VINOY R�SORT & GOLF CLUB Aymer Vinoy Laughner acquired the land that would become the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club in 1923, and two years later, just in time for New Year’s Eve 1925, the hotel opened. It’s been through a lot since – closures, celebrity visits – but the downtown St. Pete landmark is still a lovely space to while away a day. Take a trip back in time with the hotel’s History Tour & High Tea experience, a one-hour guided docent tour that ends at the Vinoy’s mezzanine, where a tranquil tea awaits you and a guest. It’s offered 2-4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Or simply enjoy a cappuccino and pastry at the decadent Lottie, a French patisserie that opened in the hotel’s lobby recently. When the weather is nice, you can’t beat a cocktail on the veranda overlooking crystal blue water. PHILIPP� PARK Philippe Park is a historical site and park near Safety Harbor that has incredible views of Tampa Bay. The park is named for Odet Philippe, who settled there in the 1830s and introduced grapefruit trees. Before that, the park was home to a Native American settlement, and a sizable ancient ceremonial mound still exists there today. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, the hilly park has a great nature trail, a fun playground for kids and a picnic area. It’s a place bursting with character, where you can feel the decades of history while marveling at Tampa Bay’s pristine waters. VISITSPC .COM 69
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