I go to Tampa Florida every couple of months for work, and I always see something new. My Tampa Florida road trip last month was for work, but I stayed to explore this time. I had no idea how much there is to do in this city by the bay. And it’s a great place to escape the cold winter days in the north.
Where To Stay In Tampa Florida
We were hosted at the Tampa Embassy Suites Downtown. This hotel makes you feel like royalty. From the large and spacious suites to the extras we received. It is VERY pet friendly, and you even get free evening cocktails and free breakfast.
As we entered our suite at the Embassy suites and were greeted with the best welcome. The girls had a doggy bed and toys waiting for them.
Related – Pet Friendly Road Tripping Tips
The charcuterie board was wonderful with salty and sweet treats waiting for us.
The room had a living room, dining room, kitchenette, large bathroom, and a beautiful bedroom overlooking the bay.
The Sunset from the bedroom was absolutely beautiful. There is nothing like a sunset over the water.
Food And Cocktail Tastings At Taste
We had the pleasure of tasting some of the new cocktails and food pairings during our stay. All I can say is it was some of the best food and cocktail pairings I have ever tasted, and I really wish I would have had a bigger stomach.
Chef Lavonne and the bartender have created some amazing pairings for their menu. We tried the following, and every one of them was amazing. My favorite was the Sushi Tempura, and of course, my favorite cocktail was the smoked old-fashioned.
The food just kept coming, and oh my gosh, it just got better and better, like this apple slaw pork belly. From texture to flavor, it was heaven to your mouth. It was paired perfectly with an apple crisp spritzer.
My husband’s favorite was of course the steak and potatoes which were paired with my favorite cocktail. The NY strip was cooked perfectly and laid on top of a fried potato. The added asparagus and onion on top were a perfect touch.
The Old Fashioned cocktail has become my favorite cocktail lately. Maybe it’s because I love anything with a black cherry in it, or maybe the added smoke flavor just sends it over the moon for me.
The last tasting was amazing, and this is where I really wish I had a bigger stomach. I was always taught to finish everything on my plate, and not finishing this dish was definitely a food crime. This amazing Wahoo fish fillet was pan-seared and placed over the delectable carrot ginger puree then drizzled with a citrus vinegarette. It had all the flavors and just melted in my mouth. I will definitely be back for this one.
Things To Do In Tampa Florida
Things To Do On The Riverwalk
There are pirate boat rides, waterbikes, museums, and great places to eat. I wish we would have had more time to explore, but we did get a chance to try 2 great restaurants. One of the restaurants is in a permanent location, the other was a food truck.
I had the shrimp corndog at the little fish shop on the riverwalk, I know, what was I thinking, but it was really good.
The hubs saw a Texas BBQ food truck and of course, he had to try it. He had the brisket plate that came with some really yummy sides.
For more Tampa Bay Riverwalk Information, Click Here.
Things I Saw On My Tampa Florida Road Trip
Driving over the bridge from Tampa to St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach is a site on its own. there are 3 different bridges that I have crossed over. The Howard Franklyn Bridge is the most traveled because it doubles as highway 275. The Gandy Bridge, which is the one I take the most because it takes me straight to the station, is a beautiful bridge, though it was under construction when I went last time. And the Courtney Cambell Causeway has a few places you can stop and take some great photos.
Check out their other Hilton Downtown Tampa Florida Location.