Floridian Getaways 2008 - (Page 12) cities & towns which shows exquisite works of handblown glass and other art from the Tampa Bay region. Across the street, stop in at the Chamber of Commerce for a walking tour brochure. Highlights of the three tours of varying lengths include the Museum of Regional History, where visitors learn how people have been drawn to this place “where healing waters flow” since long before history was written. Local lore talks of five springs that arise from Florida’s aquifers, each with a special characteristic including beauty, clear water and internal health. Safety Harbor Resort and Spa continues to build upon the bedrock of natural health that springs eternal. All water served on the premises, including coolers of it provided on each floor, comes from the springs – the same water once bottled and sold around the world. The spa, recently revitalized and converted to an Aveda concept spa, gives guests and members the opportunity to bathe and swim in the healing waters. In fact, mineral spring water fills all three of the resort’s pools. SAFETY HARBOR The historic resort sits on Tampa Bay’s western shore, next to a public pier and marina. A hiking-biking trail along the bay takes health a step further than the old days of merely soaking in and drinking the waters. Today’s guests also drink in the views. The resort offers a full schedule of exercise, nutrition and wellness programs, including its new “Kaylates” class, combining a one-mile kayak paddle to Philippe Park with Pilates instruction. With its long history but modern approach, the resort “has the feeling of an Old World spa without necessarily the attitude,” says staffer Kathy Gaye. “It is part of the fabric of life here in Safety Harbor.” After my Elemental Nature Massage and sips from the spring, I not only felt in touch with myself, but a deeper, older sense of connection to this classic town’s own healing ways. Green Springs Bistro dining room, photo courtesy Kris Kubik. Perhaps, after all, I had glimpsed the face of Old Florida wisdom in the trees of this powerful place. WHEN YOU GO: Bailey’s Naturals Herbal Apothecary, 727-725-1617, www.baileysnaturals.com City of Safety Harbor, www.cityofsafetyharbor.com Green Springs Bistro, 727-669-6762, www.greenspringsbistro.com Ibis Bed & Breakfast, 727-723-9000, www.ibisbb.com Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce, 727-726-2890, www.safetyharborchamber.com Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History, 727-726-1668, www.safetyharbormuseum.org Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 888-BEST-SPA, www.safetyharborresort.com Syd Entel Galleries & Susan Benjamin Glass Etc., 727-725-1808, www.sydentelgalleries.com Whistle Stop Grill, 727-726-1956, www.whistlestopgrill.com Aerial view of Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. For more information, see VISITFLORIDA.com/spas 12 Floridians.VISITFLORIDA.com http://www.baileysnaturals.com http://www.cityofsafetyharbor.com http://www.greenspringsbistro.com http://www.ibisbb.com http://www.safetyharborchamber.com http://www.safetyharbormuseum.org http://www.safetyharborresort.com http://www.sydentelgalleries.com http://www.whistlestopgrill.com http://www.VISITFLORIDA.com/spas http://Floridians.VISITFLORIDA.com
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