Treat your loved ones to fun, cozy, and personalized picks this holiday gifting season. | Graphic by 6AM City
Psst — It’s nearly mid-December. Finish your holiday shopping this weekend with our gift ideas:
Gifts for your significant other
Local pick:Pottery class for two | Price upon booking | Let your loved one enjoy a rewarding afternoon learning how to throw pottery at Sugar Cream Clay’s dreamy studio.
Full-zip flannel jacket | $36.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft, stylish hoodie.
Gifts for retirees
Local pick:Morean Arts Center Membership | $60 | This yearly membership includes unlimited admission to the Chihuly Collection and daily glass shows + best of all, discounts on the center’s plethora of arts classes.
Frustrated golfer socks | $12.99 | This No. 1 best-selling pair of men’s novelty socks is sure to get a laugh.
Gifts for people who have everything
Olive oil mister | $9.99 | A handy gift they can use to turn oil into a fine mist or a steady drizzle.
Gifts for book lovers
Local pick:The Book Lounge gift card | $10+ | Gift your book lover some cash to spend at the Burg’s new book lounge — they have eats, drinks, and games too.
Four new restaurants are opening in a new downtown Tampa tower. Yep, four. The Pendry — which opens alongside the Riverwalk in 2027 — will also house an upscale + social restaurant, a poolside eatery, a Mexican restaurant, and a speakeasy. Who’s behind the concepts?(That’s So Tampa)
Quoted
“It’s a much stronger material than it was 35 years ago.” That’s what St. Pete city staff had to say about the Trop’s new roof. The recently replaced panels can withstand winds of up to 155 miles per hour. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Try This
Putt the Pier is back. Dust off those mini golf tricks and head to the downtown landmark for a round of lit, holiday-themed putt putt on the Pier. The experience runs from Monday, Dec. 15- Wednesday, Jan. 7. (I Love the Burg)
Mailbag
Some folks think the flamingo should be Florida’s new state bird. Right now, the northern mockingbird represents us on the US’s bird council — just a joke. Do you think we should select the flamingo instead? Share your thoughts or suggestions for a different feathered pick. (Tampa Bay Times)
Plan Ahead
Editor Bailey and her sad Greek yogurt bowls are yearning for strawberry season. Thankfully, the Florida Strawberry Festival returns on Thursday, Feb. 26. Tickets are on sale now. (WTSP)
Edu
One of Tampa’s major private schools is preparing for a big transformation. South Tampa’s The Academy of the Holy Names plans to open a new 13,369-sqft wellness center, including a nutrition learning space with a kitchen. Construction kicks off next year. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Sports
Missed last night’s Bucs’ game? Recap the action with local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Shop
Your glasses called — they’re ready for retirement. Shop Zenni’s durable frames + advanced lenses for an upgrade, with most pairs under $80. Bonus: Take an extra 10% off with code TWW.*
Older Adults
Are you taking advantage of these stellar senior discounts? From savings with Walgreens to a discounted Amazon Prime membership, we found 20 hacks all older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth.*
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City
Live like a LeFever
A slew of clay pieces wait to be fired in a kiln. | Photo by TBAYtoday
A coworker once told me “you have this effortless way of being that cool friend who would plan the perfect trip while you visit.” Best compliment ever.
Luckily, you’re all my friends. So I wanted to share 15 of my favorite spots, i.e. where I would take you in Tampa Bay:
Picnic Island Park | Picnic Island is arguably Tampa’s most-underrated park in my opinion. Few things beat parking my butt on a sand-encrusted picnic table as a pinky sunset lowers over the Gandy Bridge and Sage struts along the dog beach. (Sage did not write this)
SuperNatural Food & Wine | Best breakfast sandwiches in TBAY hands down. I know you care about Michelin’s word more, but doesn’t mine count too? Get the chocolate tahini sourdough donuts on Saturdays too.
TECO Manatee Viewing Center | This Central Florida-raised girl needs to be within 50 miles of a manatee at all times. But seriously, there’s something magical about silently watching manatees bubble to the surface with hoards of strangers.
If “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is on your watchlist this December, you’re in good company. The 1989 film is the most popular holiday film in Florida, per a new PixlParade report. Pro tip: Fuel your movie night with takeout from a new local restaurant.