Best of Tampa & Other Exceptional Places

11/02/2025

💘 Love is in the air, Tampa Bay! 💘

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a Galentine’s night out, or an unforgettable date night, we’ve got you covered! 🌹✨

🍽 Indulge in Luxury at Juno & The Peacock with a five-course Valentine’s dinner featuring Wagyu filet, East Coast oysters, and caramelized chocolate tart. Plus, a complimentary bloom and bonbons make it extra sweet! 💐🍫 [Reservations: www.opentable.com/r/juno-and-the-peacock-tampa]

🍸 Sip & Savor at Pluma Cocktail Lounge with a pre-dinner cocktail experience! Three expertly crafted cocktails paired with gourmet small plates set the mood just right. 🍹 [Book now: www.exploretock.com/pluma-lounge]

🇮🇹 A Taste of Romance at BRIO Italian Grille with their Valentine’s Amore Dinner for Two—a three-course Italian feast for just $69.99! Gorgonzola-Crusted Beef Medallions, Lobster & Shrimp Fettuccine, and Caramel Mascarpone Cheesecake await. 🍝🍷

🏰 Enchanting Evenings at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club—enjoy a Wine & Romance Dinner in the Tea Garden with a sommelier-led tasting and a four-course gourmet experience. 🍷💑

🌆 Dinner with a View at Sal Y Mar Rooftop Bar—treat your sweetheart to a prix fixe Valentine’s dinner ($65 per person) featuring Surf & Turf, Chilean Sea Bass, and a champagne toast. Prefer a night with the girls? Galentine’s Day Rooftop Party on Feb. 15 is the perfect excuse to celebrate friendship with cocktails and live music! 🍾🎶

🎟 Make it a Weekend! Epicurean Hotel is the official host of the Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival and they’re offering $35 off tickets with code DATENIGHT! Plus, every purchase enters you to win a luxury weekend stay at the Epicurean. 🍷🍽

🌹 However you celebrate, make it unforgettable this Valentine’s Day! ❤️ Tag your date and start making plans!

10/02/2025

🌟 Make the Most of Your Time in Tampa! 🌟

Visiting Tampa or have friends and family coming to town? Turn an ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure! Whether it’s your first time here or you’re a local looking to experience something new, let’s explore the best of Tampa Bay together. 🚶‍♂️🏝️🌆

✨ Imagine this…

Wandering through historic Ybor City, where the scent of fresh Cuban coffee fills the air. ☕

Exploring the city’s vibrant food scene, with insider tips on the best local bites. 🌮🍹

Walking through wildlife-rich preserves, where you might encounter exotic birds, gators, and other native Florida creatures. 🦩🐊

With a personalized private tour, you get a tailored experience that fits your interests—whether it’s history, food, nature, or adventure. No crowds, no cookie-cutter itineraries—just you, your group, and an insider’s guide to the best of Tampa Bay!

📍 Want to make this week memorable? Let’s plan your perfect Tampa experience. Message me to book your custom tour!

08/02/2025

☀️ It’s a Beautiful Day in Tampa Bay! 🌴✨
The sun is shining, the breeze is perfect, and it’s the ideal day to get out and explore Tampa Bay! Whether you’re in the mood for a festive celebration, waterfront relaxation, or foodie adventure, there’s something for everyone today.

🌟 Here are a few ways to make the most of this gorgeous day:

🎭 Sant’ Yago Knight Parade (Ybor City) – 7 PM
One of Tampa’s most iconic celebrations, this lively, illuminated parade takes over historic Ybor City with colorful floats, music, and plenty of beads & fun! Arrive early to grab a good spot along 7th Ave and enjoy the pre-parade festivities. 🎉

🏝️ Sunset Stroll Along Bayshore Boulevard
Take in breathtaking waterfront views on Tampa’s longest continuous sidewalk—whether you walk, bike, or just soak in the scenery, it’s a perfect way to enjoy the golden hour.

🐠 Explore the Florida Aquarium
Get up close with sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks at one of Tampa’s top attractions. It’s a great way to stay cool while immersing yourself in marine life.

🍹 Sip & Savor at Sparkman Wharf
Enjoy craft cocktails, delicious bites, and waterfront vibes at this open-air food hall and entertainment space—perfect for a casual afternoon hangout.

🚤 Take a Pirate Water Taxi Ride
Hop aboard and cruise through Tampa’s downtown waterways for a unique perspective of the city. Bonus: it’s a great way to avoid traffic while exploring!

Whatever you choose to do, Tampa Bay is shining today! ☀️ Tag a friend and make some plans!

📸 What’s on your weekend agenda? Drop your plans in the comments! ⬇️

05/02/2025

What’s your perfect Tampa Bay day? Exploring Ybor City’s rich history or soaking up the sun at St. Pete Beach? 🌊

30/01/2025

💖✈️ Romance is in the air—literally! 🏔️🚁

Looking to take date night to the next level? Whether it’s soaring over glaciers in a helicopter, landing on a sandbar for a private picnic, or sipping champagne mid-flight, these high-flying romantic date ideas will make hearts race in the best way possible.

✨ Ready to elevate your love story? Check out my latest USA TODAY 10Best article featuring unforgettable fly-in, fly-out experiences!

📖 Read it here: https://10best.usatoday.com/interests/outdoor-adventures/high-flying-romantic-date-ideas

Tag your adventure-loving partner or someone who needs date night inspiration! ❤️✈️

Jones Brothers Air and Seaplane Adventures
Napa Valley Aloft Hot Air Balloon Rides
Seair Seaplanes
Alaska Helicopter Tours

30/01/2025

🍻 Raise a Glass for Tampa! 🍻

🔥 We’re in the running for favorite beer city in USA TODAY 10Best Reader's Choice Awards – but we need YOUR VOTE to take the top spot!

✅ Vote daily through February 19
✅ No sign-up required—it takes seconds!
✅ Click here to cast your vote: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-beer-city-2025/

Let’s prove that Tampa Bay brews the best! Tag your beer-loving friends and spread the word! 🍻🌴 🌴

27/01/2025

🌿✨ Start 2025 with a Day of Wellness in Tampa! ✨🌿

Excited to share "A New Year Wellness Gathering" hosted by the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street on Sunday, February 2nd! 🧘‍♀️🌞 This day-long, all-inclusive experience, led by local wellness guru Maharri Lodge, offers the perfect opportunity to reset, restore, and embrace the new year with balance and intention.

Here’s what’s planned:
🌅 Morning Yoga & Intention-Setting
🥗 Lunch & Learn: Mindfulness tips, self-talk techniques, and health-conscious meals
🖊️ Journaling Workshop with Paper Seahorse
🍫 Closing Yoga, Cacao Ceremony, and Visualization
💆‍♀️ 50-Minute Spa Treatment at Spa by JW®

💤 Enhance your experience! The JW Indulgence Package includes a luxurious staycation with spa treatments, dining credits, and more.

📖 Learn more and book here: https://jwtampa.ipoolside.com/

24/01/2025

🏴‍☠️ Ahoy, Tampa Bay! 🏴‍☠️

Get ready to don your pirate hats and hoist the Jolly Roger—Gasparilla Pirate Fest is tomorrow! 🎉 This swashbuckling Tampa tradition is packed with parades, live music, and all the buccaneer fun you can imagine. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a landlubber looking for adventure, our insider's guide will help you navigate the festivities like a pro. 🦜⚓

📖 Read more: https://10best.usatoday.com/interests/festivals-events/your-insiders-guide-to-gasparilla-pirate-fest/

22/01/2025

Oh my! What is this white stuff falling in the Sunshine State?

Iconic Florida snow ❄️ photo.

📷: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

16/01/2025

This sure is good to see ❤️☀️

20/12/2024

Love this 😊

Weather forecasting in Florida. 🤣🤣

12/12/2024

🌴✨ Ready to uncover Florida’s best-kept secrets? My latest article for USA TODAY 10Best Best takes you on a journey through some of the Sunshine State’s most enchanting hidden gems! From serene beaches to quaint small towns, these spots will surprise and delight even the most seasoned Floridians.

Whether you're planning your next weekend getaway or looking to explore off the beaten path, these recommendations are perfect for adventurers and day-trippers alike.

📖 Check out the full article here: https://10best.usatoday.com/interests/explore/hidden-gems-in-florida/

🌟 Have you visited any of these hidden gems? Let me know your favorites in the comments below!

06/12/2024

🎄🐴 A Must-See This Weekend at The World Equestrian Center!

If you’re looking for something magical to do this weekend, head to The Equestrian Hotel at the World Equestrian Center - Ocala enter to see Pastry Chef Yohann Le Bescond’s incredible gingerbread creation! This year’s masterpiece is inspired by A Sudden Impulse, a world champion stallion and Hall of Fame inductee—and it’s truly a work of edible art.

➡️ What makes it so special?
✨ Over 350 hours of work
✨ 250 lbs of gingerbread dough
✨ 1,900+ cookies from hoof to tail
✨ A real Harris brand Western saddle

This life-sized gingerbread horse is on display near Emma’s Patisserie, where you can also pick up a treat (or two) while you’re there.

While you're at the World Equestrian Center, don’t miss their Winter Wonderland! With over 1 million lights, holiday entertainment, and family fun like face painters, balloon artists, and festive foods, it’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.

🎅 Weekend Highlights:
✨ Meet Santa or spot the Grinch
✨ Enjoy live music, holiday performers, and more
✨ Fridays & Saturdays feature the full lineup of entertainment

📅 When to Go:
⏰ Wednesday–Sunday, 5 PM–9 PM
🎟️ Tickets aren’t required, but parking fees apply (includes event entry).

30/11/2024

Hanging out at the The Sail Plaza enjoying the start of the holiday season on the Tampa Riverwalk 🌟

16/11/2024

🍂🐾 Fall Fun Like No Other: Swim with Manatees! 🐾🍂

Skip the typical fall festivities and dive into one of my favorite Florida adventures! From Nov. 15 to March 31, Crystal River and Homosassa welcome hundreds of manatees seeking warm spring waters, making it the perfect time for up-close encounters with these gentle giants in the “Manatee Capital of the World.”

✨ Must-Do Experiences:
🐋 Swim with manatees on a guided eco-tour.
🚣‍♀️ Kayak or paddleboard through Kings Bay and the Homosassa River.
🌿 Stroll the boardwalks at Three Sisters Springs.

🏨 Plan Your Stay:
Local packages like the Stay N Swim or Stay N Play at PaddleTail Waterfront Lodge include manatee tours and more!

📍 Just 75 minutes north of Tampa and 90 minutes west of Orlando, this bucket-list experience awaits.

👉 Learn more and start your adventure: DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com/manatee-authority.

🐾 Protect the Manatees: Remember to follow “Manatee Manners” and observe these gentle giants responsibly! 💙

09/11/2024

Check out a tour of my hotel room at WEC!