My favorite block in Florida is in St. Pete at 22nd Ave North and 29th St North. You've got all the awesomeness of the pasta, pastries, wine, and cheese at Mazzaro's Italian Market on one side. On the other, Bananas Records has so many unique finds in their shop that take you back to the 1900s. (Sounds so long ago when you say it that way doesn't it?)
Bananas Records has been around since 1977. That's almost as long as Q105 has been around. Bananas is mostly known for their enormous vinyl collection. According to their website, they have 3-1/2 MILLION records. But they also sell random throwback stuff like lunchboxes, band t-shirts, CDs, DVDs, old radios, and technology that Best Buy gave up on years ago. But it takes you back. It's the closest thing to time travel we have so unless you have a DeLorean, go back in time here in St. Pete.
They still host live music events and it's the destination for vinyl enthusiasts on Record Store Day coming up next month. Record Store Day was started back in 2007. It's held every April on a Saturday. It's the day I always like to bust out my DVD of the movie "Empire Records." But a visit to Banana's is another great way to celebrate the day and keep a piece of music history alive.
If you've never dropped in, Bananas Records is at 2887 22nd Avenue North in St. Pete. They're open Monday through Thursday from 10AM to 5:30PM. Friday and Saturday they stay open until 7pm. On Sunday, hours are from noon to 5pm. I'd go on a weekday because Mazzaro's has very limited hours on the weekend. They're open for just a few hours on Saturday and closed Sunday. And a trip to that block is incomplete without a visit to both Mazzaro's Italian Market and Banana's Records.
Vinyl
Bananas Records is primarily known for their huge record collection. I haven't rediscovered vinyl yet but I keep saying I will.
The Goonies
Show up to school and do the Truffle Shuffle with this gem from the 80s.
Shirts
Their collection of band apparel is pretty cool. To support the place, if I can't find a DVD or CD I want, I like to grab a Banana's shirt.
Old Radios
I don't collect them, but I love looking at old radios. Don't know if they still can play Q105... but just stream us on your phone and stick it behind the radio if they don't. I want that green Zenith one in the front.
Classics
Wow... their assortment of old tech always blows me away. This turntable looks like a giant Grammy.
Stream Your Favorite TV Shows
The first portable TV! The note on this relic says it dates back to 1965! The knobs along the top control horizontal, vertical, brightness, contrast and volume.
8 Track Player
Remember these? I sort of do. My grandfather had one. This Realistic player has auto-stop and fast forward! Oooh!
And after...
When you're done with your time travel at Banana's Records, head next door and grab a #20 Hot Italian sandwich at Mazzaros. That's a perfect day right there.
