9 Things To See And Do In Pass-A-Grille, Florida

Pass-a-Grille, Florida, is located at the southern end of St. Pete Beach. I was invited to visit, and my lodging and a Sunset Cruise were provided for. That said, all opinions are my own, and it’s my opinion that Pass-A-Grille is where you will find Authentic Florida.

There are no fast-food restaurants, corporate shops, or tall high rises. Pass-a-Grille is where you will connect with the beach and your inner soul. This area may be small in size, but it is mighty when it comes to things to see and do.

If you’re planning a trip to Pass-a-Grille, make sure you book a stay at one of our picks for beachfront hotels in St. Petersburg.

Picnic tables on the beach at Paradise Grill. — Sara Broers

1. Eat Breakfast On The Beach

Paradise Grill offers waterfront dining with a view you will carry with you all day long. Enjoy eggs, bacon, toast, or whatever your breakfast calling is. The staff at this beach establishment will serve you up the breakfast that you order with a smile. Live music begins early in the day, so plan to hang around after you have devoured your breakfast with a view. There is often an art fair located near this restaurant, so stick around for the arts and crafts that the locals have to share.

2. Shop On The World’s Smallest Main Street

Pass-a-Grille is proud to be home to the World’s Smallest Main Street. Shop owners love the fact that folks come from all around to shop in their town. Main Street may be short and small, but the shop owners are mighty. The merchandise is quirky, fun, creative, and artsy. If you need a T-shirt or hat to commemorate your visit, they have those as well. While you are strolling, take a moment to sit in one of the colorful beach chairs that line the sidewalks and take in the view. If you look to the west, you will see the beach and the colorful Gulf of Mexico.

Beach on Pass-a-Grille, Florida — Garrett Brown / Shutterstock.com

3. Take A Walk On The Beach

Walking on the beach is something that everyone needs to do when they visit this charming beach town. The sand will sink between your toes, and if you are lucky, sunset will be one to write home about. The beach is fairly narrow, which makes it easy to get to the water. It’s important to note that there are benches along the walkways to and from the beach. This makes a perfect spot to sit and watch the sun drift down into the sea as your day comes to a close. Have a shell bag with you; you never know when that perfect shell will wash up on your feet.

Shell Key Island beach in Florida — amyammerman / Shutterstock.com

4. Visit Shell Key

Shell Key is a small island off of the south end of Pass-a-Grille. Visitors can kayak to the island or hop on the Shell Key Shuttle, which boards at Merry Pier. The 1,800-acre Shell Key Preserve includes a barrier island known as Shell Key. Birding is fabulous on this island, as is the shelling.

Everything that you bring to the island must go off the island with you. This is truly one of Florida’s most primitive areas that is accessible to visitors. Read the signs on the island and obey them. It’s important to keep the island as natural as possible so its ecosystems continue to thrive.

Visit during the week for a quiet experience and an opportunity to connect with nature. Most importantly, know what time you need to meet your captain to come back to the Merry Pier. Be prepared for your stay on the island by dressing in layers and packing binoculars and bottled water.

5. Experience A Sunset Cruise

The Shell Key Shuttle offers sunset cruises, and they are a delight when the weather cooperates. The rich red-orange color of the sky is something you will carry with you for a long time. Reserve your spot on this cruise at least an hour and a half before departure. Due to the fact that sunset times vary throughout the year, the departure times vary as well. Call ahead (727-360-1348) to reserve your spot.

Parking passes are available for the metered parking, so be sure to inquire once you check in for your sunset cruise. Cruisers can bring snacks, food, and drinks with them if they wish. This is an inexpensive way to experience the beauty of this area of Florida, as the cost is under $30 per person.

6. Visit The Historical Museum

Gulf Beaches Historical Museum is home to a lot of history about the area. I found the volunteers to be extremely knowledgeable, and they also had great meal suggestions. A church that was built in 1917 has been repurposed as a museum that opens its doors year-round to visitors. Keep in mind that during the winter, hours vary a little bit. Be sure to check the website for current hours of operation.

Several newspaper clippings and postcards are featured in this museum. It was fun to visit with one of the volunteers whose family members were featured in these clippings; one readily shared his love of Pass-a-Grille and the beach town that he calls home. This museum is free to all who visit.

7. Hop On A Beach Cruiser Bike

Rent a beach cruiser from Wheel Fun Rentals and explore the beach in a new way, or — my suggestion — stay at the Coconut Inn and use the beautiful beach cruiser bikes they maintain for their guests. There’s something carefree about riding a bicycle on the beach. The wind catches you and the views take your breath away. Pass-a-Grille Beach offers all of this and more. The streets are bicycle-friendly, too, and in some places, there are bicycle lanes.

8. Experience Deep Sea Fishing

If you are a fisherman or are a want-to-be fisherman, a Pass-a-Grille visit may be just what you need. Spend a day out on the water on a half- or full-day fishing trip. Miss Pass A Grille is waiting for you to board at Merry Pier, located at 801 Pass-a-Grille Way.

If deep sea fishing is something you have dreamed of doing, this is your opportunity. Trips vary in price from $50 to $75. Call 727-367-9833 to reserve your spot. This pier is located across the street from the Seahorse Restaurant, where I highly suggest you grab a bite to eat for breakfast or lunch. I personally loved their biscuits and gravy.

9. Ride The Mini Bus

What was once a bus stop in Pass-a-Grille is no longer a traditional stop, but does serve as a stop for the Pass-a-Grille minibus. Use the Freebee app to reserve your ride around Pass-a-Grille, or just flag down a minibus you see out and about. The mobile app allows riders to see where the bus is, so they know about how long their wait will be. Keep in mind, this is a relatively small area, so it is mostly walkable. The electric minibus can be seen driving around, and it makes for a fun way to experience the sights and sounds of the area. This is a great way to tackle the hard-to-find parking, and a fun means of traversing the streets of this authentic Florida town.

Parking will most likely be your biggest challenge in Pass-a-Grille. The best tip I can give you is to grab the first metered parking space that you find on your visit. The time of year you visit will most likely determine how difficult parking will be. I visited this charming Florida town in January, and parking was not an issue. To ease your parking woes, book a night of lodging at one of the properties in town. The parking spaces your reservation will afford you — and proximity to all of the attractions — are worth their weight in gold.

Have fun as you explore this authentic Florida destination. The beautiful waters and sunsets will stay in your memory for a long time. Embrace the culture and experiences that you can only find in Pass-a-Grille.

Looking for your ideal FL beach destination? These are the best Florida beaches that typically aren’t ridiculously crowded.

Why I Travel To Mexico For My Prescriptions

Another doctor’s visit. I already know what the diagnosis is; I have been seen for these symptoms before. The prescription is always the same. I rarely meet my deductible because I don’t really see my doctor too often. After a while, it gets a bit frustrating. I know to get the prescription, I will have to pay $150 or more for the office visit, and then comes waiting for the prescription, both of which take time out of my busy schedule.

I was having dinner with a friend and mentioned my frustration. She suggested I look into getting my meds filled at a Mexican pharmacy. She was quick to point out that I could not fill a narcotic or opiate-based prescription, and she also pointed out that this option is not for everyone. But given my circumstances, my interest was piqued.

Jessica's Center in Progreso, Mexico. — Donna Long

Doing My Homework

At first, I was skeptical. I’d heard stories of pharmacy scams with fake prescriptions. I also heard that the Mexican cartel targets Americans who venture across the border. My friend said the United States is the leader in outbound medical tourism, and stats show that American medical tourism travel makes up nearly 20 percent of the market. She said you also have to know where to go and not go. She goes to a town near the Rio Grande Valley in the very southern tip of Texas called Nuevo Progreso — commonly referred to as Progreso.

Progreso is known as a destination for dentistry (crowns, implants, fillings, et cetera), botox, and other minor cosmetic improvements, as well as pharmaceuticals.

I talked with other people about Progreso. I also did a bit of my own sleuthing about Mexican pharmacies and Progreso on the internet. I found that I could potentially save up to 50 percent on my prescriptions. There are also companies such as the Medical Tourism Corporation and Patients Beyond Borders that help organize trips to Mexico and other countries for medical procedures. I heard many times to make sure to go to a well-established, licensed pharmacy that is regulated by COFEPRIS (Federal Committee for Protection against Sanitary Risks), the Mexican equivalent of the FDA.

My friend offered to go with me on my first trip.

Going Across The Border

We drove to the border-crossing bridge and parked in a monitored parking lot, which cost just $2 a day for cars. The Progreso International Bridge is one of the safest and most accessible places to cross into Mexico. All the shops and restaurants are within a few blocks of the border crossing, so we decided to walk across. On the American side of the border is an ’80s-era turnstile that costs $1 (quarters only) to walk through. We walked past a duty-free store and onto a covered walkway that follows the road.

As I walked across the concrete bridge, I came up to a sign marking the border. I looked through the barrier onto the Rio Grande River and thought of all the history associated with the river that flows under the bridge.

Walking into Mexico was as simple as going in one door and out another. There was no monitoring or checking of passports. For returning to the U.S., you can use a passport book, passport card, or just your driver’s license or another form of government-issued ID.

A pharmacy in Progreso, Mexico. — Donna Long

The Pharmacy

The moment I walked through the second door, I knew I was in Mexico. There were people lined on the edge of the sidewalk and in doorways handing out cards and flyers and asking if we needed a dentist or prescriptions. They were polite and not pushy. We made our way to Jessica’s Pharmacy. It is one of the more popular, well-established, and trusted pharmacies in Progreso.

The pharmacist warmly greeted us in English. I showed the pharmacist the empty prescription bottles I brought from home. He turned and pulled each bottle off the shelf behind him and proceeded to show me the names matched on both the English and Mexican bottles. I purchased Ibuprofen 800 mg, an anti-inflammatory, and Oseltamivir Phosphate, otherwise known as Tamiflu. I was used to paying $125 for Tamiflu at my U.S. pharmacy — when they had it in stock. At Jessica’s, I paid $27 without a trip to the doctor’s office or risking the pharmacy being out of stock because of flu season. On that trip alone, I saved several hundred dollars by purchasing my prescriptions in Mexico and paying for them with U.S. dollars. At Jessica’s, credit cards are also accepted.

Progreso’s True Mexican Flavor

After filling our prescriptions, we walked to the main street. I looked around, and it reminded me of Mexican towns before they became “modernized” with big box stores. The street had cars slowly driving both directions. People were crossing the road between the cars; there were even a few bicyclists on the road. Small multicolored triangle flags were strung across the street as mariachi music played somewhere in the distance. Vendors lined up side by side, packing the sidewalks. I saw shoe shine benches, jewelry tables, hats and clothes, and even a few merchants grilling corn on the cob and serving street tacos. Behind the rows of vendors were shops filled with colorful Mexican pottery, household goods, alcohol, and packaged food, plus restaurants and more pharmacies.

We made our way to a restaurant called the Red Snapper. We ascended a narrow set of stairs to the second floor of a building set along the middle of the street and chose a table on the balcony so we could watch the activity in the street below. It was great for people watching. The food was flavorful, plentiful, and fresh. When you order a margarita or pina colada, it comes with a free refill. I chose a shrimp ceviche and, of course, a margarita to wash it down.

Tips To Know Before You Go

After lunch, we made our way back to the Border and Customs Station. To leave Mexico, you have to drop 50 cents into another turnstile before you get to the station. Once inside, there will be two lines, one for passport and U.S. driver’s license holders and another line for people using all other types of documents.

The tourist area of Progreso is safe to walk around. I only saw the policia (police) immediately around the customs building. The residents were all friendly and helpful. When young children came up to us with bracelets to sell, we just told them, “No, thank you,” and they moved on. English is widely spoken and understood, which made me feel much more at ease. Walking the main street, even the side streets, I never felt uncomfortable or that I was not safe.

Since my first trip to Progreso, I have been back several times. Each trip, I save several hundred dollars. I plan return trips to Jessica’s at least twice a year to replenish my prescriptions and get my truly-authentic-Mexican-meal fix. I have eaten at other restaurants, but I still prefer the balcony table at Red Snapper so I can people watch.

I also use my trips to Progreso as a good excuse to pick up a new piece or two of colorful Mexican pottery to add to my collection. Another must for me is the pure vanilla extract for baking. It adds so much more flavor than the extract I get from the grocery store at home, plus, it comes in a quart-sized container — not a 1-ounce bottle.

I have been very satisfied with the prescriptions from Mexico. I have detected no difference from the medicines I get in the U.S. Again, I don’t get all my prescriptions in Mexico. Anything that is a suspension or requires an injection, I get from my U.S. pharmacy.

If you decide to venture south of the border to fill your prescriptions, be sure to look for licensing or a permit in the pharmacy from COFEPRIS and to check each Mexican prescription for an expiration date. Do your homework and make your own decision about whether filling prescriptions in Mexico is right for you.

Considering going to Mexico as a medical tourist — or for any other reason? Read up on these seven mistakes tourists make when visiting Mexico before you go.

Visiting India For The First Time: 5 Things To Know

Multicultural, immensely beautiful, spiritual and fascinating, crazy, loud, chaotic — all these words pretty much sum up India. India is not just a destination but also a truly amazing experience. However, if you are traveling to India for the first time, it can be a bit overwhelming, somewhat daunting, and potentially a huge culture shock. India is loud; India is colorful. India is extremely busy with many different people, cultures, and activities happening all at the same time.

As an Indian born and raised in India for more than half my life, India is as much my home now as is the United States. But India is nothing like the United States. In fact, India is an assault on all five senses at the same time — in a good way. However, armed with a few basic tips and strategies, it can be an unforgettable (for all the right reasons) experience. Just keep these things in mind.

1. Understanding Indian Culture Is Paramount

India is a predominantly Hindu nation. But India has many different religions that live in close proximity to one another. It is not uncommon for a mosque, a temple, and a church to be within a one-mile radius. Indians are relatively religious and take worship very seriously, so be respectful when visiting these places.

India boasts some of the oldest temples, mosques, and churches in the world, many of which are UNESCO sites. By the same token, be aware that India has a relatively modest culture. Covering your arms and legs is a simple step toward respecting this. Indians will gladly tell you to cover up, remove your shoes, and bow your head when appropriate, so you will learn very quickly. This is particularly important when entering a sacred space, like a temple. Also, if you see shoes outside a shop, it’s a sign to remove your own. In big cities, you can wear whatever you want, but when visiting small towns, dress modestly. It is always good to aim to blend in with the rest of the population.

With well over a billion people calling the subcontinent home, India is the second-most populous country in the world. Many Indians grow up without the luxuries of privacy or personal space. So, don’t be offended or surprised when people lean on you in the subway or stand “too close” when they speak to you.

The overcrowding problem is especially prevalent on the streets. The big cities are notorious for traffic jams that can last for hours. In line with this, the Indian sense of time is somewhat unique. It is not uncommon to arrive later than fashionably late for events. In fact, it is almost expected. The concept of Indian Standard Time is a joke but one that you will find very appropriate in most places. Just go with the flow and don’t stress too much about being on time. In the end, odds are everything will work out exactly as expected.

An Indian man preparing traditional street food — Karthika Gupta/Culturally Yours

2. Experiencing Indian Food Will Be A Highlight

Food is one of the most fascinating things about Indian culture. In a country this large, every region has its own specialty cuisine and they are all equally amazing. India is largely vegetarian, with lentils, rice, and vegetables being the staple diet for most folks and the easiest to get when traveling. Meat dishes are available, but beef is harder to get since the cow is sacred in India and revered as God by many.

Street food is one of the best kinds of food but a little hard on the stomach for most Western travelers. If your constitution permits, try a little bit of all different cuisines. It is perfectly normal to ask restaurants to reduce the spice level in a dish. Be smart about what you eat — when in doubt, avoid it.

The general rule of eating food is that as long as it’s cooked, it should be fine. Be more careful with the water you drink. Avoid drinking tap water and stick to bottled or filtered water. If it makes you comfortable, carry water purifier tablets, especially if you are traveling to remote areas. When in doubt, you can always choose fresh coconut water — it’s refreshing and so good for you. Western staples like Coke, Pepsi, and junk food like chips are readily available. The bigger cities have chains like Subway and McDonalds, so you will definitely not starve in India.

You can also read up on eating in India: how to avoid Delhi belly and enjoy traditional foods.

Crowds of people moving from place to place inside an Indian temple — Karthika Gupta/Culturally Yours

3. You Can Feel Safe And Secure While Traveling In India

Western travelers often receive a lot of attention in India — usually friendly but sometimes in the form of staring. Keep in mind that you will probably be asked to pose for photos with locals. Indians love taking selfies with tourists. In most cases, it is harmless fun and a form of entertainment. Female travelers will inevitably be the target of lots of staring. Unfortunately, oftentimes returning a man’s gaze could be misconstrued as flirting. So a better option is to just ignore them completely or wear sunglasses. It is perfectly acceptable to be rude if someone is being overly friendly and you are not comfortable with all the attention. Practice common sense when it comes to traveling to unknown places, avoid traveling alone at night, and always let someone know where you are.

India is a predominantly English-speaking country. Everyone in the bigger cities knows and speaks English. So use that to your advantage. If you are traveling to rural areas, it is a good idea to know some basic words in the local language (and these differ from place to place) to help you get by.

If you are traveling to India for the first time, ask around to see if someone knows someone who knows someone in India. At over 1 billion strong, we Indians are everywhere. Sometimes just having the peace of mind that you know a local can make all the difference.

Autorickshaws, a car, and a motorcycle on a busy Indian street — Karthika Gupta/Culturally Yours

4. There Are Many Places Worth Seeing, And Many Options For Getting Around

With so many options for flights, trains, local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws, getting around India is very smooth. India has one of the largest railway networks in the world. To experience the real beauty of India and save some money, a train is an optimal choice. When traveling by train, carry chains and locks to secure your luggage, and make your bookings well in advance. Air-conditioned buses also travel between most big and small cities every day. For short trips within cities, use pre-paid taxi services or the Uber or OLA apps. Another way of navigating within cities is to use auto- and cycle-rickshaws. Keep in mind that traffic on Indian roads can be terrible, and allow yourself extra travel time.

Additionally, India runs on 220-volt electricity along with a three-prong plug, so pack necessary adaptors and converters to keep your devices charged along the way.

A few groups of women dressed in saris moving through an outdoor market in India — Karthika Gupta/Culturally Yours

5. The Weather In India Is All Its Own

In theory, India experiences diverse weather conditions. This huge country has four primary seasons: summer, winter, monsoon, and post-monsoon. However, for all practical purposes, there are three distinct seasons: hot, which translates to dry and arid; monsoon, which translates to wet and gloomy; and, lastly, just really hot and humid. Of course, the weather you experience will be impacted by when you travel. November through February are cool and mildly hot, and April through October are hot, humid, wet, or sweltering depending on where you go.

Packing for a trip to India will largely be determined by where you are going and when, plus the activities you are planning to do. If you are traveling to India in the summer, lightweight clothes are perfect, but winter conditions vary a lot throughout the country. For example, winter in Delhi is very different from winter in Bangalore. It’s worth packing a light coat and jacket for evening and an umbrella and raincoat for monsoon travel. When in doubt, pack light. You can always buy cotton clothes, sandals, and other accessories in India as needed.

A trip to India can be nerve-racking to say the least, even for people like me who have lived and worked there. But armed with a few basic tips and a que sera, sera attitude, visiting India can be an amazing experience.

Feeling inspired to pick an Indian destination or two? Consider

Why We Kept Our Travel Plans After A Natural Disaster (And How Our Trip Went)

Two weeks out from our quick (and desperately needed!) mid-winter getaway to Puerto Rico, we were really looking forward to sun, sand, and of course, strolling the historic city of San Juan. I was doing the last bits of shopping and planning for the trip when we saw the news: Another awful natural disaster had hit the island.

Puerto Rico continues to recover after the devastation of Hurricane Maria, however, this time it was a powerful 6.4 earthquake that rattled residents on the south of the island. Thousands of people were left without stable shelter, electricity, or water. And the aftershocks kept coming.

Family and friends started asking. Are you changing your plans? Will you go somewhere else or reschedule? While we understood their concerns, our answer was a resounding no.

After a few days, a bit of research, and quite a lot of soul-searching, we decided to keep our plans. We went through with our trip, and would absolutely do it again.

Why We Chose Puerto Rico In The First Place

It’s our family’s tradition to take a big vacation — out of the country — during the month of January. It’s a great way to beat the post-holiday blahs, we find great travel deals, and there are fewer tourists no matter where in the world we go.

This year, after two intense international trips (to Istanbul and Mumbai), and a serious illness in our immediate family, we decided to dial it back slightly and stick closer to home. We started looking at Caribbean destinations from which we could quickly return home should something come up.

What’s more, Puerto Rico is a place that truly piqued our travel interest. It has gorgeous beaches, incredible biodiversity, great places to stay, and an intriguing capital city full of culture, charm, and history. There would be plenty of places to explore and things to do, whether trekking the rainforest, exploring the 500-year old city of San Juan, or simply taking time to relax in a beach cabana.

Then there was the convenience factor. Because the island is an American territory, it’s American soil. There were no passports or long slogs through customs needed; getting down and back would be a breeze.

Finally, we were quite keen to go to Puerto Rico so we could spend money with local mom-and-pop tour operators and businesses. Bottom line: The island has been through hell since Hurricane Maria, and we felt strongly that the best support we could offer would be showing up, learning about the people and culture, and spending money on the island.

When we added up all of these factors, it quickly became apparent that we had a winner for our January travel destination. In short, Puerto Rico ticked all of our boxes for this year’s travels. Until January 7, when the big earthquake hit the island.

Why We Were Conflicted After The Quake

In the hours and days after, we started assessing fall-back options for our trip. Since we booked our flights and hotel with miles and points, we had a bit of flexibility when it came to canceling. We were obviously concerned about aftershocks, power outages, and other factors that could seriously impact our trip, and possibly our safety.

We also didn’t want to seem like unempathetic jerks hell-bent to get their vacation in, no matter the suffering or condition of the people who actually live there. That’s not our style.

At all.

We took a couple of steps back and looked at the situation carefully and critically. The areas of Puerto Rico that were affected by the quake were far south of where we were staying. We contacted our resort and were assured that there was no damage to the property and there was zero interruption in service. Puerto Rico’s official tourism site posted updates on the situation daily and encouraged people who had plans in and around San Juan to keep them. The airport remained open, as did the cruise ship port. Our tours were still running.

At the end of the day, we ran our math. San Juan was still open for business.

If they were, we were, too.

What We Experienced

Simply put: We loved Puerto Rico. Getting there was a snap, and we really soaked in the culture, cuisine, and history of San Juan. Our tours were both terrific — one an eating and walking tour of San Juan, the other a high-adventure trek through the island’s natural gems. Our resort was picture-perfect, and everyone was lovely.

During a brief break during one of our tours, we had a chance to chat with our guides. When we confided in her that initially, we weren’t sure about coming down, she shook her head.

“Thank you so much for supporting small businesses,” she told us. “We are so glad you are here. Please tell more people to come see us.”

The island has much to offer, even as it continues to recover from Mother Nature’s wrath once again. Despite the quake, Puerto Rico was a terrific destination, and I’m so glad we weren’t scared away.

What To See At The Louvre After You’ve Seen The Mona Lisa

There’s something about her dark chocolate eyes, smirk-like smile, and absent eyebrows that adds an element of mystery and fuels conspiracy theories. Perhaps that’s why the Mona Lisa, completed by Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci in the early 1500s, is the most visited (and parodied) painting in the world.

You can’t visit the Louvre and not see La Joconde (as the Mona Lisa is known to the locals). But once you’ve been jostled by throngs of camera-wielding tourists — and have snapped your own picture of the masterpiece from behind a velvet rope that keeps visitors at bay — you’ll want to take in these other works of art at the castle-turned-museum.

Pro Tip: Want to see the most common paths through the Louvre? Check out this interactive data from MIT.

Venus De Milo

Ground Floor, Sully Wing

Discovered without her arms on the Greek island of Milos in 1820, the beautiful Venus de Milo has been prominently displayed at the Louvre for nearly two centuries. Expertly carved from a cold, hard slab of marble, the statue of the Greek goddess of love and beauty is so realistic that it looks as if she could wrap you in a soft, warm embrace (if only she had arms).

Pro Tip: Look for picture signs throughout the Louvre that point guests to popular pieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Nike Of Samothrace inside the Louvre. — muratart / Shutterstock

Winged Victory Of Samothrace (Nike Of Samothrace)

Ground Floor, Denon Wing

When this larger-than-life statue of Nike was completed in Greece in the second century B.C., she was placed on a pedestal designed to look like the prow of a ship. Unearthed on the island of Samothrace in the mid-1880s, the headless Greek goddess is prominently displayed on a similar prow at the top of the Louvre’s grand staircase.

Nike is the Greek goddess of victory, so it’s no wonder Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight fashioned a wing-like swoosh to represent their sports shoes named after her!

Psyche Revived By Cupid’s Kiss

Ground Floor, Denon Wing

Mythological Greek lovers Psyche and Cupid are represented in several works of art at the Louvre, from paintings to statues. In Antonio Canova’s Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, Cupid revives his beloved Psyche after a flask from the underworld has caused her to faint.

The Coronation Of Napoleon

First Floor, Denon Wing

This massive oil painting (roughly 30 feet by 20 feet) depicts the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte at Notre Dame de Paris in 1804. Because France had evolved from a monarchy to a republic after the French Revolution, Napoleon crowning himself emperor was seen by many French citizens as a significant step backward.

Pro Tip: The nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon III, lived in a luxurious apartment in the Richelieu Wing of the Louvre. Take a short break from the paintings and statues to admire the elaborate crystal chandeliers and plush velvet furniture of his apartment.

The Wedding Feast At Cana

First Floor, Denon Wing

Surprisingly, The Coronation of Napoleon isn’t the largest work on display at the Louvre. That honor goes to The Wedding Feast at Cana, which illustrates the first miracle of Jesus. Italian artist Paolo Caliari captures the moment in the Gospel of John when Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana.

Some visitors mistake The Wedding Feast at Cana for da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Da Vinci’s work is actually a fresco painted on a wall at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, not a painting on display at the Louvre.

Liberty Leading The People

First Floor, Denon Wing

With a red, white, and blue triband flag held high over her head, Lady Liberty leads a Les Miserables-era uprising in this oil painting by Eugene Delacroix. Originally purchased from the Salon by the French government in order to remind Louis Philippe I of the French Revolution of 1830 against his predecessor, the piece was returned to the artist after the Paris Uprising of 1832.

Great Sphinx Of Tanis

Lower Ground Floor, Sully Wing

If you can’t travel to Giza to see the Great Sphinx guarding the world’s most famous pyramids, then don’t miss this sculpture at the Louvre. Not only is the Great Sphinx of Tanis one of the largest sphinxes outside of Egypt, but its lion-like paws and regal face are well preserved and quite detailed.

The Marly Horses

Lower Ground Floor, Richelieu Wing

Built in the 17th century as an annex to the Palace of Versailles, the Chateau de Marly was sold during the French Revolution and torn down in the 19th century. But two massive horses carved from Carrara marble were considered to be such phenomenal works of art that they were spared. They’ve been on display at the Louvre since 1984.

Michelangelo’s Slave Statues

Ground Floor, Denon Wing

When I think of Michelangelo’s works, the David in Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia and his beautiful paintings inside the Sistine Chapel immediately come to mind. But did you know that statues by Michelangelo originally slated for Pope Julius II’s gravesite are on display at the Louvre? Known as The Rebellious Slave and The Dying Slave, both pieces are on display in the Denon Wing.

The Inverted Pyramid

When visiting the Louvre, it’s impossible to miss the large glass pyramid in the courtyard of the former castle that has served as the museum’s main entrance since the early 1990s. But fans of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code may have a harder time locating the inverted pyramid featured in the book and in the movie starring Tom Hanks. That’s because the fictional location of Mary Magdalene’s grave isn’t inside the massive museum. Rather, the tip of the pyramid-shaped skylight pierces into the earth and connects with a small stone pyramid at the Carrousel du Louvre, an upscale underground shopping mall that connects to the Louvre.

The Death Of The Virgin

First Floor, Denon Wing

Fans of The Da Vinci Code also won’t want to miss the painting ripped from the wall by Louvre curator Jacques Sauniere at the beginning of the thriller. This oil painting by Italian artist Caravaggio shows a cluster of mourners surrounding Mary, the virgin mother of God. The sobbing woman in the bottom right, just below Mary’s outstretched left arm, is believed to be Mary Magdalene.

The Catholic convent in Rome that commissioned this piece in the early 1600s did not approve of its imagery and rejected the painting.

Outside the Louvre in Paris, France. — Sage Scott

Tips For Visiting The Louvre

At just under 800,000 square feet, the Louvre is the largest art museum in the world. Download a museum map, install the free Louvre app, and have other practical information at your fingertips before you go.
Welcoming more than seven million visitors each year, the Louvre is the most visited museum in the world. Skip the line by purchasing your tickets online in advance of your visit.
Although the museum is closed on Tuesdays, it’s open late on Wednesdays and Fridays (until 9:45 p.m.).
Remember that in Europe, the “first floor” is the first floor above the ground floor (or second floor to American visitors). Keep this in mind when searching for the best art to see at the Louvre.
Consider grabbing a drink or appetizer while resting your legs in the outdoor seating area of Brasserie Le Cafe Marly. Although the brasserie can be a bit pricey, the views of the sun setting over the Louvre are unmatched.

Want to enjoy Paris off the beaten path? Check out these hidden gems, delightful shops, surprising things to do, and lesser-known churches in the city.

13 Foods To Try In Philadelphia Besides Cheesesteak

Our visit to Philadelphia was in part hosted by Visit Philadelphia. We were not financially compensated. All opinions are our own and are based on our experience.

The Philly cheesesteak is iconic, but Philadelphia has a diverse culinary scene with a lot more to offer. While we enjoyed the city’s classic sandwich on our recent trip to Philadelphia, we discovered many other local eats worth visitors’ time.

If you’re looking to explore beyond cheesesteak, here are some delicious items to try when visiting the City of Brotherly Love.

Donuts from Federal Donuts in Philadelphia. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

1. Donuts

Philadelphians seem to be just as crazy about donuts as we are — we discovered not one, but two fantastic donut shops in the city.

First up is Beiler’s Doughnuts at Reading Terminal Market. This place is enough to make any donut lover’s head spin. There are lots of flavor options, from fruity fritters to fruity pebbles, all displayed beautifully in the front glass case, where you can admire them while waiting in line for donuts fresh out of the oven.

Federal Donuts is another winner, with fresh hot donuts and fried chicken, too. There’s nothing better than fried chicken and donuts, right? Especially when they’re crafted by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov and come in unique flavors like halva lemon pistachio, grapefruit brulee, and strawberry lavender.

2. Soft Pretzels

Donuts’ savory cousins, soft pretzels, are another tasty food Philadelphia loves.

The Philly Pretzel Factory makes its pretzels with a signature twist. Philly’s soft pretzels are shaped like figure eights and are tender in the center and crunchy on the ends. Dip these warm and fresh from the oven into a little spicy mustard, and you’ll be snacking like the locals.

Miller’s Twist soft pretzels come in a more traditional shape. Maybe that’s because they’re made by bakers in traditional Amish clothing. Twisting away in Reading Terminal Market, they produce buttery soft pretzels in a host of flavors, including cinnamon, garlic, and sour cream and onion. Splurge on one of their thick creamy milkshakes while you’re there.

A roast pork sandwich from John's Roast Pork. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

3. Roasted Pork Sandwiches

Almost as beloved as the cheesesteak, the roasted pork sandwich is another food Philadelphia claims as its own. Masterful chefs of the city have managed to create unforgettable meals from this unsexy street meat.

Masterful, you ask? Yes, masterful, we respond. John’s Roast Pork is so masterful that there’s a James Beard Award medal hanging on the wall in the south Philly shack that many locals call the best in town.

Another master in the roasted pork sandwich hall of fame is DiNic’s Roast Pork at the Reading Terminal Market. Named the best sandwich in America by the Travel Channel, DiNic’s juicy, flavorful, and slow-roasted pork sandwich has hungry customers lining up long before lunch.

4. Middle Eastern Food

For some of the best Middle Eastern food you’ll have in Philadelphia (or anywhere!), head to Suraya in the Fishtown neighborhood. This culinary oasis serves traditional cuisine with a modern twist. Vegetarians will find satisfying fare like hummus, baba ganoush, muhammara, and fattoush. Carnivores can enjoy kebabs, seafood, and even a dry-aged rib eye steak for two. The beautiful garden setting includes a patio for warm-weather dining and a market where you can purchase items to take with you. Its weekend brunch is a real treat, but be sure to make a reservation in advance, since this place is popular and books up fast.

Speaking of booking up fast, James Beard Award-winner Michael Solomonov thrills foodies with exquisite small plates at Zahav. Vegetable salads, fried cauliflower, Moroccan carrots, cremini mushrooms, eggplant, and more are at the heart of this delicious dining experience. A melange of flavor influences, from the Mediterranean to North Africa, find their way into the tantalizing dishes served with Middle Eastern hospitality. Traditional laffa bread, creative cocktails, and a modern approach to Israeli dessert round out the offerings. Reserve your table well in advance if you’d like to experience Solomonov’s exceptional cuisine.

Chicken and waffles from Pearl's Oyster Bar. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

5. Chicken And Waffles

We love combining sweet and savory flavors in one delicious dish. Crispy fried chicken and waffles are one of the best such combinations. Philadelphians love it too, and our favorite version came from the unassuming Pearl’s Oyster Bar in Reading Terminal Market. This tasty treat is crisp and light, served with tangy ranch dressing, sweet maple syrup, and even a hot sauce splash for an extra morning kick.

6. Budino

While you might not recognize the name of this creamy pudding, the cozy Mediterranean restaurant Barbuzzo has made it the talk of Philadelphia. Complete with a dark chocolate crust, vanilla bean caramel, and sea salt sprinkle, this rich and decadent dessert is worth seeking out.

7. Pizzas At Pizza Brain

Many cities have tasty pizza, including Philadelphia. But the only pizza place in the country that also has a pizza museum is Pizza Brain. If you’re going to try a slice, why not do so at a place recognized by Guinness World Records as having the largest collection of pizza memorabilia in the world? A crispy thin crust and fresh local ingredients make this brick-oven pizza and its pizza museum worth a visit.

8. Scrapple

Scrapple is one of those unique foods that Philadelphians love but others consider strange. It comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of mixing pork scraps and trimmings with cornmeal, flour, and spices. Authentic places to give it a try include the Dutch Eating Place in Reading Terminal Market, Honey’s Sit ‘N Eat, and Green Eggs Cafe.

9. Water Ice

A fruity slush of just three ingredients, Philly’s water ice is not just another Italian ice rendition. Fruit or fruit juice, water, and sugar complete the trilogy of tastes in this seasonal delight. John’s and Rose’s earn top nods as local water-ice heroes who make the dessert fresh throughout the day.

10. Crabfries

Another unusual food that Philadelphia loves, Crabfries are a piece of local history. The hallmark treat comes from Chickie’s & Pete’s, a seafood spot with locations now opening beyond Philadelphia. Crabfries — yes, one trademarked word — are crinkle-cut potatoes seasoned with a blend of spices from the leftover seasoning used for crabs. They’re served with a side of creamy cheese dipping sauce. Be sure to wear your stretchy pants.

Parc Bistro in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

11. Parc’s Authentic French Cuisine

We love French bistros, and it’s rare that we find one on this side of the Atlantic that feels — well, French. We were thrilled when we saw authentic pairs of chairs facing out toward the sidewalk around the perimeter of Parc in swanky Rittenhouse Square. Its French classics like the croque madame and moules frites are irresistible. Dinner includes heavy hitters like duck a l’orange and boeuf Bourguignon, and tempting desserts like profiteroles and apple tarte Tatin sweeten the night.

12. Pasta

Philadelphia’s Italian roots are deep and remain strong. Any food-focused visit to Philadelphia should include a number of pasta stops. Gnocchi and other homemade pastas are served up at Spasso Italian Grill, Fiorino, and Giorgio on Pine. For real old-school favorites enjoyed by diners from Theodore Roosevelt to Taylor Swift, try the ravioli, fettuccine alfredo, or the daily special at Ralph’s Italian Restaurant, which has been dishing up Italian favorites since 1900.

13. Tastykake Creations

Okay, so this isn’t one of the foods that we’d normally discuss, but it’s just not right to talk about Philadelphia food without briefly mentioning the iconic Tastykake creations. These packaged snacks include cupcakes, donuts, honey buns, pies, bars, Krimpets, and more. If you pick them up at Wawa, the convenience store and culinary security blanket clung to by so many Philadelphians, you’ll be on your way to a truly local experience.

From comfort foods to elevated world cuisine, Philadelphia offers tastes that reach back in time, span the globe, and spark the imagination. Whether you’re there for a brief visit or a longer stay, these are just a few of the foods you should try — if you’re tired of cheesesteak, that is.

Planning a weekend getaway to Philadelphia? Consider visiting one of the city’s great museums.