Back in 2011 Gulfport was listed among the best towns for food in the United States. Rand McNally as a publisher of maps and guides recognized Gulfport’s reputation as a great place to eat. Gulfport continues to be a great place for food, but it has much else to recommend it.
Where is Gulfport?
Gulfport is situated on the west coast of Florida, right next to St Petersburg. Like St Petersburg it is in Pinellas County and enjoys great seaside amenities. It is also next door to Boca Ciega Bay.
History of Gulfport
In 1881 a man by the name of Hamilton Disston purchased huge tracts of land in Florida. It is said that his purchase of 4 million acres of land in the state was the largest purchase of land by a private individual in the world. Disston had recognized the potential of the sparsely populated state of Florida.
Disston soon began developing his new acquisition. He decided to create a major town in the area and founded Tarpon Springs in 1882. Tarpon Springs showed little sign of the potential Disston had thought he had spotted and so he shifted his attention further south and founded Disston City. A new railway was being built across Florida and Disston thought he could persuade its promoter to bring it into Disston City. He failed and the railway stopped at St Petersburg.
Disston City remained a small town, but went through several name changes. Soon after it was founded the US Postal Service insisted the name be changed. The town became Bonifacio and then in 1890 adopted the new name of Veteran City. In 1910 the name was changed for the final time when it became Gulfport.
Gulfport is a small town with a population of around 12,700. A little over a quarter of the people living in the town are aged over 65. The town relies heavily on tourists and day visitors from elsewhere for its prosperity.
What is there to do in Gulfport?
Gulfport has a vibrant cultural life. The Catherine A Hickman Theater is a center for theatrical performances and arts events of all types. Art Walk is a community celebration of the arts that takes place each month, on the first Friday. On the third Saturday of each month an event is called IndieFaire is run. Go along and enjoy street performers, creative crafts, and artists. Art Walk and IndieFaire events are relaxed and welcoming. The evening breeze from the sea just a few steps away helps conjure a memorable atmosphere. The Art Walk runs from 5pm to 8pm while the IndieFaire runs from 5pm to 9pm.
The Theater is situated on Beach Boulevard at 26th Avenue South.
Gulfport has an amateur dramatics group called Gulfport Community Players. These keen thespians present their plays several times a year. Their venue is also the Catherine A Hickman Theater.
In the same area you will find the Gulfport Fresh Market. This runs every Tuesday throughout the year. Here you will find a huge range of fresh food including fruit and vegetables, cheeses, jams, sauces and honey. There will also be olives, breads, and candy confections. If you are lucky, you might meet some authors who are resident locally. Artisan craftspeople are also present with a variety of products with which to tempt you. There are also local musicians to entertain you while you shop.
For 2 days in February every year Gulfport hosts the Gulfport Fine Arts Festival. It is held in the Gulfport Veterans Park at 5350 31st Avenue South. You will be able to meet artists and watch many of them at work. Painters, jewelry makers, ceramicists and glassworkers are among those represented. Visiting the Festival will give you the opportunity to buy original and unique art pieces direct from the artists themselves.
If you are walking along Shore Boulevard and hear the sounds of dance music, then you will be close to the famed Gulfport Casino. The ballroom here is a great dance venue hosting dance events five days a week. If you like Ballroom Dancing, this is the place for you. Maybe you prefer Swing, or the Argentine Tango, or perhaps some Latin American dancing. The Gulfport Casino caters for all these tastes.
The casino building is a national historic site, having been built in 1906 as a railway station with a ticket office. There was a post office in the building together with a stand to pick up refreshments. The whole building underwent reconstruction during the 1930s and became a casino.
The Gulfport Casino Ballroom is a popular local venue for weddings and a variety of other functions. Its 1930s era décor and dance floor make for a stylist venue for a memorable event.
Gulfport’s greatest asset is the Gulf of Mexico and the sea which laps the beaches all along Pinellas County. Much of the recreational opportunities in Gulfport are centered on the beach and the waterways. Boca Ciego Bay which neighbors Gulfport boasts some 5 miles of sandy beach and coastline.
Williams Pier, which is close to the Gulfport Casino, is a long fishing pier.
Shopping in Gulfport
Gulfport has an amazing range of shops to suit all tastes. Most of them are situated in the heart of Gulfport. By listing a few of the shops I hope to give you a taste of the variety and quality of the shops available to visit.
· Mer’s Designs concentrate on giving new life to pre-loved clothing, especially women’s wear. They also stock crocheted and knitted accessories, jewelry and handcrafted goods. Find them at 3017 49thStreet South.
· If you love spicy food, and are really brave, you must visit the Red Hot Tiki Spicy Gourmet Market at 2904 Beach Boulevard South. You can’t miss the distinctive and eye catching store front! There are over 1000 products in the store, and the biggest challenge of your life could be the Scorpion Shot Challenge. You get half a shot of scorpion hot sauces with an edible scorpion on top. If you can manage to down the lot you will earn the admiration of everyone around. You also get a t-shirt, the shot glass and just a little discomfort! All for $25! You just won’t be able to refuse.
· Looking for gifts? Then head over to Stella’s Sundries at 2908 Beach Boulevard South and browse the fascinating selection of goodies on display.
· Are you a pet owner? Do you know pet owners? Do you want to get an unusual pet-related gift for them? Mosey along to Paw Paw’s at 3129 Beach Boulevard South for a huge selection of gifts. They have Florida and beach related gifts like collars and leads, cat and dog toys and gifts for their owners.
· For a one-stop shopping experience go along to Gulfport Beach Bazaar at 3115 Beach Boulevard South. More than 20 tradespeople will be selling their products like jewelry, clothing, collectibles and furniture all in this one venue. The building also contains a United States Post Office.
Dining in Gulfport
There is a very good reason why Gulfport is ranked among the top foodie cities in the USA. The city has a range of quality cafes and restaurants all keen to serve you amazing food and give you a memorable dining experience.
Here are just a few that you should try to visit:
· Smokin’ J’s Real Texas BBQ at 5145 Gulfport Boulevard South serves great BBQ food to takeout or eat in. If you tried the spicy challenge at Red Hot Tiki, then Smokin’ J’s has another challenge for you. Can you eat an entire Giant BBQ Sandwich in one hour? Easy you may think, until you see the sandwich! A mass of different meats with onions, pickles and a jalapeno. All held in an enormous bun. Complete the challenge and you get it for free otherwise you will need to pay up. Now there’s an incentive!
· O’Maddy’s Bar & Grill is a great place for good food. Seafood, steaks, pasta, fantastic sandwiches and a great vegetarian selection are all on the menu. Add live music and karaoke and you have a great recipe for a good time. Find them at 5405 Shore Boulevard South.
· Gulfport Family Restaurant can be found at 2025 49th Street South. Great home-cooked food and a varied menu. Stop off for a genuine family welcome whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Recreation in Gulfport
With the sea so close, it’s no surprise that a lot of recreation opportunities are based around the beach and the water. There are opportunities to go dolphin watching, manatee watching and to explore islands such as Egmont Key and Ship Island. These are great places to go swimming, shelling, birdwatching or just relaxing in the sun.
Most excursions leave from the Gulfport Yacht Harbor. From April you can take a Sunset Cocktail Cruise.
There are more than 20 companies in Gulfport running cruises and ferry services that will allow you to see dolphins, swim or snorkel with dolphins and manatees, cruise or go fishing.
Gulfport is also home to a number of parks. Egmont Key State Park is an uninhabited island that is popular with visitors. Clam Bayou Nature Park is popular kayak enthusiasts. Wood Ibis Park and Childs Park offer spectacular scenery as does Caldwell Park, which has been given the top rate of 5 by Trip Advisor.
Dogs are not allowed on beaches in Pinellas County, but you can give your pooch some freedom at the Walter Fuller Dog Park at 7901 30th Avenue North in St Petersburg.
What else is there to know about Gulfport?
Pinellas County, of which Gulfport is a part, has 76 islands, 53 bays, 39 lakes but only 1 swamp.
Conclusion
Gulfport is a great place to visit. It has fabulous shops, amazing eateries and plenty of beach-based entertainment. Get out on the water to add another dimension to your visit. You won’t regret a visit to Gulfport in sunny Florida.
Only a short 15 minute drive from Gulfport is the paradise getaway of Eiko’s Beach House in Treasure Island. A perfect place for the whole family, this beach oasis has everything you could possibly want from a vacation.