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🛒 Get in loser, we’re going shopping
Shop, swap, sell, and save in Tampa Bay
You never know what you’ll find at a flea market. | Photo by Vintage Marche
When it comes to the shopping scene in the Tampa Bay area, we love a good treasure hunt — and a good bargain. TBAY is home to several stellar markets, fabulous vintage shops, and resale gems. Here are some of our faves:
Explore 15,000+ sqft of hidden treasures at this monthly market. It’s open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m on the first Saturday of each month, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on the first Sunday — plus there’s early bird hours on Fridays for $5 entry.
Head to Fairgrounds St. Pete on the first Sunday of every month from November through April from 12-4 p.m. There you’ll find hand-crafted goods from 200+ vendors, including arts, crafts, clothing, plants, vintage pieces, and food + drink options.
Make the most of the most wonderful time of the year.
The popular market series has announced its holiday schedule for 2023. There are several dates to choose from between now and the end of the year, with the next market from Friday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Nov. 19. Don’t trip on Ybor’s cobblestones as you look through the holiday goodies up for grabs.
Head down to the Florida State Fairgrounds for this seasonal market where 200+ vendors are selling items for the holidays, including gift ideas, decorations, and much more, from Thursday, Nov. 9 to Sunday, Nov. 12. Grab tickets.
With locations in both Tampa Palms + Brandon, this store not only sells vintage goodies, but also buys old clothes for money or in-store credit, based on an appraisal by trained buyers. You know what they say, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.
Expect an explosion of color at this spot on the Burg’s Central Ave., where clothing, accessories, and vinyl records will greet you. This store has been helping locals find their style since 2008. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for their furry celebrity.
The Gabber Book Club Reads “The House Guests”| Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 7-8 p.m. | Tombolo Books, 2153 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Join like-minded book lovers and discuss this work of fictional mystery.
William Shatner | Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $53-$178 | Revel in stories from a decades-long career in the stars.
Thursday, Nov. 9
Candlelight Orchestra: A Tribute to Queen | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 6:30 p.m., 9 p.m. | Centro Asturiano de Tampa, 1913 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa | $40-$70 | Listen to the music of the legendary band arranged for an orchestral performance in the haunting glow of candlelight.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Chicago Blackhawks | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $55-$750 | Cheer on the Bolts as they get back on the ice in the Big Guava, with the Blackhawks coming to town.
Friday, Nov. 10
Marine Corps Birthday Bash | Friday, Nov. 10 | 5:30-11 p.m. | The Bad Monkey, 1717 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa | Free | Celebrate the Marine Corps’ 248th birthday the day before Veterans Day, with all proceeds going to Florida4Warriors.
St. Pete Opera’s “Pinocchio” | Friday, Nov. 10-Saturday, Nov. 11 | Times vary | Opera Central, Preis Hall, 2145 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg | $7-$20 | Revel in a one-hour performance inspired by the classic tale in this perfect introduction to opera.
Grab a cocktail, lemonade, and a romantic table for two on Pia’s Trattoria’s patio. | Photo by @thetbaytoday
Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to TBAYtoday.
Ok, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but if Ted Mosby had consulted us for date night ideas, we could’ve shaved the show down to two seasons (and saved his kids a lot of time). Regardless, of whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 25+ local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.
For the ones who want a night out on the town
Book tickets to one of the hundreds of indie performances that come through The Orpheum or The Ritz Ybor.
Take in 360-degree views of the 813 and indulge in craft cocktails + innovative bites at The Beacon at JW Marriott (Tampa’s highest bar).
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
Sample everything from barbecue to peanut butter banana pudding at food truck lot St. Pete Social.
Channel your inner Allie + Noah and treat yourselves to a sweet treat at Chill Bros Scoop Shop on Water Street, Jeni’s Ice Cream at Sparkman Wharf, or Bright Ice at Tampa Marriott Water Street.
For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)
Challenge your new boo to a round of cornhole or bucket pong at Park & Rec DTSP.
You won’t strike out with a bowling + dinner date at Splitsville at Sparkman Wharf.
Wu Restaurant is now open in Tampa’s Seminole Heights neighborhood. The Latin-Asian fusion spot at 4410 N. Florida Ave. hosted its soft opening last week, and offers up bao buns, rice bowls, boba + bubble tea, and more. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Holiday
ZooTampa is bringing the holiday cheer again this year with its annual “Christmas in the Wild” event. The spectacular runs on select days between Nov. 24 and Dec. 30 and transforms the zoo into a wonderland with light shows, wreaths, music, and other holiday sights + sounds. (That’s So Tampa)
Travel
Speaking of a winter wonderland, Tampa International Airport just announced more direct flights to Switzerland. Swiss airline Edelweiss says it will double its flights between TPA and Zurich in late May, meaning there will be four per week. (WFLA)
Concert
Kenny Chesney is coming to Tampa next year on his “Sun Goes Down” tour. The country star will be joined by the Zac Brown Band, Megan Moroney, and Uncle Kracker on Saturday, April 20. The show is at Raymond James Stadium and tickets go on general sale Friday, Nov. 17.
Biz
Small Business Saturday is just around the corner — Nov. 25, to be exact. What local businesses will you be supporting + which local deals should we check out? Let us know and we may feature your recommendation in an upcoming newsletter.
Plan Ahead
St. Pete is trying to set a world record later this month. The city is teaming up with the Waterfront Parks Foundation to create the “World’s Longest Picnic Blanket.” Head down to Flora Wylie Park on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 3-6 p.m. with your favorite quilt to see what happens. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Award
Get ready to celebrate the best of St. Pete. The 11th annual Good ‘Burger Awards ceremony is taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at Jannus Live. The awards are a celebration of the people and businesses who improve life in the Sunny City. (I Love The Burg)
Copa offers a unique blend of cuisines. | Photo by @copa.dtsp
The fourth annual Florida Black Restaurant Week is almost here. The event is a celebration of African, African-American, and Caribbean flavors + also highlights and showcases Black-owned businesses.
There are 15+ Tampa Bay area eateries taking part, and here are a few of our faves:
Enjoy upscale Southern comforts in the heart of Historic Ybor. One of the most popular brunch spots around offers endless Southern goodies, bottomless mimosas + late night hours on the weekends.
Chef Eddie’s loaded baked potatoes were so good, he named a restaurant after them. A trip here offers seafood, 24 Karat Gold wings, a potato-eating challenge, and dozens of other food options.
Hey TBAY, I sincerely hope you are all having a great week. If you are in need of an adventure, check out this list of road trip ideas we put together.
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