What's happening in Ybor City Tomorrow

Friday, November 6, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi all!  Travis here with the cool Tampa Bay area events taking place in Ybor City tomorrow, Nov. 7.  There some neat things to do in Tampa Bay, so listen up. 


Ybor Art Walk (at Various locations) - from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Ybor Art Walk, a monthly art event sponsored by Ybor Art Association, will take place in history Ybor City.


The Art Walk is a self-guided tour of over 20 participating artistic venues in Ybor City. This month, Square One Rocks! will kick off at 11:00am at the Ritz Ybor (www.ritzybor.com).


No street closures are planned and for more information and a brochure, visit www.YAAOnline.org


Kraftz for Kids (at 1923 East 7th Avenue) - it happens from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.  You can indulge yourself in some crafty creations!  


Jezabelles and Her Wandering Gypsies are hosting a FREE event each Saturday for the entire family.   For more information and a schedule, call  813 / 247-1923 or email jezabelle-gypsies@hotmail.com 


Ybor City Saturday Market at Centennial Park East Pavillion from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  If you are looking for fresh produce or a November shopping adventure, then this is the place for you. 


Visit the Ybor Market this Saturday in Centennial Park.  For more information, please contact Lynn Schultz at 813/241-2442 or visit www.ybormarket@yahoo.com.


and there you go...so get out and start exploring Tampa's historic Ybor City.  and keep checking back for other things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Discount at MOSI for Veterans Day!

Friday, November 6, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some great Tampa Bay entertainment ideas for you for Veterans Day! 


In celebration of Veteran’s Day, MOSI will be offering $5 admission to all active and retired military personnel, EMTs, firefighters and police officers. Admission includes MOSI exhibit galleries and one standard IMAX® Dome Theatre film. 


You must present Military Photo ID to receive offer and it cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.  Take advantage of the deal from Nov. 11-15!


I thought this was a great thing for MOSI to do to honor our Veteran's, so I wanted to be sure to share it with everyone. 


Stick around...we'll be back with other Tampa Bay area events, and other updates about cool Tampa Florida Attractions. 
 

New Restaurant Partners

Friday, November 6, 2009 by Partner Pulse
The month of October was a busy month in Partnership with 15 new partners - 4 of them are restaurants!  Who doesn't love to eat???  Check out these new restaurants and let them know Tampa Bay & Company recommended them:

Brio Tuscan Grille just opened up at International Plaza's Bay Street.  They have fabulous Italian cuisine and are open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.  Brio just opened their doors a couple weeks ago and they are ready to serve you! 

Bella's Italian Cafe in the SoHo district on S. Howard just joined as a partner of ours also.  Bella's has great pizzas, pasta & salads.  The asparagus soup is my favorite, but beware - it makes your pee-pee smell.  :) They have a cute little patio with outdoor seating, which is great this time of year.  

Kona Grill is also a new partner of ours and a brand new restaurant in Tampa.  They haven't even opened yet, but will soon.  Kona Grill is across the street from International Plaza by Roy's, Fleming's & Lee Roy Selmon's.  They serve American and Asian cuisine. Their menu makes my mouth water. Can't wait to eat there! 

Last, but not least is Chez Bryce - The Island Bistro on Davis Islands.  Chez Bryce offers lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch all prepared by Chef Bryce himself.  Bryce used to live in France and studied there so needless to say, the food is amazing as is the atmosphere.  They have a great outdoor courtyard with live entertainment on the weekends.  They also cater for parties and have a private dining room available.   

Stay tuned for more info on Tampa Bay Dining options and the Tampa Bay nightlife scene!

So Who's Coming to Zoofari With Me Tomorrow!

Friday, November 6, 2009 by Bay Bloggers
Alrighty then, a little more than 24 hours till we get to head out to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo tomorrow for the annual Zoofari festival, and Jerm can't wait! With the many Tampa Bay area events going on this weekend, this bad boy is gonna be up there with the best I assure you!

The 23rd annual Zoofari at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo will feature a variety of deliciously delectable food from more than 60 Bay Area restaurants!

One thing I do know is that I will do my best to sample food from all 60 vendors, which means that one of you may have to wheelbarrow me out of that place at some point.

There will be open bars, six bands throughout the Zoo featuring Sister Hazel on the main stage and a whole lot of other tastiness.

I would suggest you get there early, as the lines will be pretty crazy and the parking lot I can almost guarantee will overflowing, which is a good thing, because the more the merrier!

As usual I'll be tweeting live from the event and taking pictures when not stuffing my face, so hopefully I'll see you there! In the meantime stay tuned in for more things to do in Tampa Bay!

Sunset & Symphony this Weekend at Bok Tower Gardens!

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Bay Bloggers
This weekend, there are a ton of events going on, but few will be more spectacular than when the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra descend upon Bok Tower Gardens for Sunset & Symphony.

If you don't already happen to have your tickets, I suggest you hurry up and do so, as events over at Bok Tower Gardens tend to sell out quick, fast and in a hurry!

Now this year's theme will be, “Fanfare for Opera.” The Orchestra will perform “Candide” by Leonard Bernstein, “The Phantom of the Opera” by Andrew Lloyd Webber, “Carmen Suite” by Georges Bizet, “The Barber of Seville” by Gioacchino Rossini and other selections under the direction of Principal Pops Conductor Andrew Lane. Soprano Janette Zilioli will sing selections from “La Bohme” by Giacomo Puccini, “The Merry Widow” by Franz Lehar and “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess” by George Gershwin.

Wow that was a mouthful, but wait there's more! Event gates open at 3:30 p.m. For the kids, and the child at heart there will be an instrument Petting Zoo beginning at 4:30 p.m. Located on the Garden Activities Center lawn, you and your family/friends can try their hands at a variety of instruments with the help of the professional musicians of the Orlando Philharmonic.

pre-ordered boxed picnic selections are available from the Blue Palmetto Cafe for $8.50 and $10.50 plus tax and can be picked up November 7 until 5:45 p.m. Call 863-676-1355 for advance orders.

Chicken and yellow rice, hot dogs, snacks and beverages including beer and wine will be available for sale at the Hilltop Cafe from 3:30 to 8:00 p.m. The Gift Shop and Visitor Center will remain open until after the concert.

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, insect repellent and flashlights. Handicapped parking and shuttle service will be available.

Holy cow, that's a lot to take in, but its well worth it as this is going to be an amazing show! There is still time to purchase tickets so hop to it!

Until the next time, stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay area events and fun things to do in Tampa Bay!
 



2009 ACC Football Championship Update!

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Josh Jones
Josh Jones here, proud to say we are 1 month out from gameday of the 2009 ACC Football Championship!

With the Road To Tampa Bay countdown clock ticking away, we’re beginning to see the front-runners emerge! 

Will you be there?  Tickets are on sale for this year’s game, which returns to prime time national television, with an 8 p.m. (ET) kickoff on ESPN.

The 2009 Championship Game will be played on December 5 in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fla.

#10 Georgia Tech seems to be running away with the Coastal Division title as they have emerged past #17 Miami. Meanwhile Boston College, Clemson, and Florida State are keeping things interesting in the Atlantic Division.  With four weeks left, it’s still any team’s game! 












But time is running out! Purchase your tickets to this year’s Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship, one of the best values in all of college football by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com or clicking here!

For all other information about the 2009 ACC Football Championship, log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com!

Stay tuned for more updates on Tampa Bay area events and Tampa Bay Sports Commission updates!

It's an AOPA Tampa Summit Giveaway...

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Convention Sales
Greetings to all my AOPA peeps in town for the 2009 AOPA Aviation Summit which kicked off today at the Tampa Convention Center and Peter O. Knight Airport! Let me be the first to say that Tampa is grateful to have you guys here, and even more grateful to watch you spend your money in our community! Pardon me, that's just a little economic development humor!

We truly hope that today is the first day of what will be a Summit chock full of new experiences, events, education, and opportunities for all!

To make it just a bit more interesting, Jerm (That's me) is going to do one of his Twitter famous giveaways today especially for you! Yes I know what you are thinking... and yes it is very thoughtful of me and no other city has done this for you before, but hey, that's what we're about here in Tampa, creating memorable experiences for all of our attendees!

Now normally these giveaways are just trivia where I ask questions here on this blog and then ask for you to answer them on Twitter. But today I am in a creative mood, so we are gonna switch it up a bit, but first let me tell you what you are playing for!

I just happen to have some tickets with me to three of our awesome Tampa Florida attractions for the Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, and Big Cat Rescue, and I am in the giving mood! Three lucky AOPA attendees or even exhibitors will be the lucky recipients of my new found generosity (two tickets for each)!

All you have to do is be paying attention to the crowd's at either Peter O. Knight Airport, of the Convention Center for a strapping 6'0 guy wearing a black and white striped polo, khaki pants with an IPhone in his hand!

Once I get on sight, at either the airport or convention center, I'll tweet my location and the games will begin! To win, just run up to me (don't run actually), show me your attendee or exhibitor badge, and say "Tampa is Awesome" and you have your pick of the three prizes!  How sweet is that!

Its just that simple folks, so be on the lookout for me as I'll be there sometime between 1130 and 130 pm today! Okay, now stop reading this blog and pay attention to the session that your in and I will see you guys later!

p.s. be sure to be following us on Twitter at @VisitTampaBay.

Tampa Bay & Company Partner Extranet Features - Convention Calendar

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Partner Pulse
Whether you are a Tampa Florida Attraction, in charge of Tampa Bay Shopping, a Tampa Bar or putting on Concerts in Tampa...as a partner of Tampa Bay & Company access to several useful Tampa Bay Marketing tools is only a click away.  We hope these will help you reach out to those attending Tampa Bay Meetings at the Convention Center and elsewhere.

Tampa Bay & Company Sales Booking Reports are updated monthly and the Tampa Bay & Company Convention Calendar is also avaliable through this site.  There are two versions of the Tampa Bay & Company Convention Calendar:  the first is a pdf version where you can select the desired date range and you can see information for each convention sorted by the date of arrival. 

Another version of the convention calendar is in Microsoft Excel format.  This allows you to merge the Tampa Bay Meetings Lead Contact with your Tampa Bay Marketing material giving you direct access to those planners visitting Tampa Bay in the near future.

The Excel version of the Convention Calendar includes a field with the date the Tampa Bay Meeting became definite in Tampa Bay.  If you reach out to these contacts on a regular basis you can sort the document on the Date Booked field and only reach out to those contacts with Tampa Bay Meetings booked since you last sent out Tampa Bay Marketing material.

You will need your individual username and password to login to the Tampa Bay & Company Partner Extranet and access the Tampa Bay & Company Convention Calendar.  If you do not have a login contact Tampa Bay & Company Marketing Analyst Julie Zambos at jazambos@visittampabay.com or call 813-342-4068 or Tampa Bay & Company Partnership Sales Manager Lauren Bowles at lbowles@visittampabay.com or call 813-342-4085. 

See below for detailed instructions on other benefits available to you within the Tampa Bay & Company Partner Extranet:

Using the Tampa Bay & Company Website
We encourage you to explore our Web site, www.VisitTampaBay.com, and utilize all of the resources available to you through the Web site.

To access Tampa Bay & Company’s Partners Only section:
www.VisitTampaBay.com/Partners and click on “Partners Only”.
• Log in using your assigned username and password. If you have not received a username and password, please contact Tampa Bay & Company Marketing Analyst Julie Zambos at jazambos@visittampabay.com or call 813-342-4068 or Tampa Bay & Company Partnership Sales Manager Lauren Bowles at LBowles@VisitTampaBay.com or call (813)342‐4085.

To access the Tampa Bay & Company Meetings Convention Calendar:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website, www.VisitTampaBay.com/partners.
• Once logged in, a list of options appears on the main page as well as the left sidebar. Click on “Convention Calendar” to view upcoming Tampa Bay Community Events, Tampa Bay Conventions, Tampa Bay Meetings, etc.

To access and post events to the Tampa Bay & Company Calendar of Events:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website.
• Once logged in, you will see a link that says “Submit Events.” Click on this link and enter your event info and click “Save.”

To post coupons/special offers for Tampa Bay Area Visitors, Meeting Planners and/or Tampa Bay & Company Partners only:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website.
• Once logged in, you will see a link on the main page that says “Add/Edit/Remove Coupons.”
• To submit a new coupon, click on “add coupon” Enter your information and click “Save.”
• Your coupon will then appear as pending until our staff approves the coupon.
• To edit your coupon, click on the coupon title and click “Save.”

To view Tampa Bay Community Calendar of Events and Tampa Bay & Company Partner coupons:
• For visitor coupons, click “Visitors” and click on “Hot Deals” or “Calendar of Events.”
• For meeting planner coupons, click on “Meeting Planners” and click on “Meeting Planner Hot Deals.”
• For partner coupons, log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website and click on “Partner Coupons.”

To view tips from the Tampa Bay & Company Marketing team:
• Log in to the "Partners Only" section of our website.
• Once logged in click "Marketing Tools" to the left.
• Here you will access marketing tools, research and publications.

To view and/or update your profile:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website.
• Once logged in click on “View Profile.”
• Here you will be able to view your listings and contacts.
• ONLY the primary contact has access to update your account.

To retrieve various Tampa Bay & Company Sales Booking Reports, Action Plans and information about the Tampa Bay Convention and Tourism industry:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website.
• Once logged in, a list of options appears on the left sidebar.  Click on “Sales” for various options.

What's Happening at the Fairgrounds in November

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

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.
 

Tampa Bay Entertainment Alert!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with a Tampa Bay entertainment alert that you will want to hear. 


The Pay-Per-View Welterweight Championship LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV will be shown for FREE! 


Here's what you get for FREE: The 12 Rounds of the Welterweight Championship with Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto, plus 10 rds Middleweight Fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Troy Rowland, and 12 rds of the Super Welterweight Championship Daniel Santos vs. Yuri Foreman.


It all happens on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 9pm at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Whammy Bar, Center Bar, Lobby Bar and the Poker Room.


So...BE THERE!  And keep checking back for other Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

Lightning Action During November

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with two upcoming exciting Tampa Bay area events that you don’t wanna  miss!


The Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, November 25 at 7pm and the New York Rangers on Friday, November 27 at 7:30pm.


Fans will have the opportunity to watch all favorite athletes including Vincent Lecavlier, Martin St. Louis, Steven Stamkos, and Victor Hedman!


Lightning fans should look for regular announcements detailing the upcoming games and events. As always, you are encouraged to check out www.tampabaylightning.com to get more details about each game day for Official Game Notes, the latest stats, stories, game previews, line-ups and more.


Once again, come to support your team. The Deadline to order tickets is the day before the game days at noon or until the tickets are sold out. Don’t forget: “Together We Will”.  these are definitely the best St. Pete Times Forum tickets you can get. 


As always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Smokey Robinson Tribute on Ice

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

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!
 

Biker Bash Returns to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi everyone...Travis back with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment for you.  Get your engines revved up, because Biker Bash is returning to one of the premier Tampa Bay hotels, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. 


The poolside Bike Bash will be on Sunday, Nov. 15 from noon - 6p.m., featuring the popular 10-Class Bike Show & Contest, a poker walk, live entertainment, $10 bar-b-que, and $2.50 Miller Lite specials.


Registration for the bike contest will be from noon until 3 p.m. and limited to the first 75 motorcycles.  Trophies and prizes will be awarded in each of the 10 classifications.  Oh, and the emcee for the Biker Bash will be Radical Randy.


So, if you need more details, head over to www.seminolehardrock.com.  and as always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, other Tampa Bay area events and even info about great Tampa Florida attractions. 
 

Tampa Bay Events, Production Capabilities and Culture All in One Place

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Bay Bloggers
Looking for Tampa Bay Community Information?  One place to peruse is one of the Tampa Bay Radio Stations 89.7 WUSF.  Their broadcasts include All Things Considered, Florida Matters and University Beats with issues affecting anyone in Tampa Bay, Florida and surrounding areas.  Their website contains Tampa Bay News, happenings at Tampa Bay Attractions, Tampa Bay Meetings at the Convention Center Tampa and wonderful Florida Stories.

Why bother with Shopping in Tampa Bay this weekend?  Who wants to Golf Tampa Bay or spend all weekend at a Tampa Bay Area Beach when there are so many Tampa Bay cultural events to expand your mind all weekend!

For example the Dali Museum has a calendar listing for this Saturday.  Here is the information: Bring your kids to the Dalí Museum for breakfast! On November 7, enjoy a family-friendly, interactive tour through the galleries before it opens to the public, and then enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet as well as arts and crafts. This is one of the Museum’s most popular programs. To register and pre-pay, please call (727) 823-3767 ext. 3024 or email Bethany Mead, Education Coordinator: bmead@thedali.org

Event Category:Kids & Family
Price:General admission is $15 per parent, $10 per child, $20 all others.  
Dates and Times:November 7, 9:30AM
Add to my calendar

Venue:Salvador Dalí Museum  
Address:1000 Third Street South  
City:St. Petersburg State:FL Zip Code:33701-4901
Country:United States
Telephone:727-823-3767 
Email: info@salvadordalimuseum.org

IntellisMedia is a division of WUSF Public Broadcasting. Using Tampa Bay Radio Stations WUSF's wealth of experienced media, communications, engineering and production professionals and facilities, we provide customized communications, production and technology services to clients in the corporate, government, education and non-profit sectors.

It's Handbags and Happy Hour Time!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Ok, this is some pretty cool Tampa Bay entertainmet everyone.  Travis here to help you get through a tough day with some handbags and a happy hour! 


You can join Neiman Marcus for an accessory lovers' dream! A night full of handbags, shoes, makeup and accessories!


Neiman Marcus presents Handbags and Happy Hour, feturing a live auction of deisgner bags and accessories, a silent auction of "enchanting enhancements," and a raffle for beauty baskets from Neiman's featured cosmetic retailers.


Enjoy fine wines, martinis and hors d'oeuvres as well, with emcees from Studio 10, Holley Sinn and Jerome Ritchey.


Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. For additional information please call 813-288-2600 or email specialevents@suncoastwish.org.


So, if you're interested, get out there and get ready to do some Tampa Bay shopping. 


See you back here later for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events.
 

Richard's Run for Life

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

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!  
 

Secret Closeted Love of Musicals: My Own Wonderland

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Partner Pulse
Like many other closeted musical lovers...I rarely expose my wondrous joy at watching the Sound of Music for the fiftieth time.  But occasionally a musical comes along that strikes you so directly you are unable to squash that desire to scream its name from the roof tops!  The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center has produced just such a musical in Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure.

  Rarely does Tampa Bay Entertainment have the ability to produce such an uplifting musical performance.  There are no Concerts Tampa that would even come close to rival the outpouring of emotion from Wonderland.

If you had the ability to attend this year's Tampa Bay & Company Annual Luncheon then you, like me, experienced two of the songs from this upcoming musical.  It would take a Tampa Bay Evacuations for me to be anywhere but TBPAC's Ferguson Hall on December 5th.  Lucky for me...that is my birthday so everyone in Tampa Bay will know to throw in and get me tickets as my present!

Yes...I admit...I was that geek in high school who LOVED theatre and truly longed to be involved professionally with any Tampa Bay Production when I grew up.  Of course that was not to be but my love for the theatrical lives on and I attend as many Tampa Bay productions as I can.  My most recent favorite musical was Jekyll & Hyde.  Not only do I have the entire production of Jekyll & Hyde on disc but I have it memorized as well!  I cry every time I hear Someone Like You.

It makes perfect sense that I would be drawn to Wonderland because they both have the same composer, Frank Wildhorn.  All of Tampa, Florida will be drawn to hear the music of this man.  He moves me to tears and while yes...that is not too terribly difficult I can assure you that you will be moved as well.





If you, like me, are dying for more sneak peaks at Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure then come to the next Tampa Bay & Company Business By the Bay at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center on November 17th at 5:30 p.m. in Carol Morsani Hall.  I promise you won't be disappointed!

140 Years of Ringling Bros Circus in Tampa in January!

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with the ulitmate in Tampa Bay entertainment.  I bet many of you didn't know that Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus makes its World Debut each year in Tampa!!!!! 


That's right...each year there's a new show and the first people who get to see it are in Tampa Bay!  Well, it's getting to be that time of year again, and details are starting to come out, so listen up! 


Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is roaring into Tampa January 6-10 with Barnum’s FUNundrum, a celebration of P. T. Barnum so big, it is an event 200 years in the making!


From the moment guests arrive, the momentum explodes as The Greatest Show On Earth comes to life in a way that can only be inspired by the greatest showman who ever lived. 


Hop aboard and go on an unbelievable excursion that brings together performers and characters from exotic countries all over the world - even from places for which there are no geographic borders.


Thrill-seekers may pay for the entire seat, but will only need its edge as a rip-roaring motorcycle troupe braves fear and physics in the 16-foot Spherical Miracle. 


Height-seeking high-wire artists perform 40 feet in the air, all while at a 45 degree angle.  Masters of Musculature use their bodies in the ultimate test to see how far the human body can be pushed in a mind-blowing world of distortion and contortion. 


Just as the Ringling Bros. train keeps traveling from city to city, Barnum’s FUNundrum keeps the energy going as each extraordinary act blends thrills and contemporary spectacle to overdeliver a heart-racing experience that, until now, was beyond imagination! 


Beginning 90 minutes before show time, families can get up close with some of their favorite animal performers in the free Animal Open House.  And then, starting one hour before the show, guests can join on the arena floor for the All Access Pre-show, free to all ticket holders.


Here are the show times:
Wednesday, January 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, January 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 9 at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 10 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.


It's all at the St. Pete Times Forum in downtown Tampa.  Ticket Prices start at $15 and go up.  All seats are reserved, and tickets go on sale November 20 at 10:00 a.m. at any Ticketmaster outlet, the McDonald’s® Box Office at the St. Pete Times Forum, or by phone at 813-287-8844 in Hillsborough or 727-898-2100 in Pinellas. 


And there you have it.  But I'll be back with more info as the show gets closer, and maybe even some tickets giveaways! 


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

Jerm Goes to Zoo Boo with the Carjavals...

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Bay Bloggers
Jerm at ZooBoo with Princess Anahi!So this past weekend was Halloween of course, and normally my Halloweens are reserved for me siting on the couch and making every effort to not answer the door when trick or treaters come by. Yes I know that sounds awful, but I truly have never gotten into the whole trick or treat, dress up in a costume deal I guess. Yes I know what you are thinking... what a party pooper!

Well this year I decided to switch it up a bit and spend it with my friends the Carvajals and their two little girls at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo for the annual Zoo Boo event. 

We got there around 7pm Friday night and it was already packed with pint sized trick or treaters decked out in their scariest costumes. This year’s spook-tacular event featured 12 frightfully fun attractions. Little ones could walk into a world of dazzling lights and friendly Halloween scenes at Little Tyke Boo House, join Frankenstein and friends at his foam party, meet creepy crawling creatures and more.

We pretty much hit everything, and by the end of the night, those two little girls had me dragging tired and hungry! Luckily for us though, the fine folks from Domino's were outside offering up free pizza slices.

It's TinkerBell!This was really a cool event, as basically the entire park is decked out in Halloween garb, with some of the animals still on display. for the kiddies as well as the grown-ups to interact with. The girls got to touch the Manatees, see a baby version of Ivan the Blogging Owl.

We heard that there was a cool animal magic show back at the Safari Lodge, but didn't get a chance to make it back there...bummer, but it definitely gives us something to look forward to next year. If you have never been before, Zoo Boo is a must for any family, or boring friend of the family guy like myself!

That's all for now, stay tuned throughout the week as we will be giving you updates for one of our favorite Tampa Bay area events this weekend at the Annual ZooFari festival at Lowry Park Zoo as well! Come back and visit us soon as well for cool kid friendly things to do in Tampa Bay!

Dine, Drink and Dance at Zoofari! Ticket Giveaway!

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Partner Pulse
Known as one of Tampa Bay’s largest and “wildest” all-inclusive feeding frenzies in the Area, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo invites all of you food and music lovers to the 23rd annual Zoofari. The night event features all-you-can-eat food sampling from more than 60 local restaurants including but not limited to GrillSmith, Ceviche, The Melting Pot, Longhorn Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The NoHo Bistro and so many more!

Quench your savage thirst at the open bars located in each area throughout the Zoo. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge at the Sweet Safari Station with delectable treats from the Cheesecake Factory, Chantilly Cakes, Edible Arrangements and others.

This widely recognized event isn’t just about filling up your belly with delicious food; Dance the night away to live music from six different bands including the nationally known rock band Sister Hazel on the main stage. There’s just one week left until Zoofari and Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is giving you the chance to win tickets!

 Here are the rules:
  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.
Stay tuned for more updates on Tampa Bay area events and things to do in Tampa Bay!