Seeking Geographic Solutions to Emotional Problems

I came across this gem on Someecards.com a while back and it really hit home.  I’ve had a particularly emotionally taxing couple of weeks. As usual, when the going gets tough I want to run away. Can you actually run away from your problems?  It’s an argument I feel like I’m perpetually in with someone.  Of course, I know that your problems will catch up with you eventually, but I do think getting away for a while can keep you a step or two ahead of them, at least temporarily. That’s how I ended up in Gulfport.

I know I’ve written about Gulfport before (you should probably read it here), but it’s my preferred escape for when I can no longer manage my own life an hour away in Orlando.  That’s how I came to skirt my responsibilities and spend the weekend at the Peninsula Inn.

The Inn itself was adorable.  There were only two hotels I could find available in Gulfport, this one and the Sea Breeze Manor.  Both were incredibly reasonably priced for a beach hotel in the midst of Spring Break.  The rates at nearby St. Pete were almost triple.  I was looking for more of a quiet getaway and not the Spring Break party anyway, so this fit the bill.

I was running late and arrived at the inn around about an hour after the “check in time” (I called first because I’m considerate).  When I walked into the lobby they knew me by name, apparently I was the last to check in.  The kitchen in their restaurant had just closed, but the owner and cook insisted that I have dinner there and offered to make me some salmon that would be ready after I took my things to the room.  That’s service.  I’m a terrible orderer too, I wish every place I went would just tell me what they’re making for me when I walk in.  Decisions are not my strong suit.

I went up to check out my room, the Casablaca Suite.  I was shocked at the size.  After tax I ended up paying around $140 for a room on a Friday night during spring break and the room was huge.  Two bedrooms, one with a queen size bed and one with two twin beds separated by a large shared restroom.

This was also the safest place to stay since I’m the only person under 80 that’s ever been to Gulfport.  There were plenty of handle bars everywhere and even a seat in the shower in case I got tired.  I really can’t wait for retirement.

When I got back downstairs, my salmon was ready.

Served with orzo, and covered in goat cheese.  It’s like they know me.  The owner even sent over some of their famous key lime pie on the house.

I was at home.  After dinner I wandered around and hit up a few local bars with the oldest, most weather-beaten people I’ve ever been jealous of.  Then, when I made it back to the hotel I enjoyed some confusing turn down chocolates.

That morning I was ready to spend an entire day not thinking about anything, and got a gorgeous day for it.  I slept through breakfast downstairs (by a lot) and wasn’t even upset about it.  Check out time was at noon.  I love a late check out and I wanted to spend as much time in that room as possible.  The view from the window was of the palm tree lined Beach Blvd., the main drag.

My first stop after a leisurely morning in the room, which unfortunately had a coffee maker I couldn’t figure out (I’d be willing to bet it was user error.  I’m spoiled by Keurig), I headed to lunch at Peg’s Cantina.

It was a difficult decision since there are so many promising looking restaurants in the area, but this one had a lovely patio and it was a gorgeous day, plus I was swayed a little by the local beer.

I tried the Fixie IPA,

And the Teriyaki Sliders.

After a wonderful and stress-free lunch I headed to T and Me Tea Company for that coffee I never got when I woke up.

It’s a adorable little tea shop in a courtyard full of restaurants, yoga studios, and alternative medicine shops with a stage in the middle for live music at night.  I’m a huge tea fan so it was a hard decision, but this morning was a job for coffee.

I spent the whole afternoon wandering around the town.  I made a stop at the beach to watch the sailboats.

I found it to be a very pleasant alternative to the nearby St. Pete and Clearwater beaches that are mobbed with tourists this time of year.

I also found this adorable Gulfport Historical Museum that unfortunately closed at 2pm, but I will for sure be back.

and it’s right across the street from this church that I also love!

I finished the day out with happy hour at the roof bar on top of the Beach Haus restaurant looking out over the water.

It was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time, and I’ve never felt younger.

You may not be able to run from your problems, but you can certainly avoid them for a bit.  I leave for Africa in 2 days, so we’ll see if they can find me there!

 

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