On February 1, 1929, President Calvin Coolidge addressed hundreds of visitors at The Singing Tower. Hundreds of cars parked beneath a pine forest. Guests dressed in formal black garb braved Florida’s heat for the dedication address. Pines and oaks surrounded the tower and the temporary wood shelter erected for the President’s visit. Palms and palmettos…
Farmers’ markets have always served as informal community gatherings. Places to socialize while shopping and supporting local farmers and artisans. Farmers’ markets in Tampa serve the same role. Like many of the best farmers’ markets in Florida, these offer a variety of goods, from locally sourced produce and honey to baked goods, art, and plants….
When you think of zen and mindful destinations, do you think of Tampa? Probably not! Yet, these seven mindful activities in Tampa show that it’s possible to take a relaxing trip to this Florida city and find a few zen moments while doing so. 1. Visit Wat Mongkolratanaram, the Thai Temple in Tampa Tampa is…
Lake Dan Nature Preserve in Odessa is a 1,100 acre preserve managed by Hillsborough County. The preserve sits among Odessa’s tranquil horse farms and borders the Keystone Pinellas Trail. It encompasses several lakes, former cow pastures, and oak hammocks. With 9 miles of multi-use trails, hiking at Lake Dan Nature Preserve presents the opportunity to…
The narrow two-lane road curves through a forest of pine trees, saw palmetto, and oak trees. Understory trees and shrubs fill the land beneath and crowd the road’s shoulder. Birds call to each other from the treetops. I stop walking when I hear the characteristic staccato of a woodpecker searching for a meal. I scan…