Ah, the good old days. Before the distractions and chaos of modern life, a simpler time existed. But what if we told you that those days are still within reach?
Here are some ideas to channel your inner Cher around Tampa Bay.
Get moving
The Gulfport Casino opened in the 1930s and still lives on today, serving the small seaside city as a reminder of days past. But the seafoam green building wasn’t built for blackjack — it hosted talks, bingo nights, and social occasions. But first and foremost, its ballroom was designed for dancing, a practice that continues to this day. So grab a date, some friends, or family members for ballroom lessons, Argentine tango sessions, and disco parties.
Remember big hair, 80s tunes, and neon fits? You could wind back the clock with a trip to a skating rink. There are several local ones to choose from, including Tampa’s United Skates of America, where there are adult-only events and options for the whole family. So the kids can see how you used to roll. Astro Skating Center has locations in Pinellas Park + Brandon, with a range of events and deals to choose from each week.
A taste of history
The Columbia Restaurant boasts a legendary tale.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
All that grooving can work up an appetite. And there are plenty of spots around Tampa Bay which retain their old-timey charm:
- The world-famous Columbia Restaurant is Florida’s oldest eatery, opened in 1905.
- For burgers in the Burg since the 1940s, El Cap tastes like nostalgia.
- Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish has been cash-only since 1947, and smokes its fish over Florida red oak. This one also has a place in Flavortown.
- Brocato’s is an East Tampa classic for its Cuban sandwiches and deviled crab.
- With 99 years of business, Goody Goody Burgers is still slinging patties Hyde Park Village, and has a TPA location too.
- Bern’s Steak House’s reputation precedes it with a 500,000-bottle strong wine collection and legendary steaks + desserts.
Pinellas County’s pink palaces are also routes into tasty Old Florida charm. The Vinoy Hotel hosts history and high tea events, while a day pass at The DonCeSar will keep the doomscrolling at bay with bites and bevs by the Gulf of Mexico.
Catch a flick
This issue of The Exhibitor from Jan. 12, 1949 shows what Silver Moon looked like less than one year after it opened.
Photo via Cinema Treasures
Before you needed a reminder to turn off your phone, the movies were an entirely different experience. Some of our readers may remember the heyday of drive-in movie theaters, and some probably feel as if they missed out. However, we’re here to lift your spirits. There are three drive-in theaters in and around the Tampa Bay area:
- The Ruskin Family Drive-In has hosted movie lovers since 1952.
- In Dade City, Joy-Lan Drive In Theater and Swap Shop still shows flicks.
- And a little ways up I-4, Silver Moon has multiple screens. Our friends at LALtoday love this one.
Or, you could head to the historic Tampa Theatre to watch new releases, classic movies, and everything in between.
Revel in nature
It’s hard to beat the Tampa Bay area’s natural beauty, where peace and quiet awaits in abundance. You could grab a book, a chair, and leave the modern world behind at one of TBAY’s secret beaches.
Or leave the phone at home and take a stroll around one of Tampa Bay’s botanical gardens, or maybe take a hike while catching up with an old friend.
Did we miss your favorite nostalgic activity? We’d love to hear your time-traveling suggestions.
