Ahoy, Maties! Sunset Beach: Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude

I’m going to keep this one short and sweet because yesterday I moved to new digs. I want to get back to the beach!

This time I’m renting a 1-bedroom apartment at Gulf Spray cottages on Sunset Beach, a barrier island on the Gulf (outer) side of the town of St. Pete Beach. St. Pete Beach is mostly high-rise condos and touristy shops, but Sunset Beach has hung onto most of its small-town beachy charm (and its million-dollar beach cottages.) Supposedly, it was the inspiration for Jimmy Buffet’s song, “Margaritaville.” A lot of places in Florida make that claim. It might actually be true.

You need to take a causeway to get over here, and since there’s only one way in you need to plan your grocery store and peninsula trips, but in the morning, I can step outside and walk the beach with my coffee in hand. It’s just what the doctor ordered.

After the uber-urban Central Avenue St. Pete “Mountaineer” adventure, it was nice to open the door and see some welcoming beach cottage touches. This landlord gets it. The little things do mean a lot.

And yes, since inquiring minds want to know, this time there’s a real bed (with a spare)!