Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa 25 Belleview Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33757
Built in 1897 by railroad magnate and West Central Florida pioneer Henry Plant,
the 292-room Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa holds an honored position on
the National Register of Historic Places. Situated on a high coastal bluff near
the Gulf of Mexico, the resort is reputed to be the largest continuously
occupied wooden structure in the world. The Biltmore is also the oldest major
resort in Florida. History tours are offered daily.
727-442-6171
Don CeSar Beach Resort & Spa 400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
A longtime point of reference on maritime navigation charts, this "pink palace"
features Mediterranean and Moorish architecture and includes numerous balconies
and terraces. Original owner Thomas Rowe named the 340-room property after a
character in the opera Maritana. The "Don" was a favorite of high society
including F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda, attorney Clarence Darrow,
baseball great Lou Gehrig and even gangster Al Capone. Originally opened in
1928, the property was appropriated by the Military during World War II and
eventually abandoned. It was restored to its original glory and reopened in
1973. A member of the Historic Hotels of North America and listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, the Don CeSar has also been named a
historical monument by the National Archives. History tours are available by
appointment. 727-363-1881
www.doncesar.com
Philippe Park 2525 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor, FL 34695. (N.
of Safety Harbor off Hwy. 590)
Philippe Park is a historical site that overlooks Old Tampa Bay. The park is
named for Odet Philippe, who claimed to be a surgeon for Napoleon. Philippe
settled there in the 1830s and introduced the New World,s first successful
grapefruit trees. Before Philippe, the area was a significant Native American
settlement. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, a sizable ancient
ceremonial mound exists today. The park also features an excellent picnic area,
playground and nature trail.
727-669-1947
St. Nicholas Boat Line 693 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, Fl 34689
This 30-minute boat cruise passes through the historic sponge docks and
includes a narration on the history of sponge diving, the different types of
sponges and a sponge-diving demonstration. Rates are $5 for adults, $2 for
children 6-12 and free for kids under six. Specialty cruises are also offered.
727-942-6425
Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club Built by Pennsylvania oilman Aymer Vinoy Laughner
in 1925, the $3.5 million Vinoy Park Hotel was the largest construction project
in Florida's history. In its heyday, the Mediterranean Revival-style hotel was
frequented by Calvin Coolidge, Babe Ruth, Herbert Hoover and numerous
celebrities and entertainers. In the early 1940s the property was converted to
a military facility, reopening as a hotel in 1945 and continuing operations
until it fell into a state of disrepair and was closed in 1974. The Vinoy
re-opened in 1992 after a $93 million restoration and expansion that added a
guest tower and complete recreational facilities, including an 18-hole golf
course designed by Ron Garl. The property is listed in the National Register of
Historic Places and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. History
tours are offered daily. 727-894-1000
www.renaissancehotels.com/TPASR
The Pier- Five
stories of fun rolled into one, right on the waterfront of St. Petersburg. This
festival market is packed with shops, dining and entertainment venues for every
member of the family
