Known as the “Sunshine City” because of its claim of 361 sunny days every year, St. Petersburg was originally developed in the late 19^th century and early 20^th century as a destination for tourists and snowbirds who flocked here for the blue skies, warm temperatures and pristine water. While the inviting, year-round weather still appeals to residents, St. Petersburg has emerged as the cultural hub of central Florida.

From the public art that dots the downtown landscape and the private galleries that line the streets to the array of museums and performing arts venues, St. Petersburg is a haven for culture enthusiasts.

It’s no wonder that St. Petersburg was selected as America’s number one Top 25 Arts Destination for mid-sized U.S. cities for the third consecutive year in 2012 by readers of AmericanStyle magazine. St. Petersburg topped neighboring Tampa (3) and Miami (7) for the honor among cities with populations of less than 499,999.

The arts scene represents big business in St. Petersburg, serving as a thriving economic development engine. According to a recent study, the city’s arts and cultural organizations create an economic impact of more than $23 million, attract 1.3 million visitors to the city each year and create 519 jobs.

Residents and visitors have no shortage of engaging cultural attractions. The iconic Dali Museum showcases Salvador Dali’s work in a stunning new building with a flowing geodesic dome known as the “Enigma.” Down the street, the Chihuly Collection presented by Morean Arts Center features some of the most brilliant and intricate creations of famous glass artist Dale Chihuly. The Museum of Fine Arts presents works by Monet, Gauguin, Renoir and O’Keeffe among others. The Craftsman House Gallery, Crislip Arcade, ARTpool and the Morean Arts Center are some of the galleries that line the Central Avenue corridor.

The Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts – Mahaffey Theater hosts major shows and entertainers. Built in 1925, the Palladium Theater is a performing arts venue that is, at once, intimate and majestic. The theater’s 880-seat Hough Concert Hall boasts a full-sized Skinner pipe organ. The American Stage Theatre Company, Freefall Theatre Company and Florida Orchestra are all located in downtown St. Pete.

An Arts and Entertainment Pass that allows pass holders visits to select museums and galleries, performances at The Mahaffey and discounts from participating restaurants.

Estelia Mesimer and her team at Keller Williams Realty in St. Petersburg have a myriad of listings of high-end homes in the city where residents are a short distance from the cultural attractions.

For more information on Estelia Mesimer and her team, and to learn more about the high-end homes she represents, visit www.estelia.com.

You can reach Estelia at (727) 686-2859 and at estelia@estelia.com. Her office is located in downtown St. Petersburg at 111 2^nd Ave. NE., Suite 400.