Great Things Tampa Bay

After a significant milestone (or time in this case), it's important to take a look back and see all the great places and people we've talked about. Of the great restaurants and fun times discussed throughout Tampa Bay, which ones still hold up? Is the relish tray at Beachcombers still as delicious? Is Vesuvio at Bella's Cafe still the mindblowing dessert it was? Is the Strawberry Festival better than the Florida State fair? We also mourn the loss of some of our favorites dineries throughout Tampa Bay. Whether pandemic took them down, or simply they moved on to better things.

Delco's Cheese Steaks are worth the drive... ask me how I know! This unique spot in Clearwater / Dunedin is worth the trip from all corners of Tampa Bay. Hands down one of THE BEST cheesesteaks you will have in the area. Delco's Website https://www.delcosdunedin.com/ Lakeland's Philly Steak and Wing https://phillysteakandwingslakeland.com/   ==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--== Subscribe as a podcast! https://greatthingstb.com/

Replay Pinball Museum in Tarpon Springs and now in St Petersburg is a great place to go and spend the day. Learn about a recent Great Things Tampa Bay event where we traveled to Tarpon Springs, had a delicious lunch at Olive the World (previously mentioned in episode 9!) and then take a quick walk around the corner to the Replay Pinball Museum! I also talk about why it's been a little bit of time since you've heard from me. Life happens sometimes, but I'm back and realigning what Great Things Tampa Bay will be! Olive the World: https://www.olivetheworldbistro.com/ Replay Museum https://www.replaymuseum.org/ ==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--== Download the Great Things Tampa Bay Mobile App https://greatthingstb.com/app Subscribe to the podcast! https://greatthingstb.com/ Get out and get active and attend a fun Great Things Tampa Bay Event! https://greatthingstb.com/front-page/event-directory/ Hit the Great Things Tampa Bay Shop https://greatthingstb.com/shop And as always thanks for tuning in!

Want to know how to obtain a free composting bin if you're a city of St Pete Resident? Up your recycling game by adding a [FREE] composting bin to your repertoire! The City of Saint Petersburg is offering composting bins to residents free of charge. All you have to do is complete a simple form, and they will schedule you to receive your compost bin.... FREE! What's the value in composting? Well, it keeps additional trash out of the landfills, and it makes a great additive for your plants, flowers, herbs, gardens, and shrubberies. Get Your Free Bin From St Pete Sanitation Here Did you also know the City of St Petersburg also has free dropoff sites for recyclables and yard waste including tree limbs, plus you can pick up FREE MULCH? FREE MULCH and information on yard waste dropoff / pickup Or if you're outside of St Petersburg, but still lin Pinellas County, like Clearwater, Dunedin, or Safety Harbor, your information is on the Pinellas County Website.

Does Great Things Tampa Bay write paid puff pieces? Common wisdom is that if you don't have haters, you're not trying hard enough. I've now gotten a few pieces of hate mail, and thought I'd address one them directly. Plenty of publications and media outlets do them... but does Great Things Tampa Bay take payment for favorable reviews of restaurants, events, or to conduct interviews and highlight local businesses and charities? And what do you think? Is there anything wrong with doing paid stories? Many say it's ok as long as you state up front that you are being paid for it. So what do you think?  Paid puff pieces ok? Send me an email! Download the Great Things Tampa Bay Mobile App:

Listen as The Florida Orchestra performs the 1812 Overture at Symphony Under the Starts 2019 at Raymond James Stadium. Featuring actual cannon fire!   It's not going to be the same hearing this performed in the Straz! I was invited to attend Symphony Under the Stars by some dear friends of mine. And while the Florida Orchestra performed numerous tunes with a pirate theme (Including the Theme from Pirates of the Carribean and Hook!) the start of the show and most anticipated was certainly the 1812 Overture. The 1812 Overture is know for a few things. 1) It was written as a Russian celebration for defeating Napoleon 2) The original performance included ringing every churchbell as well as firing actual artillery. So it's tough to pull off in an orchestral hall. Luckily, Raymond James stadium has one key ingredient to push this performance over the top... CANNONS! Watch the video and listen in to a nearly overwhelming performance by the Florida Orchestra... and if you were wondering where you've heard this before, V For Vendetta is the likely candidate. Watch the video   Catch your own Florida Orchestra Performance Download the Great Things Tampa Bay Mobile App

Watch full video interview here! What happens when real life meets the colorful page? Real Life Heroes! Bay Coast Guardians are the helpful hand that St Petersburg both needs and deserves. Who are the Bay Coast Guardians? They are a group of Real Life Heroes doing good (some would say GREAT) work in our local community. From homeless outreach to safety patrols, these modern marvel bring peace of mind, a lot of good will, and a positive outlook to the streets of St Petersburg. "Are they serious?" you might ask. Well, yes, but as they would tell you themselves, "The work is serious, but we don't take ourselves serious. Bay Coast Guardians are: Impact (blue with helmet/mask) Good Samaritan (Green and red vesty thing) Warden (Black and Purple trenchcoat) Jaguar (Jaguar) Mercy (the lady hero!) Orange Wombat (take a wild guess) Bay Coast Guardians Instagram Download the Great Things Tampa Bay App

For being so close to the sea, great seafood can be tough to find in Tampa Bay. Luckily Blake’s Crab Cakes is to the rescue! I sit down with my wife as well as tasting event winner Ardena Bosley to try out these wonderful, amazing and authentic crab cakes, and to share the experience with you! We try out the eponymous crab cakes, and sample some of the different types of blue crab claws and shrimp that are prepared with loving care at Blake’s Crab Cakes. Get the inside scoop on what makes these cakes so delicious! Blake’s Crab Cakes 7224 Central Ave St Petersburg, FL 33707 727-289-2322 Download the Great Things Tampa Bay Mobile App for a chance to win at my next tasting event!  

Keel and Curley Winery is a wonderful way to spend the day. And it's an added bonus if it's BLUEBERRY SEASON (April-May)! Today I share my experieces at this great local spot in Plant City, just east of Tampa. Stop by, sample some beers and wine, watch the ducks on the pond, and eat a delicious hamburger! Keel and Curley Strawberry Festival Episode Strawberry Farming Episode Download the Great Things Tampa Bay Mobile App

  Do you have an interest in podcasts or podcasting, or maybe just meeting a great local group of people helping each other out The Florida Podcaster's Association is just one such place. Every month Chris Krimitsos hosts 40-60 podcasters at a public meetup in Tampa. There we share ideas, knowledge, wins, and maybe more importantly, what isn't working. It's a great group of people. Chris also puts on Podfest with John Dennis. Podfest is an annual podcaster convention, currently in Orlando. This year there was over 1,000 attendees, with amazing podcasters such as Tyler Sheff of the Cash Flow Guys and Joe Saul-Sehy of the Stacking Benjamins podcast. Keynote this year was by John Lee Dumas who many of your know from Entrepreneurs on Fire. Podfest Information Monthly Podcaster Meetup Download the Great Things Tampa Bay Mobile App

Let's take a minute and relax on the lighter side of life.   I sit down with Jimmy Murray, funny guy, AI developers, and voice acting talent.  Notably he's the voice of the runaway hit podcast "Kid Friendly Joke of the Day", your daily dose of child appropriate humor.  Perfect on the way to school or little Johnny's soccer practice! We sit down an have a chat at The Attic, located in beautiful downtown Tampa, Florida. What about?  Well, for that you'll have to listen to the episode! And don't forget to download the Great Things Tampa Bay App https://GreatThingsTB.com/app/    

In episode 43, I interview Elizabeth and Erin of Tampa Bay Live at Engine 9 in St Petersburg Florida. Tampa Bay Live is a great local blog and social media company with the same aim as Great Things Tampa Bay:  To share some awesome spots to eat all about the Tampa Bay area! Engine 9 is an outstanding gourmet burger restaurant in beautiful downtown St Petersburg, located at 56 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N.    

What's it feel like to get fan mail?  A whole lot better than getting hate mail! In Episode 42 I have lunch with my wife as well as Michael and Nicole at Thai Legacy, a Thai restaurant that's so good you'll be dreaming about the Mango Sticky Rice for weeks! Thai Legacy  120 N Parsons Ave, Brandon, FL 33510 https://www.thailegacyrestaurant.com/   Download the Great Things Tampa Bay Mobile App: https://GreatThingsTB.com/app

Jackie Williams and her husband Todd Wilson are the brains behind an amazing multistory boutique in St Petersburg called Furnish Me Vintage specializing in all things hip and cool! You'll find vinyl records, Danish furniture, mid-century design, probably a cool car, some retro stereo equipment, and some awesome artwork. Take a trip back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s at Furnish Me Vintage! Furnish Me Vintage Website 1246 CENTRAL AVENUE ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 33705

In today's episode, you will hear about the history of the University of Tampa, the Tampa Hotel and it's builder Henry Plant.  Lindsay Huban, the Museum Relations Manager at the Henry B Plant Museum located at the University of Tampa, takes us on a historical journey through this wonderful and iconic Tampa property! Henry Plant Museum (University of Tampa) https://www.plantmuseum.com/

I interview local influencer and instagram phenomenon Joe Malinowski, responsible for Tampa Bay Is Awesome!  Joe joins me for dinner at Brick and Mortar, and we talk about all things food, the current state of things in Tampa Bay, and what there is to look forward to!   Music by Stone Marmot

Hear is straight from the dog's mouth!  In this episode of Great Things Tampa Bay, I interview Fred Metzler, the owner of Dog Bar who I spoke about in depth and featured in Episode 21. Also featuring music by Whitney Drive

Gateway to Indian has converted me into an Indian food lover!  Listen in about one of the best restaurants in Tampa Bay, let alone best Indian Restaurant. The tikka masala is literally worth the drive from all points! Download the Great Things Tampa Bay App! http://GreatThingsTB.com/app Music by Christian Gonzalez  

Come along on a journey from Tampa, to North Georgia, to Nashville, to Biloxi, and finally to New Orleans. On this journey, you will hear about the struggle, over the course of three days, in building a business and a working product on a bus... with spotty internet access and one or two unknown smells. At the final destination, New Orleans, we compete against other Startup Buses from around the country (and even one from Mexico) to decide who has the best startup! StartupBus is an intense but memorable experience. Robert Blacklidge was featured previously on episode 26 More information on StartupBus Music by The Criss Starr Experience Episode sponsored by Happiest Doulas.  Save 5% with Promo Code HAPPY5!

I interview Michael Women, aka The Gator Crusader.  Learn all about the most popular apex reptile in Florida, the Alligator.  I also get in the pen with them for a few minutes.  Very unsettling! You'll also learn about the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, an animal sanctuary in Palm Harbor that takes care of abandoned and neglected monkeys, apes, and orangutans (and more than a couple alligators).  Located right next to the Pinellas Trail so you may have heard them! Gator Crusader on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GatorCrusader/ Gator Crusader on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvL2W88pkCycZYWnfLZmDBQ Suncoast Primate Sanctuary http://suncoastprimates.com/   Music by Coming Home The Band! https://www.cominhometheband.com/

This is a replay of Episode 15.  It's a sporting life!  In this episode, learn about all the opportunities Tampa Bay Club Sport has for adults of all ages to get active.  From soccer to kickball, and golf to cornhole (sport?), Club Sport is the best way across the bay to keep your youthful spirit alive! Tampa Bay Club Sport www.TampaBayClubSport.Com Great Things Tampa Bay Podcast Website Get Social With Us!  We want to hear what you have to say! This episode brought to you by The Happiest Doulas!  SAve 5% by signing up for a baby class with promo code HAPPY5!

Sports are a big part of the Tampa Bay area, from kids to adults!  On today's episode, I interview Ian Elston with Tampa Bay Club Sports. TBCS run one of the largest sports leagues in the states, from kids all the way to old adults like me! No matter what sport or "sport" (looking at you,  cornhole!) you love to play, TBCS probably runs a league for it close to you no matter what part of the bay you're on. We also chat about the Rec Dec, a local spot TBCS is working on opening on Gandy. Music today by AEGEA! This episode brought to you by Happiest Doulas!  Save 5% off with promo code HAPPY5 at HappiestDoulas.com!

Wondering where to watch the world cup in Tampa Bay?  I give you a TON of places to check out. Who am I supporting?  FRANCE!  Allez Les Bleus!

You might have heard rumors about Goat Yoga... well we went and did the thing! My wife and I got our downward dog on and our bleeting hearts melted at  Grady Goat Yoga in Thonotosassa!  You'll need to book weeks out in advance, it's very therapeutic and yes the goats jump all over you without prompting. Music this episode by The Young Something!

Few things spark as much imagination as a musical instrument.  Give a toy guitar to a 4 year old and watch what happens.  It's like we're both with music in our soul! Local Luthier (that's someone who builds guitars) Erdem Koca of Koca Guitars has been building instruments for years.  Listen in as he shares some of the secrets of his craft with us. Also featuring music by Ania!

If you remember back to Episode 4, I love Italian.  In episode 29, I discover and share my experience of a relative newcomer to the Tampa Italian food scene.  When you walk in and everyone in the place is speaking Italian, you know you're in for something special.   Piccolo Italian Bistro Music by Stone Marmot - " Can't Undo Loving You"   Full Show Notes

Sure there are animal shelters around Tampa Bay, maybe that's where you adopted fluffy or rover.  And sure, maybe you or someone you know volunteers at one, helping our furry friends out.  But who helps the helpers? SOAR, that's who.  Suncoast Organized Animal Relief. Stephen and Sharon manage an organization that fills the gaps.  When shelters need help with food and supplies, they can turn to SOAR for the puppy food and cleanup supplies required to keep operating. We also have a track from Carlos Strong and Tierinni called Apologize.  Give the whole song a listen, I think you will be amazed at the talent in these two.   Donate to SOAR via GiveDay Tampa Bay! SOAR Facebook Page Jeff Downes, Designer of the SOAR Logo   Music by Carlos Strong and Tierinni - Apologize

Want to know where to find the best creole, jambalaya, etouffee, gumbo, red beans and sausage, fried okra and fried chicken? Look no further than Chief's Creole Cafe! Located at 901 22nd Street South in St Petersburg, just south of 3 Daughters Brewing and the Morean Center For Clay! Also, some fungus facts you might not have known!

On this episode I interview Robert Blacklidge who is very active in the local Tampa Bay startup and entrepreneur community.   Startup Bus CourseAlign One Million Cups   Music by Carlos Strong  

Take a trip with us north of Orlando: Beautiful Mount Dora, Florida! We went to Mount Dora to enjoy the 2017 Mount Dora Arts and Craft Fair We stayed at Adora Inn, a beautiful and wonderful bed and breakfast in easy walking distance to downtown Mount Dora. We also ate at: Goblin Market 1921 by Norman Van Aken and Pisces Rising. Music by Ellie Lee Band

Ever wondered what all goes into making a delicious strawberry, one worth of topping shortcake and being celebrated in a festival? I interview Bob McDowell, 15 year farmer at Fancy Farms out in Plant City, Florida and we talk everything strawberry and strawberry farming, and this interview just so happened to be conducted the day after a hard freeze which resulted in some crop damage. Did you know that a strawberry can be larger or smaller depending on the phase of the moon?  Learn this and other great facts in this episode! Also featuring music from a great local reggae band Trinity 7!  Trinity 7 is a family group led by Jamaican born Ras Meishak who is a dynamic song writer and bassist, and has performed with Yellowman, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Admiral Tibet, Eric Donaldson and many more.

Strawberry Shortcake or Cracker Country?  Are you more about a small town with big hearts or the largess of the city (3 Scooter Rides!)  In this episode I hand down the verdict on which is better, The Florida State Fair or The Florida Strawberry Festival.... and it just might surprise you!   Florida State Fair February 8 - 19   Florida Strawberry Festival March 1-11

Let out your inner Tarzan at TreeUmph!, our local tree canopy zipline and obstacle course! TreeUmph Adventure Course  

In episode 21 you'll hear about DogBar, the funnest and furriest place around.  No dog required! The unique and uplifting atmosphere of DogBar is unrivaled in the Tampa Bay Area.  Mixing an enclosed dog park, adult beverages, and fully vetted and certified canine membership, Dogbar rocks and is certainly a Great Things in Tampa Bay. Dogbar  2300 Central Ave St. Petersburg FL 33712

In this episode we share listener and reader suggestions for all the great things to go and see during the holiday season.  Christmas Light Displays galore!

Markets and Pop Ups are all the rage nowadays, and in Episode 19 we interview Natalie and Trista of Markets for Makers who are KILLING IT with local markets in Clearwater (Pierce St Market), Night Market in Tampa at Ferg's, Orange Blossom Market out in Lake Walesy, and a special Holiday Markets in Tampa and Los Angeles.

There's water to be found everywhere in Tampa Bay, and water means BOATS.  In this episode we cover the three major boat shows in the Tampa Bay area, and tell you which one to go to if your looking for sailboats and which one caters more to the fishing boater in you. We also read some listener email who talks about the greatest Meatloaf they've ever had, and finish up with the HMS dolphin who found the deal of a lifetime in the south pacific.

Want to know all the places to catch a movie outside now that the weather has cooled off a bit?  From Clearwater to Tampa to Rusking to St Petersburg, there's plenty of spots to see the silver screen under the stars!

It's a sporting life!  In this episode, learn about all the opportunities Tampa Bay Club Sport has for adults of all ages to get active.  From soccer to kickball, and golf to cornhole (sport?), Club Sport is the best way across the bay to keep your youthful spirit alive!

Things aren’t always sunny in Tampa Bay.  Rain falls.  Lightning crashes. While it’s good to know what places are great, it’s also valuable to know what places to absolutely avoid. Dayton Andrews Jeep on 34th in St Pete is one such place, and in this episode I give my personal experiences dealing with them.

Delicious Spanish and Cuban favorites at Tapa’s Cafe, a great and often overlooked lunch spot in Tampa/Brandon on Falkenberg.  Get some great croquetas, an astounding cuban sandwich, and some delicious sweet plantains (and flan!) with enough time left over to easily catch some Z’s before returning to the grind!

In this episode we interview Berto, Nick and Alessandro of The AOK Family. Also known as World Thrift Pop Up Shop and Kitchen.

In this episode we dive deep into Brocato’s sandwich shop, a Tampa staple and arguably the best cuban sandwich around.  But their true gem is their Deviled Crab!  Also we call out some Patio 850, Posto 9 and 801 E Main for doing it right in our neighbor to the east, beautiful Lakeland Florida.  And […]

In this episode we take a trek into the world of William Dean Chocolates and some of the education classes they offer.  In particular Laminated Dough…. croissants, sticky buns, puff pastry, and other flaky goodness!  We also talk about the wild world of Bill Jackson’s, the premier outdoor and outfitter in the Tampa Bay area. […]

In this episode we take another trip to Tarpon Springs and talk about some great shops and the most amazing food (that isn’t Greek) in Tarpon Springs.  It’s not all soap and sponge docks in Tarpon Springs, there’s a lot of local flavor available!

Take a trip to the Other Coast…. Flagler Beach.  Ok, true, this episode is not in Tampa Bay.  But we found so many great things that we just had to share!  Hear about our stay at a great Bed, Breakfast and Spa at The White Orchid Inn.  Let your mouth water over the retelling of […]

In Episode 7 we talk about walking, running and bicycling trails, interview Sal of Better Butterfly Creations, and discover what natural plant has better mosquito repellent properties than DEET.

This episode we give you a ton of Great Things in Tampa Bay! We cast a wide net to bring you a bunch of great places to go and see. From no less than two arcades to natural sponges to more morning markets than you can manage, this episode is sure to please! We also […]

Take a trip back to timeless elegance (and Captain’s Wafers) at Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber restaurant in Clearwater, FL.  You’ll also be fascinated to learn where to get the best topsoil in Pinellas County and learn more about our Best Burrito in the Bay contest!

In this episode learn about the best Italian restaurant in Tampa.  We also continue our interview with Andy of the Urban Comfort Group in St Pete (Urban BBQ, Urban Creamery, Urban Deli and Urban Comfort).  We also announce a killer contest for free eats in exchange for your burrito knowledge, and we end with life […]