Elke Von Oertzen, PA

Donuts may be guilty pleasures for most people, but when you visit Fray's Donut House, the guilt totally disappears. This fun donut shop is decidedly retro and prides itself in serving up donuts the way you remember them. The shop has been successfully doing business in St. Petersburg for many years and in addition to their donuts, they offer breakfast sandwiches and coffee all at reasonable prices. But of course, the donuts are the main attractions and with over 20 different varieties, you're sure to find a dozen that's just perfect for you!

Pirates of every shape, size and color descend on St. Petersburg's Vinoy Park every November for the Florida Pirate Festival. This event showcases various forms of interactive theater that celebrate the legendary Caribbean pirate tradition. The park becomes overrun with all things pirate, but also manages to include music, rides, comedy, cannons, storytelling, artisan crafts, nighttime fire shows and great food as well as a plethora of pirates!

The Salvador Dali Museum is a worthwhile day trip to St. Petersburg from Tampa. The museum holds the largest Dali collection outside of Spain. You'll be astonished to see the huge giant canvases painted with colorful fantastical dream like imagery, straight from the famous artist's head. Bring swimsuits to swim and build sandcastles at one of the nearby beautiful beaches that St. Pete is famous for. This trailblazing Spanish surrealist definitely had a unique way of viewing the world, and his one-of-a-kind viewpoints make up the many visually stunning exhibits you'll find here. When you and your date stroll from one exhibit to another, you will be seeing pieces that make up the world's most extensive collection of Dali's work.

Nature and outdoor enthusiasts flock to Weedon Island Preserve located in Tampa's beautiful St. Petersburg. Go ahead, take a hike on miles of nature trails or throw a line off the side of the fishing pier. Get a bird's eye view of nature from atop the observation tower. Float your boat at the paddling trails and get schooled on the area's fascinating history at the Cultural and Natural History Center after your boatride. You won't run out of adventures at this park.