from the ’50s, ’60sor ’70s or have the sugary love shipped. Candy Kitchen is located at 13711 Gulf Blvd.,
Candy Kitchen: "come for the bathroom but stay for the ice cream."

Madeira Beach, Fla. 33708. Call 727.392.6803 or visit www.madbeachcandykitchen.com for more information. 


Dockside Dave’s 

When you can boast the best grouper sandwich in both the local and national media, what else do you need? Well, in addition to glowing reviews in Southern Living, CreativeLoafing and the St. Petersburg Times, Dave’s offers a heaping helping of deep-fried sides that put that grouper way over the top. Order an impossibly huge platter of onion rings or signature waffle fries to go with your grouper and indulge in a sun-splashed vacation for your taste buds. There are two locations to choose from: 7141 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727.360.4200) or 14701 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach (727.392.9399). Meet Dave and check out the rest of the menu at www.docksidedavesgrill.com.


Skyway Jack's
Skyway Jack’s 

From the Humpty Dumpty sitting outside to the many-more-than three little pigs inside, you know there is something different at first glance of this goofy Gulf Coast diner. The décor may be silly, but the staff at Skyway Jack’s takes their food seriously. For more than two decades, locals and tourists have been returning to this St. Petersburg institution for down-home, rib-stickin’ meals, breakfasts and lunches served by a friendly wait staff who greet locals by name and everyone else with a sociable “Hey y’all.” But the accents are not the only thing that’s southern at Jack’s. Offerings include chicken ’n dumplin’s, black-eyed peas and greens, and more. There are no wrong turns on this menu. The burgers are amazing, the breakfasts are incredible and the portions are legendary. Two locations: 2795 34th St. South, St. Petersburg, Fla. 33711 (727.867.1907) and 11140 4th St., Saint Petersburg, Fla. 33716 (727.576.4100).
Cheesesteak at Skyway Jack's


The Don Cesar Resort

Elegance is not a term often used when describing something that is garishly, unapologetically flamingo pink. But, since 1928, supreme elegance is exactly what you get at the Don Cesar beachside resort. This Mediterranean palace, rising like a mirage from the sands of St. Pete Beach, manages to be both an impressive landmark and linchpin for lazy summer evenings while offering much more than opulent accommodations. The venerable “Don,” haunt of such luminaries as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Al Capone, Lou Gehrig and FDR, is singularly unique. The stately architecture, Moorish bell towers and imperial turrets, beg to be photographed with perfectly pink aplomb. Used as a military hospital during World War II, today the St. Pete Beach landmark has been restored to its former grandeur with some excellent modern upgrades. Beachcombers can slip in out of the sun for a

The Don CeSar
refreshing visit to the Beach Club and Spa Oceana or for a cool treat at the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor. Dine al fresco beachside for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy a drink at the Lobby Lounge where Lito Cortez tickles the ivories nightly, or share a romantic dinner for two at the celebrated four-diamond restaurant. Folks looking for a party can always find live music and good times in the Sunsets’ Lounge or simply mingle with other visitors and guests while dining poolside at the Beachcomber Bar & Grill. The Don Cesar is located at 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach,

Fla. 33706. Call 727.360.1881 or visit The Don CeSar for spa or dinner reservations or for more information.