Become an expert on Tampa Bay’s native flowers | We’re keeping local love growing this spring with plants that thrive in TBAY. Whether you’re a beginner or have seasoned green thumbs, there’s an abundance of Floridian flora favors in our guide.
Try out the Vinoy Spa + other TBAY offerings | We tried out one of the Vinoy’s new offerings, with spa treatments, sauna, and crystal-centered relaxation. Pssst: there are details on other must-try Tampa Bay spas, too.
Asked
Asked
What would you like to see happen with Derby Lane?
A. Maybe an apartment or condo building B. A food hall or multiple restaurants C. Some kind of live music venue D. A new stadium of some kind
Scott Rutherford: Boaty McBoat Ceramic Exhibition | Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27 | Times vary | Morean Center for Clay | Free | It’s the last weekend to check out the artist’s modern rendition of classic ship sculptures used in the medieval times for royal banquets.
Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival | Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27 | Times vary | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | $60+ | Another weekend of sipping and savoring your way through the theme park awaits — don’t miss the live music.
Asian Mega Night Street Food Market | Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27 | 5-11:30 p.m. | 855 28th St. S., St. Petersburg | Price of purchase | Head to the Mega Lao New Year celebration featuring 75+ vendors, a Lion Dance, karate demonstrations, and a traditional Lao and parade performance.
Saturday, April 26
Green Thumb Festival | Saturday, April 26-Sunday, April 27 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Walter Fuller Park, St. Petersburg | Price of purchase | The annual plant extravaganza returns to the shady St. Pete park, where local growers sling soil-bound treasures.
Blueberry Festival | Saturday, April 26-Sunday, April 27 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free | Don’t be blue — the final weekend of the festival is ripe with blueberry U-pick, shortcake eating contests, and family-friendly fun.
Miami FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies | 7:30 p.m. | Al Lang Stadium | $20+ | Spend your evening watching the Beautiful Game at the St. Pete waterfront-adjacent arena after a rocky start to the Rowdies’ season.
Sunday, April 27
Sunday Market | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Westshore Marina District | Price of purchase | Browse and eat your way across the neighborhood’s weekly market featuring 70+ vendors.
Tampa Bay Black Heritage 25th Music Festival | Sunday, April 27-Monday, April 28 | 12 p.m.-12 a.m. | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park | $25+ | Two days of musical excellence await by the Hillsborough River at this festival “celebrating Black art, food, music, and culture.”
How to spend a weekend in the “Jewel of South Carolina”
Presented by Capital City Lake Murray Country
Lake Murray Country was ranked the No. 2 “Best Lake for Water Sports” by USA Today in 2024. | Photos provided by Capital City Lake Murray Country
If your ideal getaway includes relaxing lake days and plenty of sunshine, add Lake Murray Country to your list.
Located in the heart of South Carolina, this laid-back destination, supported by DiscoverSC, has something for everyone — from thrilling water sports to vibrant local culture.
Good news, travelers: The costs you see when eyeing that gorgeous Airbnb will now include all fees, meaning you won’t be hit with a $300 cleaning fee after going to check out. Explore local Airbnbs with our guide to unique places to stay in Tampa Bay. (CNN)
Outdoors
96 million. That’s how many Americans are bird watchers, according to a survey from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Check out the NYT’s birdwatching tips before heading out on a local hiking trail known for bird sightings. (New York Times)
Tech
A new study suggests that adults over 50 who use smartphones may experience lower rates of cognitive decline. Yet another reason to subscribe to TBAYtoday. (The Guardian)
Eat
Strawberry + Cream Pebbles. That’s the new cereal flavor from Post, the brand behind Fruity Pebbles. You can look for it on grocery store shelves, but if you’re in a berry mood, you can see what’s in season at a local farmers market.
Listen
The 2025 NFL Draft is underway. What did the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do in last night’s first round? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from Locked On’s daily podcasts.
The adjacent Ulele Spring brings a taste of nature and vibrant wetland wildlife to your experience. | Photo via @uleletampa
Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better?
Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 20 Tampa Bay area patios.
Restaurants
Boulon Brasserie, Tampa | Some cover
If you’re looking to celebrate sunny weather with an elegant, French spread, have we got a place for you. One of Water Street Tampa’s most popular spots serves caviar, blue crab beignets, duck confit, plus plenty of breakfast and dessert items.
Bars and breweries
Green Bench Brewing Company, St. Petersburg | Partially covered
This popular St. Pete gathering spot boasts a turf beer garden with ample seating for relaxing on a sunny day, plus an open-air bar, and of course, tons of locally brewed beers.
Coffee shops
Spaddy’s Coffee Co., Tampa | Some cover
The outdoor, community-driven coffee shop brews + roasts tons of coffee options, plus teas and a few nosh choices.
Food truck parks
The Food Trucks Plaza, Tampa | Some cover
Sample eats from Los Gorditos, Papas Chicken, and more at this permanent food truck depot.
It’s that time of year again. The temperature is rising, and that means the mornings are the perfect time get some steps in.
Whether you’re an avid runner or a casual stroller, let me know where you like to stride. I snapped this one the other day while crossing the Platt Street Bridge.