6 Not-So Hidden Gems in Tampa Bay

Nestled into Florida's West Coast on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, the Tampa Bay area is a bustling metropolis filled with a vibrant cultural scene, a thriving academic world, a high-tech hot spot, and of course a recreational paradise. The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area is the largest in the state of Florida not only because of the vast influx of people moving all across the country, but also because a large number of residents decide to make Tampa their permanent home.

Whether you are new to town, or have lived in Tampa your whole life, there are several hidden (and some not-so-secret) places and scenes that you need to know about to take in all that the Tampa Bay area has to offer.

Craft Beer

USA Today recently announced that Tampa was one of the top 10 cities in America for those looking for hand-crafted beers and smaller, unique breweries. Such fan favorites include Cigar City Brewing - which brews its popular Jai Alai IPA and Florida Cracker white beer. Cigar City offers a nod to the rich history of Tampa Bay while appealing to modern beer aficionados too.

Art Scene

The Tampa and St. Petersburg area are home to some of the best art museums in the southeastern United States while places like the The Dali Museum (home to an impressive collection of artwork from the painter Salvador Dali), the Tampa Museum of Art, and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. Plus, every year in the month of March, Tampa plays host to the Gasparilla Arts Month which features the Gasparilla Music Festival and the internationally recognized Gasparilla Film Festival.

Sporting Foods

For the intense professional hockey fans or the raucous concert goers in downtown Tampa, the Amelia Arena provides a unique blend of fine cuisine that will surely change you mind about what "stadium food" should taste like. Check out the Firestick Grill and Mr. Empanada the next time you cheer on the Bolts!

Cigars

In the 1920s, the city of Tampa was the largest producer of cigars in the entire world making anywhere from 500,000 to nearly 1,000,000 cigars every year. That is why Tampa has the nickname Cigar City. Ybor City, near downtown Tampa, was the epicenter of this cigar production. Today, you can still see several of the old cigar factories that dotted the city's skyline for decades. Be sure light up an Oliva cigar the next time you stroll down 7th Avenue in Ybor City.

Cuban Sandwiches

One of the best sandwich varieties of all-time is the Cuban sandwich. A proper Cuban sandwich - one with ham, salami, roasted pork, swiss cheese, mustard, and a pickle on two freshly baked slices of Cuban bread - is the highlight for many restaurants throughout the Tampa Bay area. Visit almost any restaurant (even the sushi places have Cuban sandwich rolls!) and you'll be sure to find their own special blend of the Cuban sandwich. But for my personal favorite, you will have to check out the Cuban sandwich at The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City.

The Beaches
Probably the worst kept secret in all of the Tampa Bay area is the access to the hundreds of miles of pristine beaches and coastlines. Whether you like the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico or the great fishing spots in Tampa Bay, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region has it all for you. For some of the best beaches in the country, I would check out Anna Maria Island and Fort DeSoto Park.

So the next time you are out exploring your new hometown (or your hold hometown) be sure to take in some of these great not-so hidden sights and sounds of the Tampa Bay area.

Sources: Visit Tampa Bay, Community Profiles of Tampa Bay

Moving from Boston to Tampa

Are you moving or relocation from Boston to the Tampa Bay area? Not to worry, there are plenty of similarities between these two great cities that will make you feel right at home once you move in. Here are some of my favorite ways to make the new Sun Coast feel just like the old Northeast.

Moving from Boston to Tampa? Great! Welcome to your new home.

History

Early Americans v. Pirates

Yes, the city of Boston played a crucial role in the founding of this country in the early days of the 13 Original Colonies, but the city of Tampa has its own brand of historical significance. Each year, Tampa recognizes its history of besieging pirates by playing host to the Gasparilla Pirate Festival - part party, part history.

Professional Sports

While Boston's professional football team makes its way to another Super Bowl, Tampa Bay's Buccaneers mop up the bottom of the league by having the first overall draft pick. Nevertheless, the Tampa Bay area loves its own sports teams including the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Bay's professional hockey franchise (who, as of this writing, were in first place in the Eastern Conference.) If baseball is your sport, both the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox play in the same division, so you'll be able to see your old team several times a year.

Higher Education

True, the Boston area is well-known as the capital of higher learning in the United States, but the Tampa Bay area is home to two of the best universities in the state with the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa. USF boasts some of the highest patent-pending and patented research of colleges and universities in the world, and Tampa's flagship college has one of the best MBA programs in the southeast.

Coastal Waters

Nantucket Island v. Longboat Key

Both residents and visitors to the cities of Boston and Tampa have a love of all things water and beaches, thanks in large part to their proximity to the coastline. While the state of Massachusetts is home to some of the great colder-weather coastal towns and cities such as Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket; the state of Florida will feel right at home for those from the northeast with places like Anna Maria Island, St. Armand's Circle and Longboat Key.

Business Services

Some of the largest business industries in both great cities are the business and financial services sector. That's great news for those looking to keep their jobs but move to a different city, or big companies looking to move headquarters to a warmer, more business-friendly state that already has a large business service sector ready to service those big companies.

So if you're worried about moving from Boston to the Tampa Bay area, don't be! There is plenty to do, hear, and see here to make you feel right at home.

Moving From Phoenix, Arizona to Tampa, Florida

Are you moving or relocation from the Phoenix area to the Tampa Bay area? Not to worry, there are plenty of similarities between the two cities that will make you feel right at home once you move in. Here are some of my favorite ways to make the Sunshine State feel just like the Copper State.

Moving from Phoenix to Tampa? Great! Welcome to your new home.

Professional Sports

Both the greater Phoenix area and the Tampa Bay area share teams in the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League. Plus, both cities have a plethora of collegiate and minor league teams. No matter what your professional sport of choice, the Tampa area is a great sports home.

Natural Beauty

Grand Canyon v. the Beaches

The Grand Canyon is one of the country's most magical natural monuments. But just as grandiose are the hundreds of miles of coastline throughout the entire state of Florida. Replace those rocky cliffs and winding rapids with sandy seashells and lapping waves.

Residential Real Estate

Both the Phoenix and Tampa Bay areas are known famously and infamously for their roles in the rise and fall of the residential real estate markets. While there is plenty of money and deals to be made when times are great in both cities, each city takes its share of tumbles when the market falls.

Traditions

Native Americans v. Pirates

Every year, the Phoenix area celebrates its heritage with traditions dating back to the days of the Native Americans. While in the Tampa Bay area, every winter brings out the heritage of pirates and buccaneers in the Gasparilla festival.

The Weather

Dry Heat v. Wet Heat

One thing you will notice immediately upon moving to the Tampa Bay area is that there is no escape from the heat. While the Phoenix area is just as warm - if not warmer - as the Tampa Bay area, you will notice it is a different type of hot weather. So if heat is your thing, you moved to the right place.

So if you're worried about moving from the greater Phoenix area to the Tampa Bay are, don't be! There is plenty to do here to make you feel right at home.

Moving from Dallas, Texas to Tampa, Florida

Are you moving or relocation from the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area to the Tampa Bay area? Not to worry, there are plenty of similarities between the two cities that will make you feel right at home once you move in.  Here are some of my favorite ways to make the Sunshine State feel just like the Lonestar State.

Moving from Dallas to Tampa? Great! Welcome to your new home.

Military Bases

NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base v. MacDill AFB

Although Carswell Field is home to some of the U.S. Navy squadron headquarters, MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa is one of the most important military bases in the country. It is home to the United States Central Command and the U.S. Special Forces division - major hubs when it comes to communications across the battlefields. For those military families transferring into Tampa, you will feel right at home at this base.

Professional Sports

The Dallas/Fort Worth area is home to some of the best teams in every sports franchise, including professional hockey, football, and baseball.  Not to mention soccer and racing too.  But the Tampa Bay region has plenty of professional sports teams and events to keep even the most die-hard fanatic ready for more!

  

Titans of Industry

The DFW area plays host for several large and prominent national and international companies including American Airlines, J.C. Penney's, and Toyota. But, did you know that the Tampa Bay area is also home to many major players in the corporate world like Outback Steakhouse, Raymond James, and HSN.

Traditions

Fort Worth Stock Show v. Gasparilla Pirate Festival

Every winter, the northern Texas area welcomes cowboys and cowgirls from across the country to work and play with the year's best in cattle ranching and rodeo. The Bay area likes to dress up too, but instead of cowboy boots and silver spurs, Tampa residents showcase their proudest pirate hats and silver swords in the annual Gasparilla parade.

Neighborhood "Parks"

University Park v. Hyde Park

Spending an afternoon strolling along the streets of University Park in Dallas or Hyde Park in Tampa, you will stumble upon some of the best the two regions have to offer when it comes to fine dining, shopping, and architecture. Come year-round for shows, festivals, farmers markets!

So if you're worried about moving from the DFW area to the Bay are, don't be!  There is plenty to do here to make you feel right at home.

Images courtesy of:
The Dallas Cowboys
The Tampa Bay Lightning
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Visit Tampa Bay

Moving from Washington, D.C. to Tampa, Florida

Are you moving or relocation from the Washington, D.C. metro area to the Tampa Bay area? Not to worry, there are plenty of similarities between the two cities that will make you feel right at home once you move in.

Here at the top 5 similarities when it comes to Washington, D.C. and Tampa, Florida.

Moving from Washington, D.C. to Tampa? Great! Welcome to your new home.

Military Bases

Andrews AFB v. MacDill AFB

Although Andrews Air Force Base is one of POTUS' prime parking spots, MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa is one of the most important military bases in the country. It is home to the United States Central Command and the U.S. Special Forces division - major hubs when it comes to communications across the battlefields. For those military families transferring into Tampa, you will feel right at home at this base.

Architecture

DC Row Home v. Spanish Bungalow

Washington, D.C. may have more of a historical impact when it comes to art and culture, but that doesn't mean Tampa is far behind when it comes to architecture and design. While the Row Home is a staple all throughout the mid-Atlantic states, a charming 1920s Spanish-style bungalow is just what the doctor ordered throughout most of the charming neighborhoods in Tampa.

  

Craft Beer

DC Brau v. Cigar City

Both originators in the craft beer scene in their respective cities, these brewing companies serve up many different styles of beer including ales, lagers, and IPAs. Head to any bar around town and you'll be sure to find a Cigar City draft.

Traditions

Cherry Blossom Festival v. Gasparilla Pirate Festival

Every spring the Cherry Blossom trees come into full bloom all across the D.C. Metro area, showcasing one of the most beautiful and picturesque scenes in all of our nation's horticulture with invading pink flowers throughout the capital. But, for those looking for a different kind of invasion, the Gasparilla Pirate Festival harkens back to an era when real pirates plundered cities along the shoreline in this great festival every winter.

  

Outdoor Activities

The Mall v. The Beaches

Spending an afternoon on The National Mall - whether it be just walking around, playing some kickball or listening to a great band, a famous speech or an awesome fireworks concert - is one of the most enjoyable things you can do in the Metro area. Now, just take those exact same fun outdoor activities and add a little sand, surf, and sun and you got a wonderful weekend on the beaches of Tampa Bay.

So if you're worried about moving from Washington, D.C. to Tampa, don't be!  There is plenty to do here to make you feel right at home.

The Best of Tampa Bay

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of great reasons to live in the Tampa Bay area.  Don't believe me?  Just watch this video and read the list below of all of the great reasons.

Video credits: ChappelRoberts

Tampa Bay has more than 4.4 million residents and we expect that number to grow to 4.6 million by 2016.

More than 20% of Tampa Bay residents are between the ages of 18 and 34.

In the state of Florida, Tampa Bay ranks #1 in buying income and #1 in retail sales (according to the Tampa Bay Times.)

Tampa Bay grows by more than 50,000 new residents every year.

The labor force grew 9.4% between 2001 and 2011 compared with a national average of 6.7% in that same time.

Tampa Bay is home to 80 world class colleges and universities including the University of South Florida, University of Tampa, Ringling College of Art and Design, and Stetson School of Law that draw students from every state in the country and from over 100 countries worldwide.

25% of Florida's STEM graduates are from the University of South Florida.

Tampa Bay public elementary schools rank #3 in the nation in parental satisfaction.

35 of the top Fortune 1000 companies are based in Florida, and nine of those 35 are based in Tampa, including Publix, Jabil, TechData, WellCare, TECO, Raymond James Financial, Roper, HSN, and Lincare. Not to mention several other prominent corporations with headquarters in the Tampa area including Outback Steakhouse, PODS, Rooms to Go, and Beef O' Brady's.

MacDill Air Force base is home to the United States Central Command and the U.S. Special Forces division and coalition forces representing 67 countries from around the world.

Since 2000, the Tampa Bay are has seen more than $1.1 billion in venture capital investments.

In 2010 alone, the region produced over 1,000 new patents.

The Tampa Bay region has a GDP of nearly $290 billion.

The cost of business for the corporate, international finance, and shared services sectors ranks least expensive in the U.S. for cities with more than 2 million residents.

The Florida High Tech Corridor connects 12 workforce boards, 23 counties, 3 research universities, 14 community colleges, and 20 economic development organizations.

Tampa Bay is home to 3 international airports, including Tampa International Airport - consistently voted as the top passenger-friendly airport in the world.

The Port of Tampa is the busiest seaport in the state of Florida.

Tampa is home to several attractions including Busch Gardens, the Tampa Bay History Center, the Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Dali Museum.

Three of Tampa Bay's beaches have been voted #1, according to Dr. Beach.

Tampa Bay isn't just a place to live.  It's a place to call home.  Come see why Tampa Bay Shines.