Interactive Experience

Hello there all! Jerm here to tell you about an oldie but a goodie, over in the Rocky Point area at Aqua Bar & Grille located in the Westin Tampa Bay.

AQUA Bar & Grille's fresh colors reflect the vibrancy of the cool ocean waters for a super relaxing atmosphere. If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, I say give it a shot, and you have plenty to choose from as they offer, breakfast, lunch, dinner , Sunday brunch, and even a bites menu! I can fully attest to how awesome the lunch menu is, as I was there today for lunch and took a stab at the skirt steak, and believe me when I tell you it was delicious!

Fulfill your every culinary craving at AQUA Bar & Grille, waterfront restaurant with global seafood flown in daily! It doesn't get much more fresh than that! AQUA Bar & Grille is designed to entertain your every sense, highlighted by a water-encased walk-in wine cellar and a state-of-the-art open kitchen, where our professionally trained chefs prepare sumptuous meals inspired by ingredients from around the globe.

One of my favorite things to do here is go out for one of the happy hour events on the weekend or after work! They are even pet friendly so you can bring Rover along with during Yappy Hours! Here are just some of the regular scheduled events going on at Aqua:

• Play by the Bay! Fridays and Saturdays - from 7 to 10 pm. Enjoy live entertainment on the patio.
• Yappy Hour! the third Saturday of each month, bring your furry friends  for happy hour, wine tastings and musical performance from 4 to 7 pm
• Happy Hour: Everyday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Enjoy special drink prices: $2.75 domestic long neck, $2 house wine, $3 well liquor

Well that's enough of me telling you how awesome this place is, I guess you need to go out and experience it for yourself!

Hello there folks! Jerm here with an update for you on a recent visit we took to visit our friends over at the Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport!

This was my first visit and I was really looking forward to it, as I have always heard great things about Courtyard properties so I knew I was in for a treat. Believe me when I say, that the Courtyard hotel offers the perfect location, close to area attractions and just three miles from the airport.

When you talk about state of the art, it all starts with the lobby at this place. Never seen such cool items that enhance the guest experience quite like this!

The state-of-the-art lobby features a new, more personal arrival experience that is sure to delight even the most traveled road warrior. Some of the highlights include:

• GoBoard® - The signature GoBoard®, an interactive, touch screen informational display panel, located in the lobby, allows you to access driving directions, view local weather, find a local restaurant, and catch up on all the latest news. Did I mention its all TOUCHSCREEN! How awesome is that exactly.
• Business Library - Get connected with free high-speed Internet access, as well as complimentary printing services.
• Media Pods - For more privacy, guests can work or relax in one of the comfortable media pods, featuring free wireless high-speed Internet access, power outlets for cell phone chargers and laptops, and a flat-screen TV with personal remote control.
• Theater Lounge - At the end of the day, enjoy a little time outside the room by relaxing in our Theater Lounge. This area is perfect for watching that all-important sporting event and more.

Enough talk about technology, lets talk about where you will spend most of your time... the room! Whether you like King Bedrooms, Double Bed Guest rooms, or Suites, these guys got you taken care of for when you are ready to get to the room and relax from a long day of travel, or long day of exploring Tampa Bay!

The spacious suite guest rooms feature separate living rooms and additional amenities including a TV in each room, microwave, mini-refrigerator and dry bar. I laid down on one of the beds, and was almost asleep five minutes later, so when you think comfortable beds, think Courtyard!

Each room is also equipped with complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access also, while sticking to that technology theme.

If you are looking to unwind and get away from technology for a second, the patio and outdoor space enables guests to unwind in cozy comfort, enjoy the outdoors, retreat from the hustle and bustle and even be inspired to work outdoors. On a beautiful day like today, there is no place I'd rather be.

If you are in the need to put food in your belly, they got you covered as well! The Bistro provides high quality, freshly prepared meals and beverages in a quick serve café environment. Breakfast features Starbucks coffee and a wide selection of pastries, egg sandwiches, and healthy fruit and yogurt parfaits. In the evening, The Bistro offers fresh hot sandwiches, entrée salads, soups and a selection of craft beers and quality wines.

All in all, its a pretty sweet option if you are looking for a great place to lay your head, while enjoying tons of awesome amenities. For more info, be sure to check out their website and get to booking!

Be sure to check it out on your travels and stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hey Tampa! Kristin here to tell you about the exquisite cuisine being served up at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood! Located in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Come out and experience the fine dining ambiance of Council Oak, named after the ancestral oak tree where the Seminole leaders would meet to discuss tribe affairs. 

Council Oak specializes in the finest USDA steaks and seafood, all of the top end meat coming from their very own butcher shop and seafood from local waters. Maine Lobster is also a signature feature.

In addition to the extensive menu offered, there are over 300 wines to choose from the intimate wine bar. This local gem has been rated highly by Zagat, as well as one of the “2011 Hot 10 Tampa Bay Restaurants” by Gayot, The Guide to the Good Life. The restaurant has also been awarded the Award of Excellence by the Wine Spectator Magazine.

Check out this sneak peak of some their signature dishes on the menu!

Appetizers:

• Steak Tartare made from chopped USDA prime beef with traditional seasoning ($12.50)
• Sea Scallops seared and topped with lemon and pomegranate ($14)
• Stuffed Clams ($10.50)

Main dishes:

• Dry Aged Lamb Chops ($50), Filet Mignon ($39)
• Grilled Free Range Chicken ($25)

Dessert:

• Crème Brulee with fresh berries marinated in Grand Mariner
• Council Oak 151 Volcano is made up of vanilla ice cream covered with Heath Bar Crunch flambéed tableside with a shot of 151 Rum

All new cocktails:

• Martinis feature a choice of nine differently-stuffed olives (examples: Chipotle pepper, Feta cheese and rosemary)

Come out to Council Oak, and enjoy this fine dining experience! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay dining and foodie related updates!

Hey folks! Jerm here with an update on the Tampa Bay Sports scene!

The Tampa Bay Rowdies host the Carolina RailHawks tomorrow night, Wednesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg.

It is Rowdies Retro Night and tickets are available at the 1975 inaugural Rowdies price of $7.50 in General Admission or Lower Goal Reserved seating. To receive this special offer fans must contact the front office at 813-287-1539 or email at tickets@rowdiessoccer.com. Discounted tickets for the match will only be available until 12 noon on the day of game.

Fans can also buy tickets for Wednesday night's match and all Rowdies home games by emailing tickets@rowdiessoccer.com or calling 813-287-1539.

Tickets will be available at the box office at Al Lang Stadium beginning at 4:30 p.m. on gameday as well.

All Rowdies matches are broadcast live online at www.RowdiesSoccer.com. That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

Hey Tampa, Kristin here to tell you about Flemings new “Pick a Pair!”Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will be introducing an array of small plates with a selection of wines fitting to the cuisine of your choice.

You pick one small plate and one oversized wine pour from Fleming’s 100 selection, you can’t go wrong with any of the choices they will be offering. Check out the list below!

Sliced Filet Mignon                                   Merlot Penley Gryphon, Australia

Shrimp Scampi Skewers                         Albarino Paco & Lola, Spain

Petite Lamb Chops                                    Red Blend Cline Cashmere, California

Seared Ahi Tuna                                        Pinot Noir A to Z Wineworks, Oregon

New Bedford Scallops                              Sauvignon Blanc Cakebread, Napa Valley

Filet Mignon Skewers                               Cabernet B.R. Cohn Silver, Napa Valley

Lobster Tempura                                       Chardonnay Silverado, Napa Valley

The special pairing will be available April 11 through May 10, 2012. Stop by and enjoy the perfect pair and stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay dining updates!              

Hey Tampa! Kristin here to tell you about Seasons 52 new Spring menu! Check out the highly acclaimed fresh grill and wine bar restaurant, known for keeping your healthy eating patterns in check! The menu at Seasons 52 is based off the idea of the Farmer’s Market 52 weeks a year, and the freshness it has to offer.

The menu has a wide array of new items that you must check out! The artichoke and goat cheese flat bread, with leaf spinach, balsamic onion and roasted peppers. Artichoke- Stuffed Artichoke Leaves, with organic arugula, parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze.

Lamb T-bone chops with asparagus, truffle mashed potatoes and red wine glaze. Tiger Shrimp Penne Pasta, with spring asparagus and oyster mushrooms in a light lemon- basil sauce.

Two new cocktails will be featured on the new spring menu as well. The Strawberry Kir Royal, fresh strawberry- infused prairie organic vodka, organic agave nectar and zardetto prosecco.  The Strawberry Basil Infusion, fresh strawberry- infused prairie organic vodka, fresh basil, and organic agave nectar.
The new menu is featuring must- try wines for the season.

Some of the selections include the following; Aveleda Vinho Verde-Protugal, Lico Indica Rose- Mendocino, Zardetto Prosecco- Treviso NV, and Botani Moscatel- Sierras de Malaga. I’m sure that you will be able to find a wine fitting to your palette!

Seasons 52 guarantees you the freshest high quality meal possible, with menu changes four times a year fitting to the change in season. Nothing on the menu is more than 457 calories! This is the perfect experience for the healthy lifestyle most are looking to attain.
For more information visit seasons52.com, and stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay dining udates!

Hello there College Hockey Fans! Jerm here with an update for you on all things College Hockey Rewards, and the NCAA Frozen Four Hockey Championships at the Tampa Bay Times Forum!

College Hockey fans are about as passionate a bunch you can get, so its been awesome to see all the conversations happening on Twitter, and see how excited fans from each school are! The teams will be here today, so be sure to check the schedule out to see where your team and fan headquarters are going to be!

So if you haven't already logged in and started earning points, I suggest you do so, as there are some pretty cool commemorative badges as well as prizes you can win for earning points and getting to certain levels.

So many of you have already earned rewards like lapel pins, hockey pucks, t-shirts and even the grand prize drawing for a Frozen Four Hockey Jersey!

Here are the point totals for what you can, but for how to win these cool items, be sure to log on to CollegeHockeyRewards.com for ways to earn badges and prizes!
 

• 2,500 points: Frozen Four 2012 Lapel Pin
• 5,000 points: Frozen Four 2012 Souvenir Puck
• 10,000 points: Frozen Four 2012 T-Shirt
• 15,000 points: Chance to win one of two commemorative Frozen Four 2012 jerseys, customized with the winner's name and signed by Frozen Four alum Marty St. Louis

What are you waiting for! Get out there and start earning points. You'll be able to redeem your prizes starting at the Tampa Bay Times Forum West Plaza on Thursday, April 5th between 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., or on Saturday, April 7th between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Frozen Fest to claim your rewards!

Be there or be square as we will not be mailing the items! Hope to see you all out there and be sure to keep playing away and sharing!

Hello there College Hockey Fans! Well the week you have all been waiting for, for some time now is finally upon us!

This Thursday afternoon Union and Ferris State will drop the puck at the Tampa Bay Times Forum at 4:30 p.m. Later that evening the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers will do battle with the Boston College Eagles at 8 p.m.

For those of you fans that have not arrived yet, be sure to follow along with the conversation on Twitter by following any of the below accounts as well as following the #FrozenFour! We'll also be updating the conversation on Facebook as well so find us there also!

Twitter

VisitTampaBay

TBLightning

NCAAIceHockey

Facebook

NCAA Men's Hockey

Visit Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay Lightning

Now in addition to all of this great access, we wanted to let you know some more ways to earn points towards prizes on College Hockey Rewards! If you haven't heard College Hockey Rewards is a slick social media platform that lets you passionate College Hockey Fans earn rewards for showing your support for your teams and checking in at places!

If you haven't signed up just yet, please hurry up and do so to start earning rewards now! Use Foursquare to check in to Tampa International airport to get points, as well as checking into the Tampa Bay Times Forum!

Hey there college hockey fans!

The Hobey Baker Award is the most prestigious award in all of men’s college ice hockey, honoring the top player in college hockey.

This year’s Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced Friday, April 6, 2012 from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL during the NCAA Frozen Four.  The 32nd annual announcement will be aired live on the NHL Network at 6:00 p.m., ET, and at the Hobey website, www.hobeybakeraward.com.

The three finalists are the following listed below Spencer Abbott, Jack Connolly, and Austin Smith. The criteria in order to qualify for this award is more than just being a force on the ice, but having a dominant presence in the community.

Candidates must contribute to the integrity of the team and display outstanding skills in all aspects of the game. Consideration of a candidate should be given for both scholastic achievement and sportsmanship.

All candidates must comply with all NCAA rules, be at an accredited college or university, and complete 50% or more of the season.  

Spencer Abbott
Abbott, a senior forward from The University of Maine, the once recruited walk- on four years ago, will take his skills to the next level with the Toronto Maple Leafs, signing a one year contract four days after his team was eliminated from the NCAA tournament. He will be playing for the Leafs farm club, the Toronto Marlies. Abbott a 5’10 175 lb. forward, known for his speed has led the NCAA in scoring with 21 goals, and 41 assists. He was named Hockey East Player of the Year, Hockey East Player of the Month in December and February, Player of the Week three times, and Hockey East First All Star Team. Abbott fulfilled his degree as a Family Relations major and has been on the Dean’s List three times. Off the ice Abbott is active in the community helping with Special Olympics, and assisting at youth hockey clinics.

Jack Connolly
University of Minnesota Duluth 5’8, 155 Ib. senior forward Jack Connolly finished second in the NCAA to help Duluth lead as the second highest scoring team in the nation this past season. Known for great foot speed, and his vision on the ice, he set the school record playing in 166 games, not missing one during his four seasons, finishing eighth in program career scoring with 66 goals and 131 assists. Connolly led UMD to its first ever NCAA Men’s Championship in 2011. He is a two time All- American, first three time first team WCHA- Selection in school history, and repeat Hobey top ten finalist. The hometown native from Duluth is very involved in the community with the Boys & Girls Clubs, visiting Duluth hospitals, adopt a highway and working with various cancer fund-raisers. He’s a Communications major with a 3.3 GPA. He is a pro hockey free agent.

Austin Smith
Austin Smith 5’11, 180 lb., senior forward of Colgate University rounds out his college hockey career as one of the top scorers in all of college hockey, scoring 20 goals faster than any college player in the last 12 years, finishing + 25, making him third in the nation. He finished the year out with 36 goals and 21 assists. He led the nation with 6 shorthanded goals and seven power play goals. Smith was awarded the EAC scoring title this past season, Conference Player of the Year, and First Team All Star, not to mention a fifth round draft pick for the Dallas Stars. Smith graduated with a Sociology and Anthropology major, and is involved with the Hamilton NY Food Cupboard, assisting with food and toy drives, and the Goals for Good program.

Well those are your three finalists folks! Be sure to be watching to see who wins this year's award, and also check back for more updates on Frozen Four things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hey there college hockey fans Jerm back to tell you about an awesome new component to college hockey's showpiece event!

As part of the excitement surrounding the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four’s first trip to the south in its 64 year history, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Tampa Bay & Company and Tampa Bay Lightning have teamed up with full-service interactive agency Engage to create a great way for college hockey fans to engage in all the awesomeness!

CollegeHockeyRewards.com is a social media rewards campaign to incentivize passionate college hockey social media users to be active on their social media platforms leading up to and during the 2012 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four.  Now you are probably thinking... "this is awesome... how do I play along! Well let me tell you!

All you have to do is sign up at CollegeHockeyRewards.com and check in and get engaged on social media outlets Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare, users will be rewarded with points by completing various tasks.  In addition to virtual rewards such as badges and videos, users will also have the chance to win tangible merchandise, including lapel pins, souvenir pucks, t-shirts, jerseys and more.  

Sign up now to start scoring points and winning prizes, and be sure to check back with us during the week as we continue to update you on all the Frozen Four festivities! You can also get updates and tips on Twitter by following @HockeyRewards!

Hello there college hockey fans! Jerm here with an update on next week's NCAA Frozen Four for those of you still looking to purchase tickets!

For the first time in the history of the event, the NCAA is bringing the crown jewel of college hockey to the South, as the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Tampa Bay Times Forum and University of Alabama in Huntsville host the 2012 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four on April 5 and 7 at the newly-renovated Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Our friends over at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission are pleased to offer the purchasing of individual VIP tickets in the Forum’s North Party Suite for both the Semifinals and Championship/three games for $375. This package also includes unlimited access to the Tampa Bay Sports Commission’s pregame VIP tailgate area.

The newly renovated, all-inclusive executive club is located on the north end of the arena (attack end for hockey). The Party Suite provides stadium style seating, private restrooms, unlimited buffet access, and all-you-can-drink beverages. Individual lower level tickets, which do not include a hospitality option, are available while limited supplies last for $195.

Interested fans should download this form and fax back to 813-218-3375 or email to Bguthrie@VisitTampaBay.com! Act fast, as these tickets will be gone before you know it!

Hey Tampa! Kristin here to tell you about Carmel Café & Wine Bar’s April Wine Dinner Pairings with celebrity winemaker Todd Anderson, founder of Napa Valley’s Conn Valley Vineyards.  

The wine pairing series will be offered on two separate locations at both of Carmel Café’s locations. The first one will be held on Friday April 13 at the Countryside/Clearwater location, and Friday April 19th at the Carrollwood/Tampa location, both from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This is the perfect event to taste and educate yourself on Todd Anderson’s top scoring wines in the industry, as well as the Mod Med cuisine from executive chef Steve Cook of Carmel Café.  The wine dinners will be $79.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity) Space will be limited and reservations are required.

Each wine will be complemented with a four- course dinner. The first course will feature 2010 Conn Valley Estate Sauvignon Blanc served with French bucheron, marcona almond and acacia honey atop a lavish crisp. The second course wine will be 2009 Conn Valley Estate Chardonnay, paired with seared sea scallop, vanilla saffron sauce with peppadew relish. Your next famously featured wine  will be 2008 Conn Valley Right Proprietary Red Blend, with mushroom ravioli, house made Bolognese with shaved Parmigiano Regiano.

The fourth and final course will be a 2006 Conn Valley Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, with steak frites, bernaise aioli and carmel seasoned frites. Of course let’s not forget about the most important part of the meal dessert! Amarena Amaretti Chocolate Truffle will be the finale for the evening!

We hope you can make it out to this event! For more information please go to www.carmelcafe.com. Check back with us for more updates on Tampa Bay dining and much more!
 

You haven’t had exceptional Italian food, until you have had Bellas! Hey Tampa! Kristin here to tell you that this is as close as it is going to get to my grandmother’s kitchen, when it comes to Italian cuisine. Bella’s is located in the heart of the Soho district, on South Howard in South Tampa. This local staple has been around for over 25 years, and has been voted Tampa’s Best Italian Restaurant!

The ambiance of the Italian café is rustic and warm, decorative with a distinct mood of fine dining. You are greeted with a sample of homemade bruschetta, just enough to satisfy your palette but yearning for the full appetizer. I embarked on the Tortellini Primavera, tortellini served with garlic, onions, tomatoes, broccoli, peas, and olives in an aglio e olio sauce.

The food connoisseur by my side enjoyed the Pollo Rosso, chunks of chicken breast with hot spices, sautéed with scallions, mushrooms, creamy tomato basil sauce with fettuccini pasta. I forgot to mention that all of Bella’s pasta noodles are homemade from scratch every day, true authenticity! Topping off our meal we couldn’t say no to a piece of Tiramisu, an Italian traditional dessert, enough to share.

Bella’s also offers curb side to go, if you can’t make it into the restaurant, 5-10 pm, seven days a week. Happy Hour is week nights 4-7 pm , as well as their late night Happy Hour 11pm – close Sunday through Thursday, and Friday through Saturday 12am to close. Happy Hour food specials include half priced pizzas and calzones, you can’t beat that!

I hope I have sold you to take a walk down Soho to this piece of Italy! Bring your family and friends and partake in authentic Italian! Ciao! Stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay Dining!

Looking to try out a taste of delicious and authentic Spanish cuisine in Downtown Tampa? Look no further than to SPAIN Restaurant & TOMA Bar!

Tucked in between high rise buildings and the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, SPAIN Restaurant & TOMA Bar was established in 1980. Chef Maria Castro, born in the northwest province of Spain called Galicia, learned the art of cooking from her mother and grandmother.

The menu at SPAIN Restaurant & TOMA Bar is diverse and offers diners a variety of affordable dishes that include Cuban, seafood, and Spanish/Basque delights. On this particular day, I tried the chicken and yellow rice.

Along with complimentary Cuban bread and butter, my meal was the perfect lunch! My fellow diners enjoyed another Cuban staple - pressed Cuban sandwiches which contained freshly sliced ham, pork, salami, cheese, pickles, lettuce and tomatoes. Both meals received rave reviews and servings were more than enough for one person.

With live flamenco music every Saturday night and pitchers of tasty, fruit-filled Sangria, SPAIN Restaurant & TOMA Bar is the perfect place to enjoy date night or an evening out with your closest friends. Whether you’re heading to a show at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts or taking a leisurely stroll along with Tampa Riverwalk… stop in for a bite and savor rich and authentic Spanish flavors.

For more information about restaurant hours and special events, please visit www.tomaspain.com, and stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay dining updates..
 

Attention to all of those looking for a fun and unique experience! Segway Experience at Ybor City offers you a one-of-a-kind way to see Tampa Bay…on two wheels!

For only $65 per person, you can choose from three different 2-hour tours:

Historic Ybor Tour
Enjoy a glide back in time on the bustling sidewalks of Ybor City. This historic tour will expose you to the origins of Tampa's Latin Quarter and its beginnings as a cigar manufacturing town. Its skilled Cuban residents rolled some of the finest cigars from the imported Cuban tobacco that was readily available from nearby Havana ports.

You'll learn about this multi-cultural city and the importance of the immigrant communities that created it. At one time a separate city from Tampa, Ybor has always had a rich influence from Spanish, Italian, German, Cuban and other populations who still run the eclectic café's, artist’s studios, and shops of Ybor. Ybor brings you a feast for the senses, and you’re bound to smell the roasting coffee beans and the fresh tobacco. Ybor is a treat for those who love local restaurants, and who want to revel in "old Florida". As you glide through town with a guide to show you the landmarks and the local flavor, you're easily able to imagine life in Tampa in another era.

The Riverwalk Tour
A refreshing ride along the Tampa Riverwalk. Your journey will take you along beautiful Tampa Bay and you’ll learn about the original Indian settlement and Tampa history.
You’ll also glide by the St. Pete Times Forum- Home of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa Convention Center and the Jose Gasparilla Pirate Ship. The journey continues to Franklin Street’s pedestrian mall through downtown Tampa and ends at the ornate Tampa Theatre, a city landmark. On our return, you’ll glide along the Hillsborough River with majestic views of the University of Tampa by the Glazer Children's Museum, The Florida Aquarium and Port of Tampa.

Cigar and Café Con Leche Tour
Indulge in the best of Ybor, and savor the coffee and cigars of this famous, almost-Cuban city?
Then let us take you to some of the best stops of the historic tour route, and watch, smell, taste, sit and enjoy. This tour spends a bit less time gliding – and a lot more time savoring this exquisite area! We’ll still share all the best history with you, but you'll also visit the Naviera Coffee Mills for "Café Con Leche". The roasting master will demonstrate how Cuban coffee is prepared and you'll walk the roasting line. In keeping with the best of Ybor, you’ll also visit the cigar specialty shops to witness skilled rollers. The best cigars are still hand rolled today, as they were back in the late 19th century when Ybor was born.

There’s nothing cooler than modern day technology! Segways bring a new edge to the tourism industry and we are so excited to offer this experience here in Tampa!

Segway Experience is located right on 8th Ave at Centro Ybor and you can reserve your tour today by calling (813) 455-7854 or emailing YborCityTours@Segway.com. *Group tour prices are also offered.         
Happy Explorations!

Check out Tampa’s Latin Quarter in Ybor City’s National Historic District and get a glimpse of what the Visitor Information Center offers. The buildings unique interior decoration is very ornate and fitting to the Latin vibe of the area. The interior design and setup allows you to read into a piece of history, while engaging in what the city has to offer.

There is always something fun happening in Ybor City, the center recognizes and provides you with information regarding the many festivals and events taking place such as Guavaween, The Cigar Festival, Fiesta Day, Flan Fest, and Ybor Aficionado Days.

Serving as a start to the Museum that is located on 9th street, the Visitor Information Center prompts you with a seven minute video, engaging you in the culture and offerings of the historic area, and then sending you on your way to the Museum a few blocks away. If you are looking for unique trinkets and gifts to go home with, fun festive goodies are found throughout the Center, affordable for all to take a piece of Ybor City with them.  

The Center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from noon – 6 pm. For more information, please visit www.ybor.org.
 

Hello there folks! Jerm here to tell you about an awesome adventure I recently had at one of Tampa's coolest arts & culture institution!

Last week myself and some of my fellow staff had the chance to go and check out the famed Salvador Dali Museum and get our surreal on!

If you haven't been to the new Dali Museum, then let me tell you that you are missin out!  The Dalí is a work of distinguished architecture, with an Avant Garden, a raining Rolls Royce, a Spanish-themed café, and the bestest museum store around! Salvador Dalí’s amazing art truly has a home designed specifically for this collection.

The Dalí Museum is built to protect the priceless art collection. The design has already attracted the world’s attention and is listed as one of the top buildings to see in your lifetime in AOL Travel News.

We walked around and had a chance to view some of Dali's most famous work like the The Hallucinogenic Toreador, The Ecumenical Council, and The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory.

The only thing as impressive as the look of this entire building, is the artwork within the walls, and its a must see museum not only in the Tampa Bay Area, but in the country also!

Me and the gang had a blast and we took plenty of photos, which we'll be posting later, so stay tuned in for that! One thing about the Dali Museum in addition to the major works of arts, are the ongoing events and exhibits! Here's just some of the events going on this month:

• Yoga + Dali
• Dali & Science Series: Dali + the 4th Dimension
• Persistence of Memory Memoir Writing Workshop
• Dali & Beyond Film Series: Bunuel's Viridiana
• Opera @ the Dali
• Our Town: Conversations with St. Pete Mythmakers - Tim Clemmons

Be sure to check it out for yourself, though as this is one of those must see things to do in Tampa Bay! We'll be back with more fun updates shortly so stay tuned in!

Hello there folks! Jerm here with some awesome tech news for you about one of the more amazing apps you'll ever come across!

TourWrist, the mobile app launched by local creative agency SPARK, came home from Macworld | iWorld 2012 with a Best in Show award.

As you can imagine, competition for this recognition is quite fierce, and after a review of hundreds of products on display at this year’s event in San Francisco, Macworld editors narrowed the list down to 12 recipients who would receive this prestigious award.

The app, launched commercially in 2011, delivers fully immersive virtual tours to users via mobile phone and tablet devices and features thousands of tours from around the world.

The most recent version of the app now enables users to create and post their own tours using their mobile phone, in addition to exploring the tours that are already available from professional panoramic photographers. I've had the opportunity to see this app in IPhone and IPad environments, and it is quite stunning, what all can be done with it!

Don't just take my word for it though, so be sure to download and try it out for yourself! Also be sure to check out the guys over at Spark on Twitter and Facebook!

That's all for now, folks but be sure to stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay related apps!

Hello all! Jerm here with an update for you on an awesome event coming up next week!

Jackson's Bistro proudly presents a 5-course Winemaker Dinner to remember. Executive Chef Keith Williamson will craft a delicious array of tantalizing foods sure to please.

The winemaker dinner is being held on Thursday, February 9th in our breathtaking Waterfront Room from 630pm-930pm. Commentary will be provided by renowned Winemaker Mario Monticelli of Trinchero Napa Valley. Executive Chef Keith has carefully selected the perfect wines for each of the 5 courses. Combining their talents will make this a certain culinary success.

Advance reservations are required and space is limited. Cost is $99 per person (tax & gratuity included). For ticket purchases, please call Kelley Flynn at 813-277-0112 or email kelley@jacksonsbistro.com

As awesome as we already are, we are giving one lucky person a chance to win two tickets to this awesome event on Facebook or Twitter! All you have to do is answer some trivia for us and you will be entered in to win our drawing later this evening!

Remember, all you have to do is answer correctly the trivia below and you are entered! Keep in mind that for those of you who re-tweet the original post on Twitter, that increases your chances of winning. Same goes if you share the post on Facebook! Enough babbling, here goes!

1. Featured Winemaker Mario Monticelli graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Enology as well as with a Bachelor of Art of Italian language from this California University?
2. True or False: Brunch at Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi  is available every Sunday between 9:30 am. – 3:30pm.
3. True or False: After graduating from The Restaurants School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA with an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts, Jackson's Executive Chef Keith Williamson lived in France for six months working at a Michelin 2 Star restaurant under the Executive Chef.

Okay folks, those tough questions should keep you busy for a while! Be sure to share or re-tweet the posts! We'll announce the winner later this evening. Even if you don't win, be sure to register for this awesome event!

That's it for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay dining and things to do in Tampa Bay!