Tourism and Hospitality

Construction continues on the Phoenix Rising roller caster at Busch Gardens. A large crane is in front of a blue track, which sits beneath a largely cloudless sky. The sun is in the background and a building site is below.
Development
Hands in the air: Busch Gardens is building another roller coaster
Phoenix Rising is set to open at some point in 2024.
April 25, 2024 12:26 PM
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Three vegan hot dogs from 3 Dot Dash. One has mustard on it, one has mac and cheese and cries, and the other has lettuce and onion. There is a grey brick wall behind.
Live
Meatless magic: explore the top vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Tampa Bay
Dig into delicious and nutritious vegan and vegetarian fare in every corner of the Tampa Bay area.
April 17, 2024
 · 
Staff
A baby orangutan is being fed from a bottle. A blue-gloved, white-coated doctor is holding the animal in a blanket, and feeding it. Its dark eyes sit around orange-colored dark short hair.
Culture
Meet the Tampa Bay area’s new animal friends
Zoo Tampa and Busch Gardens have both got some new (and cute) faces.
April 15, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A black and white photo of Franklin Street in Downtown Tampa taken around 1930. The Tampa Theater is visible in the background, while people walk about in fashion of the time, palm trees are visible, and streetcars make their way through streets. There are some cars around too, and shadows imply it is sunny.
History
Tampa Bay in the 1930s
Following the roaring progress of the 1920s, life in TBAY was not as rosy in the succeeding decade. We did some research.
April 11, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Green bar stools, bartenders, and patrons sit around a bar in an industrial setting.
Tourism and Hospitality
Take a peek at Ten Rooms Ybor
The new retail + foodie hub is opening soon in the historic Ybor neighborhood with a restaurant, cafe, boutique, and more.
April 10, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A rendering of the outside of Juno & the Peacock. There are red chairs under red and white umbrellas, with tables set for people to eat. The doors are open on the left to the inside of the restaurant, and there are lights + greenery around to create a calming atmosphere.
Food
Open for business: Check out these new Tampa Bay area foodie spots
It’s hard to keep up with all the food and restaurant news in our area. We’re here to help.
April 9, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A rendering of the USF football stadium. There are floodlights on and the image is staged at nighttime, with fans in the green stands, and Bulls logos sound the stadium. Campus is visible in the background as the shot is taken from high up.
Development
USF chooses construction manager for new football stadium
The Bulls are making progress in the ~$340 million project.
April 9, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Events
Get a taste of the action: Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival is here
The foodie event runs through Saturday, April 13 + features events in Hyde Park Village, Water Street Tampa, and at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
April 8, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A couple watching a baseball game with a view of downtown Charlotte.
Sponsored
5 reasons to visit Charlotte this spring
From a stacked music festival and exhilarating NASCAR races to rooftop dining and waterfront hiking, Charlotte, NC (aka the Queen City) is the place to be this season.
Sponsored by
A dark blue sky with the moon mostly covering the sun behind, which is shining beyond the moon in a small crescent shape. There are some stars visible in the sky.
Culture
How to experience the solar eclipse in Tampa Bay
There won’t be another total eclipse in North America until 2033.
April 3, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Exterior shots of hotels in Water Street Tampa.
Sponsored
Where to live the suite life in Tampa
From Michelin-star restaurants to sky-high rooftop bars, you’ll find some of Tampa’s hottest hotels in the oh-so-walkable Water Street Tampa.
Sponsored by
A tank of coral at the Florida Aquarium's Coral Conservation and Research Center. There is blue fluorescent lighting above the tank and the coral sits in water.
Culture
Check out The Florida Aquarium’s latest conservation-minded expansion
The state-of-the-art facilities are set to help the aquarium’s conservation efforts.
March 28, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
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Play
Tampa Bay’s dog-friendly guide
Explore these dog-friendly places in Tampa Bay that span from spots to eat, drink, shop, exercise, swim, and stay the night.
March 25, 2024
 · 
Staff
Tampa's skyline from a distance. The Hillsborough River is in the foreground and the photo has been taken from high up. The sky is blue and a warm haze covers the city.
Culture
Suggestions for spending the Mega Millions jackpot in the Tampa Bay area
How would you spend $875 million?
March 18, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
The downtown Tampa skyline from Hyde Park. The sky is blue and high rises are in the distance.
City
Hillsborough County announces record-breaking tourism numbers
Here’s a quick breakdown of the numbers behind 2023’s new tourism heights.
February 21, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
a man barbecues ribs on an open grill outside with people in the background
Sponsored
We’re fired up about Ribs on the Ridge happening this weekend
Get the juicy details on the third + final leg of the Florida Triple Crown of BBQ’s three-event competition.
Sponsored by
Colorful beads sit in a truck bed of all different colors, ready to be thrown out into Gasparilla crowds. The small circular objects are piled high.
City
Help clean up after Gasparilla
There are a few different ways to keep our area clean after the Gasparilla festivities.
January 26, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A stack of pancakes. There is caramel syrup drizzing on the top with bananas, brown sugar, powdered sugar, and they are on a white plate and white surface.
Live
50+ brunch spots in Tampa Bay
TBAY restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and other brunch favorites you want to eat.
January 24, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Someone throws beads from a flat at Gasparilla. The beads are in mid-air and the sky is clear.
City
Keep Gasparilla beads out of Tampa Bay with the Florida Aquarium
Check out how to put those Gasparilla beads to good use.
January 24, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
An up-close shot of a box of donuts from Duck Donuts. There are different types of donut with sprinkles, frosting, chocolate, and other toppings.
Culture
Check out 3 new + upcoming Tampa Bay area restaurant chain locations
You might know the names, but they’re coming to new spots.
January 22, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Children aboard a Gasparilla pirate ship float. They are throwing beads into the crowd, dressed like pirates.
Culture
Children’s Gasparilla Parade preview
Get ready for the Tampa Bay area’s biggest kid-centered event of the year.
January 18, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Crystal River shines blue. It is surrounded by trees.
Culture
10 day trips from the Tampa Bay area
If you want to hit the road, but not go too far, you’re in the right place.
January 18, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Two people clink champagne flutes on a boat. There is water in front of them.
Events
Get ready for the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show
If you’re gonna need a bigger boat, you’re in the right place.
January 16, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Chickens in Ybor City. They are strutting through leaves at Centennial Park.
Live
Unwritten rules of the Tampa Bay area
Tell us you’re from Tampa Bay without telling us you’re from Tampa Bay.
January 16, 2024
 · 
Dylan Aycock
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Events
Mark your calendar with these January 2024 events in the Tampa Bay area
From Broadway shows to Gasparilla parties, we’ve got it all.
January 5, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
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Retail
Browse these new-to-the-scene Tampa Bay area shopping spots
There’s a few new faces in the Cigar City from Veronica Beard to Silvia Tcherassi.
December 18, 2023
 · 
Bailey Lefever
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Food
Tampa Bay spots featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives”
The self proclaimed “Mayor of Flavortown” has brought the Triple-D production to the Tampa Bay area on many occasions and we’re hungry for the details.
December 18, 2023
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A bungalow in Hyde Park. It is painted light green and there is a porch out front.
Real Estate
Tampa Bay’s bungalow history
Become a bungalow buff with this breakdown of the historic homes seen throughout TBAY.
December 15, 2023
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
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City
Here’s the lineup for Gasparilla Music Festival 2024
From Young the Giant to Tampa Metro Youth Orchestra, there’s something for everyone.
December 14, 2023
 · 
Bailey Lefever
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City
6 Tampa Bay Pilates studios
Now introducing your new favorite workout — complete with strength and flexibility exercises, and machines.
December 8, 2023
 · 
Bailey Lefever
JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Gingerbread Village (6).jpg
Events
Visit this magical gingerbread village in Clearwater
The JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa’s new display runs through through Jan. 2. and is free to check out.
December 6, 2023
 · 
Bailey Lefever
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