Groovefest at Skipper's Smokehouse

Today is the Gecko Festival in Gulfport refer to the previous Blog. Saturday afternoon at Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa it is Groovefest which is the annual fundraiser for our local radio station WMNF. www.wmnf.org The show will feature two stages of LIVE MUSIC from a variety of local bands from 2pm to Midnight. Skipper's has been in business for 32 years and is a fun place to visit it is an outdoor venue www.skipperssmokehouse.com so make sure you dress accordingly. Skipper's also offers a nice menu so you can snack during a show as well as a full liqueur bar and a nice selection of beers. So head over to Skipper's Smokehouse today and help support our local radio station and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Gecko Festival in Gulfport on Saturday

Saturday from 10am - 10pm it is the 13th annual Gecko Festival in downtown Gulfport. The town of Gulfport which is located on the Gulf of Mexico has chosen to hold the Gecko in high regards and they go all out to celebrate everything Gecko. www.geckofest.com This is a FREE fun and funky family friendly event with street performers, face painting, balloon artists, stilt walkers, mermaid display and over 200 vendors selling all types of unique items. The two highlights of this wild day are the colorful and crazy Walking Parade at 6pm where people and animals get all dressed up in Gecko themed costumes and the Street Dance at 8pm all this plus LIVE MUSIC on two separate stages. So tomorrow go to Gulfport explore this great little town, celebrate at the Gecko Festival and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Visit Fort Desoto this Labor Day Weekend

May 11, 1963 was opening day for the beautiful Fort De Soto Park www.fortdesoto.com and this year the Park turns 50. The park is located in the southwest corner of mullet creek which is near Tierra Verde. The park has 1136 acres of practically untouched land there is also a beach and a Fort to explore. Will at the park you will see a lot of wildlife so make sure you have your camera. There is a food stand to grab a quick snack and if you want to go exploring even more their is a spot where you can rent a canoe or kayak. The parking fee is $ 5.00 unless you have a disabled parking permit/tag and then there is no fee. If you enjoy camping this is a great location with wonderful facilities and friendly people to meet. So take a day trip and go visit Fort De Soto Park and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

CHEER for our RAYS !

The Tampa Bay Rays www.tampabayrays.com are back in town and they are trying to win the division. If you have not been to the ballpark in awhile take sometime and go see a game and support our team. The stadium offers many things to do beside just watching the game. Go see the Rays Touch Tank a 35-foot, 10,000 gallon tank which is located just beyond the right-center field fence and is free for all fans to visit. If a player hits a home run into the tank, then the organization will donate $5,000 to charity with $2,500 going to the Florida Aquarium and $2,500 to the player's charity of choice.There are unique shops, food vender's and many places to take pictures to remember all the fun you will have at the Tampa Bay Rays games. So get out today and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY.

Farmers Market in Gulfport

Every Tuesday from 9am-3pm it is the Gulfport Farmers Market in Downtown Gulfport. www.gulfportma.com This is a beautiful little town that is right on the Gulf. They have nice restaurants, unique shops and events year round. They have an Art Walk the 1st Friday and the 3rd Saturday of every month and many other great festivals. My favorite place to eat in Gulfport is the wonderful Italian bistro Pia's Trattoria www.piastrattoria.com which offers indoor or outdoor seating. The Italian menu has a nice variety of antipasto's, panini's and pasta dishes with a nice selection of beer and wine. The food is always delicious and fresh plus they have a very fun and friendly staff. So go to Gulfport today visit the market have breakfast, lunch or dinner at Pia's and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Monday Night Fun

Don't get the Monday blues here are a few things you could do. Tonight go to James Joyce Irish Pub in Ybor City for $9.95 you get a 2lb Maine Lobster. The Pub is a fun place to visit with a friendly staff and a unique vibe. They have a nice beer and drink selection and if you don't like Lobster they have a great Irish menu with many homemade dishes. www.jamesjoyceybor.com Also tonight on the other side of the Bay at Ruby's Elixir in Downtown St. Petersburg it is LADIES NIGHT which starts at 8pm with FREE house wine or well drinks until 10pm. Ruby's has LIVE MUSIC seven nights a week www.rubyselixir.com and is a great place to hang out or meet some friends. So get out tonight and have some Lobster or listen to some LIVE MUSIC and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Harbour Island Art Walk

Today www.harbourislandartwalk.com from 12-5pm is the Harbour Island Art Walk located in Downtown Tampa right outside of Jackson's Bistro. www.jacksonsbistro.com Jackson's is a very nice restaurant with a great drink selection as well as a full menu. There will be LIVE MUSIC, unique art, jewelry, home and garden items along with speciality foods. So come out this afternoon and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

White Party @ The Zone Lounge

The Zone Lounge www.thezonelounge.com is located in Downtown Tarpon Springs at 121 East Tarpon Ave. The Zone Lounge occupies the oldest surviving commercial building in downtown Tarpon Springs. Built in 1894 this structure played an integral role in the reconstruction of Tarpon Springs after the great fire of 1894 destroyed much of the downtown area. The lounge is a beautiful venue with a large bar and dance floor as well as tables, sofa's and comfortable outdoor seating on their unique patio. The Zone has a great vibe with a artsy feel and the historical building adds to the atmosphere. This Saturday the Zone is hosting the White Party which is a special fundraising event for the Face Watch Foundation. www.1facewatch.com There is a $5.00 donation which lets you enjoy the lounge, LIVE MUSIC, fire dancers as well as raffles and a silent auction. So go to Downtown Tarpon Springs tonight and visit the ZONE and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

8th Avenue Pub

The 8th Avenue Pub www.8thavepub.com is located in Safety Harbor right off of Main Street and 8th Avenue North. This is a very nice local pub with a friendly staff and a daily Happy Hour from 4-8pm. They have a full liquor bar as well as 14 craft beers on tap and a great selection of bottled beer. The pub has LIVE MUSIC on Tuesday, Friday,Saturday and Sunday. The pub also offers Wood Fired Pizza's that are a thin crust 12 inch pie with 6 nice sized slices. The owner Mike is a great guy and he is always around make sure to say hello to him. So go to the 8th Avenue Pub have a craft beer and a great pizza and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

The Hideaway in Safety Harbor

Every Thursday night at The Hideaway in beautiful Safety Harbor www.thehdwy.com some of Tampa Bays best bands play. The Hideaway is located on Enterprise Road right off of McMullen Booth Road. The Hideaway is a very nice clean bar with a friendly staff they have a nice selection of beer, wine and drinks plus LIVE MUSIC several nights a week. They have big screen TVs to watch all the games as well as several nice pool tables and a large outdoor patio. So if you want to listen to some excellent LIVE MUSIC or go and watch a game visit The Hideaway and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Visit the Tampa Theatre

The Tampa Theatre is located in Downtown Tampa just off  Franklin Street. The Theatre was built in 1926 and has been fully restored and is a great place to see a movie, concert or special event. The Theatre www.tampatheatre.com offers a nice selection of beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Their concession stand also has all the regular items as well as special coffees and unique snacks. The Theatre has a beautiful Wurlitzer Organ that rises out of the center of the stage to entertain the audience before every show. A few times a year the theatre shows silent movies and the Wurlitzer Organ is used for the musical score of those films. Also one of the main highlights of this great historical location in the marquee out front it takes you back to a different time. So visit the Tampa Theatre soon and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Tampa Arts and Entertainment Pass

Downtown Tampa museums and restaurants have gotten together and created the ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT PASS that gets you into museums and special deals at local restaurants. The pass will cost you $30.00 with an actual value of about $80.00. When you purchase a PASS you will get one admission to the unique Florida Museum of Photographic Arts www.fmopa.org Henry B. Plant Museum www.plantmuseum.com and the Tampa Bay History Museum www.tampabayhistorycenter.org . You also get one movie ticket www.tampatheatre.org Tampa Theatre and a BOGO for the TECO Streetcar www.tecolinestreetcar.org. The PASS is good until September 30 2013 you can purchase the PASS at the museums mentioned or at the Tampa Theatre. A list of attractions and restaurants can be found at www.tampasdowntown.com/play. So get your PASS now and start ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Cafe Alfresco in Dunedin

Take sometime today to go visit beautiful and friendly Downtown Dunedin today. www.dunedin-fl.com The Downtown area has many nice restaurants, art galleries and unique gift shops. Make sure to visit the wonderful Cafe Alfresco which is located right next to the pinellas trail. www.cafealfrescoonline.com The restaurant offers inside seating as well as a glass enclosed patio plus a outside deck. The menu has a nice variety of salads, sandwiches and dinners. Try their Salmon or the Meatloaf you won't be disappointed and make sure you leave room for dessert. They also have a full liquor bar and a nice selection of beer and wine and a very friendly staff. So go visit Downtown Dunedin and stop by Cafe Alfresco and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Afternoon Party @ Marker 8 in Dunedin

Today in beautiful Dunedin from 3-6pm at the MARKER 8 Tiki Bar www.marker8.com which is located at 1420 Bayshore Blvd. they are hosting a afternoon pool party with LIVE MUSIC on their patio bar. The patio has a great view of the Gulf of Mexico with room to dance and a big pool to jump in when you need to cool off from the heat. The local band the Black Honkeys www.theblackhonkeys.com will be playing their upbeat funky music that will make you want to get up and dance. So get out this afternoon to Marker 8 Tiki Bar listen to some music and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY !

Heritage Village in Largo

Heritage Village www.pinellascounty.org/heritage is located in Largo. This 21-acre living history museum has more than 28 historic local structures with some dating back to the 19th century. There is a school, church, sponge warehouse, railroad depot and general store which is open for business as well as a variety of historic homes to visit and explore. Also right next door is the wonderful Florida Botanical Gardens www.flbg.org take a stroll and see all the beautiful foliage and flowers. So get over to Largo today and visit Heritage Village and the Botanical Gardens and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Visit Fort Desoto

Do not forget tonight is the 3rd Friday Music Series in downtown Safety Harbor. (See previous blog)
May 11, 1963 was opening day for the beautiful Fort De Soto Park www.fortdesoto.com and this year the Park turns 50. The park is located in the southwest corner of mullet creek which is near Tierra Verde. The park has 1136 acres of practically untouched land there is also a beach and a Fort to explore. The parking fee is $ 5.00 unless you have a disabled parking permit/tag and then there is no fee. If you enjoy camping this is a great location with wonderful facilities and friendly people to meet. So take a day trip and go visit Fort De Soto Park and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

3rd Friday Music Series in Safety Harbor

The 3rd Friday of every month Safety Harbor has their 3rd Friday Music Series that takes place in DOWNTOWN SAFETY HARBOR on Main Street. Enjoy an evening filled with shopping, dining and entertainment. Enjoy LIVE MUSIC at the gazebo www.cityofsafetyharbor.com and throughout downtown as well as food vendors, unique shops and restaurants. Stop at FUNK'S WAY at 228 Main Street this is a unique ART GALLERY with all types of Arts and Crafts and say hello to FUNK. Just down the street is BRADY's BBQ www.bradysbackyardbbq.com at 340 Main Street stop and have some BBQ, wine or a beer. Also make sure to visit THE CHOP SHOP hair salon at 500 Main Street they have a stage set up out front with one of the staff cutting hair and talking with the crowd. Take the time to meet the owner MIKE and make an appointment to get your hair done. So go and visit SAFETY HARBOR tomorrow night and see all this great town has to offer and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Tampa Bay Rays Games

The Tampa Bay Rays www.tampabayrays.com are back in town. If you have not been to the ballpark in awhile take sometime and go see a game and support our team. The stadium offers many things to do beside just watching the game. Go see the Rays Touch Tank a 35-foot, 10,000 gallon tank which is located just beyond the right-center field fence and is free for all fans to visit. If a player hits a home run into the tank, then the organization will donate $5,000 to charity with $2,500 going to the Florida Aquarium and $2,500 to the player's charity of choice.There are unique shops, food vender's and many places to take pictures to remember all the fun you will have at the Tampa Bay Rays games. So get out today and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Tuesday Farmers Market in Gulfport

Every Tuesday from 9am-3pm it is the Gulfport Farmers Market in Downtown Gulfport. www.gulfportma.com This is a beautiful little town that is right on the Gulf. They have nice restaurants, unique shops and events year round. They have an Art Walk the 1st Friday and the 3rd Saturday of every month and many other great festivals. My favorite place to eat in Gulfport is the wonderful Italian bistro Pia's Trattoria www.piastrattoria.com which offers indoor or outdoor seating. The Italian menu has a nice variety of antipasto's, panini's and pasta dishes with a nice selection of beer and wine. The food is always delicious and fresh plus they have a very fun and friendly staff. So go to Gulfport today visit the market have breakfast, lunch or dinner at Pia's and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Things to do Monday Night

Don't get the Monday blues here are a few things you could do. Tonight go to James Joyce Irish Pub in Ybor City for $9.95 you get a 2lb Maine Lobster. The Pub is a fun place to visit with a friendly staff and a unique vibe. They have a nice beer and drink selection and if you don't like Lobster they have a great Irish menu with many homemade dishes. www.jamesjoyceybor.com Also tonight on the other side of the Bay at Ruby's Elixir in Downtown St. Petersburg it is LADIES NIGHT which starts at 8pm with FREE house wine or well drinks until 10pm. Ruby's has LIVE MUSIC seven nights a week www.rubyselixir.com and is a great place to hang out or meet some friends. So get out tonight and have some Lobster or listen to some LIVE MUSIC and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Silent Movie at Tampa Theatre

Today at 3pm at the Tampa Theatre www.tampatheatre.com they will be showing the Buster Keaton silent movie from 1926 The General. Today their famous Wurlitzer Organ will play the silent movies musical score making this a magical experience. The Tampa Theatre which was built in 1926 has been fully restored and is a wonderful place to see a movie or special event. The Theatre offers beer,wine,special coffees and snacks. The Theatre also has a Wurlitzer organ as mentioned that rises out of the center of the stage before every film as well as special events like today's silent movie to entertain the audience before a show. So visit the Tampa Theatre today and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

2nd Saturday Art Gallery Walk

Go to DOWNTOWN St. Petersburg for the Downtown Second Saturday Gallery Walk tonight. www.artwalkstpete.com There are three Trolleys that take you through the Central Art District while stopping at 25 galleries. A standout is the Duncan McClellan Glass Art Studio in the Warehouse district www.dmglass.com . Also the 600 Block on Central Ave. www.sixhundredblock.com has many one of a kind galleries. The gallery that i enjoy the most is ART POOL www.artpoolrules.com . This is a VINTAGE BOUTIQUE and GALLERY that serves beer and wine and has great food NOTE: Try the COCONUT CAKE ! The owner MARINA WILLIAMS has helped transform Downtown St. Pete into a great art community so make sure you take sometime to meet her. So go to Downtown St. Petersburg tonight visit some unique galleries and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

2nd Friday Wine and Art Walk in Dunedin

Every second Friday of the month Downtown Dunedin holds there 2nd Friday Wine and Art Walk. Over 35 merchants are participating offering discounts, give-a-ways and more. There is LIVE MUSIC in Pioneer Park from 5:30-8:30pm as well as LIVE MUSIC at some of the local bars. You can purchase a $10 wristband making you eligible for wine tastings, special offers and a drawing in Pioneer Park on Douglas Ave. and Main St. at 8:30pm. www.2ndfridaydunedin.com Many merchants offer the wine tasting and specials to those who purchased a wristband but everyone can enjoy the art exhibits and other special discounts. This wonderful event is sponsored by the Dunedin Doggie Rescue and the entertainment is provided by Noah Broe. So get out tonight to Downtown Dunedin have a little wine, listen to some LIVE MUSIC and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Hideaway in Safety Harbor

Every Thursday night at The Hideaway in beautiful Safety Harbor www.thehdwy.com some of Tampa Bays best bands play. The Hideaway is a very nice clean bar with a friendly staff and a nice selection of beer, wine and drinks plus LIVE MUSIC several nights a week. They have big screen TVs to watch all the games as well as a large outdoor patio. So if you want to listen to some excellent LIVE MUSIC or go and watch a game visit The Hideaway and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY

Alesia Restaurant in St. Petersburg

Last night i visited Alesia Restaurant again in St Petersburg with some friends. This restaurant was founded by three partners with French, Vietnamese and Chinese backgrounds which influences the wonderful mix of dishes and flavours. www.alesiarestaurant.com The restaurant offers outside as well as inside setting. The inside is a open and simple dinning room with local art on the walls and the outside patio is spacious with plants, art and comfortable seating. The menu is simple with a nice variety of dishes to pick from and they also have a good wine and beer selection with reasonable prices and nice sized portions. I had the Asian style beef stew which was fresh, tasty and a very unique dish. The service was very friendly and the restaurant was very clean. So go visit Alesia Restaurant in St. Petersburg and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Glazer Childrens Museum FREE 2-7pm

Every TUESDAY from 2-7 pm the GLAZER CHILDREN'S MUSEUM in Tampa is FREE. www.glazermuseum.org The FREE admission is offered to EVERYONE even the adults. The museum is located in the Curtis Hixon Park www.thetampariverwalk.com which is a waterfront park with a playground as well as a dog park. Also the Tampa Museum is located in the park right next to the children's museum. www.tampamuseum.org So go over to Tampa this afternoon to check out the  museums and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

8th Avenue Pub Safety Harbor

The 8th Avenue Pub www.8thavepub.com is located in Safety Harbor right off of Main Street and 8th Avenue North. This is a very nice local pub with a friendly staff and a daily Happy Hour from 4-8pm. They have a full liquor bar as well as 14 craft beers on tap and a great selection of bottled beer. The pub has LIVE MUSIC on Tuesday, Friday,Saturday and Sunday. The pub also offers Wood Fired Pizza's that are a thin crust 12 inch pie with 6 nice sized slices. The owner Mike is a great guy and he is always around make sure to say hello to him. So go to the 8th Avenue Pub have a craft beer and a great pizza and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

JAWS at Tampa Theatre

Today at 3pm at the Tampa Theatre www.tampatheatre.com they will be showing the film from 1975 Jaws. This is a movie we have all seen but this is your chance to see it on the big screen again. The Tampa Theatre which was built in 1926 has been fully restored and is a wonderful place to see a movie or special event. The Theatre offers beer,wine,special coffees and snacks. The Theatre also has a Wurlitzer organ that rises out of the center of the stage before every film as well as special events to entertain the audience before a show. So visit the Tampa Theatre today and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!

Tampa Bay Rays

Tonight is Night in the Islands celebration in Tarpon Springs. (See previous post) The Tampa Bay Rays www.tampabayrays.com are back in town. If you have not been to the ballpark in awhile take sometime and go see a game and support our team. The stadium offers many things to do beside just watching the game. Go see the Rays Touch Tank a 35-foot, 10,000 gallon tank which is located just beyond the right-center field fence and is free for all fans to visit. If a player hits a home run into the tank, then the organization will donate $5,000 to charity with $2,500 going to the Florida Aquarium and $2,500 to the player's charity of choice.There are unique shops, food vender's and many places to take pictures to remember all the fun you will have at the Tampa Bay Rays games. So get out today and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY.

Night in the Islands

Don't forget the 1st Friday Music Series in St. Petersburg tonight. (See previous post) On Saturday night from 7-11pm at the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs www.spongedocks.net it is the monthly Night in the Islands celebration. This celebration has LIVE GREEK MUSIC, dancing and dining Euro Style with the restaurants setting up their tables right out in the streets. The Sponge Docks are a big part of Tarpon Springs history and are a wonderful place to visit during the day or during this monthly night time celebration. There is ample parking, many places to eat, unique gift shops and activities for the whole family. So get out Saturday night to the Sponge Docks and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY! OPA!

Get Downtown 1st Friday St. Petersburg

Tomorrow is the first Friday of the month and it is time again for the Get Downtown First Friday Music Series which is a street party held in Downtown St. Petersburg with LIVE MUSIC from 5:30-10pm. www.firstfridaystpete.com This monthly event is held between 2nd and 3rd street on Central Avenue. Their are vendors set up along Central Avenue with food and beverages for sale. Many of the local restaurants offer special deals as well as entertainment late into the night. The Downtown area has ample parking, many unique restaurants and places to visit. So go to Downtown St. Petersburg tomorrow night and keep ENJOYING TAMPA BAY!