SPL LIVING
Learn about city history on a Preserve the ‘Burg tour
“I never knew that.”
Those words are often repeated when locals join a Preserve the
‘Burg (PTB) walking or bicycle tour. And if you think you’ve “been
distinct walking tours and each volunteer guide puts their own
twist on the Sunshine City.
The most popular tour is the Original Downtown Tour, featuring
many of the city’s recognizable gems, like the First Block with
North with its century-old homes and apartments, Mirror Lake
Library and the Pennsylvania Hotel. There’s also the Downtown
Waterfront Tour which dips into the Historic Old Northeast
with stops at the Vinoy and Birchwood, as well as a moment
remembering the grand Soreno Hotel which was demolished in
1992 for a shopping complex that was never built. And if you think
52 StPeteLifeMag.com January/February 2020
St. Pete’s history is limited to downtown, you haven’t experienced
the Westward Ho to Historic Kenwood tour showcasing one of the
highest concentrations of Craftsman-style homes in the state.
“It isn’t just stately buildings and big hotels that make a place
historic,” says PTB Board President and tour guide Emily Elwyn.
“Kenwood isn’t Kenwood without its unique proliferation of a
celebrated architectural style that was uniquely suited to Florida.
And downtown would be less unique to visitors without its mix
time we lose a piece of our history, we lose what sets us apart
from other communities.”
Preserve the ‘Burg’s tours connect the city’s early leaders to today.
The city’s First Block on Central has served to attract people to
downtown for nearly a century. “You don’t bring someone to St.
Pete without taking them down Central, from the Detroit Hotel
Discover St. Pete
BY JONATHAN KILE
HIT THE STREETS
Walking tours are free to Preserve the ‘Burg members
and just $10 for non-members and guests. Bicycle tours
are $15 for members and $25 for non-members and
guests (includes bike rental if you need it). Visit Preserve
the ‘Burg’s website for the latest schedule of tours at
preservetheburg.org/walkingtours.
A Preserve the ‘Burg walking tour gathers in a park in the historic
Kenwood neighborhood.
PHOTO/PRESERVE THE BURG
/StPeteLifeMag.com
/walkingtours