Palm Harbor, FL

Palm Harbor was settled in 1888 by pioneers after a post office was granted to the area. Today the area has close to 58,000 residents.

Culture plays an important part in the lives of the residents of Palm Harbor, so you can always find an event taking place at one of the local museums. The Palm Harbor Museum, located in a home built by Judge Thomas William Hartley, features exhibits on the history of Palm Harbor with various artifacts from the region.

Historic downtown provides numerous festivals and craft fairs, and in April the annual Taste of Palm Harbor Citrus Festival brings rides, games, food, crafts and live music to the neighborhood.

Palm Harbor has its fair share of restaurants and cafes located close to Interstate 19 and Tampa Road. From traditional American dishes to a variety of International hot spots, this neighborhood features a wide variety of cuisines for all tastes.

One of Palm Harbor's best kept secrets, the Thirsty Marlin serves an eclectic menu of fresh fish, American cuisine and a few Cajun-inspired choices. Outdoor seating and live music provide entertainment for both families and young couples, and you can find a selection of drinks at the tiki bar. Sample such signature dishes as Key Largo calamari, Caribbean jambalaya or the restaurant's own grouper reuben. You can also find burgers, sandwiches, steaks, wraps and a great selection of homemade desserts.

If you are looking for a special occasion restaurant or you just feel like dressing up, Massimo's Restaurant offers a fine dining experience in Palm Harbor. Voted one of the best restaurants in the Tampa Bay area since 2006, Massimo's features an extensive wine list. Sample the pan-seared duck with brie, or taste a dish of the veal parmigiana. Make a reservation for a private dining experience.

If you are looking for a great, family-friendly restaurant, the Ozona Pig offers southern-style barbecue in a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere. All menu items are homemade and made-to-order, so it may take a few moments to get your food to your table. BBQ nachos remain a favorite among locals, and you should also try the cowboy burger with smoked cheddar. Southern sides such as mac and cheese, BBQ baked beans, slaw and potato salad remain favorites, and you shouldn't leave without sampling the homemade banana pudding.

The majority of the residents in Palm Harbor head to Tampa for night time entertainment, you can find a few establishments closer to home. . The Sawgrass Bar lies in downtown Palm with a selection of margaritas and nightly karaoke. Guests will find bamboo decor and a hookah bar for meeting friends. The bar also has an area for private parties with a reservation.

If you are looking for a good laugh, Snappers Grill and Comedy Club hosts various comedy acts and local live music artists, and you can enjoy a meal of sushi or American cuisine in a relaxing atmosphere. Frequent visitors can ask about the loyalty club, which provides discounts on food and events.

Getting around in Palm Harbor can be easy. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) provides rides to and from downtown Tampa, as well as to the two major airports within a 30-mile radius. Because cabs don't patrol the streets as they do in some major cities, you need to call for a cab or Uber when you need a pickup.

Cyclists and pedestrians find the roads safe, but because of the city's spread-out nature, most locals prefer to travel by their own cars. For those who prefer to commute, the city lies centrally located to Interstate 19 and several major roadways, including Omaha Street, and you can easily find free public parking.

Beautiful landscapes and white-sand beaches provide the backdrop for a variety of parks and recreation areas for residents in Palm Harbor.

The Honeymoon Island State Park used to be called Hog Island by pioneers to the area. Today, the park offers thatched-roof bungalows for honeymooners, and nature lovers can find osprey nests, nature trails, swimming, fishing and a variety of other outdoor activities. Dogs are allowed on leashes within the park, and the picnic pavilion can be rented for events. Park use costs nothing, but you must pay for parking.

Wall Springs Park provides another beautiful area for residents and guests to enjoy the outdoors. Located on 210 acres with free admission, the park has a winding boardwalk with nature trails for walking your dog. You will also find a playground, educational displays and a 35-foot observation tower that overlooks the Gulf.

Palm Harbor's cost of living runs slightly higher than that of downtown Tampa. You can get to downtown Tampa by bus for $2. A one-bedroom apartment costs around $850 a month.

If you are headed out for drinks with friends, you can expect to pay around $3 for a domestic beer and $5 for an imported beer.

Like many small metropolitan areas near Tampa, Palm Harbor doesn't have many large chain stores or fast food establishments. For this reason, you can find a mix of high-end boutiques and high-value, thrift-like stores. Major shopping malls lie to the east closer to Tampa or to the south in Clearwater. Nikki's Glitz and Glam Boutique provides the perfect shopping experience for those looking for formal wear and something for a special occasion. The store sells wedding dresses, prom fashions, jewelry, accessories and a selection of handbags. . While some people shop at small grocers in the area for necessities, the majority of grocery shopping can be down at large chains including Publix, Albertsons and Winn Dixie. The Palm Harbor Farmer's Market also provides a large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables from a variety of organic, natural and gluten-free vendors.