Do you have a free weekend and feel like a quick getaway? Tampa is less than a day’s drive from all of these beautiful out-of-state locales boasting natural beauty, history, and charm. Check out the list below of great really quick trips out of Florida for some weekend fun. There is something for everyone.

Asheville, North Carolina

If it's quirky shops, great music, craft brews and stellar views you are seeking, nothing beats Asheville, North Carolina. Nature lovers can drive through part of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway or hike a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Visit the Folk Art Center, Asheville Art Museum or the Pinball Museum. Music is in the air, whether you’re attending festivals or simply strolling the downtown streets listening to the buskers. No visit to this mountain town is complete without a stroll through the grounds of the Biltmore.

Charleston, South Carolina

Travel East to enjoy the southern charms of Charleston, South Carolina. Gaze at the Battery with its elegant homes that have housed generations of the same family, or wander through the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Shop for local crafts from the Charleston City Market and dine at one of the town’s excellent restaurants. While there’s plenty of history to be absorbed by walking, taking a boat tour is also a fulfilling way of sampling what this beautiful city has to offer.

Savannah, Georgia

If Charleston is a southern belle, Savannah is her slightly wicked sister, made famous by the Kevin Spacey thriller, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Start with an Old Savannah hop on, hop off tour, and then visit some of the local haunts, such as the Mata Hari Speakeasy or the Savannah Bee Company, where you can sample local honey. delight in the ghost stories at the Dresser Palmer House and the Mercer House. Take a cycle rickshaw down cobbled streets to the Riverfront to eat oysters while you watch the boats pull up, and end the night with a Savannah staple—a ghost tour.

New Orleans, Louisiana

When you think of New Orleans, you might think  'party'!  But you can choose a quieter weekend to visit this saucy southerner and stroll through the French Quarter to relish in the jazzy vibe. Wander down Bourbon Street for glimpses of lush courtyard gardens. Spend a quiet afternoon at the National World War II Museum or the New Orleans Museum of Art, but then put on your party dress and let the good times roll bar hopping through the Sazerac, Empire, Carousel, French 75 and the Napoleon House. Too much fun!

Atlanta, Georgia

Good eating and fun sights for the whole family when you Check out the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Martin Luther King Jr.’s House, College Football Hall of Fame, World of Coca-Cola and CNN studios to mention a few of the highlights. Pop in for a bite to eat at the ever popular eateries such as J.R. Crickets, Holeman & Finch, Community Q or Bone Lick, and sample the foamy-tipped brews at Brick Store Pub, The Porter, Second Self Beer Company or Three Taverns Brewery.

Nashville, Tennessee

It is not only for the Country music fans. Sure, country music lovers will visit The Grand Ole Opry or Country Music Hall of Fame, but foodies and craft beer aficionados also flock to popular eateries and watering holes such as Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Paradise Park Trailer Resort, Pinewood Social, The Catbird Seat, The Patterson House, Jackalope Brewing Co. and Tennessee Brew Works. Want to while away a sunny afternoon on a full stomach? Check out the collections at the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art.

A very short flight or days drive, with plenty to see and do along the way, these are a few favorite places for quick weekend trips out of Florida. 

Hyde Park Healthy: Keeping Up With Your Resolutions So That You Can Still Brunch

You over-indulged in the holidays and you are trying to get back on the 'healthy eating track' or you are just trying to maintain your level of personal fitness. Whatever your situation, Hyde Park Village is now offering free fitness classes to help you keep your New Year's resolutions on track, and to have a bit of fun while you're doing it.

From now through June, Hyde Park Village is hosting awesome weekly fitness events in the Village Circle on Saturday mornings from 9 - 10 a.m. There's something for everyone, from classic group classes like yoga and barre classes to "stroller strides" for all you new moms out there. Classes are good for all skill levels, whether you can do a handstand or barely stand on your own two feet.

The weekly pattern of classes below will continue each month until further notice:

·         Week 1: Yoga / Circuit Blend taught by CAMP

·         Week 2: Hyde Park Healthy - Barre taught by Pure Barre Tampa

·         Week 3: Barre taught by Pure Barre

·         Week 4: Hyde Park Healthy - Stroller Strides taught by Fit4Mom

Classes are free, but space is limited so a reservation on their website is required (find the links on Hyde Park Village's events calendar). Each weekly link goes live on the Monday prior to the class. If you want to "down dog" near downtown, be ready to sign up when the links come online... especially while the weather is still nice!

BTW BYOMW -- By the way, bring your own mat and water. If you need additional hydration afterward, Buddy Brew Coffee will have coffee and some complimentary light snacks on hand to refuel and re-energize you. If you know you might need to refuel,  make your hour workout count so your brunch calories won't! (We all know once Better Byrd arrives in Hyde Park Village, we're all going to need as many free fitness classes as possible.)

There are two sides to being healthy, of course... the other side is eating well. While The Hyppo Tampa and the Sprinkles Cupcakes and Ice Cream are quite tempting and right there in Hyde Park Village, don't forget to get your healthy staples the first Sunday of each month at the Fresh Market at Hyde Park from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. With around 100 vendors on hand, you can pick up anything from fresh produce to more environmentally-friendly hand soaps. The Fresh Market also offers fresh, healthy food trucks and sustainable food to help you keep off the pounds you burned at barre class.

Hyde Park Village is even family and dog-friendly, so leave your excuses at home, bring your workout towel and your sunny attitude down to the Village Circle on the weekends, and enjoy some good eats and great fitness classes!

Check out these lovely homes for sale www.ClearwaterBeachCondoSales.

The weather in Tampa just calls for a nice bike ride outside. Here are the 9 of the best trails to go for a bike ride with friends and family.

1. The Tampa River Walk

where: From the Waterworks Park to the intersection of Channelside & Beneficial drives

A post shared by Nichole Amador (@nicholeamador) on Feb 12, 2018 at 5:01pm PST

2. Upper Tampa Bay Trail

where: From Copeland Rd to Montague St

A post shared by Ashley Farnham (@farny709) on Feb 4, 2018 at 7:21am PST

3. Bayshore Boulevard

where: From Platt Street to West Gandy Blvd

A post shared by Adam Chillin In Tampa (@ams23ut) on Feb 9, 2018 at 4:43pm PST

4. Flatwoods Park

where: From Flatwoods Park Entrance on Bruce B. Downs Blvd to Morris Bridge Rd

A post shared by Scott Wilkes (@scott_wilkes_) on Jan 8, 2018 at 10:24am PST

5. North Bay Trail

where: From First Avenue & Bayshore Dr, St Petersburg to 81st Avenue & Macoma Dr NE

A post shared by Instagramers St. Pete (@igersstpete) on Jul 11, 2017 at 6:32am PDT

6. Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail

where: From Coachman Ridge Park to Safety Harbor Waterfront Park

A post shared by Cristina Marie ?????? (@tinarinie) on Feb 11, 2018 at 7:16am PST

7. Selmon Greenway

where: From Ashley Drive and East Brorein St

A post shared by THEA (@theaselmon) on Oct 9, 2015 at 5:39am PDT

8. Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail 

where: From Highway 19 on North Jasmine Ave to First Ave & Bayshore Drive, St Petersburg

A post shared by Stephanie Anne???? (@stephanieanneruns) on Jul 3, 2017 at 4:34pm PDT

9. Town-n-Country Greenway

where: From Sheldon Rd to George Rd

A post shared by Does it matter? (@alejandricus) on Jan 2, 2017 at 7:07am PST

If you are an up-and-coming young professional, breaking into the business arena in Tampa can be a challenge. It's a large city and networking efficiently might seem an impossible task if you don't know where to start. This is where Red Carpet Monday, a networking group designed to help high-flying professionals to meet others in their community, can help immensely. 

At most networking events, you're stuck sifting through a sea of people trying to find someone that A) is in your industry B) you actually want to talk to and C) actually wants to talk to you. Red Carpet Monday events are different, and for those who wish to up their networking game, membership options are also available. For just $130.00 a year, members can attend Red Carpet Monday events and have access to their exclusive database.  You'll be able to instantly identify people from your industry. Your guest name tag is color-coded, so making contacts based on a similar industry or profession is easy.

Red Carpet Monday was created to "provide successful business professionals and entrepreneurs a place to unwind while socializing, networking, and sharing business ideas with other like-minded individuals." This networking-events company is changing the face of business connection. Although a key-player in Tampa since 2007, they have impacted the city's business community through their quarterly events that host an average of 200 attendees, and are responsible for connecting thousands of professionals through offering various professional networking events.

Once participants have created a profile on the Red Carpet Monday website, they will automatically be invited to quarterly networking events where they can connect with like-minded professionals inside and outside of their industry. An online platform also allows them to continue building relationships long after the event is over.

Managing partner of the company, Ryan Deming, confirms that the online platform allows "business owners and entrepreneurs  to create in-depth business profiles featuring their company’s services, contact information, along with a personal bio, picture, and interests on a newly designed Social Business Network." This online component allows participants to market themselves to prospective contacts and maximize exposure.

"Our goal is to associate each member with their business," says Deming.

The quarterly events are hosted by some of the area's trendy spots. Venues change each quarter with offers of drink specials, a variety of appetizers,  a DJ spinning vibey tunes., and upon entry, you receive two drink tickets as well as some raffle tickets which puts you in the running to win some spectacular prizes.

You'll maximize your time spent and meeting new people. Plus it makes you and your area of expertise visible to an entire room full of potential clients, leads, and contacts. It's a definite win-win situation! 

Red Carpet Monday is in five markets presently, and membership gives you access to over twenty-five thousand professionals within the growing RCM network. You can network and attend events in other cities including Orlando, Dallas, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta, and Jacksonville, allowing you connect with professionals in other major markets and making you an even bigger mover and shaker than you were before.

Red Carpet Monday events offer more than just another ordinary networking opportunity: they are a complete Social Business Network. 

Check out these lovely homes for sale www.ClearwaterBeachCondoSales.

Are you considering moving to Tampa or just want to visit? However long you decide on staying, the neighborhood you choose can make a significant difference in your experience.

Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Tampa to live in

HYDE PARK

A contemporary and trendy environment that combines work, home, and play in one space. Hyde Park village offers a lovely green, pet-friendly and tree-filled park with benches perfect for relaxing. There are also plenty of shops, theatres, restaurants, and a fitness center nearby.

DAVIS ISLANDS

Davis Island is an archipelago with a rich history, also known as " Florida's version of the Great Gatsby". It has some great architecture like the Palace of Florence ( Which is a three-story version of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence) that was designed by Tampa's most noted architect, M. Leo Elliott. There are also shops, restaurants, a club and an Airport.

DOWNTOWN TAMPA

Downtown Tampa is great if you enjoy the City feel, but also like to escape to the water's edge often. Centrally located, this neighborhood has great shopping, restaurants, entertainment and has easy access to major highways. Many condos are within walking distance to the University of Tampa.

Check out some amazing homes for sale in Downtown Tampa www.DowntownTampaCondoSales.com

CHANNELSIDE

With its many condos, lofts, and highrises, Channelside is perfect for those City slickers and provides stunning panoramic views of the city and water. This neighborhood offers many farmers and art markets, restaurants, retail spaces and is within walking distance to the aq2uarium, The St. Pete Times Forum, and many non-chain eateries.

EASTON PARK

A safe area with a close-knit and friendly community. There are plenty of family-friendly events happening throughout the year and it is close to great entertainment, Shopping, Supermarkets, restaurants, State Parks and Schools.

St Pete/Clearwater boasts many live performance venues which cater for all tastes and styles. And there are stunning dining options close to all the performance venues to give you that total entertaining experience. And this all in one place.

So, whether you are in the mood for a blues kind of an evening or seeking the thrills of a live performance, look no further. Amazing acoustics and designer settings make you feel a part of the music world. It is all happening here!

1.      Dunedin Brewery.

Wednesday Night is our weekly Players Jam hosted by the Dunedin Brewery House Band. All musicians welcome. Sign-up at 7pm / Jam at 8pm. Collaboration is encouraged!

A post shared by Dunedin Brewery (@dunedinbrewery) on Oct 11, 2017 at 2:59pm PDT

Florida’s oldest craft brewery, this is a perfect venue to stop off at if you are thirsty and love music. Musical performances at night range from a local jazz band to funk and rock. There are tours of the brewery on offer too.

http://www.dunedinbrewery.com/

Community: Dunedin
Address
937 Douglas Ave.

Dunedin, FL 34698-4945

Phone: 727-736-0606

2.  Clearwater’s Capitol Theater

 This Vaudeville venue will leave you feeling as if you are back in the fabulous Hollywood heyday! It hosts live performances for up to 750 people, comedies, and you can also catch one of those are classic films in this immaculately restored cinema. Make a point of visiting this Mediterranean gem.

#floridaexplored #capitoltheaterclearwater #floridalife #loveflorida

A post shared by Rick White (@rgwhite727) on Jun 30, 2017 at 10:53am PDT

Community: Clearwater

Address
405 Cleveland St.

Clearwater, FL 33756

Phone: 727-442-6152

3.       Sultry Jazz and Blues at Ruby's Elixir

If blues and jazz is your style, and you enjoy relaxing in a warmly lit club, then this is your place. Ruby’s has a definite Prohibition-era atmosphere with poster art from the 40s. A sophisticated venue that focuses on live music and social chit-chat. A must!

A post shared by Joshua Berkoff (@joshuaberkoff) on Dec 8, 2017 at 3:45pm PST

https://rubyselixir.com/

Community: St. Petersburg
Address
15 Third St. N.

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

4.       Festivals at Coachman Park.

Everyone loves an outdoor concert and even more so when you can listen to your favorite artist in an idyllic setting. It is probably most known for its Jazz Holiday in mid-October which sees some the world’s greatest jazz artists gather for this live event, and for its themed festivals.

Tough to beat this setting. Perfect night of @clearwaterjazz ahead! #LiveAmplified #nofilter #Cleargram #LoveFL

A post shared by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater (@vspc) on Oct 17, 2015 at 3:31pm PDT

 Community: Clearwater

Address
301 Drew St.

Clearwater, FL 33756

Phone: 727-562-4800

5.       The local 662

@setandsetting 1.27.17 #tampamusic #tampabaylive #dtsp #nikon ???? by @BrianMahar

A post shared by The Local 662 (@thelocal662) on Jan 30, 2017 at 1:17am PST

Diversity is the name here; music, art, video, and fashion are the game. Live and electronic music from all genres, this club caters for all types of performances. Depending on what you are looking for, you can enjoy the latest rock or indie bands or enjoy a more up-close encounter with the punk rock performer. Motorcycle, skateboards, and pets welcome! The diversity of this performance event makes it a very popular one.

 https://www.facebook.com/TheLocal662/

Community: St. Petersburg

Address
662 Central Avenue

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Phone: +1 727-258-4829

6.       Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater

center stage...hahah. the plus is, nobody can sit behind us!

A post shared by scott m peters (@scottmpeters) on Dec 8, 2017 at 3:49pm PST

This elegant venue in downtown St. Pete hosts a diverse array of performances from Broadway musicals, comedy shows, and orchestra recitals to great singer-songwriter productions too. Its proximity to the Dali Museum and Tampa Bay gives you something to look at before or after the show from the plaza outside the theater.

http://www.themahaffey.com/

Community: St. Petersburg

Address
400 First St. S

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Phone: 727-893-7832

7.       The Hideaway Café

Had such a great time playing at the Hideaway Cafe in St. Petersburg, FL tonight! Thank you all for packing out this awesome venue!

A post shared by Trace Bundy (@tracebundy) on Apr 29, 2016 at 10:05pm PDT

This is a fun venue whose delicious menu of great food and craft beer on offer complements the local and sometimes national talent it showcases. This is a music café and a production studio all in one. This venue is easy on the ear, and taste buds.

Community: St. Petersburg   

Address
1756 Central Ave.

St. Petersburg, FL 33730

Phone: 727-644-7895

http://www.hideawaycafe.biz/

8.       The State Theater.

A post shared by Sweater Beats (@sweater_beats) on Apr 11, 2017 at 2:29pm PDT

This is a venue of great contrast. An elegant Beaux Arts façade belies the ultra-modern yet retro-feel interior. Whether you are upstairs on the balcony listening to jazz or punk rock or chilling in one of the theater’s 4 bars listening to a contemporary band, you will love the ultra-hip atmosphere.

.

https://statetheatreconcerts.com/

Community: St. Petersburg

Address
687 Central Ave.

St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3625

Phone: 727-895-3045

9.       Jannus Live

What a beautiful crowd last night at @jannuslive! So fired up for 2 more nights with @passafire - Jacksonville tonight @mavsjax & Myrtle Beach tomorrow @theboathousemb!

A post shared by The Werks (@thewerksmusic) on Dec 9, 2017 at 8:46am PST

Stellar performers the likes of Eminem and the Red-Hot Chilli Peppers have put this little hideaway in downtown St. Pete on the map. With its magic acoustics and drink carts, enjoying a live performance under the stars in the outdoor courtyard makes this a worthwhile experience.

https://www.jannuslive.com/

Community: St. Petersburg

Address
Corner of 1st Avenue North & 2nd Street

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Phone: 727-565-0550

10   Neptune Lounge and Cyclery

The Collective II is TONIGHT. Come enjoy a rad variety of music and art. An old favorite ???? @apneafl may or may not be throwing it back and playing with all original members ???? including @zackagainstthemachine. We missed you Zack. Come.

A post shared by Madtown (@thisismadtown) on Nov 25, 2017 at 7:37am PST

Who would have associated music and cycling? But at this venue, you can head to the Cyclery fresh off the Pinellas Trail during the day for all things ‘bike’, and then at night, the Lounge comes alive with chilled music by local bands and some cold wine and beer to quench your thirst.   

https://www.facebook.com/TheNeptuneLounge/

Community: Tarpon Springs
Address
13 Safford Ave. S.

Tarpon Springs, FL 34698

Phone: 727-943-5713

11   The Ringside Café.

A post shared by Joey L. Beyer MD, MSLIS (@joeybeyer86) on Nov 17, 2017 at 7:53pm PST

As its name suggests, this was iconic an old boxing center which has replaced its fighters with rock and blues musician. Built in 1912, it is centrally located only 10 minutes North of downtown St. Pete and there is food and drinks on offer while you are enjoying your musical experience.

Community: St. Petersburg  https://www.facebook.com/Ringsidedowntown/

16 2d St N

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Phone: 727-894-8465

Classical jazz, blues, rock, opera, dance, and comedy. It all happens here in this historic theatre in downtown St. Pete. There are two venues in one building: the 175-seat The Side Door Cabaret and the 850-seater Hough Hall.

http://www.mypalladium.org/

Community: St. Petersburg

Address
253 5th Ave. N.

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Phone: 727-822-3590

Check out these lovely homes for sale www.ClearwaterBeachCondoSales.com

Known as one of the top 5 Cities in the U.S, Tampa is dream destination to call home.

If you do not yet live in Tampa you're and looking for an excuse to move there, here are 5 good reasons to:

Check out some amazing homes for sale in Tampa Bay:  www.HomeFinderTampaBay.com

1. Tropical Weather

A post shared by Roam Florida (@roamflorida) on Nov 3, 2017 at 4:04am PDT

You don't ever have to worry about icy cold weather, snow, or sleet when you're in Tampa. The sun is shining most of the year, even in the coldest winter months the average temperature is around 21 degrees Celsius. Meaning you can enjoy the outdoors all year round.

2. Award Winning Beaches

A post shared by Tina's Studio (@tinas__studio) on Dec 8, 2017 at 4:53pm PST

Tampa is known to be one of the top beach destinations with its stunning white sand that seems to stretch for miles on end and warm clear water that is perfect for swimming.Tampa's St.Pete's Beach and Clearwater Beach are both award winning beaches and thanks to the great weather in Tampa, it's beach season all year round. 

3. Craft Beer

A post shared by Cigar City Brewing (@cigarcitybrewing) on Nov 22, 2017 at 10:56am PST

Microbreweries are popping up everywhere and Tampa has quickly become a hub for craft beer connoisseurs. So if you are passionate about your beer, Tampa is the place to be!

READ: Top 5 Hottest Bars Tampa

4. Sports

A post shared by Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@tbbuccaneers) on Dec 7, 2017 at 2:40pm PST

Also thanks to the weather of Tampa, you can enjoy a large number of outdoor sporting events all year round.

Tampa is also home to three major league sports teams. The NFL Football Team "Tampa Bay Buccaneers", The NHL Hockey Team "Tampa Bay Lightning", and The MLB Baseball Team " Tampa Bay Rays".

You can find the best golf courses right here in Tampa, as it is considered to be one of the best golfing destinations in the world.

5. Prosperity 

A post shared by Vale Food Company (@valefoodco) on Jun 7, 2016 at 9:12am PDT

READ: Tampa ranks 7th in Yelp's Up and Coming cities!

Tampa's economy is booming with start-up companies popping up all over the city. In the U.S, Tampa ranks in the top 100 of the most prosperous and fastest growing cities and in 2016 it rated as the 4th fastest growing job market it the U.S. 

Check out some amazing homes for sale in Tampa Bay:  www.HomeFinderTampaBay.com

In the St. Pete/Clearwater area is there is no shortage of special places for staging a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception.

Exchanging vows on a sandy beach is just one of the many romantic possibilities provided by St. Petersburg/Clearwater as wedding venue options. Whether you choose to celebrate in the sculpture garden of a fine arts museum overlooking Tampa Bay or make your commitment to each other in a tropical paradise watching the sunset from a deck, the possibilities are endless.

Venues with a View

At these one-of-a-kind event spaces on the water, the views of sailboats, dolphins and spectacular sunsets make for a remarkable wedding backdrop. They make superb settings for the most amazing photographs.

Tampa Bay Watch Lighthouse, Tierra Verde

The Tampa Bay Watch lighthouse provides panoramic views of Tampa Bay and of the Gulf of Mexico. Up to 150 guests are able to enjoy the balmy breezes on the lighthouse’s covered wraparound porch, which overlooks historic Fort De Soto and the barrier island of Shell Key. Then guests can dance the night away in the second-story party hall with its golden bamboo floors and massive wall-to-wall windows. Another option would be to stage a waterfront ceremony in garden surroundings.

 St. Petersburg Museum of History, St. Petersburg

Floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to look out over Tampa Bay and these are just the beginning of the conversation-starting features of the St. Petersburg Museum of History. A vintage airplane hangs over the glass-enclosed First Airline Pavilion, which seats as many as 175 for cocktails and dancing. A peaceful garden behind the museum is another great spot to exchange your vows.

Clearwater Community Sailing Center, Clearwater

Spectacular views of Clearwater Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway define the spacious and light Carlisle Room and Veranda at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center and is a perfect venue perfect for both sunrise and sunset weddings. Up to 180 guests can be accommodated and will be able to marvel at views of passing boats and dancing lights. The sailing center is conveniently situated right across the street from Sand Key Park, which is popular for beachfront ceremonies.

Artful Elegance

The vibrant arts scene in St. Pete/Clearwater is your canvas for a uniquely sophisticated wedding celebration.

Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg

With a fairy tale two-story glass conservatory overlooking the water, perfectly manicured Spanish-style gardens, a popular park at its front door, and the ability to accommodate parties ranging from small intimate groups to soirees for up to 350 people, it's no surprise the Museum of Fine Arts was named Martha Stewart’s top wedding location in Florida. The conservatory and outdoor terrace offer breath-taking views of Tampa Bay, and its elegant interior gardens feature sculptures, columns and vaulted ceilings. Guests will also be able to take in the pieces on offer in the art galleries and the majestic banyan trees near to the entrance of the museum.

 NOVA 535, St. Petersburg

This historic building has been modernized into a wedding venue. Contemporary art on red brick walls creates a chic atmosphere, whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for 80 guests or an extravagant evening of cocktails for 800. This part art gallery, part upmarket lounge, the NOVA 535 features Brazilian hardwood floors and twin wrought-iron staircases to dazzle. If this is not enough for you, there is an outdoor courtyard lined with bamboo offering another great setting.

Kapok Special Events Center & Garden, Clearwater

European statues and vintage crystal bring an Old World charm and stylish sense of grandeur to the Kapok Special Events Center & Garden, a one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor wedding venue. As many as 1,000 guests can mingle fashionably in the gardens filled with Italian fountains, a statuary, and even a fanciful lagoon. There are architectural delights to be discovered in every room and all make for an exquisite setting.

Traditional Charm

If you are considering your photographs, remember that a wedding venue steeped in the history of the past usually ensures the most enchanting photos.

Andrews Memorial Chapel, Dunedin

In this Victorian-era Andrews Memorial Chapel, a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, classical elegance complements natural beauty. Multi-denominational couples are all welcome to exchange vows under a pine ceiling. A red dramatic center aisle carpet is impressive and will make any couple feel like royalty for wedding ceremonies, and the chapel’s pews can be removed to host indoor receptions for up to 130 guests. Pictures taken in the colorful gardens which frame the chapel will not disappoint and the sweet-smelling jasmine-covered trellis and butterfly garden is enchanting to the senses.

 The Coliseum, St. Petersburg

This is a legendary Gatsby-type ballroom setting. The arched ceiling and twinkling lights of The Coliseum make for a memorable first dance. The ballroom is spacious enough to accommodate large wedding parties of 250 to as many as 2,000 guests but ten private alcoves offer intimate spaces alongside the dance floor. This venue is one of two vintage options run by the City of St. Petersburg--the second is the tropical Sunken Gardens.

Luxurious Resort Weddings

There is a whole range to choose from: from early 20th-century gems to grand beachside dames, the majestic resorts of St. Pete/Clearwater are rife with glamour and elegance.

The Don Cesar, St. Pete Beach

This is a palace which was built in 1928. It has been described as a ‘pink iced wedding cake set on a sugar-white sandy beach’ - St. Pete Beach, voted TripAdvisor's No. 3 Beach in the U.S. for 2017. The eight-story resort hosts more than 300 weddings a year for as few as two people or as many as 250 guests. Depending on your choice of style, you can choose from a casual beach wedding or a more lavish ballroom event.

 Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club

Located in downtown St. Petersburg, the Vinoy is a 1920s Mediterranean Revival hotel on the National Register of Historic Places. Perched next to Vinoy Park on the waters of Tampa Bay, the Vinoy overlooks the historic downtown. Weddings are held in several ballrooms, as well as in an outdoor Tea Garden.

 Sandpearl Resort. Clearwater Beach

Situated on the beautiful shores of Clearwater Beach, which routinely lands among TripAdvisor's top five beaches in the U.S., taking the top spot in 2016 and No. 4 in 2017 along with USA Today's "Best Beach Town in Florida" in 2013, the Sandpearl exudes barefoot elegance mixed with classic refinement. You can exchange your vows in stately ballrooms, elegant boardrooms, on the tranquil pool lawn or with your toes in the sand in a spot overlooking the Gulf of Mexico beach.

Looking for a spot in Tampa to dance the night away? Look no further, we have the top rated bars, clubs and pubs listed for you right here. So put your dancing shoes on and get ready to shake your booty in Tampa!

1. CLUB PRANA

Around for more than a decade, club prana has something for everyone. As you walk into the bar you are greeted with red carpets and friendly door staff. Decorated with stainless steel, satin, hardwood floors and velvet couches. Chill in the lounge or dance the night away on one of their floors.

If you're into reggae The Sky bar section is the place for you, it can hold up to 300 guests, has 2 bars and an exclusive view of Ybor city streets. 

The Mezzanine floor has a private balcony and VIP area where you can order a cocktail or martini while watching the dancers perform on the stage below.

The Sanctuary is a VIP only floor. This elegant room is where Tampa's Elite crowd gets together to party. Exotic fish tanks, plasma screens, and plush velvet decorates the room. 

The Nightclub is where you want to be if you are looking for the best Dj's, sound, and lighting. Dancers put on a live show on stage and the glass dancefloor has views of "The Sanctuary" on the floor below.

1619 E 7th Ave, Tampa, Fl 33605

e: club@clubprana.com | t: (813) 241-4139

website: clubprana.com

cover charge: $10-$30

18+ To Party | 21+ To Drink

2. AJA CHANNELSIDE

Aja brings the Miami Ultralounge concept to Downtown Tampa in this 11,000 square feet designer building.

This double level club aims to create an immersive multi-faceted experience for everyone that steps into its doors. 

The covered patio outside offers stunning views of the downtown skyline at night.

290 S Meridian Ave, Tampa, Fl 33602

website: ajachannelside.club

e:  |  t: (813) 695-7964

Check out some amazing homes for sale in Downtown Tampa: www.DowntownTampaCondoSales.com

3. CLUB SKYE

Situated in the heart of Ybor's entertainment district this Hip-Hop club has 2 floors, a VIP balcony, DJ booths, several stocked bars, two large dance floors and an exclusive private champagne room. You're guaranteed to dance the night away here!

1509 East 8th Ave, Tampa, Fl 33605

website: www.skyetampa.com

t: (813) 247-6606

18+ 

Check out some amazing homes for sale in Ybor:www.YborCityHomesandLiving.com

4. HYDE PARK CAFE

Here you get to choose between three unique atmospheres. Wally & Bernies, Cafe courtyard or Velocity where you will be served by world-class bar staff. The Cabana Club is the newest addition to the Hyde Park Cafe. This exclusive, sexy, VIP space offers private parties for up to 24 people and you get to have your very own personal hostess for the night.

1806 W Platt St, Tampa, Fl 33606

website: thehydeparkcafe.com

t: (813) 254-2233

18+ Ladies | 21 + Guys

5. THE RITZ ABOR

Known by many as the premier spot in Tampa, this venue hosts special events, concerts, and private parties. They have 3 rooms, full-service bars, state of the art lighting, and caterers. 

Scream YEAHHH if you are ready for a night with the #allstars ! TOMORROW NIGHT doors open at 10. Join the free guest list! sunsettampa.com

A post shared by The RITZ Ybor (@theritzybor) on Dec 1, 2017 at 12:00pm PST

website: theritzybor.com

1503 E 7th Ave, Tampa, Fl 33605

t: (813) 248-5040

Most concerts are 12+

6. THE KENEDY

This upscale nightclub has a new bar, soundstage, VIP seating, dance floor, patio area and great sound systems for live concerts and DJs. 

website: thekennedysoho.com

2408 W Kenedy, Tampa, Fl 33609

t: (813) 259-9669

7. WHISKEY NORTH

This double level world-class nightclub is North Tampa's party destination and local watering hole. The club is decorated in a rugged and authentic Adirondack style. They are committed to making everyone feel like a VIP.

A post shared by Whiskey North (@whiskeynorth) on Aug 29, 2017 at 9:48am PDT

11921 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Fl 33618

t: (813) 523-5483 | e: reservations@whiskeynorth.com

website:www.whiskeynorth.com

21+ only

8. THE CASTLE

A huge multilevel alternative club ranging from gothic to pop to new wave. It has 5 different spots to hang out in 3 of which is dedicated to music.

A post shared by ????Elon???? (@elonf) on Dec 3, 2017 at 5:12pm PST

A post shared by krissssyy (@krissssyy) on Oct 29, 2017 at 8:54am PDT

website: castleybor.com

2004 N 16th St, Tampa, Fl 33605

t: (813) 247-7547 | e: info@castleybor.com

The pressure is on for Tampa Bay to enter 2018 as a world record holder. Wordier than thou is responsible for organizing this attempt to gather the most people reading to themselves in a public place at one time.

This Guinness Book of World Records attempt is set for January 1 and will take place in the Curtis Hixon Park. Readers can either bring their own book from which they will read or if they are early enough, they can read from a book which will be given to them. 

As well as the reading activity, there will be food trucks with delicious treats on offer, fun activities, and even some prizes to be won. This is a worthy event for the readers among you. And even if you are not a reader, perhaps it is a good resolution to start off the New Year!

Check out some amazing homes for sale www.HomeFinderTampaBay.com