Our recent trip to Indian Rocks Beach showed us that IRB makes for a great getaway on the Florida Gulf Coast. Like our opportunity to stay at a condo at Anna Maria Island, this also was a condo experience.
Our Place
Our stay at the Da Vinci at Indian Rocks Beach cemented our opinion that staying at a condo is a very good option. This time our accommodation was right on the Gulf. In fact, it was a two-bedroom, three-bath suite with a living room, dining area, kitchen and a balcony that oversaw the water.
It was great to sit out in the early morning Gulf breeze and watch the boat traffic, the joggers and the dozens of shore birds out for breakfast. Moreover, because it was a condo, we could sit and have breakfast made in our own fully-equipped kitchen.
The fact that we could have a leisurely breakfast at our own place gave us ample opportunity to plan for the day – while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Gulf – literally just yards away.
Indian Rocks Beach is on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracostal Waterway. You can head north to Clearwater Beach or South down to Treasure Island. While we were there, we headed south and explored Redington Beach and Maderia Beach.
While in Maderia, we had the opportunity to go to John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk. That in and of itself is a day’s worth of activity. Heck, with all John’s Pass had to offer, you could spend a couple of days investigating everything they have to offer from shops to dining. They also have a wide array of waterborne experiences including tours, fishing outings and watercraft rentals.
Of course, when it came to the water, our condo had a pool and a hot tub. And just on the other side of the fence was a wide expanse of beach where we could go swimming in the Gulf or just sit and watch the sunset.
Dining
Naturally, we found some really great places to eat. Near to our condo was the local favorite called the Kooky Coconut. That little place on Gulf Boulevard also was accessible for us by a short walk down the beach.
The Kooky Coconut might best be known for their hot-pressed cuban sandwiches. In addition, they have fresh burritos, tacos and quesadillas, tuna salad and a variety of other beach-friendly eats. We indulged ourselves in their selection of ice creams. Thirsty? Drink choices are just as varied. They have beers and wine, energy drinks and soft drinks.
They also have a small gift shop featuring everything from shells to T-shirts.
We also had an opportunity to lunch at the famous Maggie Mae’s Sunrise Cafe. Their location in IRB has both indoor and outdoor seating. But our advice is, sit on the back deck and look out over the Intracoastal. The atmospheric conditions make the food taste that much better by half.
One of the most quirky and fun places to dine was The Sweet Sage Cafe & Boutique at Reddington Beach. They have breakfast, lunch, a lunch buffet – and being a dog-friendly restaurant – there’s “dog friendly dishes.
These are folks that pay attention to what they’re doing. From the kitchen to the servers you can expect a great little dining experience. Just as many of the places we visit, the ambiance of The Sweet Sage Cafe brings a lot to the table so to speak.
In addition to the cafe, there’s also a cute little boutique. There was not a lot for me, but Mrs. Funmeister had a great deal of fun browsing the selection of of gifts, jewelry and clothing.
In Conclusion
In the end, this was another vacation that begs us to return. There were a number of things for which we did not have have time. One of them is a trip on the Royal Conquest pirate ship which is docked at John’s Pass.
And after seeing the beaches and Gulf waters from IRB to Maderia Beach, we also have a great desire to pay Treasure Island a visit.
