Tampa Blog

Welcome all ye knaves and wenches!

Juliet — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:06:43 +0000

I love how most people associate Tampa Bay with the Bucs, the Rays or Busch Gardens and never know how many hidden gems are within the city limits (or right outside of them in some cases). One of the best yearly attractions, in my opinion, is the Bay Area Renaissance Festival held at MOSI. If you know MOSI, you think of the IMAX experience, Dinosaurs or most recently, Body Worlds. But what you don't know is there is an enchanted forest behind MOSI that has the ability to hold a King, a Queen, wenches, knaves and of course, the Villiage Idiot (I met her last weekend).

The festival lasts from late February to early April and hosts a series of themed weekends such as Wine, Chocolate and Song, Shamrocks and Shenanigans and the Spanish Expedition.

Great food and great fun await you at the festival. The menu features everything from Spanikopita to Shepherd's Pie. If you're interested in some mind-blowing games, stop by the Mind Games tent and try your best to beat the masses (I did) and take on some of the best competitors at the Knife Throwing, Axe Throwing and Star Throwing challenge. You never know, you could walk away with a championship badge. I would like to declare that I am the Knife Throwing Champion of Tampa Bay, at least that's what my badge says (my husband is too).

Check it out, there is so much to do and so much to see I can't explain it all. Bring your beer steins for a refill and put on your thinking caps, a game of human chess is waiting...

Solar Nails & Day Spa

tampablogger26 — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:17:16 +0000

If you're looking for a great place to get a manicure, pedicure, or any other spa treatment, then look no further. Solar Nails & Day Spa in Palm Harbor is your destination. This salon is the most sanitary salon I've ever visited. Everything is clean and neat. Only the best products are used and customers are treated very well. Tee and her team of technicians will treat you to a day of relaxation when you visit. The salon is located just off East Lake Road @ RidgeMoor. There is also a website located at http://www.solarnailspalmharbor.com/ .

Bucs at Home for FanFest

vivamurillo — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:16:54 +0000

There aren't any games this weekend, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be at home in front of their fans on June 9.

The annual FanFest at Raymond James Stadium features players, coaches, cheerleaders and plenty of giveaways from team sponsors. More than 20,000 fans are expected to attend the event, which includes autograph sessions with players such as Mike Alstott, Derrick Brooks, Jeff Garcia and Carnell "Cadillac" Williams. Fans will also participate in a Q & A with the coaching staff.

It's also the cheapest way to see the team this year: Admission is free, parking is free and concessions will be sold at a discounted rate.

FanFest is presented by Bright House Networks and runs from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Raymond James Stadium is located at 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway. For more information, visit www.buccaneers.com.

Hudson Beach - another hidden treasure...

tampablogger26 — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 14:50:08 +0000

Hudson Beach, just North of SR52 @ Bayonet Point is another hidden treasure for those who don't like the hustle & bustle of a large tourist-laden beach. Located in Pasco County, Hudson Beach has a boardwalk, a restaurant, and an area for swimmers. There are also covered picnic tables for those who want to enjoy their lunch by the Gulf of Mexico. There is ample parking, but the beach is not huge. It is a nice beach for it's size.

Beach Treat

tampablogger26 — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:35:57 +0000

If you're up in the North Pinellas County area (Tarpon Springs), try heading out to Fred Howard Park. This is a beautiful Florida State Park, located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. There are picnic tables under a canopy of trees if you want to have a nice picnic. There is also a peninsula beach as well. You can fish, swim, or just enjoy the white sands! This park can get crowded, but is an alternative to Clearwater Beach if you don't want the huge crowds or retail shops.

The Friendly Fisherman

tampablogger23 — Thu, 31 May 2007 04:07:10 +0000

One of the best places to eat in the Tampa Bay area The Friendly Fisherman Restaurant.

This restaurant is very down-to-earth with some of the most delicious food to be found in this area - and very affordable.

The Friendly Fisherman Restaurant is located at John's Pass Boardwalk in Madiera Beach, Florida.

The easiest way to get there from Tampa is via 275-S to exit 23-B (Treasure Island) (Link leads to Mapquest directions from downtown Tampa).

Kennedy Snafu Revisited

tampablogger23 — Tue, 15 May 2007 03:14:09 +0000

For those of you who are still trying to figure out how to get around Kenndy to get downtown, the easiest way is to go left on Howard to right on Cass.

To get to points north, take MacDill to Columbus and catch Florida - or MacDill further up and go from there.

Coming from N. Tampa, just take Tampa Street (if you are in the habit of taking Tampa Street to downtown), then bypass all the Kennedy stuff by cutting across MLK to MacDill. Not as fast as going through downtown, but it'll get you there.

Support Your Local Sanctuary

tampablogger23 — Tue, 15 May 2007 03:11:14 +0000

I've previously posted about Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary. I finally got the fundraiser up and running. If you wish to support them, you may visit their fundraiser page at http://www.ioffer.com/shops/cheryllynn. If you supply your email with your order, you will get a copy of the receipt showing funds deposited to Elmira's. Get something you want, and have the profits donated to Elmira's!

Don't forget - there are tours every Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Elmira's is located on West Lake Drive in Wimauma.

Legendary Amphitheater Closing?

Krystal — Mon, 14 May 2007 22:57:24 +0000

Rumor has it that the gem of 7th Avenue in Ybor City, Santoro's Amphitheater Entertainment Complex, will be closing its doors at the end of this month. With its rotating dance floor, amazing light show, and famous DJs every Saturday night, it quickly became one of the best clubs in the Tampa Area for many people. Fans of dance music will be saddened to see this club go, but hopefully the space will be used for another techno friendly club.

ATB put on an amazing show last Saturday, and Rick West is going to be there this Saturday night. We should all wish the club's many djs, bartenders, dancers, and staff good luck in their future endeavors. Amphitheater was my favorite club in the Bay area, it will be missed.

Charley's Steakhouse and MarketFresh Fish

tampablogger25 — Fri, 11 May 2007 13:15:33 +0000

If you are in Tampa and want to make an impression, take your friends to Charley's Steakhouse and Market Fresh Fish Restaurant. Everyone at your table will find something just perfect for them. The menu boasts of perfectly ages steaks and even alligator. Order up a sizzling filet mignon, N.Y. strip, a juicy bone-in sirloin and plump flavorful pork chops! Seafood lovers can enjoy their succulent lobster, seared rare tuna, sashimi, even Wahoo and Mako shark!
Charley's atmosphere is quiet, sophisticated, yet dress however you want and you will blend in fine. Tropical fish tanks embroider the dinning area, and lavish restrooms will impress! It will take you awhile to choose the perfect wine for your meal because Charley's wine selection has a half a million dollar inventory stored in thier private cellar. Amazing.
A favorite at this restaurant is their side dishes. Brought to you sizzling hot and cooked to perfection are so big that two - three guest can share one side dish.
Whether you are coming to Charley's for a memorable dinner, or just to relax at the bar while you sip on fine wine, don't miss this Tampa experience. It is an absolute gem!

Reservation suggested:
call 813-353-9706
4444 Cypress St. Tampa, FLorida