Star Wars fans with a taste for craft beer-flavoured ice creams and boutique hotels will have a fine time in St. Petersburg/Clearwater in 2018.

Florida’s west coast destination has an array of fresh attractions in 2018. The established Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete plays host to the Star Wars Power of Costume tour. Alongside its renowned permanent collection ranging from  Monet to Native American art, more than 60 original costumes from the movies will be on display. Short films with the artists, designers and actors and interactive flip books add to the experience.

Elsewhere, the James Museum is a brand new western and wildlife art museum, set up by local philanthropists William and Mary James. The museum features pieces from their personal collection assembled over years of frequent trips to America’s West. Prime exhibits include Mary James’ extensive Native American jewellery collection.

Also new in 2018 is the Fenway Hotel, resplendent following an $11 million refurbishment and, like the James Museum, ready for business early 2018. From its rooftop bar, the 1920s Mediterranean-style waterfront building, located in downtown Dunedin  offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Caladesi Island as the sun sets on Florida’s west coast.

Chances are there will be local beer on offer – St Pete is home to a thriving craft brewery scene, more than thirty of which are part of the St. Pete/Clearwater Craft Beer Trail. A Beer Passport will help afficionados find their way along what is radily beocming known as the Gulp Coast.

Finally, St Pete lays claim to being the home of the beerlato – a cocktail mixing seasonal beer with one of the fresh gelato flavors of the day.

Stand: NA400