Have you visited the Plant Museum or the Sykes Chapel at the University of Tampa? They are both experiences that we
believe everyone should have, like sampling a grouper sandwich at Frenchy’s, or enjoying a chocolate malt at Dunedin’s
Strachan’s. We have chosen 26 of these not-to-be-missed places in no particular order, since each is unique to Tampa Bay. So
whether you have just arrived, or are native to the area, we hope you will make an effort to try each of these places for yourself.
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80 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JULY/AUGUST 2017
LEIASRUTRE
26 Things You Should
Do This Summer
By Aaron R. Fodiman
1. Wander through the Plant Museum in the former Tampa Bay Hotel on the University of
Tampa campus.
2. Be inspired by the magnificent organ in the Sykes Chapel at the University of Tampa.
3. Have a Florida grouper sandwich at any of Frenchy’s restaurants in Clearwater or Dunedin.
4. Enjoy an ice cream treat of some kind at Strachan’s in downtown Dunedin, or in Palm Harbor.
5. See an opera at the Straz Center in Tampa, the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg or the
Sarasota Opera House.
6. Be thrilled by a Broadway musical at Tampa’s Straz Center.
7. See a movie at the historic and restored Tampa Theatre.
8. View the collection of Salvador Dalí artwork at the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg.
9. View the public art throughout Tampa International Airport.
10. Listen to music at the Clearwater Jazz Holiday in Coachman Park during the fall.
11. Watch artists blow glass at Duncan McClellan Gallery’s hot glass workshop or at the
Morean Art Center’s Glass Studio and Hot Shop in St. Petersburg.
12. Take the ferry from Dunedin’s Honeymoon Island to pristine and natural Caladesi Island.
13. Rock to a musical presentation at Ruth Eckerd Hall or the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater.
14. Get a massage and drink the healing waters from the natural springs at the Safety Harbor Spa.
15. Be wowed at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre in Hudson by one of their spectacular musicals.
16. Be captivated by the Florida Orchestra at one of its many concerts throughout the
Tampa Bay area.
17. Stay at the Opal Sands Resort on Clearwater Beach and see why tourists from all over the
world love coming here.
18. Watch a sunset at the Palm Pavilion on Clearwater Beach with a cold drink, as the sounds
of waves and music sooth you.
19. Visit Tarpon Springs and see how this Greek community honors its cultural heritage.
20. Enjoy a Cuban sandwich anywhere in the Tampa Bay area.
21. Have a Sunday brunch at the gigantic buffet that Island Way Grill sets out every week in
Clearwater.
22. Savor the chocolate creations at William Dean Chocolates’ flagship location in Belleair Bluffs.
23. Have breakfast at Kelly’s-chica-boom-room, which is served until 3 p.m. in case you are a late riser.
24. See a community theater production at Clearwater’s Francis Wilson Playhouse or the Eight
O’Clock Theatre at the Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo.
25. Attend any professional sports game. Our Rowdies in soccer, Rays in baseball, Lightning in
hockey and Buccaneers in football are each quality teams that deserve to be cheered on as
they play.
26. Stroll along Beach Drive in St. Petersburg, or take a beach walk on Clearwater Beach or
meander along the Riverwalk along the Hillsborough River in Tampa.
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