Tampa Bay Tours

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.
 

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. 
 

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 great Tampa Bay entertainment news!  This time, we are heading out to St. Petersburg for the 21st Annual Northeast Exchange Club Ribfest. 

It's Nov. 13-15.  This Ribfest marks its 21ST year of helping a variety of youth-oriented causes “one rib at a time”. 

This three-day charity fundraiser features the best barbeque ribs in the World, plus national touring artists playing classic and southern rock and country hits.

You can also catch Hell on Wheels, the nation’s leading BMX action stunt show, along with a Classic and Custom Car Show.  Tickets are on sale, so hurry up.  Just make your way to www.ribfest.org to get the full scoop (and slab of ribs)!

And they'll have plenty of napkins, so don't worry.  I hope everyone enjoys, and keep checking back for more great Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some cool Tampa tourism information.  We dont' usually post information like this, but because these are such important people to what we do at Tampa Bay & Company, we had to tell everyone! 

We honored our Volunteer of the Year yesterday at the 13th Annual Tampa Bay & Company Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, which was held at The Florida Aquarium.  This year, volunteer Loretta Cunningham was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award. 

Quotes from the VIC Manager:
Visitor Information Center Manager Natalie Bryant stated during the luncheon that this year’s winner has an excellent knowledge of the area and always offers valuable suggestions so visitors get the best experience possible during their time in the Tampa Bay area.  “Loretta has all the qualities you seek in a volunteer, and it is in her very core and personal makeup to think how they can offer help to others.”

“She goes above and beyond the monthly hours requested of Tampa Bay & Company volunteers and participates in the Visitor Information Center on a weekly basis,” said Bryant.  “However, it is not the quantity of hours that makes our winner so special but the quality of service provided each and every time she participates.”

So, congrats Loretta and thank you for everything you do.

Ok, now that taht's done, we can go back to talking about Tampa Bay entertainment.  So, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay. 
 

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.  This is just a quick post, but when I heard about this Tampa Bay entertainment news, I had to share! 

We all remember the book from when we were younger (especially if you are from my generation, which will remain a mystery), but now we get to see the movie, and we get to see it on IMAX. 

The highly anticipated move, Where the Wild Things Are, is coming to MOSI on Nov. 7!!!  I'll wait for everyone to calm down. 

I'm not sure how long it's running, but it doesn't matter, because it's there long enough for everyone to go see it!!!! 

So, head over to www.MOSI.org to get more details about tickets and this and other shows!  You can bet you'll see me there! 

See you next time as we continue to bring you great things to do in Tampa Bay, as well as tips for what to do, where to stay and so much more! 
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some Tampa tourism news.  Plus, it's some really cool Tampa Bay entertainment. 

The Sixteenth Annual ExTRAVELganza, the Bay Area's Premier Vacation & Sports Auction
Featuring the New Tours of Taste, take places on Friday, Nov. 13 from 7-10pm. 

It's happening at the at the spectacular newly opened Mainsail Conference Center!  As far as Tampa Bay hotels go, this one is amazing! 

There is no other fundraising event in the Bay Area quite as extraordinary as ExTRAVELganza, which provides the opportunity to purchase dream travel packages while raising scholarship dollars for hospitality and/or culinary arts students.

And, attendees will be delighted with a spectacular inaugural event - a Titanium Chef Competition with celebrity judge. Seats will be limited for this event.

So, make sure you log on to www.extravelganza.org to get more information about attending...also, they are looking for items for the auction.  So, if you have something you'd like to donate, you can do that as well...just check the site for details. 

See you there.  And keep checking back for more updates about Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay! 
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment news!  In case you haven't heard, MOSI has an awesome new exhibit that hit the floor recently.  It's Mindbender Mansion!

Guests will be required to think outside the box when they enter this new exhibit!  Now, usually I attend these things before I write about them, but from what I heard, I don't need to be there to know this is going to be cool. 

Don't worry, it runs through January 3, so you have some time to plan your trip. 

Visitors must use logical reasoning, mathematics and physical science in order to solve puzzles within the mansion that yield clues needed to unlock the Wall of Fame Vault, which determines if they can join the Mindbender Society.

Each room includes animated videos of real-life inventors and problem solvers. Mindbender Mansion includes 40 individual brainteasers as well as five group activities.

the cost is $23.95 for adults, $21.95 for seniors, and $19.95 for children. Oh, and MOSI members are $3 each.

Just head over to www.MOSI.org to get more details!  And keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events. 

 

Hey gang...Travis back with some REALLY cool Tampa Bay entertainment news!  This just in from TBO.com...The Broadway hit "In the Heights" has won a slew of awards for chasing down and delivering the American dream to theatergoers.

Now fresh from Broadway, the show's national tour begins Tuesday in Tampa at the Performing Arts Center.

The title refers to New York's Washington Heights neighborhood, a barrio teeming with family-owned businesses built by Hispanic immigrants and their children. Central to the story are the owners of a taxi service, who struggled to put their daughter through college — the first in her family to go. Another family owns a beauty salon and a third runs a bodega. Everyone aspires to something better, and they all know it's possible in America.

The multigenerational story is relevant to both Miranda, who grew up in Washington Heights, and to author/playwright Hudes, whose Puerto Rican parents settled in Philadelphia. Miranda wrote a first draft of "Heights" in 1999 during his sophomore year at Wesleyan University. He based the characters and storyline on personal experiences and observations.

Through the next several years, the work developed into a series of successful stagings. Eventually, Miranda and Hudes met and collaborated to fine-tune the production that reached off-Broadway and then Broadway in 2008. While he focused on the music and lyrics, Hudes fleshed out the story and dialogue.

Here are the vitals for 'In the Heights': 

WHEN: Tuesday through Nov. 1; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Morsani Hall, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa

HOW MUCH: $38.50 to $72.50; just call (813) 229-7827 or visit www.tbpac.org.

If you want to read more of this story, including quotes from the cast and writer, click here!

And as always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events!
 

Hey everyone!  Travis back with more Tampa Bay area events!  This Sunday, November 1, the Museum of Science & Industry will be offering free admission to all visitors in celebration of the Week of the Family Kick-Off Event.

Doors open at 9 a.m. and the kick-off ceremony starts at 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy MOSI, plus live music by Tracy Williams, Belinda Womack, Morrison Avenue and others, celebrity appearances, family workshops, and much more.

Week of the Family Tampa Bay takes place November 1 – 8, 2009. The mission of Week of the Family is to strengthen family relationships through education, healthy activities, fitness, faith and community service.

The Week of the Family Tampa Bay will host events throughout the Bay area, for more information visit www.weekofthefamilytampabay.org.  There are some restrictions, so log on to take a look.

But, this will be one cool Tampa Bay area events to make it out to. 

Check back again, as we'll be brining you more great things to do in Tampa Bay, as well as what to do, where to stay, and other Tampa Bay events. 
 

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some cool news straight from our partners over at the History Center! 

Painter, fight doctor, author and Tampa native Ferdie Pacheco will be at the Tampa Bay History Center on Friday, November 6th for a reception celebrating the selection of his Mahatma Gandhi portrait by the United Nations Postal Administration for inclusion on a new stamp.

The UNPA released the stamp designed by Pacheco on October 3rd, which is not only the International Day of Non-Violence, but also Gandhi’s 140th birthday!  Cool right??!!

The stamp and various other works will be on display in the Tampa Bay History Center’s Museum Store and the Lykes Atrium during the day.

An artist's reception for the stamp unveiling will begin at 5:30 pm.  Light refreshments will be served at the reception.

Now...here's some exciting news.  The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

And like always, just keep checking back for more great Tampa Bay entertainment news, and updates on other great things to do in Tampa Bay. 
 

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 here with some Tampa Bay entertainment news you've all been waiting for.  Ok, ok, ok...you may not have all been waiting for it, but it's still great news. 

It's not everyday you get a chance to trick or treat with over 150 life size dinosaurs. But you can on Halloween at Dinosaur World.

Children in costume between the ages ages of 3 to 12 will receive free admission to Dinosaur World on Halloween Day. Halloween treats will also be given to all children who visit. This free admission is valid at all three locations.

For safety purposes, children must be accompanied by an adult (no kidding, right?!). This discount is valid only during business hours and is not part of any evening activities.

Free children admission covers all exhibits including the Dinosaur Walk, Fossil Dig, Prehistoric Museum, Boneyard, Movie Cave, Mammoth Garden, Skeleton Garden, Deinonychus Island, Carnivore Boardwalk and other location specific activities.

so, whether you're a kid or not, get out there and explore. 

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

Hey everyone!  Travis here with an update about some Tampa Bay entertainment that's good for the whole family.  We are talking about MOSI's Hall-O-Boo!

MOSI’s annual not-so-scary, yet fun Halloween event will feature activities for the whole family including: trick or treats, tattoos, face painting, Mad Scientist shows and Interactions, Costume Contests, Dance-offs, Prizes, and admission to MOSI’s Spook-tacular Exhibit Galleries, Kids In Charge!, and Special Exhibition Mindbender Mansion.

It's starts on Oct. 22 and runs through Oct. 24, so make sure you make your plans to be there now...your kids will love you for it.  If you need more info, head over to www.MOSI.org...but make sure you're out there.

and keep checking back for more Tampa Bay area events to participate in during Halloween, along with other great things to do in Tampa Bay!