Tampa Bay Weather

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 news!  It's been a while since we've done a giveaway, so we are going to try this again. 

Hopefully you have all heard about the brand new production at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Wonderland, Alice's New Musical Adventure.  if you haven't heard, just check out the previous blog by clicking here. 

Well, we have two tickets to give away for the performance on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 at the Performing Arts Center. 

These will be Facebook giveaways, so don't forget that you have to be a fan of the Visit Tampa Bay Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/visittampabay). 

We'll be doing the giveaway on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 10am, so make sure you are there and ready to answer a trivia question. 

The first 10 correct repsonses have a chance at the tickets.  so, we'll see you then! 

And keep checking back for more updates about cool Tampa Bay entertainment options and other things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Hey everyone.  Travis back with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment that'll have you rocking at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. 

Three exceptional musical stand-up comedians: Michael Mack, Ron Feingold and Kier showcase an evening of music and stand-up comedy along with a closing jam session that has to be seen to be believed!

All three comedians have been heard on the nationally syndicated radio program Bob and Tom and they have also been seen on national television such as Comedy Central and ABC's America's Funniest People.

It all happens on Monday, November 9...Doors open at 7pm, with the show at 8pm.  It's at Floyd’s at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and tickets are $20...you can get them through Ticketmaster or at the door & Hard Rock Shop.

have fun rockin out with those guys!  We'll see you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

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!
 

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. 
 

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.
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay area events...well, really events taking place in historic Ybor City. 

Ybor City's special event season has officially begun and November's theme is "Celebrating Cigar Heritage".  That means, some awesome Tampa Bay entertainment for all of you. 

For a calendar of this month's special events, just click here. 

If you happen to be in Ybor City, the Ybor City Ambassadors will be distributing these calendars to merchants this week. 

If you want more information about other special events, just visit www.YborOnline.com. 

Enjoy...I love Ybor City, so make sure you get out there and have some fun.  And keep checking back for other things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Travis here with more Tampa Bay area events and awesome things to do in Tampa Bay!  We just told you about one event happening tomorrow (Halloween) that you should make it out to, even though it's not a Halloween event! 

This is the Champions Trophy Vallamkali (Dragon Boat Race), and it's from 9AM to 5PM (Races begin @ 11:30AM) at Veterans Memorial Park (at 3602 N US Highway 301 in Tampa). 

The 2nd annual Champions Trophy Vallamkali is an attempt to replicate the traditional snake boat race in Kerala, India and is an event that caters to the Asian Indian population all over Florida and the neighboring states.

The race is performed in a Dragon Boat, which holds a crew of 20 paddlers paced by a drummer at the bow and guided by a steersperson at the stern. Combining power and rhythm, the 20 paddlers must work together to achieve maximum speed.

for those of you who have seen these types of races before, then you know how cool they are.  And for those of you who haven't, make sure you head out to take a look...you won't regret it. 

It's a free event, but parking is $5.  Visit www.championstrophytampa.com to get more details. 

And keep checking back here...we'll be bringing you tons more Tampa Bay area events. 
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment for everyone!  This Sat., Oct. 31 (that's right, Halloween), the Raggae Jerm Jam hits Tampa Bay. 

It all happens from 2-9pm at the Bayanihan Arts And Events Center (at 14301 Nine Eagles Drive in Tampa). 

About the show:
The Reggae Jerk Jam is truly a wholesome family event that brings all the authentic tastes and sounds of the Caribbean directly to you. Share the music, love and the laughter of what makes the Caribbean unique and let it lead you all the way to your heart and soul.

Tickets are $10, but children 12 and under free!  Just head over to www.reggaejerkjam.com to get more details.  But, no matter what, make sure you plan on heading out to cool festival. 

Be back later with more cool 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 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 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!