Largo, Florida

The city of Largo is perfectly located with Tampa to the West, Clearwater to the North, St Petersburg to the South and the Gulf Coast Beach communities to the East. Since it's founding in 1905 the city has grown to become the 3rd largest in Pinellas County with over 75,000 residents.

Brief History of Largo

Originally the Largo area was populated by the Tocobage people but by the time European settlers arrived in the 1850's they had all but disappeared. The name was derived from Lake Largo, drained in the early 20th century, which was located in the area where Central Park stands today. The early settlers were citrus farmers and the area remained largely agricultural until the demands of a rapidly increasing population changed the land use from agricultural to residential from the 1960's onward. Pinellas County is now Florida's most densely populated area.

Amenities and Attractions

Largo is blessed with several beautiful parks totalling over 600 acres, the most popular of which is Central Park. As the name implies, this 31 acre park is located at the very heart of Largo. The park was renovated in 2009 / 2010. The site also houses Largo Cultural Center which host a wide variety of live performances.

The Heritage Village off UlmertonRoad features several well preserved historic buildings including the local barber's shop, railroad depot, church, schoolroom and bandstand. Close by you can explore the Florida Botanical Gardens. This 160 acre site is home to over 150 different types of wildlife and countless plants. Admission to both sites is free although the guided tours are subject to a small fee.

Pinellas Trail is a traffic free haven running north to south along the route of an abandoned railway line and is popular with cyclists, walkers, skaters and joggers.

While not a beachfront city, Largo offers budget conscious visitors the chance to enjoy the magnificent Gulf Coast, which is a mere 5 minute drive away, without having to pay "beach prices".

Where to Stay

The are several independently owned and operated motels ranging from the cheap and cheerful to the fully featured. Two of the larger hotels are the Hampton Inn on East Bay drive and the new Holiday Inn Express on Seminole Boulevard. Both are situated in the heart of Largo close to Central Park.

Food and Drink

There is simply no excuse to be hungry or thirsty in Largo as it seems there is a bar or restaurant on every street corner. Many of the local watering holes feature live music on weekends.

• The Inglewood - Clearwater-Largo Road, is a well known local landmark offering cheap drinks and usually country music.
• The Wild Indian Saloon - Rosery Road, caters more to the classic rock crowd and is a newly renovated, well laid out bar with friendly staff and customers.
• Sneaky's Sports Bar - Ulmerton Road, six satellite dishes and 34 screens mean you won't ever have to miss your favorite sporting event
• O'Houstons - West Bay Drive, the food is great and no visit complete without at least one pint of Guinness

Largo has an abundance of places to eat ranging from fast food outlets to fine dining. Many of the chain restaurants have a presence also but where Largo really scores in the dining stakes is in the small independently owned diners. Many of these open for breakfast and lunch only but keen competition keeps the quality high.

• Balla's Steakhouse - Missouri Avenue, fine dining with early bird specials
• Widow Browns - Seminole Boulevard, great home style food, daily specials
• Maggie May's - West Bay Drive, best breakfast in town
• Adriano's Cafe - Keene Plaza, East Bay Drive, good value and quality