Grab your hiking boots and discover TBAY’s most remote views. | Photo via Hillsborough County
From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic beaches and forests, our region has so many options to hit the trail.
So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Tampa Bay area with 16 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure + experiencebreathtaking views.
Frequent TBAY hikers recommend visiting this trail between May and June — the dry season — before the path becomes too muddy. It’s moderately difficult + can be a little overgrown at times, but at least it’s shaded.
Pinellas
A more efficient way to get around, though, is on electric wheels.
This scenic trail offers breathtaking views of nature with a diverse range of wildlife, such as crabs and woodpeckers. Enjoy informational panels throughout the trail about the local flora and fauna. Plus, pack the blankets and umbrellas for a little beach action after.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Philadelphia Phillies | 12:35 p.m. | BayCare Ballpark | $38+ | It’s your last chance to see stars like Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe warm up their game before the regular season kicks off.
Bunny Photos | Monday, March 24-Saturday, April 19 | Times vary | International Plaza and Bay Street | $20+ | Hop on over for a spring selfie or family photo with the Easter Bunny — you can also reserve a time online.
Boozy Book Fair | 6-9 p.m. | Good Intentions, St. Petersburg | $20 | The only thing better than an adults-only book fair is one with plenty of cocktails and small plates.
Tuesday, March 25
Channel District: Paw-Fee Break | 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Washington Street Park | Free | Paws for a moment during the workday to take the pup for a stroll, grab some java, and mingle with your neighbors.
Community Feedback Sessions: Voices of the Corridor Workshop #4 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete | Free | Join your fellow residents, business owners, and stakeholders to share ideas and input on the neighborhood’s revitalization + listen to updates.
Thursday, March 27
La Tropicana Hi Fi Music Lounge | 7-10 p.m. | Cafe Quiquiriqui | Free entry | Head to Hotel Haya’s in-house bar for cocktails and all-vinyl sets from selectors playing everything from Latin and soul to funk and jazz.
The City of Tampa is doling out $3.2 million in aid to homeowners that suffered damage during last year’s back-to-back hurricanes. Starting today, homesteaded and income eligible residents can apply online for insurance deductible, mortgage, and cost of repair assistance.
Coming Soon
The newly employee-owned Nueva Cantina is launching a nueva (translates to new) spot in Tampa. Where at? The eatery will open in May on the ground floor of the Nine15 apartments. The menu will feature the same Mexican street food faves like asada steak and al pastor. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Number
$2.5 million. That’s how much Pete and Cynthia Zinober just gave the University of South Florida for its concert hall. The 450-seat hall will be renamed in the Zinobers’ honor. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Mailbag
One reader has another idea for the old Toytown landfill. Paul ponders: “How about if the old Toytown site were redeveloped into a Sustainability Park, including storage of future storm debris?” And on that note, we’d love to hear any other ideas for the 235 acres. Share them with the class.
Mansion Monday
Want to share a dream house with the Great Bambino? The legendary baseball player’s spring training home is for sale in Old Northeast. Take a tour of the 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom property featuring a large pool and courtyard, outdoor fireplace, and freshly renovated interior.
Sports
Is Baker Mayfield a better free agent signing and quarterback in Buccaneers’ history if he wins a Super Bowl? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Looking to save on groceries? Through March 31, new Sam’s Club Members can join for $25 — half off the regular price — plus get a free 16” pizza on their first visit.*
A set of really good kitchen shears. Cut meat, fish, vegetables, and more with these scissors designed with a heavy-duty blade, built-in fish scraper, steel compression spring, and non-slip handle.
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to see 10 concerts in 2025. It’s daunting, but such a lovely addition to my life.
If you’re also hoping to add more shows to your schedule, check out The Space Between show this Friday, March 28 in Water Street Tampa. This month’s installment features Latin Grammy-nominated artist Gina Chavez.
Answered
Answered
Last week, we asked “Why is it called Toytown?”
The current state of the Toytown lot.
Screenshot via Google Maps
Our readers are in-the-know.
~32% correctly guessed the former neighborhood
~26% said they had literally no idea
~25% suggested the former owner of the land
~17% said because of the dumping toys, duh
Should we dig into Toytown’s history for a future story? Let us know.