Grand Central District, St. Petersburg
Good Things Come in Small Packages
To find out more about this great neighborhood, check out its association's Web site, at grandcentraldistrict.org ... tell them we sent you there!
By Lauren Fuino
The fifteen block strip of St. Pete’s Grand Central District encompasses that old-town, welcoming feel of Main Street USA. Lined with diverse shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants, art galleries, antique stores and service-oriented businesses, the District’s pride lay on being named Neighborhood of the Year 2007 by the city of St. Pete.
It’s clear to see why people are drawn to this neighborhood, which stretches from the 1600 block to the 3100 block on Central Avenue and 1st Avenues North and South.
A little history . . .
The Grand Central District was established in the 1920s but hit some tough times in the ‘90s. But that's all changed. Recent revitalizations to the historic neighborhood helped to jumpstart its popularity. Changes and additions to the District over the past few years – including opening 70 locally owned shops, building townhomes and adding the south county headquarters for Hospice of the Florida Suncoast – added to the urban neighborhood’s reputation. If you walk down the District’s tree-lined streets, you’ll be awe-struck of its beauty and how far this small town has come.
Let’s talk business . . .
The best part of Grand Central District has to be its independent businesses. Just stroll down the 2000 block and you will find a bar ‘n’ grill exemplifying the Old Florida/Key West feel; quaint art galleries filled wit contemporary art; an Italian restaurant that is a relaxed café by day, fine-dining bistro by night; an upscale cigar shop; and a specialized bicycle shop among others. The mix of these individual businesses adds to the District’s urban and welcoming personality.
“The best thing about Grand Central is that it’s a place where everyone knows everyone,” Café Dolce owner, Phil Buffa, said. “It’s a little different than most neighborhoods – but in a good way!”
The District is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon, just walking around and window browsing. Stay after the sun goes down and listen to Jimmy Buffet-style music at Beak’s Old Florida while sipping on frozen margaritas and munching on M&M trail mix. If collecting nick-knacks is a hobby of yours, stop into The Gold Leif where you can find a huge supply of antique collectibles.
Save the date . . .
Besides the wonderful locally owned businesses, the District prides itself on their ongoing events to boost community involvement. From the Pride Festivals to the Central Avenue Antique Marketplace, Grand Central is filled with fun events always welcoming locals to join in the festivities. If you’re familiar with First Friday in downtown St. Pete, then stop by the District’s Fourth Friday celebration. Held each fourth Friday of the month, Grand Central businesses stay open past typical closing hours with music filling the streets and opportunities for artists to show off their work.
The district also has an annual Chili Cook-Off every fall, in which participants whip up their best pot of chili to be judged by a panel of chili connoisseurs.
Here are this year's winners
Best Restaurant: 1st Place-Queenshead, 2nd Place-Beaks Old Florida
Best Individual: 1st Place-Red Knights Motorcycle Club, 2nd Place-2 Mad Peppers
Best Business: 1st Place-St. Pete Pride, 2nd Place-Eco-Tech Construction
People's Choice: 1st-Eco-Tech Construction, 2nd-Red Knights Motorcycle Club
GCDA canned food drive
