Although we graduated (an undisclosed) number of years ago, my law school girlfriends and I just got back from our very first reunion trip. Some of us have children, all of us work, and each year seems to get busier than the next, but about half a year ago we all put aside time for a long girls weekend. Three of us live in Florida so it made sense to stay in state, and St. Pete Beach was a good middle ground to meet up.
This was also a monumental trip for me because it was my first trip away from Max for more than a portion of a day. Although I have spent a night away once or twice, I’ve at least been able to give him a kiss good morning or goodnight. I knew it was going to be difficult leaving my dude, but as difficult as it was, I knew it was very healthy for me to have some time away, and I had an amazing time catching up with old friends and mentally recharging for the first time in well over a year. I know that daddy had an awesome bonding weekend hanging out with Max (more than likely eating wings and watching football). Daddy has had several bachelor parties and some other guys trips over the last several years, so it was finally mommy’s turn for a mini vacay.
There are several beautiful hotels in area, but we chose the historic Don CeSar hotel.
Developed by Thomas Rowe, this iconic pink resort cost over $1.25 million to construct and finally opened in 1928. In its heyday during the height of the jazz age, the resort welcomed guests such as Al Capone, President Franklin Roosevelt, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Lou Gerig. After staying at the resort once again, I can just imagine the ballrooms filled with women smoking long cigarettes wearing flapper dresses, and men wearing tails playing poker in the back rooms. In the 1940s the hotel fell into disrepair and was converted to a military hospital and Veterans Administration Regional Office. In the late 1960s the military vacated the building and the property reopened as a hotel once again in 1972. Today the Don CeSar is a member of the National Trust of Historic Hotels has been named to the US National Register of Historic Places.
Our trip wasn’t quite as sophisticated as the grand parties of the jazz age, but it was perfect all the same. We arrived on a Friday morning and spent the afternoon sipping cocktails by the pool. That night we caught up over a late sunset dinner and night out on the town.
For the rest of Saturday and Sunday, we spent the most of our time lounging under umbrellas on the amazing white sand beaches and enjoying the crystal clear water. I’m telling you, the sand was like warm soft sugar.
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When we weren’t on the beach, I checked out the cute nearby bungalow houses during my morning runs, some were likely nearly as old as the pretty Don Cesar. Also noteworthy was Shrimpy’s Blue Bistro, a great southern brunch spot with the perfect combination of bloody mary’s and cheesy grits.
I think the sign of a true friendship is evidenced by the ability to feel like you just saw each other yesterday despite the fact that you may not have been together for years. Being with good friends is easy, peaceful, makes your heart full all at the same time. It’s amazing being able to pick up right where you left off without missing a beat. I love all of these girls and I really hope we keep our promise of trying to do an annual trip from now on.
The weekend was a perfect combination of relaxing, laughing, talking, and taking in the beautiful scenery. When I arrived home, I was so very happy to scoop my little nugget in my arms and give him the biggest hugs. (And now I can’t wait to plan my next trip with my boys!)
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