Tampa Bay Dining

Hey everyone!  Travis here with all of the Tampa Bay area events happening at the Florida State Fairgrounds for the rest of November.  So, we won't drag it out and here with go some Tampa Bay entertainment. 

Nov. 6-8: Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market - The Junior League of Tampa hosts its 6th annual Holiday Gift Market fundraising event in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall. The three-day shopping event features more than 120 specialty merchants from across the country offering unique merchandise such as boutique jewelry, clothing, handbags, home goods, children's items, gourmet foods, and much more! 

Event hours are Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission tickets at the door are $5 per adult and children ages 12 and younger enter free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. For more information, visit online www.jltampa.org.

Nov. 13-15: Dixie Fest & Rib Burn-Off - Held outdoors at the Fairgrounds, Dixie Fest welcomes people to celebrate their southern pride during this three-day event. Main events scheduled to take place include monster truck rides, battle of the tribute bands, a Miss Dixie beauty contest, Dixie babes bikini contest, a nightly biker parade, a "Southern Boyz" all male revue, a karaoke contest, and a best tattoo artist contest.

In addition, there will be a variety of foods, vendors, and more.  Event hours are Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from Noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 9 p.m. General admission is $10 each day or $20 for a 3-day admission pass for ages 15 and older, and free admission for children ages 14 and younger. Active military personnel with valid I.D. receive reduced admission for $5 per day. Parking is $3 per motorcycle, $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. To purchase tickets in advance, visit online www.dixiefestnow.com or any Ticketmaster location.  

Nov. 14: Pet Adoption Expo - The ASPCA, Humane Society of Tampa Bay and No More Homeless Pets team up to present this one-day adoption event featuring over 40 animal rescue groups with hundreds of animals looking for a good home. Held in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center, there will also be pet demonstrations and vendors with pet specialty items for sale. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free for this event only. For more information, visit online www.humanesocietytampa or call Lisa Knight at 813-367-2078.

Nov. 14-15: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show - The Southeast Hunter Jumper Association will host a two-day horse competition held in the Gran Prix Ring and Pony Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The show starts at 8 a.m. each day. Competitions will be held in hunter and jumper divisions for children and adult categories with prizes to be awarded. Entry fees vary based on the entry category.

Participants must pre-register and fees must be paid with entry submission. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.sehj.com.

Nov. 17: Tampa Bay Senior Expo - The Tampa Bay Senior Expo is a special event designed to help seniors find local professionals who offer expertise in financial planning, health, fitness, volunteerism and recreation. Held in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall for one day only, there will be free educational seminars, over 100 exhibits, health screenings and giveaways throughout the day.

Event hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission and parking are free courtesy of The St. Petersburg Times. For more information, visit online www.tampabayexpos.com.

Nov. 22: Cheer & Dance Blast - Cheer Champion Express will host an officially sanctioned USASF all star event open to all youth Rec cheer & dance teams, school cheer & dance teams, all star cheer & dance teams, dance studios and individual competitors. 

Individual and team registration fees vary depending on application entry date. Held in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall, event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 each for spectators and children ages five and younger enter free. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. For more information, visit online www.ccecheer.com.

Those are just a few of the events taking place at the Fairgrounds for the rest of the month, so head over to www.floridastatefair.com to get a full list of Tampa Bay area events!

Until next time, keep checking back for other things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Hey everyone! Travis here with some great Tampa Bay entertainment for November. We are talking about Smokey Robinson Tribute on Ice today!

Enjoy a special music and skating performance from the legendary American R&B and soul singer/songwriter, record producer, and former record executive at the St. Pete Times Forum on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2009.

For the ones who are looking for the all-time No. 1 purveyor of mainstream romantic soul, Smokey Robinson may well be the man, in the face of some towering competition. Robinson recorded 37 Top-40 hits for Motown between 1960 and 1987. He's also one of pop's best and most prolific songwriters and was elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.

You will not only have the opportunity to watch Smokey Robinson’s great performance , but also a cast of Olympic, National and World champions will take to the ice for an inspired evening of fun. Should be a great show! Full details, including the event time is at http://www.sptimesforum.com/event_details.asp?id=64

Ticket Prices: $30.00, $40.00 and $50.00. VIP Packages are available for $150.00, which includes ringside seat, parking pass, food & beverage, and a tour gift.
The show will also be televised nationwide on NBC on November 22 at 4:00p.m. EST.

Hope to see you there and of course, keep checking back for other great things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment that is for a good cause! 

The 8th Annual Richard's Run for Life, a 5K Run/Walk benefiting H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute will take place this Friday evening,  November 6 beginning at 7pm. 

The event will start and end on 9th Avenue in Centennial Park in Ybor City.  The event will follow the standard Ybor City 5K run route. 

Set up for the event will begin at 5pm and breakdown will be completed by 9pm.  In order to accommodate the event, several streets will be closed during the race between 6-8 pm to include the following:

Nick Nuccio Parkway between Nebraska Avenue and Interstate 4
Palm Avenue between Nebraska Avenue and 21st Street
9th Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets
19th Street between 8th and Palm Avenues

After the race, food and refreshments will be served in Centennial Park.  For more information, visit www.richardsrunforlife.com. 

And there you have it everyone!  Make sure you come out and run with Richard to benefit H. Lee MOffitt Cancer Center!!!!  get your running shoes on and I'll see you out there. 

Until then, keep checking back for other great things to do in Tampa Bay!  
 

1. You have to be a fan of the Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and Zoofari facebook pages.
2. Change your status to “I want to go to Zoofari at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo on Saturday, Nov. 7.” Don’t forget that facebook allows you to tag pages and profiles by adding the “@” sign in front the name. (ex.: @Zoofari, @Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo).
3. Answer the trivia question posted on the Zoofari facebook page.
4. When you’ve completed all the above tasks, let us know by leaving a comment on the Zoofari page.
5. Those who complete each task will be entered into a drawing to win two adult complimentary tickets to Zoofari, Saturday November 7th at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. 2 winners will be randomly selected and announced Monday, November 2.

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment news!  Phil Vassar will return to rock the Dallas Bull's stage on Friday, Nov. 13 - the only chance Vassar fans will have to see him in the Sunshine State during his current tour.

This guy's a singer, songwriter, piano player... and one heck of a performer!  here's some info they just sent us:

From his tousled blond tresses to his charming, heartfelt lyrics, Vassar was born to be a country performer. While he hails from Virginia, Vassar got his start after opening an Italian restaurant in Nashville with a friend, where he began performing cover songs as well as some melodies of his own. Shortly thereafter, Vassar began co-writing songs for some of country's greatest, including Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson and Neal McCoy.
 
The lead off single to Vassar's self-titled debut album, "Carlene" was followed by "Just Another Day in Paradise," which served as his first Number One hit as a country singer. In 2002, he co-wrote and performed a charity single called "Words Are Your Wheels" to promote literacy.

Released exclusively through Wal-Mart stores, this song featured guest vocals from Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride and Sara Evans. Vassar's 2008 album titled Prayer of a Common Man produced what might be his most well-known hit, "Love is a Beautiful Thing."

Like we said, it's at the Dallas Bull!  The Bull was recently named "Tampa's most popular nightclub" by the Tampa Bay Times and upholds their reputation by housing 20,000 visitors each month and catering to a variety of attendees.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the cost of attendance is $9.95 in advance through Ticketmaster or www.Dallasbull.com. Tickets are $15 at the door.  So make sure you plans and head out to enjoy this cool Tampa Bay entertainment. 

And keep checking back as we'll keep brining you more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and information about other Tampa Bay area events. 

 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with more cool Tampa Bay entertainment!  This just in from the history center...on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7pm the Tampa Bay History Center will present a Florida Conversations lecture featuring USF Historian Andrew Huse and Columbia Restaurant owner Richard Gonzmart.

The two will discuss Huse’s new book, The Columbia Restaurant: Celebrating a Century of History, Culture and Cuisine.

Although the Florida Conversations Lecture Series is normally hosted by the Tampa Bay History Center, this special installment will be held at the Siboney Room at the Columbia Restaurant’s Ybor City location.

Huse, a historian with the University of South Florida Libraries Department of Special Collections, worked closely with the Gonzmart Family to write this new centennial history of the famed Tampa restaurant.

In The Columbia Restaurant, Huse provides an in-depth look at the people who made the restaurant great. With a historian's eye for accuracy and a storyteller's ear for anecdotes, Huse traces the fortunes of the Columbia from the founder, Casimiro Hernandez Sr., to his great-grandson, fourth-generation restaurateur Richard Gonzmart.

Florida Conversations features authors covering the history, culture and people of Florida and is presented through a partnership with the University of South Florida Libraries Florida Studies Center.

Here's a great part about this event...it's FREE and open to the public. For additional information or to find out about upcoming lectures just head over to www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.  Have fun all you history majors and fans!

And keep checking back for more cool Tampa Bay area events, and other things to do in Tampa Bay. 
 

Travis here with a truly delicious event – the Ruskin Seafood and Arts Festival.  As far as Tampa Bay area events go, this one is at the top of the list to attend.  From Nov. 7-8, sun, sand and plenty of seafood line the shores of Tampa Bay for the annual Ruskin Seafood and Arts Festival. 

More than 20 vendors and restaurants offer visitors tastes of their seafood specialties, including shrimp, cracked conch, grouper sandwiches, clam chowder, alligator and oysters. 

In addition to the seafood, an arts and crafts area has nearly 100 displays of hand-crafted goods, wood carvings, furniture, jewelry, stained glass items and commercial exhibits. Other entertainment includes a boat show, children’s court and exotic animals. 

There’s something for the entire family, so head out and enjoy a day full of food, culture and fun!  Admission is $5 for adults and children (under 12) are FREE.  Plus, parking is free!  Visit www.ruskinseafoodfestival.org to get more details. 

So, put it on your calendar and get ready for a great time!  And keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some great Tampa Bay entertainment.  Now you can be a part of the Florida State Fair's search to find the League of Fair-ness Superheroes.  Here are the details...straight from the Fair.

Help the Florida State Fair fight the nefarious Unfair 5!  So who are these villains?  They are unseen forces that can prevent people from enjoying themselves with their family or friends. 

Goofy high admission prices and ridiculous parking fees are just a few of the Unfair villains that lurk out there.  The Florida State Fair is a beacon of light that provides SUPER FUN for a SUPER VALUE at an affordable price including free parking. 
 
Live auditions will be held on October 29-30 at the Florida State Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall.  Registration takes place at 11 a.m. with live auditions starting at Noon. 

Parking is FREE for this event and visitors should enter the property via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance gate. 

Here's another great point!  If you cannot appear in person on one of the audition days, upload your audition video submission online at www.itssuperfair.com by the deadline on Sunday, November 1, 2009 no later than 11:59 p.m. 

The League of Fair-ness Superhero Contest is open only to individuals who are legal residents of the State of Florida and are 18 years of age or older.
 
Individuals who are interested in auditioning live or by video submission must create their Superhero character after one of the following categories to be considered: Fair Food; Characters; Fair Animals/Livestock Characters; or Fair Games or Rides Characters. 
 
Simple instructions for contestants who plan to audition:
1. Create a Superhero based on something you love about the Florida State Fair.
2. Make or buy a costume and decide what your super powers are.
3. Shoot an audition video of you in your costume using your super powers. (Fantastic and fabulous are good, funny is even better.)
4. Upload your video to our contest site anytime before the deadline; or come in person to audition live at the Florida State Fairgrounds on October 29-30.
5. Be Fair-ly Super, and we’ll make you Fair-ly Famous!

Now, this is a long post, so I'll end it here.  But, if you need more info, just log on to the site!  and by all means, have a great time! 

And of course, keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay entertainment updates.
 

Hey gang...Travis back and of course we're taking you through some very cool Tampa Bay area events!  Today we are talking about an event we all look forward to each and every year - Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo's Zoofari!

Known as one of the largest and “wildest” all-inclusive food festivals in the Tampa Bay Area, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo invites food lovers to its 23rd annual Zoofari feeding frenzy. 

The event features great food sampling from dozens of the Bay area’s best restaurants, open bars, the “Art Safari” wildlife art auction, and live music throughout the event.  The Zoo welcomes Florida favorite Sister Hazel on the main stage, and additional artists Jason Young, Nate Najar, Alan Darcy, and The Vodkanuts in locations throughout the Zoo.  

It is a fundraiser, so tickets are $75 online at LowryParkZoo.com, $80 by phone 813-935-8552 ext. 276, or $85 at the door the night of the event. 

VIP/group packages are available in the “Rhino Club” with exclusive use of the beautiful Safari Lodge. Individual Rhino tickets start at $135 with group packages available.  Admission tickets are all-inclusive and the event is rain or shine. 

if you need more info, head over to www.lowryparkzoo.com!  And keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events! 
 

Hey gang!  Travis back with more great Tampa Bay area events, taking place in downtown Tampa!!!!  So, let's get to it:

Tonight, start your engines.  The 2010 Model Tampa Bay International Auto Show races to the Tampa Convention Center.  If you are in the market for a new car, this is a must do before you go to the dealership.

 
tomorrow, October 24th, the popular Student Dance Happening will take place inside and out at The University of Tampa Oct. 21-24 at 8 p.m. A crowd favorite at UT, the Dance Happening will begin at the David Falk Theatre. The opening portion of the free program will take place inside the Falk Theatre, and the remainder will take place on the Plant Hall East Verandah. 

UT graduate Susannah LeMarquand ’01 is the Dance Happening coordinator this year. She has worked on cruise ships and is now working at Busch Gardens while teaching as an adjunct instructor at UT.  Presented by the Department of Speech, Theatre, and Dance, the Student Dance Happening features popular music and the work of talented students from all sectors of the University community. Choreography features new work by 21 UT students and alumni. The UT Dance Team and the Black Student Union Dance Team also will perform. Dance styles will include hip hop, modern, tap, lyrical and jazz, with more than 80 students participating.  The UT Dance Happening offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this unique “traveling” dance performance. The event is free!!!

Also, the Lightning take on the Buffalo Sabres.  Game starts at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information about the Tampa Bay Lightning, visit their Web site at www.tampabaylightning.com.

Then, on Sunday, October 25th, Get ready for Halloween with friends: new, old, and dead. Historian/actor Maureen Patrick is the guide for an often shocking, frequently hilarious hour-long tour of Oaklawn Cemetery (founded 1850) where pioneer Tampa's well-to-do and ne’er-do-well lie side by side. The graveyard is the final resting place of pirates, slaves, Indian fighters, 13 City mayors, veterans of seven wars, and victims of five yellow fever epidemics. Elegant statuary, moss-hung oaks, and winding brick pathways give Oaklawn a Gothic feel, while tombstone epitaphs range from the genteel to the ridiculous. Patrick will appear in elaborate nineteenth century mourning attire, in the character of Miss Prudence Fipwhistle (born 1855, died 1899.) A $5 donation is requested at the end of the tour and benefits Tampa Historical Society, a not-for-profit organization.
 
On Monday, October 26th, Make your way to Café Dufrain to celebrate at Corkage Free Monday Nights.  Bring your own bottle of wine and the staff of Café Dufrain will uncork it for you.  Enjoy fine dining while taking in the water views from the outside patio.  Watch the skyline of downtown Tampa turn from day to night. Gaze at passing boats all while relaxing Monday night away.  

Finally, on Tuesday, October 27, we are saying Happy Birthday to Mr. Plant!  Henry Plant would be having his 190th birthday. The HB Plant Museum thinks that's cause to celebrate and they hope you will join them!  What is a birthday without balloons, cupcakes and punch? They await you on the veranda, from noon - 2:00pm. All day Museum admission is complimentary and visitors will be given a 10% discount in the Museum Store.  In 1891, Henry Plant opened the most astonishingly magnificent Hotel of its day and it is still relevant as an iconic symbol of Tampa. Take a break from your busy schedule on October 27th, enjoy a cupcake on the veranda overlooking downtown, and stop in the Museum for a Victorian step-back-in-time moment. Happy Birthday Henry Plant!

Now, how's that for some cool Tampa Bay area events??!!  Make sure you get out and experience as many as you can. 

we'll see you here next time as we continue to bring you great things to do in Tampa Bay! 
 

hey everyone!  Travis back with information about some great Tampa Bay entertainment.  Next weekend, Nov. 1, everyone needs to head out to Al Lopez Park for the annual Conga Caliente! 

this is an annual event promoting Hispanic diversity and culture in Tampa Bay. Oh, and by the way, they have an average attendance of somewhere around 40,000 people!!!!!

Past entertainment provided by national artists, such as, Marlon Fernandez, Anthony Cruz, Ommy Cardona and more.

Scheduled entertainment for this year's event includes: Tito Rojas, Maggie Carles, Rey Ruiz, Dayve Stewart, Raton y Chocolate and others. 

There'll be a Youth Area, typical Hispanic food, domino tournament and a full day of fun for the family.

In case I haven't mentioned it...it's FREE to attend, and parking is FREE too!  So, it's a free day with some awesome Tampa Bay entertainment. 

So, put it on the calendar and get ready to heat things up in Tampa Bay!  Head over to www.congacaliente.com to get more details, including photos and more. 

Keep checking back for more updates about this and other Tampa Bay area events, as well as great things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with a Tampa tourism update.  This is breaking news in from the county, so listen up! 

In today’s regular Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the motion carried 7-0 to rename the Tampa Bay History Center building the 'J. Thomas Touchton Tampa Bay History Center.'

The renaming of the building was brought forward by Commissioner Rose Ferlita to honor the dedication and drive Touchton demonstrated to make the new facility a reality. Touchton, the founding chairperson, spent 20 years actively raising both endowment and capital funds for the History Center project. 

Plus, the Touchtons are in the process of donating their historic map collection of more than 3,000 items to the History Center. These maps and charts represent some of the “Florida” map-makers visions that have been created over the past 400 years.

The Tampa Bay History Center is located at 801 Old Water Street in the Channelside District, and serves as the County's official repository for historic artifacts. With a total cost of $52 million, $17 million provided by the County, the History Center includes 25,000 square feet of exhibit areas, featuring 12,000 years of local history, interactive displays and multiple theaters, plus a gallery that features temporary exhibits.

In addition, a research library is staffed by the Hillsborough County Library system. The Columbia Restaurant operates the Columbia Cafe, complete with a replica of the original Columbia Restaurant bar in Ybor City, founded in 1905.

If you want to learn more about the Tampa Bay History Center, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

and there's your breaking news update!  Check back for more Tampa tourism updates, as well as information on great things to do in Tampa Bay! 
 

Travis here with some information about some great things to do in Tampa Bay!  The annual Oktoberfest will hit Tampa Bay this weekend, from Oct. 23-25! 

This is an awesome Tampa Bay event where you'll find authentic German food, German beer and a Munich style tent.

It takes place at Tampa Bay Downs (11225 Racetrcak Road in Tampa) the entire weekend, and it's $5 per person, children under 12 are free. (oh, and check the website for a $2 off coupon). Oh, and parking is free!

about 20,000 people attend this every year, so you know it's going to be a great time!  Hours are Friday 5pm to 11pm / Saturday 11am to 11pm / Sunday 12pm to 7 pm. 

This will be a bigger and better celebration than ever that brings the best of Old Bavaria and New Florida together for three full days of authentic German food, drink, music and dancing ... along with a spectacular carnival & midway, a great arts & crafts show, and the wildest array of audience participation contests that the Tampa Bay area has ever seen!

Trust me, there'll be something for everyone at this event.  head over to the official website by clicking here. 

And keep checking back for more updates about this and other Tampa Bay area events, and other great Tampa Bay entertainment.  
 

Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment that is good for the whole family.  You can join the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department for a sunset movie at Medard Park in Planty City. 

They are showing the famed Shrek next Sat. Oct. 24.  The movie starts at 7:15pm and the gates open at 5:15pm...so get there early.  Here are some Q&A for you -

WHERE CAN I PARK?  Enter Medard Park at Turkey Creek Road and you will be directed to the FREE parking area by an attendant. 

HOW WILL THE FILMS BE SHOWN?  they project the movies on a high-quality digital rear-projection system on a giant, inflatable 50-foot wide screen. Dual, synchronized digital projectors will produce an image that is luminous and crisp, and a powerful sound system will allow guests to enjoy the movie from almost anywhere in the park. 

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?  Way before the film begins.  You can arrive as early as 5:15pm for Shrek. Part of the fun will be arriving early to picnic, toss a Frisbee, people-watch and enjoy the early evening with your friends and neighbors.  Prior to the film, you might even see yourself on the big screen as snapshots of guests at the park are flashed upon the screen.   

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?  The Tampa area is known for the scattered showers that are prominent during the late afternoons. The dark sky can intimidate and it may look grim for an outdoor movie, but don't let that scare you away. We will show a movie in light rain. We will only stop the show for safety reasons if there are very strong winds or lightning in the vicinity. Otherwise...the show will go on!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?  Along with your friends and family, you might want to bring blankets, compact beach or lawn chairs, your own snacks, beverages, and rain gear if the weather is iffy.  If you like to toss nerf balls or Frisbees, bring them.  If you like to read, bring a book to read prior to sunset and the start of the movie. 

WHAT FOOD, BEVERAGES AND MERCHANDISE WILL BE AVAILABLE?  Tampa Theatre will provide all Sunset Cinema concessions and merchandise booths, featuring a traditional theater concessions stand offering popcorn ($2), candy ($3) soft drinks ($2) Gatorade, bottled water ($3), and juice boxes for the kids ($1).  Fun souvenirs like official Sunset Cinema Frisbees and picnic blankets will also be available.  Proceeds from concessions and merchandise sales help support Tampa Theatre’s year-round artistic and educational programming, and offset the cost of producing Sunset Cinema events.

CAN I BRING MY DOG(S)?  Well behaved pets are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash. Please clean up after your pets. We love our dogs just as much as you, but we will revisit our policy if pet owners are inconsiderate of others, or if the large crowds, darkness and abrupt loudness of the movies make pets disruptive to others.

HOW MUCH DO TICKETS COST?  Admission is FREE!

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?  e-mail gargoyles@tampatheatre.org – "our small but intrepid staff will answer e-mail questions within 24 hours (Monday through Friday)."

So, get the friends and family ready, and go have some fun.

we'll see you here next time for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events.
 

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some cool Tampa tourism news!  We are excited to help spread the word that the Westin Tampa Bay has been awarded the Four Diamond Rating from AAA!!!!!!

Here's the scoop -
Open less than six months, the Westin Tampa Bay, has been awarded the prestigious Four Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association (AAA) for 2009.  The Westin Tampa Bay is part of a select group of AAA Four Diamond Award winners throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Four Diamond hotels represent just 3.4 percent of the more than 58,000 AAA diamond rated lodgings and 2.8 percent of the nearly 27,000 AAA rated restaurants.  It is the only Westin to receive this award in the Tampa Bay region.

To be considered for a diamond rating, hotels must undergo a rigorous evaluation process, including an unannounced visit from one of AAA’s 65 full-time and highly trained professional evaluators. Once a property has been approved, AAA then assigns a diamond rating, from one to five diamonds, to each approved hotel depending on the level of service, décor, and amenities.

Now how cool is that...let's hear it for the Westin Tampa Bay...thanks for representing Tampa the way you do!  and for those of you who want to see and experience what the fuss is all about, you can make reservations and get more information at www.westin.com/tampabay. 

See everyone back here again later...and keep checking back for more information about great things to do in Tampa Bay, as well as other Tampa tourism info.
 

Hey everyone...Travis here with more, FREE, great things to do in Tampa Bay!  that's right, I said FREE! 

It starts with Pops in the Park! The Florida Orchestra will perform a free Pops in the Park Concert this Friday, October 16, at 7 p.m. at River Tower Park in the Sulphur Springs area of Tampa.

Attendees may bring their own picnic dinners to the concerts or purchase food from food vendors at the parks.  Attendees are invited to make canned food donations to Tampa Bay Harvest’s food bank services in the Tampa Bay Area.  For concert information, call 727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286, or visit www.floridaorchestra.org.

Next, there's a Fire Station Open House hosted by Tampa Fire Rescue and Neighborhood & Community Relations this Saturday, October 17 from 10 am to 1 pm at Station 10 in East Tampa. It's at 3108 North 34th Street. Lots of fun and great picture opportunity!  So, take the kids and get out there! 

We've saved one of the best for last (ok, they are all the best, but still).  this one's a little far off, but start planning now...Walk with the Mayor!  Mayor Pam Iorio invites you to participate for Walking with the Mayor - Keeping Tampa Fit on Saturday, November 7 at Rowlett Park (Shelter 218), located at 2501 River Hills Drive.

Mayor Iorio initiated Walking with the Mayor – Keeping Tampa Fit in 2005 and walks are held twice a year. The goal of the walks is to encourage citizens throughout Tampa to incorporate additional physical activity into their lifestyles for better health.

For more information, just contact the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department at (813) 274-8615. 

So, get out, have fun, and do it all for FREE!!!!!  See you back here soon for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other awesome Tampa Bay area events! 
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some great things to do in Tampa Bay.  Actually, we're talking about things to do in downtown Tampa over the next week...and believe me, there are a ton of great Tampa Bay area events! 

First, the Tampa Bay Lightning are back on the ice.  Here is their home schedule for the next weeks:

Thursday, October 22nd the Lightning take on San Jose Sharks.  Game starts at 7:30 p.m.  For tickets and more information about the Tampa Bay Lightning, visit their Web site at www.tampabaylightning.com.

Next, on Thursday, October 15th, the Tampa Bay History Center invites everyone to explore the exhibition called Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition.  This is a temporary exhibit that opened last month in the Tampa Bay History Center’s new third-floor, 2,000-square-foot gallery (it's running through December). Florida Cattle Ranching chronicles the history and culture of one of Florida’s oldest industries and features oral histories, Florida folk music, cowboy art and documentary footage.  Admission ranges from $7-$12. 

On Friday, October 16th, the Market days are hear again!  The Tampa Downtown Market kicks off its second season.  This year the Tampa Downtown Market will be bigger than before stretching up Franklin Street and going down Madison Street.  The Tampa Downtown Market opens at 10 a.m. and stays open until 2 p.m.  At the Market you will find fresh produce, unique hand made gifts and enjoy a great urban setting.

Then, on Saturday, October 17th, Runners take your mark…The Third Annual Spartan Challenge 5k starts at 8 a.m.  The Third Annual Spartan Challenge 5K will be held entirely on the University of Tampa campus.  The course will not be your typical 5K road race. It will include running through tires, jumping over hay bales (and maybe even a mud pit), as well as crawling under a cargo net.....all of this in and around UT's historic campus.  Sounds like a great deal of fun!

On Sunday, October 18th, relax and enjoy brunch by the water.  Café Dufrain, located at 707 Harbour Post Drive, is serving a delectable menu including mouth watering island inspired cuisine and tasty tropical beverages.  Music tops off the setting.  So, come as a couple or bring some friends to Cafe Dufrain and enjoy the urban setting.  
 
Next Monday, October 19th, The Kotler Art Gallery at the John F. Germany Public Library is presenting Coalition of Hispanic Artists - "Southern Exposure".  Coalition of Hispanic Artists (CHA) is a not for profit organization comprised of painters, sculptors, artisans, photographers, poets, and musicians, and was founded in April 2007 and incorporated in March 2008.  

On Wednesday, October 21st, The City of Tampa Mayor's Hispanic Heritage Committees' Annual Celebration is held at the Tampa Theatre starting at 11 a.m.  This event is in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The event is intended to showcase the many Hispanic contributions in Tampa. The Committee focuses on recognizing, appreciating and honoring City of Tampa's Hispanic employees while educating other ethnic groups on the Hispanic culture through cultural entertainment, food and motivational speakers.

The free event, open to the public, welcomes over 500 Tampa's citizens each year. Tedd Webb, 970 WFLA Radio personality, will emcee this year's Celebration and Mayor Pam Iorio will officially proclaim the day "Hispanic Heritage Day" in Tampa. The keynote address will be given by Patsy Feliciano, Interim Director, Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, University of South Florida. Featured entertainment includes the musical performances by Melanie Rose, a tribute to the late Maria Esther Carrillo, founder of TICH and dance performances. 

Also that day, help the Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Institute and the Downtown Tampa Attractions Association while enjoying a glass of wine.  From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at TinaTapas, located at 615 Channelside Drive inside Channelside Bay Plaza, Barefoot Wines will be flowing all in the name of support.  Each glass helps raise funds for these two worthwhile organizations.

On Tuesday, October 22nd, The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts hails the spirit of Woodstock in its first ever concert series with 60's-style music and ambience in its Flashback @ FMoPA Concert Series. Get in the groove during the after-work hours of 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursdays, October 22, 29 and November 5, 2009.  Admission is free for museum members and $5 for non-members. Danny Thro will be staging psychedelic light shows all three evenings.  Music will be provided by Ronny Elliot (Oct. 22); Rebekah Pulley (Oct. 29) and Steve Grant (Nov. 5).  Wine from Barefoot Wine and Bubbly and brownies and brie from Whole Foods Market will be available. 

Drawings will be held for prizes from Sam Ash Music Stores at every concert.  Purifica: Water At Its Best and Creative Loafing are sponsors of the series with WMNF 88.5 fm Radio as media sponsor.  The concert series is being held in conjunction with the museum‘s exhibition saluting the 40th anniversary of Woodstock,  “Burk Uzzle’s Woodstock and other Americana.”  It is open through November 7.  For more details, click here.

And there you have it...some very cool Tampa Bay area events to experience.  So, get out there and have some fun! 

See you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!