I Wore a Faux Fur Coat to a Drag Brunch in February and I'd Do It Again: An Ally's Guide to St. Pete

 

Following the rainbow through the streets of St. Pete during Winter Pride 2026. And yes — that's a rainbow bike rack he's leaning against. This city shows up. 🌈

Let me be upfront with you: I'm Nancy, and I'm a straight ally. I'm not going to pretend I know everything about the LGBTQ+ experience in St. Pete — I don't, and it's not my place to claim I do. What I can tell you is that this city has my whole heart, and some of my favorite people and places in it happen to be part of the most vibrant, creative, welcoming queer community I've ever had the privilege of being around.

My husband Evan has been featured on the Skittles Squad podcast — and honestly, so have I, talking about Funshine Getaway. The Skittles Squad are our besties and one of the best things happening in this community. If you don't already follow them, start now at theskittlesquadpodcast.com. We participated in Winter Pride and I'm looking forward to volunteering in 2027. And yes — I once showed up to a drag brunch in February in a knee-length faux fur coat because it was freezing, and the fabulous Alice Marie Gripp absolutely roasted me. Not for the coat specifically. Just for existing in her vicinity. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Funshine Getaway is proud to be Booking.com Pride certified — because we mean it when we say everyone is welcome here. 🏳️‍🌈

So here's my honest, personal, incomplete-but-genuine ally's guide to the most welcoming city on the Gulf Coast.

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This morning we attended the City of St. Pete Pride flag raising and walked away with this beautiful flag — now proudly hanging at our home. This city shows up every single time. 🏳️‍🌈

This City Shows Up

St. Pete scores a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipality Equality Index. That's not a marketing slogan — that's a measurement.

I want to say something honest here though. There used to be rainbow crosswalks on Central Avenue. They're gone now — painted over. I was there the day before it happened with friends, and I'm not going to pretend that wasn't painful. I have the photo. The city responded by installing rainbow bike racks on the street in their place — and as of literally yesterday, they wrapped the steps of City Hall in a rainbow. Is it the same as the crosswalks? No. But this city keeps showing up, and that matters.

And the community? They responded the way they always do — with defiance, joy, and a rainbow laser show during Winter Pride that was visible 60 miles away and went viral. I was at the lighting. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

Florida's state-level political climate is a real and painful contrast to what St. Pete stands for locally. The community here is resilient in ways that are genuinely inspiring.

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The Grand Central District: The Crawl

If you've never walked Central Avenue between 16th and 31st Streets, you haven't seen St. Pete. Over 150 LGBTQ+-owned and allied businesses, the birthplace of St. Pete Pride, and one of the most alive, creative streets in Florida. Everything here is walkable — and yes, Evan and I have absolutely done the full crawl from Tampa Bay Drinkery all the way to Cocktail. It's a great night.

Tampa Bay Drinkery is where we usually start — craft cocktails, amazing musical performers on the regular, and a genuine community hot spot. The energy in here is always electric.

The Garage on Central is just down the street — a laid-back neighborhood bar with a big outdoor patio, free pool, and karaoke nights that our group has done for birthdays more than once. It draws a wonderfully mixed crowd of all ages and orientations.

Behind TBD is Lucky Star — a small neighborhood gay bar with friendly bartenders and inexpensive drinks. It tends to get crowded during events and on weekends, so plan accordingly. 😊

Steven at the piano for the Big Gay Sing Along at Cocktail St. Pete every Thursday night. 🌈

Cocktail St. Pete is our home base and the anchor of the Grand Central scene. Thursday nights are the Big Gay Sing Along — a room full of people singing their faces off together, strangers becoming friends, everyone welcome. Happy hour runs noon to 9pm with 2-for-1 drinks, and that same happy hour extends to The Wet Spot. We're friends with the bartenders. It's that kind of place.

The Wet Spot is connected to Cocktail — same ownership, same energy, with a Drag Bitchin' Brunch on select Sundays that is an absolute blast. Las Vegas energy, Gulf Coast sunshine.

The Ball is the third part of that family — small, intimate, and genuinely one of the most beautiful bars I've been in. Cocktails named after gay icons like Elton, Liza, and Whitney. I've seen Raffy and Cat perform at an open mic there. It punches way above its size.

Pin on Grand at 2458 Central Ave is where you eat before, during, or after all of the above. Asian fusion, locally owned, and absolutely beloved by the whole neighborhood. Get the sushi burrito and thank me later.

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Artist Justin Sears (kneeling, front) with friends in front of his rainbow zipper sculpture outside Pinellas Ale Works on 1st Ave S. This is the kind of art and the kind of people that make St. Pete what it is. 🌈

PAW: A Different Kind of Stop

Pinellas Ale Works on 1st Ave S is not really a bar crawl stop — it's a destination. You go to PAW when you want to slow down, sit in the beer garden, grab tacos from the food truck, and just be. It's one of the most genuinely ally-focused organizations in the city, dog friendly, award-winning craft beer, and my friend Justin's rainbow zipper sculpture stands right out front. It's the kind of place that walks the walk. Worth the short walk off Central.

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The Edge District: Art, Community & That Patio

A short rideshare or walk east of Grand Central brings you to the Edge District, and it's absolutely worth the trip.

This is what Enigma looks like on a good night. Which is every night. 🌈

Enigma is the first gay bar I ever walked into and I have loved it ever since. Drag shows multiple nights a week, all-day drink specials, a dance floor — but my favorite thing is the outdoor patio. Sitting out there with friends, talking, watching Central Ave go by — that is a vibe unlike anywhere else in this city. We once brought our girl Spock in her Superman costume on Halloween. She was the star of the night. 🐾

With some of St. Pete's Queer Asian Icons and my husband Evan at a QAM event. This museum, this community, these people. 🏳️‍🌈

QAM — the Queer Asian Museum at 1006 Central Ave is one of the most meaningful spaces in this city. Founded by Leo Andersen, QAM exists to center and celebrate queer Asian voices through art, history, and community. I'm the volunteer social media manager and it is genuinely one of the things I'm most proud to be part of. If you're visiting and you care about art and representation, please go. And here's a special offer — reach out to me directly and I will personally set up a tour with Leo. This place deserves a one-on-one experience and we can make that happen for you.

The Edge District is also home to Grassroots Kava House — which brings me to a confession.

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A Word on Kava Bars (From Someone Who Doesn't Care for Kava)

I'm going to be completely honest: kava is just not for me. I've tried it and it's not my thing — but St. Pete is literally considered the kava bar capital of the world, they are deeply woven into this community, and they are genuinely welcoming inclusive spaces. So here are the ones worth knowing even though you won't find me there:

Grassroots Kava House in the Edge District on Central Ave is the one everyone talks about — nearly 3,000 sq ft, a secret staircase through a vintage telephone booth that leads to a rooftop patio overlooking Central Ave. Wildly cool even to someone like me who won't touch the kava.

Mad Hatter's Ethnobotanical Kava Bar is completely alcohol-free, open 24 hours, and serves kava alongside boba teas, nitro coffee, kombucha, and more with a food truck outside from 4pm to midnight. Great for non-drinkers who still want to be part of the scene.

Steep Station Kava Bar is also specifically noted as an LGBTQ+-friendly space worth knowing about.

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The Art Scene: It's Everywhere

St. Pete's creative community and its LGBTQ+ community are deeply intertwined and you feel it everywhere you go.

Some local LGBTQ+ Asian artists whose work you should actively seek out: Saumitra Chandratreya is a fiber-installation artist born in Mumbai whose practice, in his own words, celebrates his identity as a queer, non-binary, immigrant person in the United States — his work has been shown internationally and right here at home. Tom Bayot and Haha Hao, whose Grounded Gallery lives at The Factory St. Pete, are also part of a creative community that makes this city's art world unlike anywhere else. All three have shown at QAM — another reason to go.

The iconic octopus sign at Pulpo kitchen + lounge on Central Ave — painted by local artist Jason Durocher. Come for the art, stay for the tapas. 🐙

And while we're talking local artists — Jason Durocher (jdartworx.com, @jd.artworx) is a St. Pete artist whose work hangs in our Funshine Flamingo's Nest property. He also painted the gorgeous octopus sign and mural at Pulpo on Central Ave — a fantastic tapas spot right in the Grand Central District that is absolutely worth a visit. See the art, stay for the tapas.

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Gulfport: The Queer Little Town Next Door

Gulfport is its own whole world and it deserves its own section. This tiny, artsy, waterfront town just south of St. Pete has a huge LGBTQ+ heart, a thriving First Friday Art Walk, and an energy that is completely unlike anywhere else.

Me and the incomparable Alice Marie Gripp at Neptune's drag brunch in Gulfport — February 2026. Yes those are patio heaters. Yes we are both wearing fur. This is Florida in winter and we have no regrets. 🌈

Neptune's hosts a drag brunch that I have attended in a faux fur coat in February AND sweating in a sundress in the Florida heat and every version in between. The host is the incomparable Alice Marie Gripp — 2025 Best of the Bay winner, comedy drag star, and one of the most entertaining humans I've ever been in a room with. The girls dance on the street outside. It's a whole production and you need to experience it. Don't miss it.

Stella's at 2914 Beach Blvd S is a Gulfport brunch institution — locally owned, deeply welcoming, with the kind of food and atmosphere that makes you feel like a regular on your very first visit. The pierogi nachos are something I can't fully explain, only strongly recommend.

Alphabet Soup is Gulfport's welcoming neighborhood community bar — I haven't been personally but it comes consistently recommended as a genuinely inclusive spot with great community energy.

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On the Beach

Cool Vibes on St. Pete Beach is one of the most genuinely LGBTQ+-welcoming spots on the beach — and that matters because truly welcoming beach bars are harder to find than you'd think.

Here's something the locals have known for decades: Sunset Beach has been THE gay beach in Pinellas County for as long as anyone can remember — ask any longtime local and they'll tell you. It's known, it's loved, and it's right down the road from our Funshine Sunset Beach property. The bear meetups during the warmer months are just one part of a much longer story. 🐻🌈

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Pride Fest at North Straub Park before the parade — St. Pete Pride 2025. 400,000 people. Pure joy. This is what we're talking about. 🌈

St. Pete Pride: This Is Not a One-Day Thing

Let me be very clear about something: St. Pete Pride is not a parade. It's not even a weekend. It's an entire month of events throughout June that touches every corner of this city and every part of the community.

We're talking family events, museum nights, networking events, and sports nights — yes, sports. The Tampa Bay Rays host a Pride game. The Tampa Bay Rowdies host a Pride night. This city's sports teams show up. There are pickleball nights, shuffleboard fundraisers, concert events, TransPride celebrations, street fairs, and community gatherings of every size and kind — all building toward the main event: the St. Pete Pride Parade and Festival, one of the largest Pride celebrations in the entire Southeast, drawing 400,000+ people to the St. Pete waterfront.

It's genuinely one of the most joyful things I've ever witnessed — and it's happening right here in our backyard.

For the full current event calendar every year, visit stpetepride.org. The lineup grows every year, so check there for the most current details. 🌈

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With the Skittles Squad crew during the Winter Pride Drag Race on Central Avenue. Yes that's a Skittles Squad Podcast hat. Yes we take this very seriously. 😄🌈

Winter Pride: The Best Kept Secret in Florida

St. Pete doesn't just do Pride once a year — it does it twice. And that second celebration is one of the best kept secrets in Florida.

Winter Pride runs for a full week every February with something happening every single day — parties, drag performances, circuit nights, a street festival, the wildly fun Winter Pride Drag Race on Central Avenue, and community events of every kind. Evan and I went to five out of seven events this past year and had the time of our lives.

It's become a destination event in its own right — drawing snowbirds and visitors from up north who want sunshine, community, and a celebration when everything back home is grey and cold. As my friend Gabe, who runs Winter Pride with Rob, puts it: people up north stay up north for June Pride. But February? It's 72 and gorgeous down here and that's a reason to book a trip all on its own.

The 2026 edition launched a rainbow laser show that was visible 60 miles away and went viral. I was there for the lighting and it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

Come for St. Pete Pride in June. Come back for Winter Pride in February. This city will give you a reason to visit year round. 🌈

Book your Funshine stay early. Both weeks fill up fast. 🌈

Getting some Winter Pride love. 💋🌈 (Thanks for the photo John!)

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Your Turn

Whether you're a local, a regular visitor, or planning your first trip, I'd love to hear from you. What are your favorite spots? What did I miss? What's your go-to on a Thursday night or a Sunday brunch? Drop it in the comments — this list is never finished and my friends always know something I don't. 😄🏳️‍🌈

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And Funshine Is a Safe Space Too

We're Booking.com Pride certified because we believe it — not because it's good marketing. Whoever you are, whoever you love, you are welcome at Funshine Getaway. Our properties are your home base for all of this.

Ready to plan your trip? Browse our Treasure Island properties at funshinegetaway.com 🌴

Romantic Things to Do in Treasure Island and St. Pete (That Have Nothing to Do with Dinner)

 

This could be you... just saying.

Of course you already know that a walk on the beach with your feet in the water and watching the sunset from the sand are non-negotiable. We'd never skip those. But if you're looking for something a little beyond the obvious, we've got you covered — because this area has so much more up its sleeve than most people realize.

A little while back I got a message from a guest staying at our Funshine Sunset Beach property. He was looking for romantic things to do with his partner but mentioned he was vegan — and honestly, he wasn't really looking for restaurant recommendations. He wanted experiences.

I loved that question because it made me think differently about what makes a place feel romantic. And the truth is, this area is absolutely overflowing with it — you just have to know where to look.

Here's exactly what I sent him, plus a few extras I've collected since. And yes — he and his partner came back. So I think we got it right. 😊

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Set Sail on Tampa Bay

There's something about being out on the water as the sky turns pink and orange that just does something to you. If your budget allows, booking a private sunset sail is an absolute dream — just the two of you, the water, and that sky. But if you'd rather share the moment with a smaller group, there are plenty of intimate sail options in the area too.

Check out our Sunset Sail Guide for specific options and booking info.

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Our preferred mode of transportation for the St. Pete waterfront tour. 😄

Walk the St. Pete Waterfront

Evan and I have done this walk more times than I can count — and we never get tired of it. Start at the pier and walk all the way to the end, then head up to the third floor for some of the most stunning views of the St. Pete skyline you'll find anywhere. On your way back, browse the cute little touristy shops and booths along the pier — great for picking up a little something to remember the trip. Then stop at Spa Beach for photos — the backdrop is gorgeous.

From there, head up 2nd Ave N to Beach Drive for some window shopping. You can grab a gelato along the way, or if you want to keep the views going, pop into the Canopy Rooftop Bar — you'll be looking right back at the pier you just walked. Straub Park is right there too, and depending on when you visit there are usually seasonal decorations or art installations that make it even more special.

If you really want to have fun with it, do this route on bikes or segways — we've done it both ways and it never gets old.

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The Dalí Museum

The Dalí Museum is one of those places that's just genuinely fun to experience with someone you love. The building itself is stunning — it sits right on the waterfront and is worth a look even from the outside. Inside, the collection is world class and a little wonderfully weird, which honestly makes for great conversation.

Even if you're not big art museum people, the Dalí has a way of pulling you in. You'll find yourselves stopping in front of the same painting and trying to figure out what you're even looking at — and that's kind of the whole point.

Check their website for current hours and admission before you go, and keep an eye out for special exhibits.

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Sunken Gardens

If you're looking for something a little quieter and more tucked away, Sunken Gardens is a hidden gem. It's one of Florida's oldest living museums — a lush, tropical botanical garden right in the middle of St. Pete that feels like you've stepped into another world. It's peaceful, beautiful, and honestly really romantic in a low-key way.

And yes — there are flamingos. 🦩

Check Groupon before you go — they seem to almost always have discounted tickets available, which makes it an easy yes.

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FloridaRama

FloridaRama is one of those places that's just good and weird in the best possible way — very St. Pete. It's a neon museum, so yes it's visually stunning and extremely photogenic, but what makes it really fun for couples is that they've turned the whole experience into a challenging scavenger hunt. The games are an add-on price but honestly they're worth it — you're not just wandering through exhibits, you're actually playing together, which makes for a really fun date energy.

Check Groupon before you go — they're often on there with discounted tickets. And if you happen to spot a celebrity while you're there, well... it's happened. 😄

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Paddle Through the Mangroves

If you want to get out on the water in a more active way, Sharkey's Glass Bottom Tours out of St. Pete Beach offers an island and mangrove tunnel adventure that is really special. You'll kayak out to a secluded mangrove island, paddle through a mangrove tunnel, and hang out on a sandbar where you might spot dolphins, ospreys, and all kinds of sea life. It's four hours of pure Florida magic — and it launches right from St. Pete Beach, just minutes from our properties.

And if you want something a little more after-dark and intimate, they also offer a glass bottom LED illuminated night kayak tour — paddling over lit-up water while fish swim below you is as romantic as it sounds.

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Ride Into the Sunset

If you really want to create a moment neither of you will ever forget, this is it. C Ponies offers horseback riding through the bay near Anna Maria Island on rescued Gypsy Vanner horses — and their Sunset Platinum Excursion is exactly as magical as it sounds. You're literally riding into a Gulf Coast sunset on a majestic horse. It's a bit of a drive from our properties, but some moments are worth the trip.

Just know that this isn't a last minute thing — this is the kind of romantic experience you have to plan for. Availability is limited and these rides fill up fast, so if you're dreaming of this one, start there first. 🐴🌅

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Evan taking his mini golf very seriously at ParBar. I still won though. 🏌️😄

Get a Little Competitive (and a Little Silly)

Not every romantic moment has to be soft and dreamy. Sometimes the best memories come from laughing so hard you can't breathe — and the Grand Central District delivers exactly that, all within about one block on Central Ave.

Start with axe throwing to get warmed up — yes, really, and yes it's as fun as it sounds. Then head next door to Grand Central Brewhouse for a cold beer and some live music (sometimes even dueling pianos). From there, walk across the courtyard to LaLa St. Pete — you can book your own private karaoke room for just the two of you, or if you're feeling bold, join the public karaoke during evening hours. Continue east to The Dog Bar because honestly what's more fun than petting a bunch of happy dogs with your favorite person? And if you still have energy, cap the night with a round of mini golf at ParBar on the corner of 23rd.

Evan and I love this neighborhood — it's the kind of night where you're not sure what you're going to do next and that's exactly the point.

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The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club at dusk — $10, BYOB, and completely unforgettable.

Friday Night Shuffle

If you really want to impress your date with something one of a kind, head to the Friday Night Shuffle at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club. For just $10 each you can play on one of the oldest shuffleboard courts in the country, every Friday from 7-10pm. It's BYOB and bring your own food too, so pack a little picnic and make a night of it. It's fun, it's cheap, and it is absolutely, unapologetically Florida.

I've played here myself and the sunset views are stunning — trust me on this one.

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Daniel Childs brought his guitar and left with a song. 🎸

A Song Written Just for You

Let's talk about live music for a second — because there is something undeniably romantic about sitting somewhere beautiful, watching the sun go down over the water, and letting someone else's music just wash over you. Maybe you dance a little. Maybe you just sit close and enjoy it. Either way, it's the kind of evening that feels effortless and special at the same time.

Daniel Childs plays every Wednesday from 5-8pm on the waterfront patio at Shrimpy's on St. Pete Beach — and it's the perfect setting for exactly that kind of night. He's one of the Gulf Coast's most beloved singer-songwriters, performing over 250 shows a year right here in Florida, and his music has that warm, beachy Florida soul that just fits the moment perfectly.

Here's the extra special part — Daniel once stayed at our Funshine Sunset Beach property with his wife for their anniversary. He was so inspired by their time reconnecting here that he wrote a song about it. That song is called "Sunset Beach" and you can listen to it on Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming platforms.

If you make it to Shrimpy's, tell him you're staying at Funshine Getaway. We have a feeling he'll know just what to play. 🎵

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This is what love looks like on the Gulf Coast. 🌅

Where Love Stories Begin

Our very first guests ever didn't even know they were staying with us. A couple had just gotten engaged at dinner, and their family had secretly arranged two nights at Funshine Pointe Capri as a surprise. We met the future sister-in-law that afternoon and together we set up balloons, a banner, champagne, flowers, and matching pajamas for the couple. The family had quietly packed toothbrushes and a bag just in case — because that's the kind of people who plan the best surprises.

They arrived not knowing they were staying anywhere.

She said yes, by the way. 🥂

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Have You Made Memories Here?

We'd love to hear from you! Have you stayed with us and have a romantic story to tell? Maybe it was a perfect sunset, a spontaneous adventure, or a moment you'll never forget. Drop it in the comments — we genuinely love hearing from our guests.

Ready to start planning your Gulf Coast escape? Browse our Treasure Island properties and find your perfect home base. 😊

Little Legs, Big Adventures — The Best Things to Do with Young Kids Near Treasure Island, FL

No crowds, no rough surf, just wide open white sand and that gorgeous Gulf water. Little legs were made for beaches like this. 🌊

Traveling with little ones takes a special kind of planning — you need enough variety to keep everyone happy, enough downtime to avoid meltdowns, and ideally a mix of free and paid activities so you don't come home broke. The good news? Treasure Island and the surrounding Gulf Coast area is genuinely one of the best destinations in Florida for families with young children. The beach is calm and shallow, the area is walkable, and there is no shortage of things to see, do, and explore. Here's our local guide to making the most of your family vacation with the little ones in tow!

Vegan Friendly Restaurants Near Treasure Island, FL — A Non-Vegan's Honest Guide

 

Full disclosure — I am not vegan. Not even a little bit. 😄 But my guests are, and after two vegan guests in a row asked me about plant-based dining options, I put together this list. The St. Pete area has a genuinely impressive plant-based dining scene — there is no shortage of incredible options! Have a recommendation we missed? Email us at funshinepropertiesfl@gmail.com — our vegan guests are counting on you! 🌱

The Local's Guide to Lunch & Dinner Near Treasure Island, FL — Our Honest Favorites

Caddy's rooftop bar, 4th of July. Just another perfectly ordinary evening on Treasure Island. 😄🎆

🍽️ Lunch & Dinner

From barefoot beach bars to candlelit waterfront dining, the Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach area has something for every mood and every occasion. These are the places we actually go — the ones we recommend to every single guest without hesitation.

The Local's Guide to Breakfast & Brunch Near Treasure Island, FL — Our Honest Favorites

The struggle is real. Café Soleil to my house is exactly 4.2 miles. These pastries made it 4.2 miles. Barely. 🥐

 

One of the questions I get most from guests is "where should we eat?" And honestly, after 20 years of living here, I have a lot of feelings about this. 😄 This is the first installment of our ongoing local dining guide — written from the perspective of two people who have eaten their way around Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and beyond. These are our genuine opinions, not sponsored recommendations. Some of these places we've been going to for years. A few are newer discoveries. All of them are worth your time. We'll keep adding to this list as we find new favorites — and if YOU discover somewhere amazing that we should try, tell us in the comments! We are always on the lookout for our next great meal.

15 Things to Do with Teenagers in Treasure Island, FL — The Ultimate Gulf Coast Teen Guide

The only argument your teens will lose on this vacation — whether or not the Treasure Island sunset was worth putting the phone down for. (Spoiler: it was.) 📸

 

Traveling with teenagers can feel like a high-stakes negotiation — they're too old for sandcastles but too young to be left to their own devices. The good news? Treasure Island and the surrounding Gulf Coast area is genuinely one of the best destinations in Florida for teens. Between the beach action, water sports, nearby attractions, and a surprising amount of "actually cool" things to do, you might even hear the words "this is awesome" — and mean it. Here's your guide to keeping teens happy while staying in Treasure Island.