Art, Air Conditioning, and a Butthole Statue: A Weekend at Mint House Downtown St. Pete

By Avery Anderson

There’s a statue in St. Pete affectionately — or maybe irreverently — known as the “butthole.” If you know, you know. If you don’t, well, head to the EDGE District and look for the circular bronze swirl outside Green Bench Brewing. It’s one of those hyperlocal quirks that says everything about the city: oddball, creative, deeply specific.

I spent a weekend at Mint House Downtown St. Pete, and it turns out, it’s the perfect home base for exploring all of that creative weirdness. Part boutique hotel, part stylish apartment, the Mint House experience gives you the independence of your own place — with the convenience of walking out the door and straight into an art crawl.

Here’s how my weekend went down.

The Stay

First things first: the room. Spacious. Modern. Chic. And most importantly — it came with a full kitchen, fridge, and a washer and dryer. For a nomadic arts journalist constantly bouncing between shows, that’s the dream. I cooked a quick breakfast before heading out, stored snacks for post-theatre munchies, and finally tackled my laundry pile without a single roll of quarters. Heaven.

And the pool? A hidden gem. Nestled on a sun-drenched patio, it’s the kind of spot you can dip into between gallery visits and still be cooled off in time for curtain.

The Neighborhood

From Mint House, you’re within walking distance of some of the most vibrant arts and cultural stops in the city. I wandered through the EDGE District, a stretch of funky boutiques, street art, and breweries — including the aforementioned butt-inspired sculpture. Quirky? Absolutely. But it’s also a testament to St. Pete’s embrace of public art in all its forms.

Just a few blocks away, I caught a show at American Stage, a longtime anchor in the local theatre scene known for bold, intimate productions. That night’s performance of Fat Ham was electric — the kind of theatre that reminds you why we show up live and in person.

The next day, I strolled down to the St. Pete Pier, where live music floated through the air thanks to a lineup of local buskers. Families, couples, and curious passersby lingered on benches and danced along. You can’t manufacture that kind of energy — it’s a living, breathing part of the city.

The Food (and the Highway)

After all that walking, I made the very responsible choice to refuel with tacos from Red Mesa Mercado. A word of advice? Do not skip the queso. I’m still thinking about it.

And just when I thought my arts crawl was confined to St. Pete, I realized how easy it was to hop on I-275 and head to Tampa. A quick drive later, I was at The Straz Center, catching the national tour of Shucked. Mint House’s location made it all possible — downtown energy without downtown hassle, and a straight shot to everything across the Bay.

Final Take

Whether you’re a visiting artist, a local planning a staycation, or someone who just wants a washer/dryer and a little peace, Mint House delivers. With style, space, and walkability, it’s a launchpad for arts lovers ready to explore St. Pete — from butthole statues to Broadway shows.