Heather Hemingway Stayed Here: Sea Breeze Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn

By Heather J Sell, ShoutOUT® Tampa Bay, March 12, 2015

Photo of inside staircase, Sea Breeze Manor B&B Inn Gulfport, FL

Sea Breeze Manor B&B Inn, Gulfport, FL

Strategically positioned on South Shore Boulevard across from the soft white sands and lapping bluish waters of Boca Ciega Bay, the Sea Breeze Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn lies in a perfect spot for guests to luxuriate and relax miles away from one’s cares, but close enough to partake in a variety of activities. Conveniently located between St. Petersburg and the Gulf of Mexico, it’s a lovely setting to immerse oneself in the local artist scene, eclectic flavors and tastes of Gulfport, relax, have a romantic getaway, or find a quiet retreat to write your memoirs.

The 1923 Tudor-style two-story manor was originally a private residence until 1996 when it was caringly converted into the handsome Sea Breeze Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn, currently cared for and lovingly run by innkeeper, Lori Rosso. Two cottage suites on-site, but detached from the main house, offer additional seclusion with their own private entrances and each of the 6 available suites is bequeathed with a private balcony or patio.

Photo of Key Largo Guest Cottage, Sea Breeze Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn

Key Largo Guest Cottage

The “Aruba”, one of six Caribbean-themed suites, is where I took up residence for the night. With its Key West appeal and homey charm, the deluxe suite felt like my own mini apartment, including a separate sitting room, pine writing desk, rattan furniture, love seat, oak floors, and full size bath plus powder room! An inspiring setting to write and relax. And let me just say, there’s something very nostalgic and soothing about padding barefoot across the oak floors of an old house and hearing the wood creak beneath your feet. Loved that! 

Photo Aruba Deluxe Suite queen bed

Aruba Deluxe Suite

For me, the Sea Breeze would be the idyllic hideaway to steal myself away and channel the writing muses! I pictured myself as “Heather Hemingway“, seated comfortably at the pine writing desk, furiously typing away, stealing glances out the window at the languid waters of Boca Ciega Bay – surrounded by all the inspiration, privacy, food, and comfort needed. For others, the relaxing surroundings would be an ideal setting just to get away.

Is the Inn haunted? Though there are no reported resident ghosts at Sea Breeze, I can unequivocally say you do feel the spirit of laughter and good energy that echoes throughout the manor from previous guests.

Mangia Gourmet Chocolate Cake

Vegan, Gluten-free Chocolate Cake, Photo used with permission Mangia Gourmet

Sea Breeze’s location in Gulfport suited me well – just a few short walking blocks to the heart of Gulfport and the many shops and restaurants that line Beach Boulevard, but not too close to all the excitement when it came time to walk back to my room and sleep. The night I arrived, I simply strolled down to Beach Boulevard to enjoy all the Friday night festivities – the local artists’ offerings at the monthly “First Friday Art Walk”, music wafting through the evening’s sea-kissed night air, inhaling (and yes, I mean INHALING) a thick, juicy Bleu Cheese Burger from Tangelo’s Grille.

Towards the end of the evening as my energy began to wane, I sought out an indulgent treat to tame my pernicious sweet tooth. I tracked down a decadent (and surprisingly gluten-free, vegan) piece of chocolate cake with chocolate icing to-go from Mangia Gourmet and meandered back to the sanctity and peacefulness of my spacious room. Slipping into my jammies, I devoured every bite of my scrumptious dessert from the comfort of my queen-sized bed.

Photo of an Ana Lucia Sweet Crepe

Ana Lucia Sweet Crepe stuffed with strawberries and bananas, La Creperia Cafe

Rolling out of bed the following morning, and being spoiled with a strawberry and banana stuffed Ana Lucia sweet crepe and artfully topped cappuccinos at the onsite restaurant was sublime!

That Saturday was a new adventure in downtown Gulfport – artwork, food, sights, and sounds – but that’s another story for another day.

 

For more information and to reserve a room at the Sea Breeze Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn, contact:

Sea Breeze Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn
5701 Shore Blvd S
Gulfport, FL 33707
(727) 343-4445
Proprietor: Lori Rosso
http://seabreezemanor.com/

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**Disclosure: I was given an overnight stay at Sea Breeze Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn in exchange for sharing my experiences, however, all views and opinions are completely my own.

Contact info:
Heather Sell, ShoutOUT®
Email: contact@shoutoutinc.com
Facebook: shoutouts
Twitter: @shoutout_ent

About ShoutOUT

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One Response to Heather Hemingway Stayed Here: Sea Breeze Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn

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