Program Details
The Vinoy
The Renaissance Vinoy is the beautifully restored social destination of the F. Scott Fitzgerald era. Today it provides a conveniently placed, gorgeously decorated, easy-to-reach home base for the 2008 PACE December Session. From its location right on the waterfront, it is within easy walking distance of a wide choice of restaurants and shops.
Built in 1928, this pink lady saw her first heyday as a seasonal destination for the upscale set from New York. World War II brought in the U.S. Army, which needed a place to house troops headed overseas. The years after the war were not kind to the Vinoy, and by the 1970s the old hotel had closed and become an unhappy sight on the St. Petersburg waterfront.
It was not until early 1990 that financing was secured and work begun to restore the Vinoy. Two years and $93 million later, the columns were repaired, frescos repainted, soft goods replaced and the physical plant modernized. The Vinoy was back in business, now as a year-round resort. The hotel’s renovation provided a crowning jewel to St. Petersburg’s own renovation and revival begun 20 years earlier.
The 2008 PACE December Session will be held the second week of the month, December 7 – 12. The Vinoy will be decorated for the season in all the grandeur possible. Our classes will be held in the Vinoy Ballroom, where Jimmy Stewart walked, Babe Ruth swaggered, and Presidents, authors, and explorers all made history.
Activities
Afternoons during December Session offer a choice of activities. On one day, be part of a dolphin watch cruise as we set out into the waters of Tampa Bay to spot the abundant sea life. Our marine biologist will be right there to answer your questions and help ensure you see all there is to see.
On another afternoon, we’ll cross the bay bridge back into Tampa for a guided tour of the extraordinary Florida Aquarium. Some guests may prefer to visit the Henry B. Plant Museum, the showplace of the 1880s railroad magnate.
One of the highlights of the Vinoy location is the availability of so many places of interest within either a short walk or a free shuttle bus ride. Nearby is the Museum of Fine Arts (with its new wing opening this year), the St. Petersburg Pier with its shops and restaurants, Baywalk with restaurants, upscale shops, theaters and more. Not far away is the Salvador Dali Museum, the largest collection of the artist’s work outside of Spain.
Included in the Program
5 nights at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort
4 mornings of classes (3 each day)
Opening banquet
Continental breakfast (M-Th)
Buffet lunch (M-Th)
Closing breakfast buffet
Airport transfers to/from Tampa Int'l
Dolphin watch cruise
Florida Aquarium/Henry B. Plant Museum excursion
