Traveling St. Pete: A Girl's Guide
By Melanie Bowman and Meredith Gaunce
Illustrations By
Erin Salzer Hanna and Rachel Stotler
Planning a girls’ weekend or even a fun staycation with friends can feel daunting in a city where there is so much to do and see. Featuring original artwork on every page, Traveling St. Pete: A Girl’s Guide is the book you need to plan a visit to St. Pete or simply an afternoon with friends. For locals and visitors alike, it’s the perfect companion to keep with you on your journey through the remarkable, one-of-a-kind Sunshine City!
$18.95
Meet the Creators
Melanie Bowman & Meredith Gaunce
Erin Salzer Hanna & Rachel Stotler
Authors and Illustrators
Melanie Bowman – Although she was born in St. Louis, Melanie considers herself a native Floridian having lived in Tampa Bay for over three decades. As a licensed clinical social worker and public health professional, Melanie is able to feel just as comfortable volunteering at her daughter’s preschool as she does providing therapy to seniors in a nursing home. When she’s not nerding out on all things books, you may find her cooking, hosting a dinner party for friends and family, bike riding, traveling, volunteering, or exploring St. Pete. Her favorite thing to do is the simplest and most important, spending time with her family – 2 daughters (Julia and Leah) and her husband Jonathan. A book writing virgin with an adventurous spirit, she is forever thankful to Meredith for the opportunity to be a part of this fun project.
Meredith Gaunce – Although she grew up in Savannah (hence her first publication: Traveling Savannah: A Girls’ Guide), Meredith moved to St. Pete in 2010 and will likely never leave. A lawyer by day, jewelry-maker by night, a mom and wife, Meredith loves taking advantage of all her home city has to offer. She loves animals and lives with her husband Andy, son Noah, and currently three dogs.
Rachel Stotler is a freelance artist dedicated to creating vibrant, energetic works that serve as capsules of positivity and connection. Through their art, they explore the vibrational frequencies that resonate deeply with the human experience, imbuing each piece with a unique energy that invites reflection and emotional connection. With a deep love for the healing power of art, Rachel views their creations as a form of therapy for both artist and viewer, offering moments of calm, joy, and inspiration. Their creative journey spans a wide range of mediums and projects, from working with local companies to designing murals and custom commissions. Versatile and passionate, Rachel takes pride in collaborating with others to bring art into everyday spaces, transforming environments and uplifting spirits with each brushstroke.
It is with a heavy heart that we dedicate this book and all of the memories it inspires to our dear friend, co-creator and illustrator, Erin Salzer Hanna. Erin tragically passed away in April 2024 as we were preparing this updated edition. While we had another artist assist with the new illustrations, Erin will forever remain a critical component of this project, and our hope is that part of her beautiful, creative spirit will live on through this book. We are lucky to have been gifted so much “Erin” and vow to continue to honor her memory through her illustrations throughout the original guidebook and those that remain in this and future updated versions. Erin leaves behind two sons and a legacy of creative work mostly focused on nature and gardens. She always appreciated the beauty around her whether it be a flower or the way the light hit a window. We will forever be thankful to her for her friendship and the reminder to stop and look around us for the unassumingly beautiful.
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