• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Chef Dennis
  • Recipe Index
  • On the Road
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » On the Road

    Indian Rocks Beach Rocks at The Colonial Court Inn #LoveFL

    Published: Feb 28, 2016 · Modified: Jul 25, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley

    0 shares
    • Facebook
    • Email

    Have you ever been to Indian Rocks Beach? Have you ever heard of Indian Rocks Beach? Those are two questions that you need to ask yourself if you like me, love the gulf coast of Florida.

    Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging, Colonial Court Inn

    Nestled between Clearwater Beach and St.Pete’s Beach is a lovely stretch of almost uninhabited beach called Indian Rocks Beach. This year TripAdvisor named Clearwater Beach as the #1 Beach in the United States and St. Pete’s Beach came in at #4 in the US. Hmmm….. it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the beach between two of the top 5 beaches in the country would be just as good. Maybe it’s missing some of the glitz that the other two areas contribute to the equation, but it’s peaceful, almost empty and positively gorgeous stretch of beach!

    Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    Just so you know these pictures were taken in February and although Florida is immune to most of winter’s woes, we do get a little cold from time to time and this weekend was one of those wintry Florida weather weekends. Now I have been in the area in April and can attest that the beach is not much more crowded in warm weather with everyone heading over to Clearwater and St. Petes.

    And that’s a good thing, because that leaves the hidden treasure of Indian Rocks Beach to the locals that love it and tourists that have stumbled upon it accidentally. So don’t tell anyone, ok! All kidding aside, tell your family and friends about this slice of paradise and let them know that Chef Dennis has some friends there that can hook them up with a beachfront “Old Florida” style accommodations.

    Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    So get a pen or better yet jot it down on your smart phone in your contacts. The Colonial Court Inn at Indian Rocks Beach, Florida.   Can you say tropical paradise? Look through the arbor at the side of the house. Do you see the water? This lovely “Old Florida Inn” is right on the beach!

    Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    You’re home away from home is part of the Superior Small Lodging of Florida that specializes in small, non-chain, family run “Old Florida” style resorts.

    Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    Lisa and I were just blown away by the apartment we stayed in, The Tarpon was a beautifully  appointed 1 bedroom apartment overlooking the beach.

    The Colonial Court Inn has 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments, each decorated to their theme with ceiling fans, cable TV’s, DVD & VCR players, stereos with CD players, phones, hairdryers & fully equipped kitchens with microwaves. Everything you need for an extended stay or a quiet relaxing weekend at the beach. Front and rear seating areas outside of the apartments are available, as well as a common area out back and beach chairs down towards the beach. The Colonial Court Inn also has an outdoor shower and free washer and dryer for guests to use.

    Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    This was the view from our back door. And at night we were lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves…..sigh.

    Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    Had I wanted to do any cooking, I had everything I needed in the kitchen and then some! But with all the dining options within walking distance, there was no reason to cook at home on this trip.

    Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    Hanging on the wall is a Tarpon, giving this apartment its name. We had a great view of the beach from just about every room in the apartment.

    Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    The living room was spacious and comfortable and proved to be a great place to relax in comfort as we looked out on the beach and gulf.

    Colonial Court Inn, Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    And even though it was a little chilly, we spent a good deal of time on the beach, enjoying the sun when we had it and looking for shells that the waves had washed ashore.

    Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    But one thing the Gulf has every night for you’re enjoyment are sunsets. We got to enjoy this sunset with our hosts Laura and Jim on our first evening at the Colonial Court Inn. They were also kind enough to give us a tour of the other 5 apartments that make up the resort. Each one with its own flavor and character. The second floor apartments are the best spots for watching sunsets.

    Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    It’s a great place to look for the legendary green flash.  

    Colonial Court Inn, Superior Small Lodging

    With restaurants within walking distance and a drug store across the street the Colonial Court Inn is the perfect spot to get away and leave your car parked for the duration. And if the feeling of wanderlust hits and you’d like to go exploring the area, you can pick up the the Suncoast Trolley practically at your front door.

    Colonial Court Inn, Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    The PSTA Trolley System can take you from Tarpon Springs to downtown St. Pete’s. It’s a great way to see Pinellas County and leave the driving to someone else.

    To learn more about The Colonial Court Inn, just click on the link to go to their website or call for reservations at 727-517-0902 and tell them Chef Dennis sent you.

    Click on the link to learn more about Superior Small Lodging and “Old Florida” style accommodations, available through out the state of Florida.

    This post has been brought to you by The Colonial Court Inn and Superior Small Lodging. All opinions, text and images are 100% mine.

    More On the Road

    • girl with a map looking back at you
      Revealed: The Best Cities in the US for Healthy Foodies
    • fountain of neptune in piazza duomo, Trento Italy
      Visit Trento – Italy’s Best Kept Secret
    • sunrise over the ocean looking through palm trees at the King and Prince Resort
      Visit St. Simons Island – Georgia’s Best Kept Secret
    • rear view of the UnCruise Safari Endeavour
      Sea of Cortez with UnCruise

    About Chef Dennis

    Picture of Chef Dennis

    Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home. For more details, check out his About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Cindy S

      March 09, 2022 at 11:43 am

      We just returned from our first trip to Colonial Court Inn at Indian Rocks Beach and stayed in the “Lighthouse “ unit. It was absolutely wonderful. Colonial Court Inn was exactly as it was advertised. Beautiful, relaxing, and comfortable! Definitely recommend staying at Colonial Court Inn.

      Reply
    2. Liz

      February 29, 2016 at 2:10 am

      I love it. I was there approximately 35 years ago and loved it back then too. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        February 29, 2016 at 2:10 pm

        It is such a nice area Liz, we can’t wait to get back!

        Reply
        • FLash.GaToR

          February 29, 2016 at 2:31 pm

          Thnx chef for sharing ! Looks quaint ! Is it below 30° now? Is it very humid in July?

        • Chef Dennis Littley

          February 29, 2016 at 2:56 pm

          We didn’t quite get that cold, it was in the high 30’s first thing in the morning warming up to the 50’s and 60’s during the day. Right now the weather is gorgeous!! During the winter we do get cold spells, but there were weeks we were on the beach. You just never know what you’re going to get in January and February. In July you have a delicious breeze coming off the gulf, but it can be hot. Humidity wise I always thought it was more humid in New Jersey than in Florida

    Primary Sidebar


    My name is Dennis Littley or “Chef Dennis” as I’m known both at work and across the blogosphere. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Fan Favorites

    • loaf of homemade artisan bread on a wooden cutting board
      Almost No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe
    • 2 Maryland crab cakes on a white plate
      Baked Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe
    • chicken parm with pasta on a white plate
      Chicken Parmesan Recipe
    • seasoned crispy chicken legs on a foil wrapped tray
      Best Baked Chicken Legs {Drumsticks}
    • side view of slice of bee sting cake being taken out of full cake
      German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) Recipe
    • Tiramisu with a fork on a white plate
      Best Tiramisu Recipe {step by step}
    • overhead view of barbecued half racks of baby back ribs on a white platter
      Easy Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs
    • overhead view of veal parm and linguine on a white plate
      Restaurant Style Veal Parm Recipe

    Featured In

    logos of all the places chef dennis has been featured

    Popular Posts

    • crispy seasoned chicken leg quarters on a white platter
      Best Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
    • cropped-Gunniess-Beef-Stew-13.jpg
      Authentic Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
    • overhead shot of baked crab imperial on a white plate with sauteed greens and roasted potatoes
      Maryland Style Jumbo Lump Crab Imperial
    • close up of half a chicken salad sandwich on a white plate
      Best Chicken Salad – Deli Style
    • oysters rockefeller with a slice of lemon on a bed of rock salt on a white platter
      How to Make Restaurant Style Oysters Rockefeller
    • sliced dry rub roasted brisket with cilantro and tomatoes on on a white platter
      Easy Oven Baked Beef Brisket Recipe
    • rack of pork with end cut off
      Oven Roasted Rack of Pork {Pork Rib Roast}
    • sliced meatloaf with the rest of meatloaf on a white platter
      Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Zesty Glaze

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    INFO

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    SUBSCRIBE

    Sign Up Today and start getting my easy-to-make restaurant-quality recipes!

    CONTACT

    • About
    • Contact
    © 2009-2023 · Ask Chef Dennis ·

    Proud Member of:
    Mediavine Publisher Network