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The Washington Post
"A New Age: St. Pete's Fountain of Youth"
Andrea Sachs, Washington Post Staff Writer - January 28, 2007
If God sticks around St. Petersburg, he's going to be waiting awhile.
The Florida town once known as the last exit before the pearly gates is looking more youthful these days, thanks to an influx of younger people taking their place alongside the more senior residents. Indeed, in certain circles, white-blond is the new gray, "hip" has nothing to do with replacement surgery, and "social" now refers to partying, not a security check.
"It's been a huge change," said Tim Ganley, the energetic 40-year old who runs a gym in town. "It's not like your seeing only old people walking around anymore." (The 1985 movie "Cocoon," aout seniors who are reinvigorated by alien pods, was filmed in St. Petersburg.)
What you will notice around the Gulf Coast town, depending on the hour and the area, are sinewy cyclists, in-line skaters and runners; punk rockers and avant-garde artists; and post-grads on permanent spring break. And while the elders haven't outright disappeared -- just go to the supermarket to witness a parade of Caddies -- the younger generations are certainly staking a claim on St. Petersburg....Continue reading Full Article here
DETAILS - St. Petersburg, Fla.
GETTING THERE: St. Petersburg has its own airport, St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport in Clearwater, but it's just as easy to fly into Tampa International Airport, a short drive across the Howard Franklin Bridge (Interstate 275). United, Southwest and US Airways offer non-stop service from Washington, with fares running between $165 and $200 round trip.
WHERE TO STAY: I stayed at the Pier Hotel (253 Second Ave. N., 800-735-6607), www.thepierhotel.com), an easy walk to lively Central Avenue and the waterfront. Besides its great Southern porch and Old World charm, the hotel has a generous happy hour. Rates from $128 to $168 double from January to May, and $88 to $188 from May to December.
