Central Ave, Central Oak Park

Central Ave is the middle point between North and South St. Pete, and for this reason it has its ups and downs. There are parts of this street I really like, like near the South Pasadena Walgreens, Little Caesars, and the natural grocery store whose name escapes me now. This part of Central always seemed safe and well kept, but there are parts both East and West of this point that in my opinion aren’t the most welcoming of areas, and there’s also not even a whole lot to see there either. Central is not a street I would personally live on, nor a street a frequently visit because although it may be sort of neutral ground, there’s just not much worth seeing.

Central Avenue is several blocks of quaint and inviting shops, boutiques and galleries and is the essence of Saint Petersburg, Florida. A stop at the Arts Center at 719 Central Avenue provides a cultural environment, keeping you entertained for hours with exhibits, yoga classes and studio courses. For the freshest in seafood cuisine, stop at the highly rated Central Avenue Oyster Bar for oysters and cocktails. And peruse some of my favorite stops along the 2-mile stretch including: Haslam's Book Store, Anne Anders' Artful Gifts & Designs and the Central Art Supply Company.