I am looking for a long weekend boating destination ideas. We have a small (20 bowrider) and live in St. Pete. Don't really want to drive to the Keys, not enough time to offset the hours driving) . Have been to Captiva about half dozen times but Tweenwaters and places we have stayed are getting to be $$ this time of the year, plus sorta want to try somewhere new. Any thoughts/suggestions?

Whatever you find, dont forget to swing by and pick me up first!!!!!! Im on the canal that goes into Maximo Marina, 1/2 down on the right with the brightest teal blue roof youve ever seen....

Matt

Not sure if it's your scene, but they're having the Sunset '07 festival at the Vinoy park on the 25th. It's a huge outdoor music festival featuring mostly DJ-type house/trance music. It's not my thing, but it drew like 50,000 people last year.
http://www.sunset06.com/sunset07/ind...id=4&Itemid=37

Run up to Homasassa Springs and swim with the manatees then head out to dinner in Tarpon Springs at one of the Greek restaurants in the town.

How about a nice run down to the Sarasota Hyatt? Great place to hang out and boat...stop for lunch at Mar Vista. It's a nice cruise from St. Pete.

They're doing a Toys for tots run on Sat. Dec 1 out of Palatka, FL down the St. John's river. It's for a good cause too. They also have a Poker Run scheduled along with that starting on Fri. 11/31. I used to live on the St. John's at one time & it's beautiful. Nice change from salt water too. I think the springs are warmer than the Gulf now....lol. Info is posted on General discussions section if you're interested in checking more into that. I'm just not sure if it's more for the performance boats or not. I asked my hubby about possibly doing it & those were his thoughts. We have a 31' C.C. Fountain.

Will you trailer the boat somewhere?

Or, you can motor over to Tampa, stay at the Marriott,
take the trolley to Ybor City.

We cruised through Lake Okeechobee from Ft. Myers to Stuart on the St Lucie. Not much to see but fun!

Any trip on the St Johns River is exceptional. Check out Hontoon Island State Park and Silver Glen Springs and Lake George.

I put in in Deland and go north Springs---it's like going back to another time. THere are some neat little rest's and old-timey motels on the river.

Great Weekend Escape,