Are you familiar with “hygge?” The Danish word roughly translates to “warm coziness ” and has been a design and health + wellness trend in the US for a few years now. With an emphasis on “enjoying the little things ” like comfy clothes, warm socks + blankets, and steamy mugs of tea, it’s easy to see its appeal. Pro tip: It’s pronounced “hoo-gah.”
Keeping that in mind, here are 23 ways to get hygge with it locally this year:
1. Enjoy a hot bevy. We love the maple + bourbon latte from Bandit Coffee Co. (2662 Central Ave, St. Petersburg) and the hot chocolate (with mocha) from Spaddy’s Coffee Co. (South Tampa + Seminole Heights).
2. Hit the road and revel in the lovely sights because we live in an outrageously gorgeous place.
3. Take a nice hot bath. Make it even better by tossing in a fragrant, therapeutic bath bomb from Beach Babe Soapery .
4. Light a candle. We particularly like the variety stocked at the Cabana South — from black tea and sage to pumpkin spice (and the pithy labels).
5. Live out your lavish lifestyle fantasy with a visit to a legendary circus owner’s former estate, the luxe Ringling Museum .
6. Cook something amazing, preferably something indulgent that takes a while to prepare, like soup, stew, or lasagna. Not sure where to start? Consider a cooking class from The AJ’s Kitchen Drawer .
7. Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. We are especially fond of the offerings from Shoreline Sugars + Bijou’s Boutique .
8. Marvel at the majesty of nature when you catch a sunrise or sunset .
9. Take a nap. Hit up Villa Rosa Distinctive Linens for all your bedding needs.
10. Snuggle up with a locally-penned book. Need some recs? Check out our list of local books.
11. Have a picnic. And if you don’t want to prepare it yourself, let the folks at the Picnic Boys or the Curated Picnic Co. do the work for you.
12. Boost your health + happiness with a physical group outdoor activity, like paddleboarding through Urban Kai .
13. Get an art fix. Whether you want to saunter around The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art or take in an exhibit from the Morean Arts Center , art is a powerful way to experience the slow-paced comfort of hygge.
14. Catch an indie flick from Green Light Cinema . Don’t forget the St. Pete Popcorn .
15. Admire our feathered friends at the tranquil Seaside Seabird Sanctuary .
16. Enjoy a meal at one of the city’s eateries with outdoor heaters like Salt Shack on the Bay or Pia’s Trattoria .
17. Meander through a used bookstore. Yes, we love our local independent booksellers that traffic in new titles, but there’s a sense of adventure at used bookstores, where you never know what you’ll find. We’re especially fond of Tombolo Books and Mojo Books & Records .
18. Share your love with a furry friend by volunteering at an animal shelter, like SPCA Tampa Bay or Pet Pal Animal Shelter .
19. Fuel up for winter with a savory soup at the Stone Soup Company or Oak & Stone .
20. Revel in the verdant goodness of plants at one of TBAY’s indoor plant shops
. And bring some home while you’re at it.