How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

Where To Stay, Play And Explore In Tampa!

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Load ’em up!  Just like that it was time to pack up the car, grab a big cup of coffee and head out on the second leg of our epic road trip.  One of the wonderful things about exploring Florida are the many hotel options, unique attractions, and of course incredible places to eat.  Here’s where to stay, play and explore when in Tampa!

Where to Stay:

Fenway Hotel:

A short hours drive outside of Tampa is the iconic Fenway Hotel.  Driving up it’s majestic circular drive you can’t help but feel that you’ve stepped back in time.  Built in 1924, the Fenway Hotel is a landmark in it’s community and a hot spot to gather for locals and visitors alike.  The Fenway Hotel is home to HEW Parlor and Chop House and the lively “hifi” roof top patio that boasts the most inspiring of sunsets.

The Fenway is a beauty of a hotel, maybe even more attractive to the music lover.  This boutique hotel immediately sets itself apart from all others with it’s nod to the age of jazz.  Jazz, the music, and the vibe are weaved into your entire stay.  As you enter the lobby you are greeted by a live jazz band that plays throughout the day.  Check in is swift and sweet, complete with the hotels signature champagne drink.  Divine.

It is only after check in then that you begin to realize how special this stay will actually be.  The Fenway served as the country’s first radio station, and has now been transformed into a destination like no other. With walls echoing its musical heritage, warm and welcoming staff referring to themselves as “the band” and an Alexa in every room just waiting to assist you, the Fenway is truly a unique experience.  Go for the experience, stay for the vibe, don’t miss the restaurant!

Insider Tip:  Not to be missed is the HEW Parlor and Chop House.  This open kitchen style restaurant serves up delectable meals from sun-up to sundown and is open to the public.  Leave your car with the valet and jump into the dining expereince with both feet.  To start, brunch is a must.  I recommend the French Toast Pudding.  Banana, walnut, and maple syrup all magically baked together.  And when it’s time for dinner don’t skip dessert.  The Fenway Banana Split is simply a must.

Location: 453 Edgewater Drive, Dunedin, FL

 

Where To Eat:

The Oxford Exchange

The Oxford Exchange is an experience and a restaurant all rolled into one.  When you enter this space you are immediately struck by the possibilities.  You’ve just entered a cool, comfortable space that is a restaurant, a trendy bookstore, a gift shop, an eyeglass store, and a coffee shop with a decidedly European feel all rolled into one.  Once you’ve got your bearings and soaked in the ambience it’s time to eat!  The Oxford Exchange offers an extensive menu of fresh simple meals featuring the best seasonal, local and organic ingredients.  As you sit soaking up the vibes in this restored old building you can give yourself a little pat on the back. You’ve most certainly found the hippest and happiest spot in Tampa.

Insider Tip:  Make sure you have a reservation!  This is one popular place to dine.
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What To Do:

Honeymoon Island.

One of Florida’s best-loved state parks, Honeymoon Island has more than four miles of beach to explore.  Park your car, pack a picnic, your beach towel or your walking shoes.  There’s lots to explore on Honeymoon Island.  For the explorer there is a three-mile trail that darts away from the beach and through pine forests. As you adventure, be sure to keep your eyes open and you may be lucky enough to see eagles, osprey, gopher tortoises, raccoons and armadillos. Have that camera ready!  More of an ocean lover?  This is a great spot to while away the hours just soaking in the sun.

Insider Tip: There is an $8/per vehicle charge to visit.

 

Town of Dunedin

Put on your walking shoes and get ready to amble. The waterfront community of Dunedin has a very walkable and ridiculously charming downtown. Quaint antiques shops, unique art galleries, lively pubs, a micro-brewery and fine restaurants are all within easy walking distance on and off Main Street. Parking is plentiful and easily found.

Insider Tip:  The Blue Jays have their training camp here.  When you’re ambling the streets of this little town, keep your eyes peeled for ball players!

Hyde Park Village is a charming little outdoor shopping centre that offers you the chance to wonder through more than 70 unique shopping and specially stores.  From diners and restaurants, to pastry shops, well known retail stores to unique boutiques, to movie theatres, there is sure to be something to please everyone.  Hyde Park Village is easily walkable and a true breath of fresh air.

Insider Tip:  Start your tour at the corner of Swann and Dakota Avenue, the heart of the Hyde Park Historic District in Tampa, and don’t forget to treat yourself to a Sprinkles cupcake!

 

Florida Aquarium  

So much more than just fish!  The Florida Aquarium is an immersive experience that allows you to get up close to many of Florida’s aquatic life, land animals and ecosystems.   A rainy afternoon in Tampa was the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the aquarium and explore all they had to offer!  We wandered the large, beautifully laid out space and had the opportunity to see all manner of creatures.  Some highlights included the lemurs, seahorses, jellyfish, sharks, and birds that appeared to be mocking me with their gorgeous colours.  The entire space could be easily explored in a short afternoon, and this includes stop to pet the stingrays.

Insider Tip:  Consider the The Wild Dolphin Cruise.   It departs twice daily from The Florida Aquarium (weather permitting and at an extra cost.) This 75- minute cruise includes a tour and an opportunity to spot dolphins in the wild while aboard a 72-foot catamaran.

Located: 701 Channelside Drive Tampa, Florida.  Open daily – 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

I know I barely scratched the surface of all that Tampa has to offer.  I guess that means a return trip is in order!  Have you been?  Tell me your must see places in the Tampa Bay area and be sure to come back next week for Part 3 of how to have an epic road trip with the one you love most!

 

Disclosure:  Accommodations and experiences were made in order to help provide this review.  As always all opinions on this blog remain my own.

    • Comments

    1. We’re planning a trip to Florida next spring, so I LOVE reading all your Florida posts – bookmarking so much great info for when we start booking everything!

    4. I would love to visit the Florida Aquarium . Petting the stingrays sounds like quite the experience.

      • Such an interactive aquarium. I just loved how there was something of interest no matter your age.

    5. I have never been to Florida! Looks like I am missing a lot and will have to make a plan to do so!

      • It was a little chilly when we made it to Honeymoon Island, I’d love to go back when the sun is beating down and take some time to splash in the waves. It’s a gorgeous spot.

    11. Tampa is among my favourite cities in Florida. I’m loving that swing in Honeymoon island on the beach.

    14. What a stunning looking Hotel. It sounds like they go all out to make it special. I’m not a huge jazz fan, but when it’s live it’s nice.