Gulf breezes: families flock to TradeWinds Island Resorts in St. Pete Beach - Resort of the Month

Travel America, March-April, 2002 by Debbie Meyers

Tradewinds Action Zone provides family activities for all ages. Staff members, for example, coordinate swim meets, pool games, and movie times. Teenagers can choose from laser tag, miniature golf, snorkeling excursions, and other off-property outings.

Water sports offered nearby include parasailing, waterskiing, and boat and waverunner rentals. Resort guests enjoy golf privileges at the Pasadena Golf & Country Club, one of the area's finest private country clubs. Tee times also can be arranged at other golf courses.

The Tampa Bay area abounds with kid-friendly attractions. The most prominent is Busch Gardens, an all-day kingdom filled with rollercoasters, water rides, and music shows. The Africa-themed park is one of America's best zoos, offering walking and truck safaris that bring guests face to face with giraffes, hippopotamuses, baboons, and hyenas. Next door to Busch Gardens is its sister attraction, Adventure Island water park. Orlando, the home of Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Walt Disney World, is only two hours from the TradeWinds resorts.

For information, contact TradeWinds Island Resorts (TravelAmerica Magazine), 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706; (800) 237-0707; www.trade windsresort.com. Nightly rates for a standard hotel room start at $135 (off-season, May 1-December 24); one-bedroom suites begin at $195. Money-saving packages are available.