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.
 

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!

Giveaway Alert - Wonderland tickets at the Performing Arts Center

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

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.
 

Rockin Out at the Seminole Hard Rock

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

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!
 

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!
 



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.
 

Spots Available for Raw Unity Power Lifting Championship

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi all...Travis back for some Tampa Bay entertainment news for all of you sports and lifting fans out there. 


You may have heard, but the Raw Unity Power Lifting Championship is coming to town, and if you haven't heard, just click here to read the previous post from the Tampa Bay Sports guys!


Well, they have 5 spots available in the female division, 6 spots available in the heavyweight division, 8 spots available in the bench only division and 8 spots available in the deadlift only division.


So, if you are interested and meet the lifting requirements, get signed up soon! 


If you are interested in competing at Raw Unity then please check out the qualifying totals to see if you qualify for the meet...just click here.  
 


If you have not qualified and would like to apply for a spot, then simply send a “lifter resume” to erictalmant@yahoo.com.  Please include videos or links to videos if you would like to improve your chances.


Also, if you aren't a "lifter" but you know some who may be interested, pass the word to any and all lifters that may be interested. 


The roster that has been assembled is arguably one of the best that the sport of powerlifting has seen in a long time. 


If you want to see the current roster,just click here

 

Oh, and you can also attend if you just want to see the action.  I will definitely be heading out to see this one! 


Until then, keep checking back for more great 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. 
 

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!  
 

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!
 

What's Happening in Ybor City...

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

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.
 

Tampa Bay Lightning get "Unplugged" next week

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment that is a must-see!  The Tampa Bay Lightning and its players will host their second “Lightning Unplugged” event of the season on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 6-8 p.m.


It all happens in Center Court at The Shops at Wiregrass located in Wesley Chapel.


For those who have not heard of these series, “Unplugged” is a new series of fan friendly events in the Tampa Bay community hosted by former Lightning player and 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Chris Dingman.


It offers fans a chance to meet the Lightning players and ask them questions in an open, casual, barrier-free environment.  This event will feature perennial NHL All-Star Martin St. Louis and new Lightning goaltender Antero Niittymaki joining Dingman at The Shops at Wiregrass. 


Also at the mall will be the Lightning Fan Interactive Truck, ThunderBug and the Lightning Girls. There will also be a merchandise tent, a ticket booth where fans can purchase tickets to upcoming Lightning games and Wiregrass’ holiday ice rink will be open to fans for skating.


Fans in attendance will also have the opportunity to enter to win great prizes. The entrance to the event will be on Piazza Ave. near GrillSmith New American Grill. Following “Unplugged” there will be a post-event party located at The Brass Tap (just south of Center Court on Piazza Ave.). The party will begin immediately following the event and will feature great drink specials (for those of us old enough to attend).


And there'll be more of these Tampa Bay area events, so Lightning fans should look for regular announcements detailing the future stops of “Unplugged” throughout the 2009-10 season. As always, you are encouraged to visit www.tampabaylightning.com to get more details about these happening. 

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

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!

Start your New Year with the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino!

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some AWESOME Tampa Bay entertainment that everyone need to be at!  Here's the info just in from the Seminole Hard Rock (one of the best Tampa Bay hotels out there)! 


Musician, singer, songwriter and actor Rick Springfield and his band will perform on Dec. 30 in a state-of-the-art event tent erected just for this concert at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.


Best known for his 1981 Grammy award-winning single, “Jessie’s Girl” on the classic album, Working Class Dog, and his role as Dr. Noah Drake on the daytime drama General Hospital, Springfield has amassed an impressive music collection of almost 20 albums over the years.


The still-handsome Australian-born rocker’s newest CD is a departure for him. Entitled My Precious Little One: Lullabies For A New Generation, it’s a collection of mellow songs he wrote in the 1980s for his boys, now 20 and 21.


His current band includes longtime bass player and collaborator on Venus In Overdrive, Matt Bissonette, keyboard player, Derek Hilland, guitarist George Bernhardt, and drummer Rodger Carter.


Tickets are $55 for reserved seating; $40 general admission, available at the Hard Rock Store and all Ticketmaster outlets starting Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. (you must be 18 years and older.) Doors open at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m. Parking, as always, is FREE.


So, I hope to see you all out there!  Until then, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

Lots of Tampa Fun for AOPA!

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Convention Sales
Hello everyone!  Well, it’s another beautiful day in Tampa Bay!  Especially if you’re down here for the AOPA Aviation Summit and you call a cold weather city your home.  But the weather isn’t the only thing you’ll enjoy while visiting our fair town.  In between all the great conference events I’m sure you’ll be checking out, there are a lot of local haunts to explore as well.   Tampa’s got something for everyone! 

Are you into fine dining?  Hop on the streetcar in front the Tampa Convention Center, take a leisurely 20 minute ride to Ybor City and check out one of our favorite local landmarks, The Columbia Restaurant!  Besides having Spanish food that would make my Abuelita proud, it has the distinction of being the largest Spanish restaurant in the world!  Pick up an authentic sangria pitcher at the gift shop on your way out.

If you enjoy exploring local history, the Tampa Bay History Center, located just a couple blocks from the Tampa Convention  on The Riverwalk near Channelside, is the place for you. The History Center highlights our colorful past including Tampa’s cigar factory era.  With interactive exhibits and fun activities, the History Center is perfect for fledgling historians of any age. 

Raise your hand if you love to shop (I would raise both of mine, but I’m typing)!! Well, then you’ll love the world class Tampa Bay shopping opportunities you can find at the International Plaza.  With department stores like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom as well as shops like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany’s, International Plaza is a place where world class shopping meets upscale dining and nightlife. 

I could keep going about my great town, but other duties call.  Have fun exploring Tampa while you’re here!  And if you don’t get to do everything you wanted to, then come back just for fun another time! Ciao for now!

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!