Tampa, Florida is a city on the western side of Florida that is often overshadowed by other state destinations but has plenty to offer travelers. Indigenous peoples settled here early on and later the bay became known for its pirate presence. Today, the city pays homage to that history with the yearly Gasparilla Festival. After the Civil War, the railroad and cigar … [Read more...] about Weekend Guide to Tampa, Florida
Tampa
Southern Stays: Epicurean Hotel Tampa
Long before I planned a trip to Tampa, I knew I'd wanted to stay at The Epicurean Hotel after hearing about it on travel websites. The foodie hotel opened in 2012 in the Hyde Park neighborhood, a short drive from downtown Tampa, and opened another location in Atlanta in 2021. Rooms at The Epicurean Hotel Tampa It was the first of Marriott Hotels Autograph … [Read more...] about Southern Stays: Epicurean Hotel Tampa
5 Places to Shop for Small Business Saturday
In an effort to support small businesses in a time of mass consumerism and big box stores, Small Business Saturday was born. It's the counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so here are a few of our favorite Southern shops to frequent this Saturday. There you'll find local gifts and handmade products. The Beehive, Atlanta, Georgia Located at the Edgewood Retail … [Read more...] about 5 Places to Shop for Small Business Saturday
Film Friday: Magic Mike
In Magic Mike, a male stripper teaches a young performer the ropes of the industry while trying to make a separate life for himself. The film stars Channing Tatum, who based much of it on real life experience, Matt Bomer, Alex Pettyfer, Olivia Munn, Matthew McConaughey and Joe Manganiello. Specific filming locations include The Bricks of Ybor, Sunday's Fine Dining and Fred … [Read more...] about Film Friday: Magic Mike
Visiting Weeki Wachee Springs
There is, perhaps, no roadside stop in Florida more iconic than Weeki Wachee Springs. Anyone who has ever driven south through Orlando or Tampa knows the place, which has a classic kitsch factor found at other attractions like the Fountain of Youth. The History of Weeki Wachee Springs The Seminole tribe first discovered the spring that the park and town are named … [Read more...] about Visiting Weeki Wachee Springs