One end of the Riverwalk (a 2.6-mile-long open space and pedestrian trail development along the Hillsborough River in Tampa, Florida where you can grab a drink and see the sights- open containers allowed). Armature Works has shopping, food, and bars. If you've ever been to Ponce City Market, the vibes are very similar. It has both indoor and outdoor areas, the area has Wifi throughout it if you need to grab a coffee and work, and there is parking. It also doubles as a going out spot, although it closes at 12:00 am on Friday and Saturday and 10:00pm the rest of the week.
Located in historic Ybor City (very close to downtown), the Columbia is famous in Tampa (and South Florida) and has been operating since 1905. You'll most likely need a reservation to get in, but their warm cuban bread, sangria pitchers, and amazing decor is not to be missed.
They also own a Columbia Cafe in downtown Tampa (walking distance from some of the hotels and on the trolley line as well as located at the end of the RiverWalk) where you can sample a small portion of the Columbia's Food Menu and all of their drink menu.
Located on Howard Street- close to SoHo, a long strip of bars that many of you probably visited if you came for the Clemson National Championship- this is a fantastic spot for hungover brunch... or all day food. They're known for their tots bar, where they have many different styles of tater tots served in a bowl like scoops of ice cream... except that they're potatoes. Needless to say, Steven loves this spot.
There are two locations in Tampa, but the closest to our guests will be the location on South Howard. Its a quick spot (gets quite busy) but walkable from Bayshore Boulevard and Hyde Park. Its like a healthy Chipotle, cost effective, and is super yummy. I always try to swing by Fresh Kitchen when I'm home. Very hard to park at- so just plan an extra 10 minutes if you're driving.
A great breakfast/brunch spot located in Hyde Park Village, that is also a go to spot for lunch and dinner as well. It was rated the best breakfast in Florida, and is owned by the same family that owns the Columbia. Stop here for some amazing burgers and fries, fluffy pancakes, or Cuban toast. This location is also the great kick-off or footnote to your day if you want to shop in Hyde Park or take a walk on Bayshore... or even hit up CineBistro next door for a movie with a drink. There are 3 parking garages in the area and street parking available if you have a car. Potentially not the healthiest fare of some of the options listed, but sure to be some of the yummiest.
A combination of a restaurant, coffee bar, a champagne bar, a bookstore and a shop. Amazing décor, great ambiance, and a fun place to grab a coffee and get some work done.
The Restaurant serves weekday breakfast and lunch, weekend brunch, and afternoon tea. The menu consists of fresh, seasonal, signature dishes, complemented by an array of premium coffees, teas, and cocktails for a new translation of the classic bistro. The Shop at Oxford Exchange provides a highly eclectic range of goods that are curated from local and global spots. The Bookstore holds a carefully curated collection — including new releases, bestsellers, beloved classics, signed first editions, and children’s favorites — that is intended to satisfy the casual browser as well as an avid collector.
A fun first stop, this completely outdoor restaurant has two covered bars, a covered dining area, and picnic tables all along the water. Grab a tropical drink, some lunch food, and enjoy the breeze. The service isn't always fast but the drinks are cold and tasty. This is always my last stop on my way to the airport before I fly out!
A collection of restaurants, bars, shops, and activities located next to the cruise ship port in Downtown Tampa. Closest to the JW Marriotts. Sparkman has about 5 sit-down restaurants, but most places are "to-go" spots that are located inside of shipping containers. You can get your food and go sit at one of their many outdoor seating locations, get a drink and walk around, or pick up some dessert to go. There is also a biergarten, a Splitsville, and sometimes live music at this location. A fun place to go at night if you're not trying to stay out too late (Closes at 11 PM on weekends) and is a family friendly spot as well. Has a parking lot next to it where you can pay to park.
A Carney family favorite- we go here about once a week. They have indoor and outdoor seating, is literally a stone's throw away from Armature works, is on the water and the Riverwalk (so a great place to grab a to-go drink and see the sights) and serves lunch and dinner. It's on the pricey-er side so check their menu before you go, but dress is casual. They have an outdoor bar as well and they serve the BEST Margaritas, and have Rose' slushies for those who can't beat the Florida heat.
Not going to lie, I've never been here but it came up on a list of "Good South Tampa Breweries" so it has to be good..... right?
This bar is a bit off the beaten path. Beers are good, more of a quiet spot. Nothing spectacular, but they have TVs to watch sports and Steven likes their hats.
THE Cigar City. Stop on in and watch some football and treat yourself to some of their famous Jai Alai. Ugliest decor ever but damn good beer flights.
The Getaway is one of my favorite bars in Tampa. It's going to be on the opposite side of town from where everyone is staying and it's technically halfway to St. Pete. There's another Getaway in St. Pete so make sure you're going to the Gandy Blvd location. There are definitely closer bars to everyone, but I couldn't bring myself to leave this off of the list. If you're looking for sun, sand, and a makeshift beach on the water you should check this out.
If you fancy taking a day trip to St. Petersburg (about 30 minutes from South Tampa, 20 from the airport) stopping at this brewery is a must! Its got both indoor and outdoor spaces, is pet friendly, and has some great beers on tap. Not a place to go to if you're trying to bar hop in Tampa, but a place to stop at if you're staying closer to the beach or are out that way!
THE go to place in South Tampa on a game day. College football, hockey, professional football, what have you. At the Patio, you can sit at one of their outdoor tables, bar, or couches, grab some standing room, and grab a bucket of beer and catch your favorite sports teams at one of their many t.v.s. Just expect to run into some Florida State fans there while you're sporting your Clemson gear ;). This is more of a day drinking spot, where you stay until your team wins and then you can head to South Howard Street or Downtown Tampa (or our wedding!) to keep the party going.
This bar/restaurant is attached to the Westin Hotel but they're not affiliated. It's right next to the Welcome party, so you could plan to get dinner and drinks here before stopping in to Jackson's. This used to be a very big bar to go out at, and it's on the water.
A speakeasy/cocktail bar where you'll need to call ahead for the "password" (a.k.a make a reservation), this bar is dark, quiet, and fun if you're looking to have some more upscale drinks away from the raucous of the South Tampa bars. There's usually jazz playing, a bit of an "older" crowd, and they serve food as well.
A bit pricier, the rooftop of a really cool hotel called the Epicurean. It's across the street from the famous Bern's Steakhouse. It's on the other side of Howard Street from the rowdier/more full bars. A peaceful (yet expensive) place to grab a ~very strong~ cocktail.
This cocktail bar is on here because of its Instagram-able decor and good drinks. It's a bit of a hike for anyone staying around downtown and doesn't have many places to go that are close to it. The drinks are very good, very boozy, but cost a pretty penny. That being said, if you find yourself staying at an airbnb or hotel around this location, this bar is one to check out!
There is a Park and Rec in both St. Pete and Downtown Tampa, so if you're Ubering, make sure you're going to the right place. Very cool bar with games and is a fun place to go during the day or at night. Picture trashcan beer "pong" out front, basketball nets inside, football games on all of the TVs and loud music. Kind of like Clemson's Study Hall bar but with games.
SOHO, or South Howard, is a strip of bars that a ton of college kids and older folks go out at. If you came to Tampa for the National Championship, you definitely went out here. A younger crowd is here but it's very fun. BarHWRD, Soho Saloon, McDinton's, and Yard of Ale are a few of my favorites.
The closest beach to South Tampa is probably Indian Rocks Beach, a public beach with parking that's about 25/30 minutes away. If you're heading to the beach, I'd suggest St. Pete Beach(30/35 mins), Clearwater Beach (35 to 40 mins and is rated the best beach in the U.S.), or Redington/Madeira (the furthest away at around an hour).
Downtown St. Pete (St. Petersburg) has great bars, breweries, and restaurants as well. All of the beaches are connected via Gulf Boulevard that runs all the way down the coast once you hit St. Pete. There is also a ferry now that takes you from downtown Tampa to St. Pete so you don't have to uber.. cuts down on travel time tremendously. If you're looking to stay at the beach, try to stay in St. Pete as it will be the closest place to the airport and Tampa with stuff to do.
If you're planning to spend a day at the beach, reach out and I can give you suggestions!
Roller coasters, animals, rides, and shows, you could spend a full day at Busch Gardens and not see everything that they have to offer! I'm not a big roller coaster person myself but growing up, I always found rides to ride and shows to see. Has gotten a bit pricey over the years but is a great spot for any and all lovers of adventure. They have multiple places to eat and prizes to win as well. Located across the street from Adventure Island, the water park.
A great way to beat the heat, this family-friendly water park has rides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. They have restaurants as well and is definitely more of a destination for families. Expect to bring a suit and get wet at this theme park! They have places to park, lockers for your stuff, and is located across the street from Busch Gardens.
Splitsville, located in Sparkman Wharf is way more than just a bowling alley... it's a Southern Comfort Food restaurant, a huge sports bar, a pool hall, and has other such games. Half the people that go there don't go for bowling, but it does have a sweet bowling alley... and cool souvenir shirts.
Used to be home to Winter the Dolphin... #RIP.
Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile-long open space and pedestrian trail development along the Hillsborough River in Tampa, Florida. Bookended on one side by Armature Works and on the other by Tampa Bay History Center. This trail is along the water, goes through downtown Tampa, and along parks, and best of all, allows open containers! So you can stop and grab to-go drinks at bars along the way.
You can also rent bikes, floating water bikes, paddle boards, etc or hop on a water taxi to see the sites in a different way! If you're interested in this totally free, family/group friendly activity, hop on their website to peek at their calendar of events and site maps!
Cute zoo, less expensive than the theme parks, and ample parking. A bit further out towards USF but not a long drive! They have souvenirs, snacks, and is a fun place to spend a few hours.
Disney World.... Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom... Need I say more? Orlando is about an hour and a half ride from Tampa. Traffic can be a bit of a bear so please don't plan to visit Orlando on the day of the wedding!
Home to Harry Potter World... and that's pretty much all I know because that's the only place I visit there. Orlando is about an hour and a half ride from Tampa. Traffic can be a bit of a bear so please don't plan to visit Orlando on the day of the wedding!
A great place to shop, eat, and drink. Located right off of Bayshore and in the neighborhood where we'd suggest to look for airbnbs, grab coffee, or grab a quick bite, this cute neighborhood is a fun stop for groups of all ages. It has 3 parking garages, you can walk to it after a run on Bayshore Boulevard, and it is a great place to go for some last minute shopping. Check out their website for more information about the shops, eateries, and area information.
Should you forget anything, or just want to shop, this is a full mall with outdoor bars and restaurants, food court, and is close to the airport. Love the Mexican restaurant here. There's another mall called Westshore Mall, but that mall is awful LOL go to International if you're trying to shop- and it's right by the airport so it's a great place to drink and eat while waiting for your plane without paying airport prices.