Tampa Bay Girls’ Getaway

*By Charmaine Noronha*

While NYC, Miami and Las Vegas may come to mind when you’re planning a fun girls’ getaway, I’m here to put Tampa on your radar. Expect cool stays, fun-filled days and many ways to catch those rays! If you were about to drop a beat for the next hook in my little rap, instead read on for all the ways the Bay might be a perfect getaway for you and your baes. 

Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest open-water estuary, connecting three counties and spilling out into the Gulf of Mexico, giving way to gorgeous beaches. But there’s so much more to do here and we’re here for it. As it emerges out of the shadows of Orlando and Miami, Tampa is upping its tourism game with a revitalized downtown, hip new hotels and a growing fab food scene.

Where to Stay In Tampa

Our weekend adventure begins at the Epicurean Hotel, where, as you might have guessed it, gastronomy factors into its design and concept ethos. Located in the heart of Tampa’s trendy South Howard – or SoHo – district, the stylish hotel is within walking distance of shops, bars, nightclubs and restaurants, including the city’s numero uno steakhouse, Bern’s, across the road from the hotel. The owners of Bern’s Steak House developed the hotel concept, and you can book a “Bern’s Steak-Cation Package,” which includes a one-night stay and a reservation for dinner for two at Bern’s.

Rooms in the sleek and luxurious 137-room boutique property feature artisan pantries stocked with craft beer and wine for 24-7 wine o’clock hour! Cuisine is at the heart of all aspects of the property, from the culinary theater with cooking classes to the food-themed spa treatments at Spa Evangeline for some extra pampering. An appreciation for fine food and wine is apparent even in the chic lobby, where the front desk doubles as wine storage and the backdrop wall is made out of wood wine crate panels. ‘This place was made for me,’ I think as I check in.

The in-house restaurant Élevage features international cuisine and is definitely worth dining at. My dinner of sea scallops melt in my mouth with the perfect accompaniment of cauliflower purée and mustard greens. But the real deal is the hotel’s rooftop bar EDGE, a great place to sip on a cocktail with panoramic views of the city.

What To Do In Tampa

Oxford Exchange

The next day starts with a visit to the beautifully stylish Oxford Exchange. Housed in a historic building near the University of Tampa, the Oxford is a restaurant, bookstore, gift shop, coworking space and event space all in one. And it’s a beyond beautiful space to house all these things! So much so that Food Network Magazine named Oxford Exchange the Most Instagrammable Restaurant in Florida. Architectural Digest named it among the 50 Most Beautiful Independent Stores in the US. I spend way too long perusing the gorgeous vases, candles and throws. And you likely will too!

Ybor City

Known as Tampa Bay’s Latin Quarter, Ybor City was founded by a Cuban exile and cigar maker in the 1880s, fueling a wave of Cuban, Italian, Spanish and Jewish immigrants. It became a neighborhood that was shaped for and by immigrants, and the only one on Florida’s west coast to be designated a National Historic Landmark District.

There’s a world to explore here from historical landmarks, cigar factories and art galleries to hipster boutiques, bustling brunch spots and cool lofts to rent. Nightlife in Ybor City is bumping from the popular gay club scene known as GaYbor to The Ritz Ybor, the district’s hotspot for live music.

Our first stop here is to tour the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory and Museum to learn how cigars are made, along with the history behind this lively neighborhood. The J.C. Newman Cigar Company has been a part of Tampa’s Cigar City for almost 67 years. J.C. Newman’s factory, known as “El Reloj,” rolls their cigars by hand, and by hand-operated cigar machines. It’s fascinating to get the behind the scenes tactile walk-through of the process.

With newly purchased cigars in tow, we stroll along the neighborhood’s historic brick streets where the sounds of salsa emanate from bars, while vying for sidewalk space with the resident roosters. I have to admit, meandering through this hood was my fave part of Tampa.

Hyde Park Village

During the same period that Cuban immigrants were establishing Ybor City, railroad financier Henry B. Plant built the first bridge across Tampa’s Hillsborough River, laying the foundation for the picturesque neighbourhood of Hyde Park. 

With its shady tree canopies, early 20th century-era brick streets, and southern-style mansions, Hyde Park is a neighbourhood of walkable streets known for its meticulously preserved Arts-and-Crafts bungalows dating back from the 1920s. Hyde Park Village is an open-air shopping district with cute boutiques and a cupcake dispensary to boot!

International Plaza

If you haven’t depleted your bank account in Hyde Park, head to Tampa Bay’s premier shopping mall. International Plaza is filled with luxury brands, including Tiffany’s, Hugo Boss, and Tory Burch. Bay Street is an open-air collection of restaurants and clubs.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

We have to fit in at least one theme park because when in Florida… So, we head to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for the afternoon. We pseudo safari it up, taking photos with giraffes before heading to the park’s newest ride, Iron Gwazi. It’s the fastest and steepest hybrid roller coaster in the world and one that I’m too chicken to ride! But my gal-pal crew love it.

The Florida Aquarium

Along with theme parks, Florida is also famed for its life under the sea so we head to The Florida Aquarium because baby it’s better, down where it’s wetter, under the sea! Located in the Channelside District, the Florida Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 sea creatures, animals, and plants. Get up close and personal with jellyfish by dipping your hand into a tank on display for that purpose or in the No Bone Zone, a habitat filled with sea stars, anemones, and sea cucumbers. It’s a great place to learn about everything from sharks and sea turtles to coral reefs and local conservation efforts.

Where To Eat In Tampa

Columbia Restaurant

Ybor City is home to the original Cuban sandwich, a meal of choice for the community of Cuban cigar rollers, and home to the Cuban sandwich is the sprawling Columbia Restaurant. This popular dining spot is Florida’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1905. It fills an entire block in the heart of Ybor City with more than 1,700 seats. Founded by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez Sr., the restaurant is still owned and run by generational members of the family.

Menu favorites include: Spanish bean soup and Columbia’s original “1905” Salad, the original Cuban sandwich and flan. I dive into my delish “1905” salad with nary a veggie left on my plate when I’m done. Satiated and cultured, we’re remiss to miss the Flamenco dancing, which happens six nights a week here.

Sparkman Wharf

Tampa Bay’s latest outdoor entertainment destination, Sparkman Wharf, is located in the Channel District along the Garrison Channel. It’s a sweet spot for waterfront views while you noosh on tasty treats. Refurbished shipyard crates serve up everything from Fit Bowl Co smoothies to Gallito Taqueria tacos to vegan ice cream. Walk off those calories with the Tampa Riverwalk, located close to Sparkman Wharf.

Sal Y Mar Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Located in the developing, hipster-ish Midtown, Sal Y Mar, is inspired by the Riviera Maya town of Tulum. And the food and drinks are just as hot as the Mexican hotspot! Nosh on the ceviche de mariscos and tuna tataki with a view!

Goody Goody Burgers

When I walk into Goody Goody Burgers, I feel like “Summer Lovin’” should be playing in the background as I spin in my poodle skirt. The restaurant opened in 1925 as the first drive-in east of the Mississippi and has been reborn into a modern diner with all of the diner fixins. Featuring classic diner breakfasts, burgers and melt-in-your-mouth butterscotch pie, I opt for the delicious Kathleen veggie omelet since a burger for brekkie feels a little excessive!