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Your Chicago location guide to The Blues Brothers

Last updated on June 17, 2020 by Mike Habschmidt

The Blues Brothers instantly became a special piece of cinema and Chicago history from the moment it hit the silver screen in 1980. Even today, it’s not unusual to go to a Chicago sporting event and see two men wearing the jet black suits, fedoras, and wayfarer sunglasses combo that made John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd instant icons. Every Halloween, I see at least five sets of Jake and Elwood ringing doorbells and asking for candy.

The Blues Brothers  has become part of Chicago history, and has stood the test of time. Time, however, has changed Chicago quite a bit. So let’s take a look at some of the Blues Brothers’  film locations today.

Elwood’s apartment

Soul Food Cafe

James Brown church scene

The church in which Jake and Elwood receive the divine intervention, with the help of pastor James Brown, happens at Triple Rock Church. The actual location is modern day Pilgrim Baptist on the South Side of Chicago. The interior shots, where Jake glows in a heavenly blue light and back-flips down the aisle to the altar, were filmed in Los Angeles. The Pilgrim pastor at the time wondered if the crew snuck into his church in Chicago to get the shots, since it looked so very similar on screen. The church still stands today, but looks much different after a fire and renovation in 2006. 9114 S. Burley Ave.

The nazis take a swim

The Nazis block a bridge to protest at the beginning of The Blues Brothers . The duo take matters into their own hands and drive them off the bridge to take a swim. The leader of the Nazis vows to kill The Blues Brothers, and boy, does he try. This bridge is located at Jackson Park in Chicago. Today, Jackson Park is part of the Chicago Park District and offers great programming for the city’s youth. Oh, and it’s Nazi free.

Chez Paul Restaurant

Infamously known as “The Restaurant Scene,” Jake and Elwood make a rude ruckus at the fancy Chez Paul in Chicago. Many see the resemblance in this scene and the restaurant scene in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off . This is because both were set at Chez Paul in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Chez Paul has since closed, but lives on in two of the best Chicago comedies ever made. 660 N. Rush St.

Police car pileup

The finale: Richard J. Daley Plaza and City Hall

So there ya have it. Go out and visit the locations from this iconic movie!

About Mike Habschmidt

Although Mike Habschmidt was born and raised (literally) across the street of the city limits, we’ll give him a pass and say he was born and raised in Chicago. With 23 years of experience in this wonderful city, Mike has explored the ins-and-outs of Chicago’s sports, dining, and entertainment, becoming a bit of a renaissance man. A graduate of DePaul University and The iO Theater, Mike has been able to stay put in the city his whole life. Maybe he should get out sometime. Well, until then, enjoy his unique perspectives on Chicago!

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The Official Blues Brothers Revue

QUICK FACTS Deluxe Show Travel Party = 12 Hotel Rooms needed = 12 Show Length: Act 1 50 mins; ACT 2 50 mins

QUICK FACTS Normal Show Travel Party = 10 Hotel Rooms needed = 10 Show Length: Act 1 50 mins; ACT 2 50 mins

Dan Aykroyd & Judith Belushi Present

The duo, comprised of Kieron (Elwood Blues) Lafferty and Wayne (Jake Blues) Catania, were hand-picked by Aykroyd, Belushi Pisano and original Blues Brothers Musical Director, Paul Shaffer to carry the torch first lit by the iconic duo of Aykroyd and John Belushi on Saturday Night Live in 1978 and later immortalized in the eponymous blockbuster 1980 film directed by John Landis.

Judy Belushi, referring to the duo as anything but an imitation of the original act said, “Kieron and Wayne are not imitators, they live the music and embody the characters. They understand the spirit of The Blues Brothers and revel in the joy of being Jake and Elwood”. Backed by the all star Intercontinental Rhythm & Blues Band, The Official Blues Brothers Revue is a multi-media interactive experience showcasing their undeniable talent in songs that comprise a virtual encyclopedia of rock, blues and soul. Audiences of all ages have been on their feet as the duo delivers classics such as “Soul Man,”, “Gimme Some Lovin,” , “Sweet Home Chicago” and “Shout.”

One critic recently raved, “…the roof raising show has the same down home energy as any of Aykroyd and Belushi’s performances. Lesser performers might be tempted to allow their characterizations to veer into parody—but not Catania and Lafferty, baby!”

All of the Blues Brothers classics: soul man, rubber biscuit, chicago, peter gunn gimme, rawhide, sweet home, some lovin & more...

Plus ALL NEW tribute performances to ARETHA FRANKLIN, & RAY CHARLES (Deluxe Show)

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Learn more about The Official Blues Brothers Revue on the following links

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The Blues Brothers

Jake Blues rejoins with his brother Elwood after being released from prison, but the duo has just days to reunite their old R&B band and save the Catholic home where the two were raised, out... Read all Jake Blues rejoins with his brother Elwood after being released from prison, but the duo has just days to reunite their old R&B band and save the Catholic home where the two were raised, outrunning the police as they tear through Chicago. Jake Blues rejoins with his brother Elwood after being released from prison, but the duo has just days to reunite their old R&B band and save the Catholic home where the two were raised, outrunning the police as they tear through Chicago.

• John Landis
• Dan Aykroyd
• John Belushi
• Cab Calloway
• 496 User reviews
• 100 Critic reviews
• 60 Metascore
• 2 wins & 1 nomination

• Joliet Jake

• Burton Mercer
• Prison Guard
• (as Gerald Walling S.J.)

• Corrections Officer

• Sister Mary Stigmata
• Choirmaster

• Reverend Cleophus James

• Choir Soloist
• (as James Cleveland's Southern California Community Choir)
• Trooper Daniel

• Trooper Mount
• (as Steve Williams)
• Charming Trooper

• Trooper La Fong
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• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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• Trivia Carrie Fisher became engaged to Dan Aykroyd during this shoot shortly after he saved her from choking, by applying the Heimlich maneuver.
• Goofs [1:26:41]When the Good Old Boys arrive at Bob's Country Bunker, it is clearly after closing time. No explanation is given as to why they are so late, and they would realize that the bar is now closed and would not expect to play their set.

Elwood : [2:00:54] It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark... and we're wearing sunglasses.

Jake : Hit it.

• Crazy credits When in Hollywood, Visit Universal Studios (Ask for Babs) [see also National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) ]
• The two Joilet guards come to get Jake in his cell and have trouble waking him up.
• One additional line from Frank Oz as he rattles off Jake's material possessions.
• An additional line for the Penguin regarding missions: "I'll be sent to the missions... Africa, Latin America... Korea."
• Jake and Elwood discuss getting the money for the mission honestly outside of the Triple Rock Baptist Church.
• The "The Old Landmark" number is considerably longer, incorporating more dance sequences and extra verses.
• After the demolition derby in the shopping mall Elwood parks the Bluesmobile in a hiding place beside an electrical power box. (John Landis explains that Aykroyd thought this would show how the car gets its incredible endurance, but also goes on to explain that it never did make any sense, so the scene was cut.)
• A few extra lines of dialog when Elwood and Jake rest in his apartment.
• When the cops come to arrest Jake and Elwood in the motel, they first stop at the registration desk and intimidate the manager. They also greet Sam, who seems to be known by everyone.
• An entire sequence with Elwood boosting chemicals from his day job, then quitting the job to become a priest, is restored.
• After the above sequence, Jake and Elwood study a cigarette box with "the last known address of Bones Malone and Blue Lou Marini".
• After getting the new address of Bones Malone, Elwoods thanks Ms Tarantino before leaving.
• Jake has an extra line of dialog while pep-talking Murph and the Magictones at the Holiday Inn ("Now, who here at this table can honestly say that they played any finer or felt any better than they did when they played with the Blues Brothers?")
• One line of dialog for Henry Gibson is restored for the Illinois Nazis scene at the bridge, with regards to the swastika ("The sacred and ancient symbol of your race since the beginning of time!")
• The "Boom Boom" number is much longer, with extra shots of John Lee Hooker laughing and arguing with his band. Jake and Elwood watch for a moment then enter the Soul Food Cafe.
• "Think" has extra verses and shots of dancing.
• When the band arrives at Bob's Country Bunker, Bob hands the request list to Bones Malone, who looks at it blankly.
• The "Theme from Rawhide" and "Stand By Your Man" numbers are slightly longer.
• The original Picwood preview included another musical number, "Sink the Bismark", but that footage has been lost.
• More lines of dialog for Maury Sline in the steam room scene, mostly regarding to the old gigs having been turned into (gay) discos.
• When Jake fills up the tank for the Bluesmobile, he overfills it and gas spills over. When they peel out from the station, Elwood flicks a cigarette out of the window and causes the station to explode. (Landis now says he doesn't remember why this particular scene was cut.)
• Before the sound-check Curtis (Cab Calloway) explains to the band that they need to do it for the kids, since the Blues Brothers will use the money raised from that concert to pay the taxes for a church. The look on the faces of the band after they hear it is priceless!
• The "Minnie the Moocher" number is considerably extended.
• As Jake and Elwood sneak into the show, Elwood takes the chemicals that he stole from the show and sneaks them into the tires of the cop cars.
• Both the "Everybody Needs Someone to Love" and "Sweet Home Chicago" numbers are extended.
• When Jake and Elwood sneak out, the gas in the cop cars tires reacts and causes the tires to explode on some to delay the police.
• An alternate line of dialog for Carrie Fisher in the sewer when she confronts Jake, about how her father "used up her last favors" with the Mafia for her wedding. In the original release it was changed due to complaints of the Italian-American community.
• The lengthy climactic chase to (and through) Chicago features many extra lines and shots of racing autos.
• The "assault on Daley plaza" and the Assessor's Office scenes also feature extra lines and shots.
• The "Jailhouse Rock" number is slightly longer.
• As the prisoners riot at the end of the film, there is a brief shot of riot-geared police guards racing into the mess hall that has been added. It changes the end of the film subtly.
• The "cast of characters" and end credits are extended to accommodate the new footage.
• Connections Edited into The Stories Behind the Making of 'the Blues Brothers' (1998)
• Soundtracks Somebody Loan Me a Dime (uncredited) Written and Performed by Fenton Robinson

User reviews 496

• Ship_Captain_XplOrOrOr
• Sep 19, 2004

Everything New on Prime Video in May

• How long is The Blues Brothers? Powered by Alexa
• How the heck many cars were trashed during the filming of this movie?
• Why was the entire band in prison at the end of the movie?
• Where is that factory at the beginning of the movie?
• June 20, 1980 (United States)
• United States
• Official Facebook
• The Return of the Blues Brothers
• 15101 Dixie Highway, Harvey, Illinois, USA ([28:20]Shopping Mall Complex with infamous car chase scene. They broke my watch! Demolished)
• Universal Pictures
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $27,500,000 (estimated)
• $57,229,890
• Jun 22, 1980
• $115,229,890

Technical specs

• Runtime 2 hours 13 minutes

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The Official Blues Brothers™ Revue

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An Interactive Experience Starring Wayne Catania & Kieron Lafferty

In association with Dan Aykroyd, Judith Belushi and Musical Director Paul Shaffer Starring Wayne Catania as “Jolliet Jake” and Kieron Lafferty as “Elwood Blues” Written and Directed by Wayne Catania, Kieron Lafferty & Judith Belushi

In 2020, the Blues Brothers Blockbuster Movie turned 40! To celebrate, The Official Blues Brothers™ Revue, is touring North America!

The duo, comprised of Kieron (Elwood Blues) Lafferty and Wayne (Jake Blues) Catania, were hand-picked by the producers to carry the torch first lit by the iconic duo of Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. Backed by the All-Star Intercontinental Rhythm & Blues Band, The Official Blues Brothers™ Revue is a multi-media interactive experience showcasing their undeniable talent in songs that comprise a virtual encyclopedia of rock, blues and soul. Audiences of all ages have been on their feet as the duo delivers classics such as “Soul Man,”, “Gimme Some Lovin,” , “Sweet Home Chicago” and “Shout.”

Produced for National Tour by Blues Brothers Approved Ventures, LLC

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What the 'mission from God' really was for 'The Blues Brothers' movie

The following is adapted from “ The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Film Classic ,” published March 19 by Atlantic Monthly Pres s. The author is Daniel de Visé , a personal finance reporter for USA TODAY. 

Even casual fans of “ The Blues Brothers ” know the scene.

A patrolman pulls over Jake and Elwood Blues in their Bluesmobile. The officer keys in the tag number and divines that Elwood’s license is suspended for 56 moving violations and 116 parking tickets. The patrolman orders the boys out of the car. Instead, Elwood speeds off.

“They’re not gonna catch us,” he tells Jake. “We’re on a mission from God.”

The first half of that line came from Dan Aykroyd ’s original script for “The Blues Brothers,” a 324-page tome that he delivered to producers wrapped in the cover of an L.A. telephone book.

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

The second half came from John Landis , the director. He added it in a winking nod to Aykroyd, whose passion for rhythm and blues had inspired the film’s true mission.

In search of the true 'mission from God'

I grew up with “The Blues Brothers,” saw the film a dozen times and thought I knew it pretty well. Yet, I had never heard the story of the real mission from God. Landis told it to me in a 2020 interview. It inspired me to write a book about “The Blues Brothers.”

In the final script, and in the Blues Brothers film, the “mission from God” refers to the goofy central plot. Jake and Elwood Blues set out to raise $5,000 to pay a delinquent tax bill for the Catholic orphanage that reared them.

Catholic orphanages don’t pay taxes. Then again, quite a lot in “The Blues Brothers” defied logic. The Bluesmobile defied physics. And, hey, this was comedy.

The real mission from God was something entirely different.

Landis added the line to the script to honor Aykroyd’s quest to revive the careers of the faded icons of rhythm and blues.

At the close of the 1970s, the titans of classic R&B were struggling. Disco ruled the charts. Arena rock ruled the amphitheaters. Aretha Franklin’s 1979 album “La Diva” stalled at 146 on the Billboard 200 album chart. James Brown’s “The Original Disco Man” reached 152.

Aykroyd had grown up in Ottawa, the Canadian capital, a worshipful acolyte of rhythm and blues. He had seen Sam & Dave perform in Montreal at the 1967 World’s Fair.

In 1975, Aykroyd joined the founding cast of “Saturday Night,” later renamed “Saturday Night Live.” He became best friends with John Belushi, a fellow comedian and musician from suburban Chicago. Together, they worked up a blues act.

The Blues Brothers debuted on “Saturday Night Live” in April 1978. The act evoked the great blues duos of the 1960s, most notably Sam & Dave, who had scored monster hits with “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin.’” Black suits and hats linked the white bluesmen with the R&B greats of old, men like Cab Calloway and John Lee Hooker and B.B. King, impeccably dressed.

Over the summer of 1978, Aykroyd and Belushi built the Blues Brothers into a top-drawer R&B touring act, playing songs by Willie Mabon and Big Joe Turner and fronting an all-star band, featuring guitar legends Matt “Guitar” Murphy and Steve “The Colonel” Cropper.

A Blues Brothers film would capitalize on the success of the band, whose debut album topped the Billboard charts, and on the budding superstardom of Belushi, who had broken out with a performance in the 1978 comedy film “Animal House,” playing Bluto, a volcanic blend of Harpo Marx and Cookie Monster.

Dan Aykroyd and John Landis shaped 'The Blues Brothers' into an action-comedy musical

Together, scriptwriters Aykroyd and Landis shaped the film into an action-comedy musical.

They recruited Cab Calloway, the swing-era big-band great, to play Curtis, elegant mentor to Elwood and Jake.

For an outdoor sequence on Chicago’s famed Maxwell Street, they hired John Lee Hooker, the urban blues legend.

They enlisted Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul, to play Matt “Guitar” Murphy’s long-suffering wife.

Ray Charles, the Genius, signed on to play the pawnshop dealer who sells the Blues Brothers their gear.

They tapped James Brown, Godfather of Soul, to play the singing preacher whose sermon inspires Jake’s religious epiphany: Get the band back together.

Had filmmakers gotten their way, “The Blues Brothers” would have featured even more of the greats. Aykroyd and Landis approached B.B. King, King of the Blues; Little Richard, an architect of rock and roll; and Muddy Waters, Chicago’s greatest bluesman.

King’s manager waved them off: Unlike most of the others, B.B. was booked. Little Richard was too busy pursuing his own mission from God. Muddy Waters signed on, but he fell ill on the eve of filming. The production could not wait.

Aretha Franklin, James Brown and other R&B greats transformed 'The Blues Brothers'

The musical numbers transformed “The Blues Brothers” from a very funny film into a cinema treasure.

In 2010, the Catholic Church would declare the film a “Catholic classic,” one of a dozen films recommended for viewing by the flock, a list that included “The Ten Commandments” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” A mission from God, indeed.

In 2020, the Library of Congress would induct “The Blues Brothers” into its National Film Registry, marked for preservation.

“The Blues Brothers” would become one of the first big Hollywood films to earn more overseas ($58 million) than in the United States ($57 million), a success fed by the universal appeal of American rhythm and blues.

Despite all those accolades, however, the question of race complicates the Blues Brothers legend.

The Blues Brothers band was two white guys fronting a mostly white ensemble that played historically Black music.

Even before the film, some critics greeted the Blues Brothers as an act of cultural appropriation. In a 1979 issue of "Rolling Stone," Dave Marsh theorized that the presence of Cropper and Donald "Duck" Dunn, the white Stax masters, was “the only thing keeping the Blues Brothers from slopping over into racist parody.”

That critique resurfaced with the release of the film in June 1980.

“Belushi and Aykroyd doubtless intended to pay homage to the great Black performers who have inspired them,” David Denby wrote in "New York," “but the homage often comes close to insult and outright rip-off.”

Yet, the performers themselves seemed to disagree.

“As far as commercial interest in R&B is concerned, John helped get the ball rolling again,” Ray Charles told "Rolling Stone," speaking of Belushi. “Man, we owe him.”

“The film was made with a lot of love and gave us all another chance,” James Brown told "People." “I hate to admit it, but these young people never heard of me. They come to the movies and see James Brown and Aretha Franklin. If they like us, maybe they’ll come hear us play.”

Mission from God, accomplished

They did. The Godfather went from half-empty rooms to packed houses. Franklin reaped a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In December 1980, “Saturday Night Live” featured musical performances by Aretha Franklin and James Brown on consecutive weeks. Neither artist had done the show before, and both were riding high.

I am pretty sure that I first saw “The Blues Brothers” at the Parkway theater on Clark Street in Chicago, one of those places where you could watch a double feature for a dollar or two, probably around 1982.

I could have walked over to Rose Records the very next day and bought a copy of a Blues Brothers album. But I didn’t. I bought a copy of “The Best of Sam & Dave,” a vinyl version of the cassette Elwood and Jake had played in the Bluesmobile. I think that’s what the Brothers would have wanted.

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15 Things To Do In St. Petersburg: Complete Guide To Skipping Tampa

St. Petersburg is Tampa's smaller, more coastal city; here's everything vacationers should see and do there.

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There Are More Things To See And Do In St. Petersburg, Florida!

Located within the Tampa Bay Area, the city of St Petersburg is on the Gulf Coast of Florida and offers an amazing array of things to do. Slightly smaller than its rival, Tampa, the city has one of the most striking waterfront park systems in the US. Occupying the tip of the peninsula located between Tampa Bay and the Mexican Gulf, St Petersburg has irresistible, scenic beaches dotted with lush, white sand and sparkling waters .

Compared to Tampa, its beaches are more pristine, and downtown St Petersburg offers a wholesome, tantalizing touristic experience. Moreover, to its west, it is bordered by other smaller towns, cities, and barrier islands which make for idyllic travel destinations. St. Pete Beach, for instance, was ranked by travelers on Trip Advisor to be the best beach in North America in 2021 and is a favorite of many travelers visiting St Petersburg.

UPDATE: 2023/05/23 11:54 EST BY NOAH STAATS

This article has been refreshed with new places to explore while in St. Pete, new photos, and tips for vacationing here. Whether someone wants to visit the pier, lay in the sand, stroll through a park, or even spend the day admiring art: St. Petersburg has it all. Have fun!

Things To Do

In addition to beaches and parks, St Petersburg is renowned for the preservation of its charming, vibrant heritage. With several museums and art galleries, the city has all it takes to give vacationers a lengthy bucket list of things to do during their visit. Consider this the ultimate guide to vacationing in St. Petersburg, Florida.

1 St. Pete Pier

One fun spot to check out while in St. Petersburg is the all-new St. Pete Pier. Here, people can look out onto the beautiful blue Gulf of Mexico and enjoy the city's picturesque skyline. This pier extends into Tampa Bay from downtown St. Petersburg and is one of the more popular things to do while here.

The St. Pete Pier recently underwent a massive renovation, giving tourists an all-new property to check out during their vacation. There are also beaches nearby, so this is the perfect spot to spend a few hours during the afternoon.

Furthermore, St. Pete Pier recently underwent a reconstruction and renovation, meaning those who see it moving forward get to experience the all-new property. On top of the pier, there are also beaches nearby, making this a great stop before or after tanning and swimming.

Florida has some of the best beaches in the United States, making St. Petersburg the perfect place to enjoy them.

One thing to remember when visiting this pier and the beaches nearby is that parking can be difficult during weekends and holidays. Therefore, it might be a better idea to take a taxi/Uber/Lyft to the St. Pete Pier and then walk to the beach. This could end up saving the group trouble at the start or finish of their day in the sun.

2 Tropicana Field

Anyone wanting to watch a sports game while in St. Petersburg, they will likely be heading over to Tropicana Field. This is a multi-use sports arena located within the city of St. Pete. Here, people can experience a world-class stadium with drinks, food, memorabilia, and on-site parking.

According to the MLB , Tropicana Field's 1.1 million square feet include unique design features and fan amenities found nowhere else in the Major Leagues. This sets the venue apart from others in Florida, making it a hub for sports lovers near and far.

What makes this stadium nice is it is domed, meaning people in Florida can escape the summer heat and humidity while inside. There are many sports stadiums and arenas in Florida that are open to the natural elements, which can make watching a sports game uncomfortable during hotter months.

Therefore, if someone wants to see a baseball game, for instance, while in St. Pete, they want to come here.

3 St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market

If someone in St. Pete wants to live life like a local on the weekends, heading to the Saturday Morning Market will be fun. Here, people gather to sell homemade crafts, fresh produce, fruit, and plants, all while enjoying live music at a lively venue.

This is a hub for local creatives and those from all of South Florida.

• For the hours of this market, tourists can expect it to be open every Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM.
• Address: 230 1st St SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Of course, there could be weather restrictions or other holidays to be aware of, which could affect the market hours. It's a good idea to keep a close eye on their website before heading out.

The St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market is open weekly from 9 AM to 2 PM. This could be a nice way to support local businesses and creators and should be a few hours of fun. It's worth noting that because of the 2 PM closing time, people may want to head over here earlier than later in the afternoon. During peak seasons, the market can become heavily crowded, so that is another detail to remember.

4 Fort De Soto Park

With its numerous parks, St Petersburg offers an abundance of green areas to relax or have a picnic. These parks mostly front Tampa Bay, Mexican Gulf, or inland lakes, adding to their visual appeal and ambiance.

The advantage of this waterfront and park integration is that apart from hiking and sightseeing , one can engage in water sports activities as well.

Located towards the southernmost part of St Petersburg, the park is a blend of oceanfront beauty and rich flora existing on five scenic islands (or offshore keys). Used for military purposes in the past, the park hosts a historical fort, a museum documenting this rich history, as well as relics from its past.

In addition, there are two piers where visitors are allowed to fish and two beaches, North Beach and East Beach, which are ideal for swimming.

It also has nature trails for hiking, a canoe trail for some on-water exploration, a camping ground with amenities for comfort, and a pet playground.

North Beach has often been named one of the top beaches in the US, and it led the rankings of Dr. Beach in 2005.

5 Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

This is a beautiful nature preserve sitting on the shores of Lake Maggiore, with trails for walking and non-motorized bikes to explore its 100-hectare expanse. Aside from birds, other animal species like snakes, amphibians, and alligators are also preserved here. There are sites for picnicking within the preserve and an Environmental Education Center, which organizes camps appropriate for different ages .

• Admission into the preserve is charged at around $3 for adults, $1.50 for children aged between 3 and 16 years, and is free for minors 3 years and below.

6 Vinoy Park

A great waterfront park adjacent to Vinoy Park Hotel, with a number of cool spots to have a picnic. The park routinely hosts events such as St Petersburg’s Ribfest and Tampa Bay’s Blues Festival, as well as other varied concerts and triathlon competitions.

Complete with playgrounds, a swimming area, outdoor furniture, and trails for strolling or biking; visitors can choose to have an active or relaxing experience at the park.

7 Sawgrass Lake Park

With a maple swamp as part of its area, Sawgrass Lake Park is a unique place for the conservation of wildlife . It is a critical migratory spot for birds in the fall and spring and is also home to numerous other wildlife species like alligators and snakes.

There is an observation tower strategically located to offer a splendid view of the lake, as well as a raised boardwalk winding around the swampy areas. There is also a designated picnic area to make a quick stop at for refreshments.

• It is open daily from 7:00 am till sunset, save for Christmas Day and the day after Thanksgiving.

8 The Sunken Gardens

Set in the heritage-rich Historic Old Northeast area of the city is both a historic and nature-rich attraction. The scenic botanical gardens were once a roadside commercial center and have been in existence for more than a century.

The gardens are currently home to more than 50,000 species of tropical plants, especially flowers, growing close to picturesque waterfalls and pools. Some areas are sectioned into small gardens dedicated to cacti, flowers, flamingoes, and other types of flora and fauna.

9 Go To The Beach In St. Petersburg

One of the top interests of visitors in St Petersburg is to hit the water and get the most out of the destination’s pristine and sandy beaches .

North Beach-Fort De Soto Park

This is easily one of the best beach choices one can make on an adventure in St Petersburg. Integrated with the park’s ecosystem, there are plenty of activities to engage in and endless possibilities of memories to create.

• There is a charge of $5 for parking which cyclists and on-foot visitors do not have to pay.

Swimming and a relaxed stroll along the beach are a perfect way to ease into the evening, especially after a day of exploring the sprawling Fort De Soto Park.

North Shore Park Beach

Located in the Historic Old Northeast, it runs from Coffee Pot Bayou to the area around Vinoy Park on Tampa Bay. The beach is linked to paths coming from the park, creating a wholesome, picturesque haven of nature.

For some waterside activities, there are playgrounds, tennis courts, benches, and a softball pitch.

St Pete Beach

While St Petersburg is home to some beautiful beaches in its own right, it is also close to other small towns and cities with meticulous beaches. First among these is St Pete Beach, located to the west of St Petersburg, and which occupies the territory of Long Key. Sandwiched between the waters of Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it offers several miles and beaches of pure goodness.

Related: 10 Small Beach Towns In Florida That Are Laid-Back & Low-Key

From water sports activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling to illuminated boat tours, windsurfing, and sport fishing, one cannot lack a water-based activity to indulge in. St Pete Beach is also home to the famed Pass-a-Grille Beach, which has carved a name for itself as a leading touristic attraction with its authentic Floridian charm.

Aside from the beach attractions and activities, Pass-a-Grille has amazing restaurants, bars, boutiques, and outdoor markets to afford visitors a comfortable stay.

Accommodation options are also plenty, with the famous, all-pink Don Cesar, the Beachcomber Hotel, Bay Palms Motel, Gulf Winds Resort, and the Hotel Zamora as a few options.

The city of Clearwater is also part of Pinellas County and is close to St Petersburg. There are some amazing beaches worth checking out there as well.

Egmont Key Preserve Beaches

The island has limited activity, yet it offers some of the best solo or group adventures. Largely uninhabited by humans, the island is home to preserved wildlife species such as tortoises and birds. Relics from the Spanish-American War and a 150-years old lighthouse also exist on the island.

Access to the park and its beaches is mainly through the Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto’s Bay Pier. If lucky, one may spot dolphins on the cruise, even before getting to the island. Longer boat tours are also available from St. Pete Pier in downtown St Petersburg, and they include snorkeling, swimming, and exploration on the beaches of Egmont Key.

10 Salvador Dalí Museum

The Salvador Dali Museum showcases various timeless collections of Salvador Dalí, housed in a building of striking architectural magnificence. With a water-front garden overlooking Tampa Bay, one can spend time reflecting on the philosophies of math and nature that were inspirational to Dali.

11 The St Petersburg Museum Of History

The St Petersburg Museum of History showcases the history of St Petersburg and Florida through diverse documents, photos, and different kinds of artifacts. A place for research, education, and entertainment, the museum offers Segway, trolley, ghost, and walking tours to give unique experiences of the history on display.

• It may be necessary to book tours ahead of time .

It is a great way to spend an afternoon and thereafter stroll on St Pete Pier, located just within its vicinity.

12 The Museum Of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is an inviting museum showcasing exemplary, diverse world art exhibits ranging from historic to contemporary paintings, sculptures, and other diverse creations. It is a popular attraction for visitors keen on art and its transformation through the years in different parts of the world.

With its sophisticated ballroom, scenic gardens, and a conservatory with a direct view of the bay, the museum can be rented for private events.

Related: A Bit Of Italy In Florida: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Venice & Things To Do There

13 Florida Holocaust Museum

The Florida Holocaust Museum is another fascinating attraction just outside the waterfront district.

With a theme depicting the Holocaust, the museum was the brainchild of a survivor of Nazi Germany who went on to serve the US Army in World War II. It is a place for introspection and education of the society on values of humanity.

14 Historic Districts

Historic Districts in the city of St Petersburg offer a kind of time-travel into the architectural standards and styles of yesteryear. From colonial revival to craftsman construction techniques, these districts are a testimony of the transformation of housing in St Petersburg. Roser Park Historic District, located in the vicinity of Booker Creek, is among the most prominent of these districts, with its 146 historic buildings.

The Old Northeast, as well as the historic Kenwood Neighborhood, also have unique architectural constructions worth checking out.

15 Savor St. Petersburg’s Creative And Performance Art Scene

St Petersburg is both a place of expressionism through live entertainment and performances, as well as conservation, collection, and sale of fascinating artworks. The city has a number of art galleries and theaters which promote creative talents in different ways. Some suggestions worth checking out include:

The Mahaffey Theatre

Located in the Waterfront Museum District, the Duke Energy Centre for the Arts-Mahaffey Theatre is a 2,031-seat performance theater with amazing views of Tampa Bay. It hosts some of the most sought-after events in Florida, from Broadway to classical and pop performances to comedy, the Florida Orchestra.

A few meters away from the sandy beaches and cultural museums, the theater is a place to catch some amazing entertainment while staying close to the conveniences of downtown St Petersburg. The theater also allows for private events to be held in its ballroom, atrium, or plaza.

The Palladium

The historic theater is also located in downtown St Petersburg and features two entertainment spaces where one can catch live performances. Its main stage dance, orchestra, jazz, blues, acoustic, classical, theater, and Celtic performances are held in the 815-seat Hough Hall. Its Side Door Cabaret is a listening hall of 175 seats and offers an intimate, club-like experience.

An acclaimed center of cultural and artistic diversity, the theater is available for rent by community bodies, artists, and producers. Catching an evening performance here after a day spent in nature at the Round Lake Park nearby would be a perfect ending to a day out in St Petersburg.

• Tickets to scheduled events can conveniently be bought online .

ArtsXchange At The Warehouse Arts District

Bounded within 1st Avenue N, 10th Avenue S, 16th Street, and 31st Street, the area occupied by the district is part of a neighborhood undergoing reclamation after years of decay. With the effort of several artists, warehouse space was acquired, and today, spaces are available for creators within the district.

Photography, paintwork, musical artists, graphic designers, and dancers are some of the creators hosted here, and they develop their works in their assigned studios, exhibitions, or gallery spaces.

• To learn about some of the art events to catch here, their schedule is available online .

Ocean Blue Galleries

This is a downtown St Petersburg gallery that links artists and collectors. The gallery also ships collectibles from all over the US and overseas to interested buyers. It routinely hosts artists for guest appearances and special exhibitions, with scheduled events posted on its website .

Florida Craft Art Gallery

The gallery showcases original, handmade crafts created in the form of ceramics, jewelry, sculptors, wood, glass, and fibers. It also hosts seven shows annually which feature national, regional, and local craftsmen and women. One unique service offered by the gallery is the on-foot and bike mural tours which start at the gallery and venture out to the wider Central Arts District.

In addition, on the weekend before Thanksgiving, an annual two-day Craft Art Festival is held outdoors, featuring numerous artists from around the country. During this festival, the gallery sells beautiful, unique craftworks which make for good gifts and memorabilia to carry back home at the end of a visit to St Petersburg.

• Costs for mural tours are; $19 for adults, $11 for children aged 6 to 18 years, and free for children aged 5 or less

16 Best Time To Visit St. Petersburg

Most visitors get the best from visiting St. Petersburg from the month of March to May. The weather is warm, and a number of outdoor activities can be enjoyed on the beaches and the cool waterfront parks throughout the city. Trees also bloom at this time, and the city looks picturesque and inviting.

Related: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Tampa & Things To Do There

The months of June to November are a little risky, as there is often a heightened probability of hurricanes. The weather also gets scorching hot, especially in July and August, with temperatures soaring upwards of 90 degrees F. There are fewer fun, public events organized, but one may still catch indoor events in the art galleries or museums throughout the city.

17 Best Ways To Get Around St. Petersburg

Tampa International Airport is the most used option for flights into Pinellas County. St Pete-Clearwater International Airport is another option, though it has few carriers operating from it.

After landing in Pinellas County, buses or private taxis can then be ridden into St Petersburg. Even though bus lines can be cheaper, they can be slow and take longer than taxis.

Related: 10 Florida Waterfalls That Are Worth Hiking To Their Views Year-Round

Within the city limits, cars are the most convenient means of getting around, and rentals and taxis are conveniently available. Nevertheless, some of the city’s key locations are connected by Looper Trolley, and ferries or boats may be needed to get to and from some of its islands.

18 Where To Eat In St. Petersburg, FL

Acropolis greek taverna - breakfast and lunch.

Downtown St Petersburg also offers the chance to sample Greek tastes at the Acropolis Greek Taverna. It is a short distance away from the Florida Holocaust Museum and Mirror Lake and could be a great stopover for lunch in the midst of a sightseeing excursion.

• Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to 12:00 am
• Address: 515 Central Ave, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701

The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Located at the Albert Whitted Airport, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cuisines here are mostly American, alongside other creative and modern recipes, including vegetarian options. It is an ideal spot to grab a burger or tacos while waiting for the entrance to the Dali Museum located close by.

With both indoor and outside seating, the spot is family-friendly. With a well-chosen seat, one can catch sight of the nearby waters as well as planes landing/taking off while dining. The Hangar Restaurant hosts live music sessions on some nights and are available for reservation for private parties.

• Hours: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm daily
• Address: Albert Whitted Airport, 2nd Floor, 540 1st St SE, St Petersburg, FL 33701

Bella Brava - Lunch and dinner

This trattoria serves delicious Italian dishes in a laid-back ambiance, a walking distance from Soreno Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the waters overlooking the Old Bayside and Marina. Bella Brava specializes in lunch and dinner, with a wide variety of drinks to choose from. There’s a happy hour every day till 7:00 pm.

• Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:30 am-10:00 pm; Friday and Saturday: 11:30 am-11:00 pm
• Address: 204 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

The Chattaway - Lunch and dinner

Is one of St Petersburg’s oldest restaurants, serving a mix of American staples, Mexican dishes, and a variety of Florida’s seafood. The Chattaway burger is a popular option that can be devoured in the garden-style outdoor seating. The restaurant routinely hosts live music and is ideal even when accompanied by children. From 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm, the restaurant serves English tea.

• Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:30 pm; Friday to Saturday, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
• Address: 358 22nd Ave. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

The restaurant only accepts cash as a mode of payment. Fortunately, there is an ATM onsite.

19 Where To Stay In St. Petersburg

Days inn by wyndham, st. petersburg - budget hotel.

Located within 7 miles of Tropicana Field, St Petersburg Pier, several beaches, and downtown shopping spots, this is convenient bargain accommodation. It has an outdoor pool for days when the beach is not an option and is suitable for family and group stays.

• Address: 5005 34th St N, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33714
• Amenities: free Wi-Fi, pet friendly, vehicle parking, banquet hall, hairdryer, ATM, outdoor pool

Hollander Hotel, St Petersburg - Mid-tier Hotel

The Hollander is strategically located to offer both the luxuries of the city without taking revelers too far from other fun attractions. Attractions such as the Museum of American Arts and Beach Drive, famed for its active nightlife and dining spots, are a short distance away. The accommodation is a convenient spot for those with a passion for walking to explore.

• Address: 421 4th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701-2805
• Amenities: bar and restaurant/grill, spa, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, free parking, pet friendly, taxi service, salon, evening entertainment

The Vinoy Renaissance Resort and Golf Club - Luxury Hotel

Alongside all the necessary amenities a vacationer would hope for, the historic resort offers a first-hand view of the waters of Tampa Bay. With its location on Snell Isle, it is close to St Petersburg Yacht Club, making it convenient for some maritime exploration. The adjacent Vinnoy Park extends nature’s beauty. Moreover, Paul’s Landing serves a number of international and seafood delicacies onsite, making it a much sought-after eatery by outside patrons and the resort’s guests.

There is also an onsite grill, a snack bar, and a restaurant selling seafood for refreshment after an afternoon of golfing at the expansive course. There is also a private marina nearby to enable water-borne cruises.

• Address: 501 5th Ave NE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
• Amenities: Spa, golf course, fitness center, tennis, parking with electric car charging station

Uptown Hotel - Luxury Hotel

With proximity to Round Lake Park, the hotel is located in Uptown St Petersburg, in proximity to numerous city amenities and tourist attractions. From this boutique accommodation, one may choose to sample the magnificence of the architecture on display at the historic district, enjoy the exhibits at the nearby museums and later opt for some quality time on St Pete Pier.

• Address: 465 7th Ave N, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701
• Amenities: Onsite restaurant, parking (may be limited), tea/coffee maker, in-room fridge

There are a number of magnificent and comfy hotels and beach resorts located in cities bordering St Petersburg, such as Clearwater, Gulfport, St. Pete Beach, and Pinellas Park. For a more memorable, wholesome experience of Pinellas County, visitors may slot them in their travel plans and get to enjoy the attractions in these other cities too.

The Don Cesar Hotel, the Plaza Beach Hotel, and Miramar Resort in St. Pete Beach are great accommodation options to the west of St Petersburg, with sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico.

20 Tips For Visiting St. Petersburg, Florida

For people wanting to visit St. Petersburg, Florida, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, where someone stays in the city can affect how much time they'll spend in the car. Therefore, it's recommended to book a hotel in the downtown area, where walking to attractions, restaurants, and shopping will be easier.

In addition, it might also be worth it to invest in a GO card for those wanting to ride the bus in St. Pete. With a GO card, tourists can reload it, tap it once they are on a city bus, and monitor how much they are reloading the card throughout their vacation. What's nice about St. Pete is that the city heavily invests in its bus network, giving visitors a nice, affordable way to get around.

The next tip for visiting St. Pete is to make sure and come during less hot times. As mentioned, the city can become swampy during the summer months, making outdoor activities challenging. The last thing anyone wants to do is be soaked with sweat their entire vacation, so spring and winter are the two best times to be here.

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A tour of st. pete’s murals.

Florida Travel: Explore the Street Art of St. Petersburg

By: Bob Andelman

As St. Pete's murals have multiplied across the city, it seems everyone has a favorite.

Science fiction fan? Get a picture of you and your friends running from the city’s former landmark – an inverted pier – giving chase on spider legs and shooting deadly lasers at tourists. The “War of the Worlds” design – itself painted over an antique Coca-Cola sign – is by the Vitale Brothers. (Corner of Baum Avenue & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street N) 

Science fan without the fiction? Pose beside a Carrie Jadus portrait of Nikola Tesla, whose inventions often rivaled those of Thomas Edison himself. (2232 5th Avenue S) 

Admirer of Mexican writer Frieda Kahlo? There’s a popular Jennifer Kosharek mural of her face in “Mural Alley,” located downtown behind the stores on the 600 North block of Central Avenue.

The owners of China Finders (2823 Central) hired artist Sarah Sheppard to combine images of the plates and cups found in their store with Johnny Depp and the 2010 movie “Alice in Wonderland.”

And Big John’s Brake and Alignment auto repair shop (1210 1st Avenue N) commissioned the Vitale Brothers to paint a caricature of Big John on its metal entry doors: “Service with a Smile.” It’s more overtly commercial than most, but it’s guaranteed to bring a smile.

Some people like to admire the dozens of St. Pete murals from afar, but most mural tourists can’t resist interacting. St. Petersburg is selfie heaven for amateur smartphone photographers.

The growth of the central business district murals dates back to 2010, when major redevelopment plans for the entire 600 block of Central collapsed. Instead, the block became an artists’ colony of sorts, packed with independent galleries, boutiques and restaurants brought on at deeply discounted rents. Behind the stores, in the alley, the murals started appearing, each one more colorful, clever and sometimes funnier than the last.

“All of sudden,” said Diane Shelly, former director of the Florida Craft Art Gallery, “that back alley was such a cool place.” 

Bill Serne for VISIT FLORIDA

And in a city of great pop art museums, including The Dali and Chihuly, many refer to the St. Petersburg street art as the city’s outdoor museum.

Every great museum needs a docent, and the Florida Craft Art Gallery (501 Central) offers multi-block walking tours every Saturday morning for $10 per person.

“When I lead the tours, we turn the first corner, and the tourists will be facing one way, and I’ll say, “Turn around.’ And everybody just says, ‘Oh!’” Shelly said. “Everybody does the ‘I’m-being-eaten-by-a-shark!’ pose behind the State Theater. Any evening that you go in the alley, you’ll see people taking pictures, doing wedding shoots, engagement shoots, fashion shoots. It’s pretty amazing what’s happened.” 

To see the broadest swath of the city’s outdoor art, you can also hoof it up and down Central Avenue North (about three miles), starting at the 500 block and continuing west to 28th Street. But be aware that not all St. Pete murals are easy to spot from the street. In fact, part of the fun is spotting those tucked away in unlikely spaces and walls. 

Michael Vahl, whose commercial murals include a portrait of Madonna (Lucky Star Lounge, 2760 Central) and a variation of Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam” featuring a slice of pizza (Fortunato’s, 654 Central), was first to paint the city’s patron saint of museums in the Baum Avenue alley behind Ashe Couture. 

“I think we have to pay homage to Salvador Dali,” Vahl said. “It’s appropriate because of The Dali Museum being in St. Pete.” 

Artist Chad Mize has painted five murals in St. Pete – including the iconic blue and yellow “Mr. Sun” in the 600 block’s back alley and another behind Green Bench Brewing Company (1133 Baum Avenue) that is reminiscent of the late Keith Haring – and also doubles as a tour guide. He warns us not to fall in love with any one mural. 

“Murals are temporary,” Mize said. “A building could be sold and the new owners will change the look.” 

Some murals do have longer lives than others. For example, a cosmic painting of Marvel Comics’ superhero Dr. Strange cast a spell on the side of a business wall for several months, but as quickly as it appeared it disappeared, without warning.

The popularity of the murals spawned the “Shine St. Petersburg Mural Festival” ( ShineOnStPete.com ) that now attracts both local and international mural artists, whose efforts are sponsored by local businesses and organizations.

“When you’re driving along Central Avenue and you see art everywhere, it’s obvious that you’re in an arts destination,” Shelly said. 

Murals in St. Pete 

• Native American woman and horse by David Rothman, two stories tall, in the alley behind Bay Food Market, 631 4th Street N. 
• UB&B Express, by Man Made Murals, is a train bursting through the outdoor wall of Urban Brew and BBQ (1939 Central). 
• Multiple artists created side-by-side murals all around the two-story Bloom Art Center block (910 5thAvenue N), opposite St. Anthony’s Hospital. (Fenced parking is available on the west side of the building.) 
• “The Sunnel,” painted by Y.A. Laford, located under 1st Avenue S, is a pedestrian tunnel to Tropicana Field, the entry to which is located between Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill and Fusion City Apartment Homes (1560 Central).
• “Evil Don’s Children,” is on the west side of Evil Don’s Tattoos (2063 Central). Two of the children depicted are Evil Don’s; two belong to mural painters the Vitale Brothers.
• Doberman and girl, located on the east side of Furnish Me Vintage (1246 Central), is one of the biggest murals in the city, three stories tall and the width of a city block; considered controversial by some because the dog is muzzled. 
• “Acid Rain Dance” is a two-story design by Ricky Watts, behind The Sage office building (600 1st Avenue N). It required 500 cans of spray paint to complete. 
• The Meat House (3101 Central) is wrapped in a mural of cattle, pigs, chickens and fish all enjoying their natural environments… at least until they find their way inside.
• Other mural artists whose big canvas work can be seen across St. Petersburg include: Eric Jones, Michael Vasquez, Hoxxoh, Andrew Spear, Morning Breath, Sebastian Coolidge, Daniel Ryan, 123 Klan, Pixel Pancho, Evoka One, BASK, Stephen Paladino, Greg Mike, Justin Wagher.

Anywhere you see one mural, walk around the block and you will likely see more; look up, look down alleys, look into nooks. They are everywhere. 

See a mural you love? The newer ones, besides being signed by the artist, typically are tagged “@” with their Twitter and Instagram account names.

When you go:

Check out St. Pete/Clearwater's information on murals , including walking tours, maps, and murals you can find by district.

Places to Remember

St. Petersburg

St. Pete Beach

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Dickey Betts: 15 Essential Allman Brothers Band Songs

By Corbin Reiff

Corbin Reiff

After the death of slide-guitar savant Duane Allman in 1971, many expected the Allman Brothers Band to fold up shop and call it quits.  But the five remaining members decided to soldier on in the face of incomprehensible tragedy. In Duane’s absence, it fell to the group’s other guitar player, Dickey Betts — a country-loving hothead from West Palm Beach, Florida — to pick up the titanic amounts of slack left by their indelible departed leader. Betts, who died Thursday at 80, responded to the challenge better than anyone could have imagined.

“When my brother died, Dickey really stepped up,” Gregg Allman wrote in his autobiography My Cross to Bear . “He wood-shedded like crazy … every day, he wrote. At three o’clock every afternoon, he’d sit down and write.” Just four months after Duane’s death, the band released Eat a Peach , which remains to this day, their most commercially successful studio album to date. A year later, they would score the highest-selling single of their career, “Ramblin’ Man,” which hit Number Two. The singer and writer behind that particular success? Dickey Betts.

Perhaps because his last name isn’t featured in the literal name of the group he helped make iconic, some of Betts’ contributions to their genre-defining canon have become obscured over the years. But make no mistake, the Allman Brothers Band would never have reached the lofty heights they did — millions of albums sold, private jets, legendary concerts, and eventual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame status — without his pen and his guitar. Here are some of Betts’ best songs.

“Revival” (1970)

“Revival” is the first song that Betts received a writing credit for as a member of the Allman Brothers Band. Appearing on their second album Idewild South , it’s a funky, uplifting track that the guitarist wrote specifically to counter the generally dour material presented by the group’s lead singer. “I think with my dad being a fiddle player I kind of naturally liked the uplifting aspects of music, but, I was in a band with Gregg Allman, who is basically a melancholy kind of writer,” he told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune in 2014. “I would really make an effort to write more up songs, to balance the band out. That kind of influenced the way I wrote.”

“In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” (1970)

“In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” is Betts’ other stunning standout on Idewild South , and marks an interesting step forward for the band sonically speaking. A totally instrumental number, it’s far jazzier in feeling than the group’s generally blues-informed sound, and the way that Betts locks in with Duane Allman, specifically through the song’s signature melody, is absolutely thrilling. As for the title, Betts came up with the name after spying it on a headstone in Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, Georgia. “The spot had provided me with so much peace and inspiration that I decided to name the song after her,” Betts remembered in Alan Paul’s oral history of the Allman Brothers Band, One Way Out .

“Whipping Post” (1971)

The true power of the Allman Brothers Band, especially in those formative early years, was the guitar interplay between Duane Allman and Dickey Betts. It’s what set them apart from so many other blues-rock contemporaries in the late Sixties and early Seventies and helped solidify their reputation as a can’t-miss live band. Exhibit A of their otherworld chemistry is the song “Whipping Post,” as captured on the seminal live album At Fillmore East . The way their guitars mingle and cry together just at the apex of the song, right before Gregg screams the final chorus, is utterly breathtaking.

“Hot ‘Lanta” (1971)

“Hot ‘Lanta” was a song that the Allman Brothers Band never got around to capturing in the studio, but it became an incendiary highlight of their live shows. The instrumental piece made its debut on At Fillmore East , and captures Duane, Gregg, Betts, and drummer Butch Trucks all showing what they could do with the spotlight firmly on them. It was Betts however, who came up with the song’s jazzy almost prog-like, signature melody.

“Les Brers in A Minor” (1972)

“When I wrote ‘Les Brers’ everyone kept saying they had heard it before, but no one could figure out where,” Betts recalled in One Way Out . As it turned out, the melody was a reprise from a solo he took on “Whipping Post” during a concert one night. The title is a “bad French” pseudo-translation of “less brothers,” and is Betts’ instrumental tribute to Duane. As Gregg recalled in his memoir, it took 29 takes before the guitarist was satisfied with it in the studio. “We used the second [take],” he said, seemingly still annoyed decades after the fact.

“Melissa” (1972)

Originally written by Gregg Allman all the way back in 1967, the singer kept working at “Melissa,” refining it for years, before finally offering it up to the group to record for Eat a Peach . He played the song at Duane’s funeral, and he would later recall introducing it there as “my brother’s favorite song that I ever wrote.” A tender love ballad, it certainly tugs at the listener’s heartstrings, but it’s the touching slide solo played by Betts on his Les Paul that really drives home the mournful emotions hovering just under the surface.

“Blue Sky” (1972)

Dickey Betts was inspired to write the song “Blue Sky” by a woman very close to his heart. “I was married to an Indian girl whose last name was Wabegijig, which means clear blue sky,” he explained to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune . It was also one of the first songs that Betts took over vocal duties. “I asked Gregg to sing ‘Blue Sky’ and actually the producer, Tom Dowd, he said, ‘No, why don’t you sing it.’” So he did, to tender, beautiful effect.

“Mountain Jam” (1972)

“Mountain Jam” is another towering guitar monolith, stretching out past the 30-minute mark during the band’s iconic stand at the Fillmore East in 1971, and included on Eat a Peach . The song itself is an elongated, electrified riff on Scottish folk singer Donovan’s “There Is a Mountain.” Everyone in the Allmans gets to shine on this recording — wait for Butch Trucks’ epic drum solo in the middle — but again, it’s the interplay between Duane and Dickey that steals the show.

“Ramblin’ Man” (1973)

The highest charting hit of the Allman Brothers Band’s career wasn’t an old blues song. It wasn’t a Duane or Gregg composition either. Hell, Gregg didn’t even sing on it. “Ramblin’ Man” came straight from Dickey, who by 1973 had started to assert more artistic control over the group. Inspired by a 1951 Hank Williams song of the same name, Betts wrote “Ramblin’ Man” in about 20 minutes in bassist Barry Oakley’s kitchen sometime around four in the morning. According to newly hired guitarist Ray Dudek in One Way Out , it was the band’s iconic roadie “Red Dog” who summed up the power of the song probably better than anyone, when after hearing it for the first time he remarked that it was “the best I heard since Duane.”

“Jessica” (1973)

Named after Betts’ daughter who was only an infant at the time he wrote it, “Jessica” has an upbeat, sunny vibe that’s almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s not too difficult to understand why. The proud new papa composed the piece while trying to capture the way his bubbly daughter looked while bouncing along to the track’s jaunty rhythm. For the instrumental piece, Betts also drew inspiration from the legendary two-fingered gypsy-jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, trying his best to only use two fingers himself while playing along.

“Southbound” (1973)

All three songs that make up the second side of 1973’s  Brothers and Sisters were written by Dickey Betts. Tucked in between the aforementioned “Jessica” and the record closer “Pony Boy” is this classic Seventies blues-rock rave-up titled “Southbound.” It’s got all the tropes you’ve come to love and expect from an Allman Brothers Band song: love, loneliness, travel, a wistful admiration of the American South and one hell of a guitar solo in the middle.

“Crazy Love” (1979)

Enlightened Rogues was the first album the Allman Brothers produced after a fractious break-up around 1976. Though Betts wasn’t happy about the configuration of the band during this era — “We did not have a slide guitarist, so I had to do it. Not only did I not enjoy this, but it altered the sound of the band, which needs to have my sound and the slide working together,” he complained in One Way Out — it did produce the second-highest-charting single of the Allmans’ career, another Betts-penned track titled “Crazy Love.” As much as he may not have personally loved playing slide, the man had the necessary chops, as you can hear from that low, whining lick at the very top of the track.

“Seven Turns” (1990)

The Eighties were a rough time for the Allman Brothers Band, but they finally put it all back together again at the tail end of the decade to record a widely acclaimed return-to-form record titled Seven Turns . Betts wrote the album’s title track, which was released as a single that topped out at Number 12 on the rock charts. “Seven Turns” has a distinct California country-rock feel that almost makes it sound like an Eagles song. Betts’ vocals, a little rougher around the edges than they were during the band’s Seventies heyday, are what really give the tune its emotional heft. 

“No One to Run With” (1994)

The last album Betts recorded with the Allmans was 1994’s Where It All Began . He was shown the door by Gregg and the rest of the band just six years later. “Human nature is you work shoulder to shoulder in a real emotional kind of setting and there are jealousies that come up,” Betts later explained of his departure to the Herald-Tribune . “There’s resentment and resentment turns to just outright bad things.” As far as swan songs go, you could do a lot worse than “No One to Run With.” The song harks back to the jazzy, bluesy lead-guitar lines that made the Allmans stars all those years ago, but it’s tinged with a sweet nostalgia to “do those crazy things we used to do before.”

“Midnight Rider” (1970)

“Midnight Rider” has gone down as Gregg Allman’s signature tune, and for good reason. It’s a dramatic tale of a man clad in stolen clothes with just one silver dollar clanging around in his pocket, trying to stay one step ahead of some nameless, unrelenting foe. Duane provides the song’s repetitive, acoustic riff while Betts flavors it with some countrified licks just underneath, before exploding to the fore with a sweetly understated solo. 

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Bodies found in Mexico near where brothers went missing - here's what we know

Three bodies have been located in the vicinity of the area being searched for two missing perth brothers and their american friend..

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Philadelphia Flyers | Berube believes many coaches’ current playoff…

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Subscriber only, philadelphia flyers | berube believes many coaches’ current playoff success can trace back to flyers’ experience.

That is, as of Saturday afternoon, five coaches with past connections to the Philadelphia hockey team were still alive in this season’s Stanley Cup playoffs.

In the Eastern Conference second round, you have former standout Flyers center Rod Brind’Amour leading his Carolina Hurricanes against the New York Rangers, guided by Flyers ex-bench boss Peter Laviolette.

Meanwhile, Boston’s Jim Montgomery – the guy who once nicknamed teammate Eric Lindros’ line the “Legion of Doom” — was hoping to get his team past the pesky Toronto Maple Leafs in a Saturday night Game 7.

Out west, Tocchet’s British Columbia outfit eliminated the  Nashville Predators in a 1-0 Game 6 win on Friday night for a spot in the second round against Edmonton, overseen by former Flyers assistant coach Kris Knoblauch.

What gives? Is there something in the Philadelphia drinking water which helps the city keep churning out these brilliant strategists?

Former Flyers coach Craig Berube, who later went on to lead the St. Louis Blues to their first Stanley Cup in 2019, played alongside Brind’Amour and Tocchet in the late ‘90s, worked as an assistant coach for Laviolette and is quite familiar with the work of Montgomery and Knoblauch.

Berube says there just might be something to this somewhat unique fraternity of “brothers.”

“I would say the organization – and this goes back to when I played  which had (GM Bob) Clarke, (assistant GM Paul) Holmgren and (team owner Ed) Mr. Snider — there was a culture that was there,” Berube said during a telephone interview. “That lasted a long time and I think it’s back again.

“You come into the organization, it’s all about the team, about roles and doing your job. The Flyers were always known for character people and leadership. A lot of that rubbed off on the players. They saw the success, saw how things were done and I think that’s carried over in their lives.”

Former Flyers, Berube maintains, don’t really appreciate what they had in Philadelphia until they’re gone.

“It’s something that was missed when you were gone,” he said. “It  was different in other places. That culture, that identity that Clarke and Snider created, really instilled it in a person. That’s why I think a lot of these coaches came from experience with the Flyers.”

For the Adams Award, Tocchet is up against Winnipeg’s Rick Bowness and Nashville’s Andrew Brunette.

After previous coaching stops in Tampa Bay and Arizona, Tocchet appears to have landed in the right spot with the Canucks. Not many hockey observers picked the Canucks to win the Pacific Division but Tocchet did an amazing job with a restructured roster.

“He was always a real smart guy as a player,” Berube said. “He knew about all the little things that needed to be done. He was aware of all the roles of each player and what they were supposed to do. And held people accountable to it. That’s why he’s such a good coach. He’s detailed but he talks to his players, too. That’s something he learned with the Flyers. The communication lines were always open, whether it was ‘Clarkie’ or ‘Homer.’ You knew where you stood all the time. You knew in your head what you needed to do to be a Flyer.”

Laviolette never played for the Flyers but he did take them on an unlikely trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2010, the last time the orange, black and white played in the last round for the championship trophy.

“He’s got a system that works and he’s stuck to his guns over the years,” Berube said. “He hasn’t changed much. He’s aggressive. Great coach, learned a lot from him.”

Despite finishing just below the Rangers in the Metropolitan Division standings, the Hurricanes were listed as both the favorite to win this series and their second Stanley Cup. As a player, Brind’Amour led the ‘Canes to their initial championship in 2006.

Carolina has been in serious contention for the Cup the past few seasons. Should the ‘Canes win, Brind’Amour would become the first person to capture the title as both a player and coach with the same team in hockey’s modern era.

“Rod was a real team player,” Berube said. “First and foremost, a good teammate. Extremely hard worker. He demands hard work. Now the Hurricanes never get outworked. That’s their model. That’s the way Roddy was as a player, a trustworthy player, night in, night out.”

Montgomery wasn’t the most talented player but he made it to the top through perseverance. Like Brind’Amour, he expects that of his players. He’s a good fit in Boston.

“Jimmy coached with me in St. Louis,” Berube said. “Very positive, detailed guy. Knows the game extremely well. He was a good coach in Dallas. He paid his dues as a player, going back and forth from the minors. Communicates well and brings a lighter side to the team as well.”

Knoblauch took over the Oilers early in the season and pushed them to a 46-18-5 mark the rest of the way. He was former Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol’s assistant for two seasons (2017-19), then took over the Rangers’ AHL team, the Hartford Wolfpack.

During his tenure with Hartford, former Rangers coach David Quinn contracted COVID-19 so Knoblauch was called up from the Wolfpack on March 17, 2021. His first game behind the New York bench was at Madison Square Garden against his former team, the Flyers. Final score: Rangers 9, Flyers 0.

“They (the Oilers) have always been a star-driven team with (Connor) McDavid and (Leon) Draisaitl,” Berube said. “But he made other people feel important. It’s a more well-rounded team now.”

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