
(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Tampa is just a few hours away from us here in SWFL and it's just been named one of the greatest places in the world.
TIME puts out a list every year of the greatest places in the world. The list includes 50 different places including Barcelona, Budapest, Yosemite National Park and Mexico City just to name a few. And right here in Florida, Tampa made the list. We may take it for granted because it's close to home, but I have to agree that Tampa is an amazing city.
I love going up to Tampa. In fact, I was just up there last weekend and went to Sparkman Wharf. If you haven't been, I totally recommend it. It's right on the water and has different shipping containers with food and drink. There's also a beer garden right in the middle and they do different events there throughout the year as well. Between the many sports teams, Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and the Riverwalk that features another great foodie spot called Armature Works.
One of the things TIME mentioned is the opening of The Tampa EDITION which is the city's first 5-star hotel and features a Michelin-star chef. Also noted is the city's job market and how much there is to do outside of downtown. After all, between Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille and Madeira Beach (to name the big ones) are just a short drive away.
While these are just a few of the highlights of the city, there's plenty more to explore. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a history buff, or a beach bum, Tampa has something for everyone.
Island Near Tampa Bay Named Top Trending Travel Destination For 2023
Island Near Tampa Bay Named Top Trending Travel Destination For 2023
How lucky are we that we live where people vacation? Playing tourist in our own state is pretty cool because there's lots of options for fun and adventure that aren't too far away from home. TripAdvisor just released their list of the top trending travel destinations for 2023 and on it was small town near Tampa Bay just a few hours away from SWFL.
Ranked in the #5 spot on the list is Tierra Verde, an island near Tampa Bay. Their reason? Nature preserves, seaside resorts and acclaimed seafood restaurants.
While you're there, you can take a bike ride down the Pinellas Bayway to Fort De Soto for a beach day. You can catch a ferry to Egmont or Shell Key for tortoise and bird-watching. At Shell Key they also have clear kayak tours that look amazing. Some other top attractions in Tierra Verde include Smuggler's Tavern, Lemon Tree Spa and Tierra Verde Boat Rentals. And of course, no shortage on Tierra Verde of fresh seafood, live music and cold drinks.
TripAdvisor wrote: “Tierra Verde is more than just a quiet boating community – it’s also a stepping stone to some of the best nature and wildlife in the area." Pretty cool that we have a 2023 top trending travel destination so close us near Tampa! If you haven't checked it out yet, make sure to add it to your list!