WANDERING GYPSYThe

Traveling Arts &Culture Review6/1/15Issue 1

Horticultural Excellence at The Sunken Garden

The Mind Boggling Odyssey of Dali meets DaVinci

Creative ConservationSt. Pete Beach, Fl

Down The Rabbit HoleTime Warp At

The Pink Palace

A Sanctuary Community of Love & Education

Destination 1920's Romance

Because a life well-lived should not be a luxury… and you deserve a palace.

St Pete Beach

W H A T W O U L D

G A T S B Y D O ?

Channeling Your Own "Daisy Buchanan”

Fun

Sun

Spa

Jazz

Dance

Dessert

Decadence

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T H E D O N C E S A R A H I S T O R I C A L D R E A MThe Don Cesar Hotel & Spa is steeped in a rich and transient history. When you delve into the trials endured by this notable pink limestone, it’s no surprise that the ambience of this place woos you with an idealistic sense of revival and enchants you with classic tale of Americana that embodies the journey of a dream.

Orphaned as a child, hotel founder Thomas Rowe knew that he wanted to see the world. And as luck would have it, his romantic travels led straight into a forbidden love affair that would transform his life purpose into a dream that would last a lifetime. Lucinda, the object of Rowe’s affection, was an opera singer that he met in London, during a stage production of Maritana. Their clandestine romance was religiously unfavorable and before they could carry out their secret plans to elope, Lucinda’s parents intervened and sent her away to her home-country of Spain. The lovers would never see each other again.

The heartbroken Rowe returned to the United States, and decided to build a pink fairytale castle as tribute of his lost love. His affair with Lucinda would inspire him throughout his lifetime, and is suspected as a main reason that his later marriage was fraught with turmoil. Rowe's fondness of the opera, Martiana, written by William Vincent Wallace, was

an inspiration to his vision for the Don Cesar, so much so, that the names of the hotel, restaurants, and surrounding streets, are all predominately extrapolated from the musical work. 

Conceptually modeled after the monolithic style of the Royal Hawaiian in Hawaii, Rowe knew his fairy tale could flourish. With the help of renowned architect Henry Dupont, and going a hefty $750,000 over budget, Rowe consistently overcame logistical and monetary obstacles, to open the doors to his enchanting establishment on January 16, 1928.

What began as a dream, birthed from heartache, mocked by others, and thought impossible by many, Rowe succeeded in bringing to life. The Don Cesar Hotel became a favorite haunt of American legends, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Al Capone during Prohibition in the 1920’s. It’s easy to see how the draw and charm of this swanky tropical oasis was as decadently inspiring then, as it is today.

In 1940, Rowe died at the hotel, wishing to bequeath the establishment to his beloved staff. Unfortunately, his death seemingly marked the beginning of the end for the Don, as it was legally assumed by his estranged wife instead.

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After it’s initial decline, the Don, served time as an Army hospital and convalescent center during World War II, Veterans Administration, and was eventually abandoned and digressed to a derelict eyesore before being saved by the efforts of contractor William Bowman in the 1970’s.

Rowe’s Romantically charming “Pink Palace” bounced back from The Great Depression, and stands proudly today as an historical triumph.  

H I S TO R I C A L F U N F A C T S

The Don Cesar Hosts approximately 350 weddings

The Pink Elephant, a local publication, played a pivotal role in the rescue of the Don Cesar, at a time when the city was ready to tear it down. 

June Hurley Young, St. Pete local and actress from The Romper Room, took it upon herself to rally like-minded individuals and spearhead an effort to save the hotel. She wrote an article, published in The Pink Elephant that showcased the former glitz and glory of this ambient historical site and as fate would have it, the article caught the attention of William Bowman.

Check out The Don Cesar and plan a visit http://www.loewshotels.com/don-cesar/

Learn more about the historical transitions of the Don at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_CeSar

Read the Haunted Truth of many guest encounters https://4girlsandaghost.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/haunted-lodgings-don-cesar-beach-resort-st-petersburg-fl/

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T I M E L E S S E L E M E N T SEarth, Wind, Fire, & Water

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The Sunken Garden Horticultural Porn for nature lovers headed to St. Pete.

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Community Conservation Teaching tourists to respect the local world and wildlife.

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Natural Playgrounds Appreciating everything around you that’s green and grows.

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Primate Sanctuary A non profit worth knowing. Saving lives and showing love.

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This is a place where conservation is key. Not only does the local vibe put off an air of classy, laid back relaxation, it also communicates a love for the natural florida habitat that it is built upon.  It's a harmonious relationship where tourism meets arts, culture, and conservation with grace, right under sunshine and palm trees. 

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The Enigmatic Sunken Garden

Pure Horticultural Porn…Yes, that is exactly how I would

describe it.

There really aren't words to describe the feeling of immense wonder  and bliss as you walk through the tranquil Sunken Gardens.

The largest living attraction spawned from the efforts of one man to drain the lake on his land, and build a paradise of horticultural significance. One of the first major roadside attractions in Florida, today the Sunken gardens provide solace amidst the city, shade

from the sun, and stunning gardens that delight tourists, photographers, and locals alike.

Nearly all visitors are strapped with cameras, ready and willing to snap the wonders that cross your path on the winding walk around the grounds. Lizards, birds, insects, and an aviary area offer ample opportunity to catch shots of the intricate living life around you,  with the most diverse and beautiful natural background.

A CONSERVATION COMMUNITY

Everywhere that you go in St. Pete Beach, Fl, you realize that conservation is at the forefront of local

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WHEN DALI MET

DAVINCIAn epic melding of two unconventional minds’ inspires.

From fundamental mathematics and science, to artistic invention and innovation, the exhibit is a profound

compilation of how two geniuses wielded a world of information into inspiring legacies.

See What’s New at the Salvador Dali Museum

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NATURAL PLAYGROUNDSNO MATTER WHERE YOU GO: THERE’S BEAUTY TO BE FOUND AND APPRECIATED.

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H A V E Y O U E V E R L O V E D S O M E T H I N G S O M U C H ?

That you were willing to turn your property into a refuge and dedicate your retirement to ensuring the safety and

care of someone else? At the Sun Coast Primate Sanctuary, it is this kind of love that gives sanctuary to

those we love, who cannot return home.

That’s Passion. That’s Compassion. That’s Inspiring.

Check on the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary

Near St. Petersburg, Florida