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IT’S 5.30 on a warm Sunday afternoon. Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa could be any other green space. But as the clock rolls closer to 6pm, you’ll notice two large loudspeakers silently rolled in and set up carefully in the middle of the park and – like clockwork – people of all ages materialise in front of them.
Around 100 have turned out, mats in hand, for a free yoga class.
The class takes all abilities – from beginners just about managing to remember what a downward dog is, to the more advanced effortlessly transitioning to a headstand.
It’s a perfect example of the welcoming nature of this thriving city. And, with average summer temperatures of around 28°C, and 22°C in the winter, it doesn’t take a genius to work out why more than 23 million people visited Tampa in 2018. With a booming food scene and being named in USA Today’s
100 Best Readers’ Choice for beer-centric travel, the city offers a trendy alternative to other Florida destinations.
If you want an authentic allAmerican trip with a twist, here’s everything you need to know about what Tampa has to offer.
GRAB A BITE
HOUSED in a restored former trolley barn, Armature Works brings together more than a dozen local restaurants in the waterfront food hall. Get your favourite bite to eat – from fresh tuna salads to vegan cuisine, there’s something for everyone – then head for al fresco dining by the Hillsborough River.
STAY AT THE CURRENT HOTEL
LOCATED on the edge of Rocky Point, The Current Hotel is part of the Autograph collection tailored to reflect Tampa’s flare – and, of course, it looks out on to Old Tampa Bay. From your room you can bask in the view of the water and skylines of downtown Tampa and St Petersburg. Try the famous Nitro brew coffee for an extra boost in the morning, head to the fitness centre or relax by the pool.
ENJOY STREET FOOD
FOR any food lover, Sparkman Wharf is a must. It’s a vibrant mix of culinary creations from Tampa’s top chefs. Grab a jerk grouper sandwich, sushi or simply go for a tipple of the local beers in the biergarten.
The outdoor stage hosts concerts,