Vinoy Park is the perfect location to get some fresh air while you study.
Courtesy of Lily Cannon
By Lily Cannon
After a long day of classes, it can be tempting to retreat to your bed to finish that paper you have to due by midnight, especially when the alternative is facing the Florida heat.
However, you might be missing out on all of the good study spots hidden in “the Burg.”
Sometimes, what you need to finish an essay is a fresh change of environment and a cup of coffee.
From artsy cafes to calming parks, here is a trusty list of locations for your next study session.
Crislip Cafe
645 Central Ave.
Sunday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. / Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Crislip Cafe is a trendy hole-in-the-wall shop tucked into an alcove along Central. The signature drinks are sure to boost your energy, with personal favorites such as “Purple Rain,” a lavender-honey concoction, and “Tennessee Whiskey,” a maple-flavored latte.
For a five-minute break, be sure to doodle in the community sketchbook or fawn over the photo collage of furry visitors.
The Chelsea St. Pete
2462 Fifth Ave S.
Monday through Saturday from 8 a. m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3p.m.
Another artsy option is The Chelsea St. Pete on Fifth Avenue, otherwise known as the Warehouse Art District. Not only will you be surrounded by funky murals, but also a quirky collection of seats that will make you feel at home while you’re reviewing class notes.
The Chelsea is also a great way to feel connected outside of campus, as the cafe is covered with posters from local groups and classes. Make sure to check out the wall of upcoming events while you munch on a maple-bourbon Danish.
Black Crow Coffee Co.
722 Second St. N.
Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you’ve lived in St. Petersburg long enough, you’ve probably already heard of Black Crow Coffee. This locally-owned business has two walkable locations from campus –– one on Central Avenue and the other on Second Street. Black Crow’s menu is one-of-a-kind and features a series of seasonal specials, like the Instagram-worthy strawberry matcha latte. The cafe also offers a poetry circle every Sunday afternoon, in case you need a creative outlet between classes.
Vinoy Park
701 Bayshore Dr. NE.
Monday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Besides the comfy coffee shops, St. Petersburg’s outdoor environment is a great option for an impromptu study picnic. Bayshore’s Vinoy Park is one of them, accompanied by volleyball nets and plenty of spots under the shade.
Walk down the bicycle-friendly path and you’ll see hammocks with students reading or sight-seeing. You might even get a few pictures of dolphins in the late afternoon. There’s also the newly-built pier that’s right around the corner from the Vinoy, which gives you a more beachy location to finish that essay.
Mirror Lake Community Library
280 Fifth St. N.
Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Closed on Sunday)
The Mirror Lake Public Library is another venue known for its history and beautiful architecture. Built in 1915, the building offers plenty of spots to finish your assigned reading. Just walk in and set up on one of the spacious tables.
You may even be inclined to sign up to borrow a few books of your own.
This list only scratches the surface of St. Petersburg’s study areas. Walk outside of campus and explore the city and you’ll be sure to find a variety of good study spots, as well as local businesses and public parks. As the new USF fall semester begins, make sure you don’t wind up spending all your time in your dorm room and get out and explore all of the hidden gems this city has to offer.
