Top 10 Must-Do’s in Tampa Bay
Moving or considering the move to Tampa Bay? Congratulations! You're going to love it here. There are plenty of things you can do to get settled in and make sure you're ready to start enjoying life as a local. Tampa is a wonderful place, and we know that as soon as you get here, you'll find everything you've ever dreamed of. But before you start exploring all the incredible things that Tampa has to offer, there are a few things we think are essential for new residents to do when they first arrive. We've put together a list of the top 10 must-do's when you first move to Tampa Bay: 1. Visit those amazing stadiums Go see the Rays play at Tropicana Field. Whether it's in August or January, watching the Rays play baseball is one of the best ways to get into the spirit of TampaBay. It's a great way to meet other fans and make new friends, too. Every February, fans from around the world turn their attention to the start of another baseball season that commences with one of the most highly anticipated preseason events in all of professional sports; baseball Spring Training. For over a quarter-century, some of baseball's biggest stars have trained at George M. Steinbrenner Field and call Tampa their second home. Watch a game at Raymond James Stadium (or, if you're a Bucs fan like us, just go for the tailgating). One of the most recognizable features of the stadium is a 103-foot (31 m), 43-ton steel-and-concrete replica pirate ship in the north end zone, making it stand out from other NFL stadiums. Each time the Buccaneers score points, enter the other team's red zone, or win a home game, the replica cannons on the ship are fired off. The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional Ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. They play their home games at Amalie Arena in Downtown Tampa. The Lightning have won three Stanley Cup championships: 2004, 2020, and 2021. They also reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2015 and in 2022 . The team is owned by Jeffrey Vinik, and the general manager is Julien BriseBois. Jon Cooper has served as head coach since 2013, and is the longest-tenured active head coach in the NHL. It is truly an experience to go to a Tampa Bay Lightning game that you will never forget. 2. Stroll the Streets of Ybor City Established by Spanish businessman Vicente Martinez-Ybor as a cigar factory town in 1887, Ybor City is known for boutique shops, restaurants, bars and small businesses along cobblestone streets. Most of the action is on 7th Avenue, but the area has grown to the surrounding streets, as well. 3. Eat at Columbia Restaurant While in Ybor City, have lunch or dinner at the Columbia Restaurant, one of the finest dining experiences to be had in the city. It’s also one that’s been around the longest. Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. first opened the doors of the Columbia as a diner that served Cuban coffee and sandwiches. Over the years it has expanded to become one of the city’s epicurean centers. Make sure to try the paella, sangria, the original Cuban sandwich and the 1905 salad. This may require a few trips. 4. Walk Riverfront Park/Curtis Hixon Park Downtown Tampa has undergone many changes in the past decade. One of the biggest is the expansion of the Tampa Riverwalk, which now extends 2.4 miles along the Hillsborough River and the Garrison Channel. It is walkable, bikeable and Segway-able. Along the way are The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay History Center, Glazer Children’s Museum, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the Tampa Museum of Art and restaurants such as Columbia Cafe and Ulele. There’s a Pirate Water Taxi service, or you can rent water bikes to take out on the river. There’s also Armature Works, which houses restaurants and bars. 5. Tour the Breweries Tampa has become one of the nation’s hotspots for breweries. Each offers a tour and often has a bar of its own located right at the brewery. Some of the breweries are Cigar City Brewing, Florida Avenue Brewing Company, 7venth Sun Brewery, Hidden Springs Ale Works, Angry Chair Brewery, Six Ten Brewery and Rock Brothers Brewing. 6. Drive To The Beach Yes, none of these are technically within Tampa. But they are in the Tampa Bay area and just a short drive away. In that respect, Tampa Bay is like Southern California – spread out and including many different cities, towns and villages. You may have visited many beaches in the past, but these are some of the best in the world. Take a long day to drive across Tampa Bay (on one of three bridges) and visit beaches in Clearwater, St. Pete, Pass-a-Grille and Indian Rocks. Or, visit Fort DeSoto Park or Honeymoon Island for a more remote experience. Make sure to stay for a sunset, which is spectacular on the Gulf of Mexico. Moonlight on the beach is pretty awesome, too. 7. Florida Aquarium Located on the southeastern edge of downtown Tampa, the Florida Aquarium houses a massive collection of marine life – more than 8,000 animals, by the last count. Past visitors said it'll take you at least three hours to make your way through the maze of stingrays, moray eels and sea turtles that live here, but there's a good chance your children will tire of the outing before then. Young kids are sure to enjoy the Splash Pad area, a zero-depth outdoor area that includes geysers, dump buckets and spray zones for little ones (don't forget to pack a towel!). 8. Tampa Theatre Even if you're not in town for a film screening or performance, visitors highly recommend a stop at the beautifully ornate Tampa Theatre. When it was built in 1926, the venue was considered one of the world's most elaborate theaters. Designed by architect John Eberson, the interior features a 1,400-pipe Wurlitzer organ and was constructed to look like a garden with flowering vines and gargoyles. Take a look at the ceiling and you'll spot 99 bulbs meant to resemble stars in the night sky. If you can't attend a show here, consider taking a tour instead. The venue offers a 90-minute Balcony to Backstage Tour, which includes a demonstration of the Wurlitzer theater organ and details about the stories, art and architecture that earned this movie palace a spot on the National Register of Historic Places and designation as a Tampa local historic landmark. Tours take place on a monthly basis. Adult tickets cost $10; children ages 2 to 12 tour for $8. Check the theater's website for show times and to book a tour in advance (they often sell out). 9. Tampa Golf With such ideal weather year-round, Tampa is a great place for a round or two of golf. TPC Tampa Bay, which has hosted the PGA Tour Champions event for more than 20 years, is among the city's most popular courses. It features an 18-hole course designed by Bobby Weed, with Chi-Chi Rodriguez as player consultant. Recent golfers praised the helpful staff and enjoyed the as-advertised challenging course. Saddlebrook Resort is another popular facility that features two courses designed by Arnold Palmer. Recent visitors said the courses are beautiful and well-maintained. The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Golf Resort is equally revered for players and spectators who flock to the course for the annual Valspar Championship. Hours and green fees vary by course. Visit the Tampa tourism website for more information on area golf courses. 10. Tampa Boat Tours Make the most of Tampa's coastal location with a boat tour around its bay. You'll have your pick of tour options, including sunset sails, half-day trips and dolphin cruises. If you're already planning to visit the Florida Aquarium, consider penciling in some time for its Wild Dolphin Cruise. The tour, which departs from the aquarium twice daily, includes a 75-minute ride on a 72-foot catamaran. The aim of the tour is to get far enough into Tampa Bay to see the hundreds of bottlenose dolphins that call the area home, but you'll also likely spot several bird species and the occasional sea turtle. Note that you'll have to purchase the aquarium's combo ticket if you want to tack this experience onto your visit. Tampa Bay Fun Boat is another popular sightseeing option with daytime and sunset cruises. If you'd rather be the captain of your own vessel, consider eBoats Tampa, which offers one- to four-hour boat rentals. No boating license is necessary. For a more active experience, consider Get Up and Go Kayaking, a top-rated company that operates guided kayak tours of Shell Key Preserve, a nearly 2,000-acre preserve located in Tierra Verde that shelters local wildlife like manatees, dolphins, pelicans and starfish. Nearby St. Petersburg is also home to a variety of boat tour operators, including the traveler-approved Speed Boat Adventures. These represent some of the things you must do when you move to Tampa, although there are plenty more. The bottom line is that Tampa and the Tampa Bay region offer everything you need to keep yourself and your family entertained for years to come. If we can be of any assistance with your move to the area we would love to be a part of your journey getting settled here in beautiful Tampa Bay. Please feel free to visit our website at www.TBMKA.com to browse homes for sale or connect with one of our area specialists. We look forward to you becoming a part of our amazing community!
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SOUTH TAMPA’S TOP-RATED LUXURY NEIGHBORHOODS
South Tampa is booming, and it’s not just because of the beautiful weather and close proximity to the water. Each neighborhood in South Tampa has its own unique characteristics, but theirs a few that tend to stand out amongst them as the most highly sought after. Many of these neighborhoods have earned awards in addition to a prestigious distinction as one of the best places in Tampa Bay to live. In this article, we will break down the TOP 5 best Luxury Neighborhoods to live in South Tampa. SOUTH TAMPA’S HOTTEST LUXURY NEIGHBORHOODS: Hyde Park Parkland Estates Bayshore Beautiful Davis Island Sunset Park Hyde Park Hyde Park is truly one of Tampa's most highly desired neighborhoods for a plethora of reasons. It is known for its rich architecture and abundance of incredible things to do all within walking distance. From Hyde Park Village which is an outdoor shopping and dining experience, to being located in close proximity to Downtown and even just steps to Bayshore Blvd. Hyde Park is considered a historic neighborhood and the charm of the old architecture truly gives the neighborhood a feeling of its own. Known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, Hyde Park has living options ranging from condos to townhomes, and most importantly gorgeous historic single-family homes. The single-family home values range from $800k, upwards to 5 million+ for Bayshore estate properties. The average Hyde Park single-family home sells for between $1.6-1.7 million. Parkland Estates This beautiful neighborhood is located just west of South Howard Ave, which creates what we know as, Soho or South Howard Ave. Parkland Estates is extremely walkable and within easy access to all that both Soho and Hyde Park have to offer. All of the Soho bars and restaurants are just steps from the streets of the Parkland estates neighborhood while Hyde Park is only a stone's throw away as well! Known to be a very family-friendly community, with stunning streets lined with well-planned and thought-out homes (some older and some new construction). The streets are canopied with large Grand Oak trees that create a feeling of security and comfort while giving a fairyland-type feel. Parkland Estates is also known and defined by the large lot sizes and beautiful character of homes. Much like the city around it, this community has a strong sense of community pride and residents do an exceptional job maintaining the quality of the neighborhood that it is. Parkland Estates single-family home values range from the $900k range, upwards to 2.5 million. The average single-family home sells for roughly $1.8 million. Bayshore Beautiful The Bayshore Beautiful neighborhood is a treasure, sitting on Tampa Bay’s southern shore. This charming community is one of Tampa’s most desirable and historic neighborhoods. Some of Bayshore Beautiful’s finest homes date back to the 1960s, and there are also many newer homes available today. Bayshore Beautiful has been recognized as one of the top luxury neighborhoods in South Tampa by Forbes, HGTV, and others. Living in beautiful Bayshore Beautiful is like a short trip to paradise that offers a peaceful escape ideal for any busy family or couple, all while being just a short drive or bike ride away to Hyde Park Village or Downtown! Also situated right along the tail end of Bayshore Blvd, residents enjoy stunning views of the bay as they get their daily exercise. Bayshore Beautiful single-family home values range from the $600k range, upwards to 7 million for Bayshore Blvd fronting estates. The average single-family home sells for just under 1.7 million. Davis Island The island oasis located in the heart of the city that has become a hotspot for many celebrities who have settled here to enjoy the luxury life. David Island is a small barrier island situated between Hillsborough Bay and the Tampa Bay, that's connected to the mainland by two bridges. Originally founded as an exclusive residential area, it was designed to resemble a Mediterranean village. It offers a relaxed atmosphere for everyone in the family, with great local shops, parks, bakeries and restaurants. Whether you are looking to live in a cozy love rectangle or a grand Mediterranean style home with a waterfront view, Davis Island has something for everyone. The city’s heart is also its secret weapon: If you dig deep enough, you will find an authentic sense of community that is hard to match anywhere else in South Tampa. The island is truly where nature intersects with beauty and adventure; From the sprawling waterfront estate homes, peaceful waterways, community marina, waterfront parks, Dog Beach, walking and biking paths. Also home to Tampa General Hospital and the Peter O. Knight Airport which is a general aviation airport. David Island single family home values range from the $800k range, upwards to 23 million for open waterfront estates. The average single family home prices sit quite a bit higher on the island than the other neighborhoods, with average single family home value right around 3.2 million. Sunset Park Located to the east of Culbreath Bayou and just south of Culbreath Isles, Sunset Park is close to downtown Tampa, making it an ideal location for commuters. It’s also within walking distance of dozens of popular restaurants and shops as well as a number of schools, and parks. It is home to many families and has one of the highest-rated public schools in the city, Plant High. Sunset Park is a popular location for high-end homes and developers are continually building new homes in the area for those that want luxury living. The three fingers of sunset park allow for both waterfront and non-waterfront estate options. You’re close enough to downtown Tampa to work and play—but far enough away to enjoy the peaceful neighborhood that Tampa native Thomas B. Kimberly envisioned when he designed it in 1912. Sunset Park single-family home values range from the upper $700k range, upwards to just under 11 million for open waterfront estates. The average single-family home, just over Davis Island at 3.5 million. We hope this was helpful in highlighting some of South Tampa’s best luxury neighborhoods. If you are looking to make a move to the Tampa Bay area or have any additional questions, Please Contact us Tatum Praise at 813-528-1121 to schedule an appointment or send us an email at tatum@mkarealty.com.
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An Elevate Living Experience - The Pendry Residences Tampa
The Pendry Residences Tampa, Is luxury living at its finest. The Pendry is a top-tier luxury residential condo building and part hotel located in Tampa, Florida that's redefining urban living and redefining how people think about downtown Tampa living. Located in the heart of downtown, The Pendry is a new residential tower with only 42 residences and an unbelievable view of downtown Tampa. This upscale condo project features one-of-a-kind floor plans that boast soaring ceilings, gourmet kitchens, and top-of-the-line finishes for residents who deserve nothing but the best. Owners in the Pendry get to experience luxurious private amenities tailored only for the residence owners along with the ability to take advantage of the hotel amenity levels as well. I like to call it a little bit of the, best of both worlds. Life on the water is always better, and when you live at The Pendry Residences in Tampa Bay, FL, you can enjoy all the conveniences of urban living while also experiencing the natural beauty around you with sweeping views of Tampa Bay. The Pendry brings together world-class amenities with luxurious homes designed to accentuate your everyday life. It boasts an unsurpassed luxury experience, world-class design, and incredible views from every room. With a five-star hotel, riverfront dining, and entertainment, The Pendry truly offers a lifestyle that is unique to this area. To check out the floorplans offered in the Pendry Tampa, Click Here. Not to mention, residents that purchase in the Pendry get to enjoy discounted rates to the other Pendry Hotel Locations around the country. Locations include; Baltimore, Chicago, Natirar, Newport Beach, New York, Park City, San Diego, Washington DC, and West Hollywood. If you are looking for an elevated living experience here in Tampa Bay, The Pendry Residence may just be the perfect place to call home. For more information on The Pendry Residences Tampa or other luxury residences here in the Greater Tampa area, please reach out to us at www.TBMKA.com.
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Is Tampa Bay The Next Big City?
Tampa Bay, Florida, is often overlooked in favor of larger cities like Orlando and Miami. But if you're looking for the next hot spot, Tampa Bay might be the place to go! The facts: Tampa Bay Named One of Top Ten Boomtowns in America You can say what you want about the Tampa Bay area, but one thing most people agree on is that it’s an incredible place to live, work, and play. The metro area has been named one of the top ten boomtowns in America by WalletHub and was among the fastest-growing major metro areas in the country according to Forbes. In fact, Tampa Bay was named as one of the five best places to start a business by CNN Money and even made it onto their list of where technology jobs are booming too! Tampa Bay is on its way up It's no secret that Tampa Bay is a great place to invest in real estate. The area has seen rapid growth over the past decade and is projected to continue its trajectory of growth for decades to come. This means more people coming into town, looking for homes and apartments, so there are plenty of opportunities for developers to buy land and build new buildings, and/or buy and hold properties to capitalize on the rental market. While there are still some areas with high crime rates, most parts of Tampa Bay have become quite safe over time. That makes it an ideal place for families who want somewhere safe but still close enough to all the excitement of a big city. With so many excellent schools available within this region, it's also becoming increasingly popular among young professionals seeking education as well as career advancement opportunities—particularly since tuition at most state universities here costs much less than what you'd pay elsewhere! If you're considering buying property here soon or have already purchased property within this region, congratulations! You've made an excellent choice! If we can be of any assistance in your real estate search here in the Greater Tampa area, give us a call (www.TBMKA.com) and we would be happy to assist with the search! The city’s cultural scene and restaurant business are also booming. Tampa Bay has a thriving cultural scene that is as varied and diverse as the population, which means there’s something for everyone. The city boasts museums, theaters, live music venues, and more. If you’re feeling artsy-fartsy, check out the Salvador Dalí Museum or The Henry B. Plant Museum; both are housed in historic buildings where history meets modern art. If you just want to hang out with your friends at a cool bar or live concert venue while enjoying some delicious food and drinks on the side — then look no further than our own Tampa Bay area! We have everything from quirky little eateries to celebrity chef hotspots (like Bern’s Steakhouse). And if you like craft beer, craft cocktails, or wine tasting? We got that too! Photo: On Swann, located in Hyde Park Village. One of my personal favorites in their area. Incredible cuisine, charcuterie boards, and top-notch cocktails. Featured on Michelin Guide USA. Florida State Fairgrounds, the Florida Aquarium, Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and Amalie Arena, which is home to the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa Bay offers a variety of attractions that bring people from all over the world. Some of these include: The Florida State Fairgrounds, which is home to many events and activities throughout the year. The Florida Aquarium, an educational and entertainment attraction that has been visited by more than 25 million people since its opening in 1992. It’s also one of only four aquariums in North America with a dolphin exhibit. Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, one of the largest auto racing events held annually on an artificial street circuit in Florida. It draws 40,000 fans each year and is considered by many as one of the best sporting events anywhere in the country—and now they can enjoy it even more at Tampa Bay Downs! Amalie Arena (formerly known as Tampa Bay Times Forum), is home to a plethora of concerts as well as professional ice hockey games, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)! Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team The Tampa Bay Rays are one of the most recognizable sports franchises in Florida. Based in St. Petersburg, they play at Tropicana Field, which is located near downtown Tampa. The team has been around since 1998 and has made it to the World Series twice: once in 2008 and again in 2010. With their mascot Raymond leading the way, the Rays have become a staple of Tampa Bay nightlife for baseball fans all over the world! Their official Twitter account is @RaysBaseball, where you’ll find all kinds of updates about upcoming games and behind-the-scenes content from your favorite players! The Tampa Bay area has long flown under the radar for big-city buyers. The Tampa Bay area has long flown under the radar for big-city buyers. It's not a major metropolitan area, urban area or even a large city by many definitions. But it has some of the qualities that big cities have: it's highly populated, people are moving there in droves and it's growing rapidly. With no signs of slowing down soon (and possibly ever), Tampa Bay is on track to become one of America's biggest cities... but not because of some grand plan from its leaders—it's happening organically through economic development and population growth. Florida's Tampa bay area is seeing an influx of people and the real estate market is growing Tampa Bay has been experiencing a real estate boom for years. In fact, according to Forbes magazine, Tampa is the fifth fastest-growing city in America. The current population estimate is about 2 million people, and it's projected that by 2040 it could reach 3 million people. That means there will be plenty of new homes being built throughout the area! And everything's connected: real estate growth leads to economic growth; economic growth leads to population growth; population growth leads to more businesses opening up shop locally... It all works together in a beautiful cycle that benefits everyone involved (except maybe the spiders). What does this mean for the future? While the growth of Tampa has been gradual, it's also consistent. The population continues to grow every year, and there are more residents than ever before. This is good news for anyone who wants to move to Tampa! This trend will continue in the future too—so if you're not already living here, now might be a good time to start looking into it. With so many people coming into Tampa Bay each year, property prices are increasing quickly as well. In fact, if you're planning on buying property here soon then it's important that you act soon before demand outstrips supply completely! Conclusion With so many things to do, places to live, and history behind it, Tampa Bay is a great place to call home. If you’re looking for a new place to settle down or just want to visit sometime soon, then this city could be perfect for you. With more people moving here every year and so much going on around town there’s no reason not to visit this beautiful part of the country!
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