Tag: St. Petersburg
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Weird, Tacky Florida On Display– And It’s So Much Fun!
The Fairgrounds in St. Petersburg, Florida, stands as the anchor of a renaissance in the once-seedy warehouse art district of this picturesque Tampa Bay waterfront city. Despite the numerous jokes made about Florida, the Fairgrounds delivers the perfect punchline: “Yeah, the Sunshine State is wacky, but let’s have some fun with it.”
Opened in 2021, The Fairgrounds is an indoor, interactive art museum celebrating the familiar, stereotypical Florida lifestyle: cheap motels, alligators, flamingos, and state and county fairs (hence the name). All showcased in the brightest, gaudiest fluorescent color schemes on the planet. There’s even a bit of a freak show vibe.
Witness the digital chickens desperately running back and forth, trying not to get crushed by human hands. It’s quirky and entertaining—though PETA may not share my sense of humor. It’s a modern twist on the old carnival game of the Dancing Chicken, where a coin would make a chicken dance behind glass for food. Since this new chicken game is digital, no harm, no… fowl? Let’s move on.
At the Fairgrounds, you won’t find anything related to Florida’s most odious reputation as a haven for serial killers. However, the diorama room may come pretty close. This art form showcases many truly interesting and fascinating displays, but some are undeniably creepy and disturbing.
Take, for example, the display featuring an assortment of ghoulish eyeballs. Then there are the big-headed dolls on the beach. To me, it seems like both creators might need appointments with therapists.
Overall, The Fairgrounds offers a whimsical journey through Florida’s unique culture and lifestyle. It provides a thoroughly enjoyable experience, especially if you’re seeking something off the typical tourist path.
Story & Video: Steve Geiger
Photos: Susan Geiger
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Escape To A Lush Oasis: Sunken Gardens Botanical Gardens In St. Petersburg, Florida
PRESS VIDEO TO PLAY Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg, Florida is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This botanical garden is a lush oasis of colorful flora, winding paths, and picturesque water features. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers looking for a peaceful escape.
The garden is situated on four acres of land that was once a dried-up lake. It was transformed into a botanical paradise in the early 20th century by George Turner Sr. He purchased the land and began to design and plant the garden, which opened to the public in 1935.
Sunken Gardens is home to over 50,000 tropical plants and flowers from around the world. Visitors can wander through the garden’s winding paths, stopping to admire the vibrant blooms and listen to the tranquil sounds of the fountains.
Another must-see feature of Sunken Gardens is the Japanese Garden. It is a serene area with a koi pond, a small waterfall, and a traditional Japanese tea house. The garden was designed to promote relaxation and contemplation, and visitors can sit on the benches and soak in the peaceful ambiance.
The garden also features a wedding lawn, where couples can exchange vows surrounded by the natural beauty of the garden. It is a popular spot for weddings and other special events, offering a picturesque backdrop for photos.
Sunken Gardens also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts. The shop features items such as locally made jewelry, garden décor, and books on gardening and nature.
Sunken Gardens is open seven days a week, and admission is very affordable. Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the gate. Guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the history and features of the garden.
PHOTOS BY SUSAN GEIGER
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They Scour The Beaches For Abandoned Sea Homes
Empty shells mollusks made and once lived in Wonders never cease to amaze me — wonders of the beach, that is. Florida seashell hunters are a unique flock. Even seagulls watch them with intrigue. Hunters with heads down, eyes gazing the sand, walking slow as a turtle. They’ll stop from time to time when they spot something to inspect. Sometimes it’s a keeper, most of the time it’s not. Dedicated seashell hunters are kind of picky, looking at a potential gem with intensity, as if they’re using a jeweler’s loupe.
It’s not my thing, but I’m a people-watcher, and it’s my wife’s obsession, so I go along. I must say, she’s rather good at it. So good, I got her a seashell bag to hold what she finds instead of her putting them in my hands to hold. I love my new hands-free beach life. Oh, and her name’s Susie, as in THAT famous seashell tongue twister. No, she doesn’t sell them. Just collects. (On display in almost every nook and cranny of our house). Though during our last beach visit we came upon a woman who finds shells, turns them into jewelry — trinkets, really — and sells them in her store. She handed us her business card, as any seashell entrepreneur would do.
Fort DeSoto Beach Sand Dollar Discovery Some other discoveries are just as exciting, so I’m told. Like sand dollars, intact, with their skeletons bleached white from the sun. A find like that amongst a group of “shellers” is sure to elicit a “Way to go!” or a “Nice find!” Maybe even a thumbs up. Seems this activity is also gender specific, as in female, at least in my observation. Some good advice, gentlemen? Go along and watch. Just don’t be left holding the bag, the seashell bag. Oh, the wonder of it all!
Bagged Shells Video
Personal Collection
Sand Dollar 
Lettered Olive 
Banded Tulip 
All In A Day Of Collecting Florida Seashell Hot Spots
Bailey-Matthews Museum/Wikipedia The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island is the only accredited museum in the United States devoted solely to shells and mollusks.
