My tropical getaway

What keeps me coming back to Tampa Bay annually, even after 20 years

The moment I step off the plane at Tampa International Airport, I can feel the stress from my crazy busy life back in New Jersey melting away. The warm air, mixed with the smell of suntan lotion and empanadas, and the sound of a live band, greets us, instantly putting a smile on my face. Even after over 20 years of visiting Tampa Bay, that excitement never fades. As soon as we get our rental car – a short, 10-min drive to downtown – I insist we put the windows down to properly take in the sights, sounds, and smells of this place I've come to know and love as “my tropical getaway".

Our first stop is almost always the Tampa Riverwalk. It's the perfect way to get oriented and serves as a great jumping-off point to explore. Lined with restaurants, shops, parks, and artwork, the walkway along the Hillsborough River is both beautiful and full of energy. Two of my favorite restaurants are here – Ulele and American Social. If I’m in town with my girlfriends, we’ll come here to bar hop and check out the local vibe.

I also love Ybor City. Strolling sunny 7th Avenue with my family, my boys practice their Spanish while soaking in vibrant street music and energy. We hop the free TECO streetcar over from downtown. A must is iconic J.C. Newman Cigars – which claims to be the USA’s oldest family-owned premium cigar maker, having opened its doors in 1895 – to meet master roller Luis Gonzalez teaching traditional hand-rolling. For incredible Spanish food, the historic Columbia Restaurant is pretty unbeatable, while Casa Santo Stefano offers tasty Sicilian flavors. We also always explore Ybor's sports history at the Tampa Baseball Museum – it’s a really fun day out!

Since our boys have entered the picture, our annual trip to Tampa Bay has turned into a family tradition. Each year, as winter's chill takes over our home in New Jersey, we count down the days to our Tampa Bay break. It’s become more than a vacation; it’s a reset button for our lives. At Armature Works, my kids get foodie freedom. One time, I handed them each $10 and let them roam the stalls trying empanadas, BBQ, pizza, you name it. They returned triumphantly, carrying a brownie so enormous it was comical. We all burst into laughter, strangers joining in, as they attempted (and failed) to finish it.

No matter how many times I visit, I'm always finding new gems. Like the time my husband and I randomly stumbled upon Hidden Springs Ale Works. We ended up chatting with locals and the bartender for hours! Now, it's our secret spot to grab a drink and take in the laid-back atmosphere that seems to permeate throughout the area.

Tampa Bay has an emerging craft-beer scene that we love to explore. One of our new favorites is Angry Chair Brewing, specializing in pastry and dessert-inspired beers. On our last visit, we tried stouts aged in rum barrels along with German chocolate cake and rocky-road brews.

When we stay closer to the water, we love wandering down Bayshore Boulevard. Known as one of the longest continuous sidewalks in the US, its 4.5 mile sidewalk skirting Hillsborough Bay provides stellar views of downtown Tampa's skyline. Joggers and bikers cruise by as we walk to our next adventure – being able to walk everywhere is a big plus – whether it's The Florida Aquarium or Amalie Arena to catch a Lightning game.

What keeps me coming back after all these years are those little unexpected surprises that you can't plan for on an itinerary. The random outdoor movie nights you stumble upon where everyone huddles together eating popcorn and drinking hot chocolate under the trees; discovering phone numbers scribbled on the back of a receipt, leading to impromptu drinks with new friends. It's the feeling I strive for every time I visit. And as soon as I get back home, I'm already dreaming of and planning my next trip. Scrolling through photos, looking for new restaurants to try, hip breweries to check out, and fun cultural events to experience.

*Editors note: This article includes first-hand experiences as well as inspirational activities.

Quick fire five

What's your favorite memory in Tampa Bay?

The outdoor movie night watching 'Elf' near Armature Works stands out. There was something magical about sitting under the stars, sharing laughs and hot chocolate with locals and tourists alike.

Describe Tampa Bay in three words:

My Tropical Getaway

What's suprised you the most in Tampa Bay?

The warmth and openness of the locals. Everywhere we went, people were eager to share their favorite spots and make us feel part of the community.

Describe what Tampa Bay would be like, if it was a person?

A friendly, laid-back host who knows the best hidden spots in town and loves sharing them.

What's a must-try experience or dish in Tampa Bay?

Pool hopping between hotel pools. It's a unique way to experience the city's resort-like vibe