Getaway with Shay: Tampa
Things are opening back up and it’s so exciting to see people traveling again! After getting vaccinated, Nicole and I decided to plan a much-needed and well-overdue girls trip and we decided on Tampa, Florida. We found it to be an amazing place to visit, honestly Tampa feels like Miami’s well-rounded cool older sister and there was so much to do. We loved the vibe of each and every place we visited and I feel like we needed way more time to enjoy everything Tampa and the St. Petersburg area has to offer. If you’re in the area or planning on visiting, check out my Tampa travel guide for things to add to your list!
THINGS TO DO
Walk along Sparkman Wharf - Sparkman Wharf is a great open air market along the Tampa Bay where you can choose from multiple vendors for a meal, grab a beer, and enjoy the Tampa skyline.
Relax on St. Pete Beach - St. Pete Beach is only a 30-ish minute drive from the city of Tampa and a great destination to relax by the waves or take in a stunning sunset. Be prepared to pay a couple tolls to get to the beach but once you’re in the area you’ll be able to find paid parking.
Try on kicks at Soleciety - We stumbled upon this store while wandering around downtown Tampa, they sell sought-after kicks for pretty great prices, I got some AF1s there and the staff was extremely helpful.
Shop at the Royal Palm Market - This vintage and local business market takes place in St. Petersburg featuring Florida vendors selling thrifted goods or boutique styles like Nirie Collection.
Visit the Don Cesar Hotel - This hotel is a must-see for any Instagrammer, the pink walls are vibrant against the backdrop of the beach and the water. The history behind the Don Cesar is super interesting and it’s fun to walk around the grounds.
PLACES TO EAT
Armature Works - This place was amazing, we loved how similar it was to The Garage and the Amp in Indy, there are tons of options to choose from and it sits along the water so you can eat and enjoy the view.
Empamamas - You can’t visit Florida without trying out some Cuban inspired food, and Empamamas has a great Tampa Girl empanada that takes ingredients from a Cuban sandwich and puts a unique spin on them.
Astro Craft Ice Cream - While I don’t always go for ice cream, Astro Craft Ice Cream has lots of traditional options, as well as acai bowls and a mango margarita sorbet to snack on.
Graze 1910 - If you want a brunch spot that has tons of options, Graze is the place for you. You can build your own breakfast or you can choose one of their options and chill at Armature Works for brunch.
Bodega - This was a St. Pete find and I was amazed by how many plant-based options they had! The tempeh and black beans and rice was elevated yet comfy and I was so happy to see that protein on a menu.
Soho Sushi - The most affordable sushi I’ve ever seen! Each roll was delicious, and the bao buns were also very tasty. I feel like the closer you are to the ocean, the more inexpensive the seafood so I was in my happy place.
Oxford Exchange - A Tampa brunch classic, I can absolutely see why this place is so popular. The plates are large and full of flavor, and bee sure to check out the champagne bar while you wait to be seated. The bookstore is also a great spot to browse after dining.
Naked Farmer - This is one of the options you can choose from at Sparkman Wharf, I was so happy to see an all natural whole food place since vacation can have you indulging extra than normal. They use local farmer’s products that you can build your own bowls from.
Zukku Sushi - This is located in Armature Works and has some pretty amazing rolls to choose from! You can mark on the laminated menu which ones you’d like with a marker to make the process more smooth.
DRINKS TO SIP
King State - This is one of the best coffee shops I’ve ever been to, the things they were doing with coffee reminded me of the ingenuity of Provider in Indy. Mine was served with a fresh flower as a garnish and I even went back for another latte. They also serve beer and wine in this gas station turned aesthetic coffee shop.
Buddy Brew Coffee - Buddy Brew is a Florida based coffee company with a location in Armature Works. We got this coffee more than a few times during our trip and the breakfast sandwiches were great. I picked up some beans to take home as my vacation souvenir!
AW Bar - This bar is also located in Armature Works and has a great number of spirits to choose from, the bartenders are friendly and you can enjoy the view of the water while you sip on a crafted cocktail.
M.Bird - The perfect place for a relaxed night out while taking in the beautiful skyline of Tampa at night. These cocktails were delicious and the atmosphere was intimate and tropical.
Sweet Soul - We stumbled upon this spot and we’re so glad we did, they have build your own acai bowls that Nicole enjoyed and I really loved their iced matcha latte. The building is super cute and the murals on the walls are definitely IG-worthy.
Fermented Reality Biergarten - Grab a beer and cheer on the Bolts at Fermented Reality on Sparkman Wharf, honestly we were so surprised by how much Tampa loves their hockey team but this is a great spot to watch the game.
Mandarin Heights - A very eclectic bar with amazing drinks that have unique ingredients, mine had CBD water in it and it was a great way to relax and unwind before our last day of vacation. Every corner of the bar is full of artistic flair and you’ll definitely be taking some pictures.
