Attending FNGLA's 2019 Annual Convention?

June 12, 2019

Planning to attend FNGLA's 2019 Annual Convention? Wonderful news! FNGLA Tampa Bay Chapter locals recommend some of their Tampa favorites for you to enjoy while in the area:

Favorite Breweries

7venth Sun Brewery - impressive beer varieties
Coppertail Brewing Co. – their Free Dive brew is the best beer in the world

Favorite Family Spot/Activity

The Florida Aquarium - in fact, don't miss FNGLA's planned private Convention one-hour horticulture tour of this incredible venue! (sign up here. FNGLA members can attend for just $25 bucks!)
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Lowry Park - a one-mile trail which runs alongside the Hillsborough River, and meanders through some impressive naturescapes. Also inside the park is Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
Tampa Bay Beaches - sun, fun.. need we say more??
Tampa Bay Grand Prix - super-fast indoor go-carts
Top Golf - if you like golf, this is your kind of place.
Big Cat Rescue - a big cat animal sanctuary
Splitsville at Sparkman Wharf - pool tables, bowling, sushi...
Tampa Bay History Center - Exhibits on Florida history and people including Spanish explorers, Cuban cigar rollers, the swash-buckler Jack Rackham, and historic hero Teddy Roosevelt.
eBoats on the Hillsborough River - Be your own captain as you tour Tampa's burgeoning Marina District.

Favorite Casual Restaurant

bartaco - the name pretty much sums this one up.
Frenchys (Clearwater) - Fish. Sandwiches.
Eddie and Sam's Pizza & Gelato Bar - these guys actually import New York City waters to give their slices the true taste of home (if you're from New York, that is. If not, trust, us, it's still really, really good pizza.)
El Puerto Restaurant & Grill, Ybor - international Latin Cuisine at its finest.
Mad Dogs and Englishmen pub, MacDill St. - live music, good-looking food, jovial atmosphere, serious libations.
Paulo at Caffé Paradiso serves up the most awesome Ossobuco ever!

Favorite Place for Drinks

Zydeco – great drink menu and an very worthwhile brisket sandwich

Favorite Place for Dessert

Snobachi Hand Crafted Ice Cream - Google says it best, 'Family-owned ice-cream parlour known for its handmade rolled & liquid nitrogen creations.'
Berns Steak House - don't miss their a separate dessert room!
Wrights Gourmet House - super great deli fare, and super dessert menu including the interesting-sounding Hummingbird Cupcake, and Alpine Cake.

Only Locals Know About These

Lee's Grocery - don't let the name fool you, it's really a pretty cool pizza joint.
Oxford Exchange - a great place to enjoy breakfast or lunch
Roux - pretty inspiring scenery, Southern-inspired, Cajun, Creole flavors.
Ciro’s - it’s a speakeasy – be sure to call in advance for the password, otherwise they won’t let you in…really!
The Anchor Bar and Islands Club on Davis Islands are two super local haunts.

Favorite Way to Enjoy the River

Rick's on the River - good music and incredible salt-water views.
Armature Works - Great atmosphere at the end of the Riverwalk. A good mix of restaurants and shops. We hear your can play Bingo there, too.
Remedy - craft cocktails, al-fresco seating on the River, oyster bar.. what more does one need in life?

Cool and New Place/Activity

Sail Pavilion - Waterfront, open-air bar located on Tampa's Riverfront which boasts, '360-degree' views.
Stroll through the University of Tampa campus around twilight for a shot of history, and garden loveliness.
Oxford Exchange – restaurants, a bookstore, coffee shop, shops and more.
Uele Restaurant - 'Native-Inspired food & spirits,' according to its website -- which sounds awesome to us.
Sparkman Wharf - So much is going on at this place -- retail destination, open-aire biergarten.. suffice it to say, this place is happenin’!

Y’bor City Must-See

The original Columbia Restaurant - A five-generation family business, this Spanish fare eatery is one part restaurant, two parts culture and history.
Why not take a Cigar Factory tour? While in Rome...
And, while you have your sight-seeing shades on, be sure to check out all the chickens who call Ybor home.