Being new to the Tampa Bay area, we still are finding new places to visit. We had heard a lot of great things about wonderful Fort DeSoto Park in Saint Petersburg. The beach at Fort DeSoto was named America's #1 Beach in 2005! We had also heard that dogs were welcome at the park. We took off last Saturday morning for a day at the park with our dog, Rocky.
When we entered the park, it was a beautiful scene. Being from Michigan, we have seen quite a few beautiful state parks. But, this was extra special because it was surrounded by the Ocean...it was amazing!
We went to the welcome center and were filled with information about the park and things to do. We were most excited to find out they had a special doggie park and doggie beach! We had never seen anything like that before and couldn't wait. So, we drove down to the doggie beach. It sits right on the Gulf of Mexico! The beach was beautiful with white sand and the gorgeous ocean views. (Please take note here that it is February and we are at the ocean in shorts!!). We walked out to the beach and found an area that stretched for miles specifically for dogs! There were all kinds of dogs from puppies to older dogs. They didn't have to be on leashes, they could just run and play on the beach and in the ocean!
Rocky was as shocked as we were! As soon as we let him off the leash, he ran right into the ocean and enjoyed running through the sand. Talk about something that puts a smile on your face! It makes me smile just thinking about it! We stayed at the beach for a couple hours and had so much fun! After the beach, we visited the doggie park where Rocky could run free in a fenced in area. He had stolen a tennis ball from another dog at the beach, so he had a new toy to play with!
(See more photos in my photo album)
We finished our day exploring more areas in Fort DeSoto. There are so many things we didn't see, we are anxious to go back! They have camping available, so I think another trip is in our future. I know Rocky can't wait to go back! Check it out at http://pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm
This Park and the fun we had is just one of the reasons I love living in Tampa Bay!
Saturday, June 2nd, I was brought back to my county roots! Yee-haw! I took part in the Kenny Chesney concert here in Tampa. It was the first time I had lawn seat at the Ford Amphitheater. I have to say that they were great!!! It was easy to navigate around the lawn, because they had formed rows in the grass. Also, there were huge screens at the end of the pavilion so we could see the entire concert, not just hear it. 
