Take A Hike: Local Nature Preserves and Parks to Discover

Take A Hike: Local Nature Preserves and Parks to Discover

The beach is always an option for an outdoorsy day, but the Tampa Bay area is filled with so many parks and nature preserves to check out, too. The fact that admission is free for most of the parks and preserves on this list is an added bonus! From spacious outdoor expanses to beachfront parks…

where to pick sunflowers and peaches in Tampa Bay

Complete Guide to U-Pick Farms in Tampa Bay

Explore these local u-pick farms in Tampa Bay for a day full of fresh produce, berry picking, and more. Here are all of the best spots to pick your own produce and enjoy a day outside. We’ve broken this post down by what is available at each for u-pick farm. Remember to check each farm’s…

Our Favorite U-Pick Farms for Oranges, Citrus, and Peaches in Tampa Bay

Our Favorite U-Pick Farms for Oranges, Citrus, and Peaches in Tampa Bay

Thanks to Florida’s climate, it is pretty much always u-pick season in the Tampa Bay area. There are plenty of places to pick peaches and citrus around Tampa Bay. Take advantage of Florida’s early growing season. We’ve included all our favorite places for u-pick citrus and peaches in Tampa Bay, as well as the other…

11 Reasons You’ve GOT to Visit Bonnet Springs Park and Downtown Lakeland

11 Reasons You’ve GOT to Visit Bonnet Springs Park and Downtown Lakeland

Finding new ways to spend time together is one of the many fun things about being in a relationship. Bonnet Springs Park is just about an hour from Tampa Bay, and it is totally date-worthy. This privately built park on the outskirts of downtown Lakeland is a fun place to play in Tampa Bay. Keep…

World-Class Art Exhibit Returns to Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens

World-Class Art Exhibit Returns to Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens

Rich cultural experiences are coming to the heart of Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach as ZimSculpt, a renowned exhibition of Zimbabwean stone sculptures, returns to Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens. From February 8 through April 20, 2025, the Gardens will host over 2,000 hand-carved stone sculptures. The exhibition, which is only presented in North America once a year,…

See Manatees in the Wild at TECO Manatee Viewing Center and Beyond

See Manatees in the Wild at TECO Manatee Viewing Center and Beyond

Manatee season in Florida is here! Throughout the cooler months of November through April, manatees congregate and seek refuge in Florida’s warmer waters. Plan a manatee sightseeing date with our top picks for the best places to see manatees around Tampa Bay. The TECO Manatee Viewing Center reopened on November 1 to welcome guests to…

Free Holiday Events in Tampa Bay
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30+ Free Holiday Events in Tampa Bay for a Festive Date

The holidays can get a little out of hand. With gifts to purchase and other obligations, it is nice to enjoy some holiday cheer, for free. We’ve gathered the best free holiday events in the Tampa Bay area to check out this season. Free Holiday Events in Tampa Bay Free Holiday Boat Parades We’ll start…

Snuggle Up to Watch Holiday and Christmas Movies in Tampa
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Snuggle Up to Watch Holiday and Christmas Movies in Tampa

Tis the season to pop some popcorn, grab a mug of hot cocoa and put on your favorite festive flicks. From modern favorites like “Elf” to classic favorites like “Miracle on 34th Street”, there are plenty of holiday and Christmas movies in Tampa Bay to snuggle up to this season. Our guide to where to…

Best Holiday Lights in Tampa Bay
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Where to Find the Best Holiday Lights in Tampa Bay

Our Favorite 2024 Christmas Lights and Holiday Lights in Tampa Bay Look no further, your guide to the best 2024 holiday lights in Tampa Bay is here! The holiday season is in full swing and there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than touring one of the city’s beautiful Christmas light displays….

Instagram-Worthy Pumpkin Patches in Tampa Bay

Instagram-Worthy Pumpkin Patches in Tampa Bay

Fun Ways to Celebrate Fall  /  Pumpkin Patches  /  Instagram Worthy Pumpkin Patches It’s fall, y’all, and you know what that means — it’s time to pull out your boots, scarves and wool hats and head to one of Tampa Bay’s many Instagram-worthy pumpkin patches for your perfect fall couples pic. And now that fall…

museum of fine arts
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Where to Celebrate Free Museum Day Around Tampa Bay

Free Museum Day is on September 21. Check out the participating museums around Tampa Bay where you can take advantage of free admission.

Mr putters indoor mini golf tampa bay green course - image by Molli Keller

Mr. Putters in Tampa: The Ultimate Indoor Mini Golf Date Idea

Want to score big on your next date? Mr. Putters, a new and unique miniature golf venue, is now up and running in Tampa! Mr. Putters offers the fun of traditional miniature golf with additional obstacles that require you to use your hands, strategic thinking, and various strength levels to complete. It’s also a fun…

young woman poses for photo in Interactive Components at the Tampa Bay Fire Fighters Museum -
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Tampa Bay’s Best Hidden Gems for a Memorable Date Night

Tampa is famous for a lot of attractions, from theme parks to museums to downtown restaurants. But there are a lot of places in Tampa that are less well-known but still worth exploring! Some of the best kept secrets in Florida are right here in Tampa Bay. If you’re looking for a date night exploring…

Springs

10 Natural Springs Near Tampa Bay You Must Visit for Labor Day Weekend

While Florida is well known for its stunning beaches, the state’s equally stunning Florida springs can be your Labor Day Weekend adventure. These watery treasures provide beautiful scenery, aquatic activities, and unique wildlife while giving you relief from the steamy Florida heat. Many of these Florida springs are a reasonable drive from the Tampa Bay…

Guide to the Ybor City Saturday Market

Day Date Idea: Exploring the Ybor City Saturday Market

If you’re looking for local produce, delicious food, and amazing artisan goods, check out the Ybor City Saturday Market. This outdoor market, offering farm fresh fruits and vegetables, gourmet foods, local crafts, and tons of fun shopping, can be found every weekend in the heart of the historic Ybor City. Stop by for weekly essentials…

Best Bike Rides
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Pedal Through Paradise: Tampa Bay’s Best Bike Routes

Summer is about to come into full swing and this means more outdoor activities. We all love to go to the beach and kayak, but sometimes we have to switch it up a bit. Tampa Bay is a haven for cyclists, offering a diverse network of trails that cater to all experience levels. Whether you’re…

A Local’s Guide to Rainbow River Tubing for Summertime Fun
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A Local’s Guide to Rainbow River Tubing for Summertime Fun

Florida is famous for lovely beaches, but we’ve got a few springs around that are some of our best hidden treasures. If you’re looking for a date that’s perfect for the hot summer days in Florida head to Rainbow River Springs! Here, you’ll enjoy a day of fun in the sun, while cooling off in…

The Best Spots to Go Tubing in Florida this Summer

The Best Spots to Go Tubing in Florida this Summer

Florida has one of the largest concentrations of natural springs in the world. In fact, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection says the Sunshine State boasts more than 900 natural springs. About 40 are open to the public and, yes, a tube can make for a great exploration vessel. Explore Florida’s waterways by hopping into…

Our Ultimate Guide to Tampa Riverfest 2024
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Our Ultimate Guide to Tampa Riverfest 2024

Tampa Riverfest is back for 2024! This annual event is full of food, music, and more, making it the perfect choice for your next date.

Exterior Henry B Plant Museum Tampa Bay

Take a Trip to Tampa’s Past at the Henry B. Plant Museum: Essential Tips

The University of Tampa’s historic campus, once Tampa’s premier hotel in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, now houses the Henry B. Plant Museum. Experience the grandeur of its past with our essential tips for visiting this renowned Tampa museum. The building and its surrounding area have changed over the years as the university…