The Staycation Series: WTR and Sparkman Wharf

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Hello beautiful people!

I promised I'd be back with The Staycation Series: Part Four and here it is! Let's get this party started with some more fun, affordable activities in the Tampa Bay area! 


First, there’s WTR Pool & Grill. It’s a venue at Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa, featuring poolside lounging and dining with private cabanas, a full bar, and a DJ overlooking Tampa Bay. It’s along the Courtney Campbell Causeway near south Rocky Point, about 15 minutes from downtown Tampa.

It reminds me of a pool party in Las Vegas at Tao at the Venetian or something— But in Tampa! It's a lot of fun and gets prettyyyy crowded. (I took these pictures before all the fun got started) On the weekends, they charge a cover fee… But usually only $10-20. There are even lockers available for rent so that your belongings are secure while you're in the pool. This was all pre-Cornonavirus, of course. 


After that, take a stroll around Sparkman Wharf. It’s located in downtown Tampa, next to the Florida Aquarium—Where the Channelside Bay Plaza used to stand. It’s in an ideal location to enjoy the sunshine, right on the water. They have a variety of restaurants, a biergarten, games, and a stage for live music.


The Fermented Reality Biergarten is an open-air biergarten featuring over 30 taps with an emphasis on Florida craft beer.


The Dining Garden features some of Tampa’s best restauranteurs experimenting with new culinary concepts in a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s right next to the lawn and dining garden, and is covered to provide a comfortable space to sit in while you enjoy the waterside view.


I tried a chicken sandwich from Flock & Stock. They had burgers, chicken sandwiches, tenders, and fries. It was pretty good! The fries could’ve been a little crispier but… Small tings, ya know?



There was also a live band performing on the stage on the lawn. We sat on the grass, people-watched, and relaxed until they closed.


So, that’s all, folks! Keep in mind, I did all of this pre-Coronavirus. I'll try to keep you all updated with some other activities in Florida that you can take advantage of before the summer’s over while maintaining a safe distance! Leave me a comment if you think of something!
P.S. If you haven't checked out the rest of the Staycation Series posts, here they are!
The Staycation Series: Tampa Bay
The Staycation Series: Three Sisters Springs
The Staycation Series: Sweetfields Sunflower Farm

Until next time!

-A.

Location: Tampa, FL, USA

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