By now you all know I’ve left a piece of my heart in Florida. A quick flight or even drivable from Ontario, it’s the perfect place for that family vacation, a quick romantic getaway, a place for foodies or adventurers, Florida offers a little bit of something for everyone. One of the places that’s calling me back? Tampa and I’m looking for inspiration for my next trip by looking back on my last one.
Last time I was in Tampa we stayed at the Fenway Hotel, spent hours wandering around The Oxford Exchange, explored Honeymoon Island and fell in love with the Florida Aquarium. Here’s just a little bit about everything I learned…
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, but 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
Insider Tip: Make sure you have a reservation! This is one popular place to dine.
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 a captivating 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 Wild Dolphin Cruise. It departs twice daily from The Florida Aquarium (weather permitting and at an extra cost.) This 75- minute cruise includes 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?
Have you been to Florida? Where is your favourite spot is and where should we head next?
What a perfect little getaway! I’d love to just walk on the waters edge for hours in the sun.
Sigh, doesn’t that sound just perfect right now?
My girlfriend would love that hotel. We prefer to stay in boutique style hotels instead of chains and she’d like that it has a jazzy twist.
Then this hotel is the perfect one for the two of you! Make sure you check out the restaurant when you are there – it is sublime.
Can you tell me what the weather is like down there around Christmas time?
I haven’t been to Tampa at Christmas time but do find the weather in Florida in general to be lovely and mild that time of year!