As a girl, I know how hard it can be to find something to do that will entertain both you and your dad when he comes to visit at school. Besides going to a university-sponsored sporting event, Tampa has countless attractions, see a complete list of weekend activities Tampa has to offer.

The most popular place to go with your parents when they come to town is Busch Gardens. Busch Gardens is an African themed amusement park located about 2 miles away from campus. They not only have the best roller coasters in Florida, but they also have a large variety of animals native to Africa, safari expeditions, and seasonal festivals. They also offer ticket discounts for Florida residents. Dinosaur World is another popular amusement park close to campus. Although Dinosaur World doesn’t have many rides, there are a number of fun and educational attractions to see.

If your dad will be visiting on a weekend in the Spring, the Florida State Fair and the Strawberry Festival are both fun and affordable carnival-style events to attend. Both of them have a bunch of amazing food and fun rides. Maybe you’re looking for some nature-themed activities, Tampa has some of the best nature trails and parks. USF has its own riverfront park and golf course about a mile away from campus. They offer kayaking/boating and a frisbee course. Lettuce Lake Park is also located close to campus and offers nature trails, canoeing, bird watching, and much more.

Depending on what season it is, you can’t go wrong with going to a sporting event. Tampa houses the Rays, Buccaneers, Lightning, and Rowdies. All of these teams offer student discounts on tickets to the games as well. Check out their websites for game schedules and ticket info. Other things to do in Tampa include Dave and Busters, iFly Indoor Skydiving, Grand Prix mini-golf, and go-cart racing, and Top Golf. All of these activities are guaranteed fun, but I would suggest getting out and doing things that you can only do in Tampa to create a memorable experience with your dad!

For those 21 or older, hit up some of the breweries closest to USF. These include:

• Angry Chair Brewery
• BarrieHaus Beer Co
• Bootleggers Brewing Co.
• Brew Bus Brewing
• Cigar City Brewing
• Coppertail Brewing Co.
• Florida Avenue Brewing Company
• Hidden Springs Ale Works
• Mr. Dunderbak’s Biergarten and Brewery
• New World Brewery
• Six Ten Brewing
• Southern Brewing & Winery
• Tampa Beer Works
• The Fat Rabbit Brewing Company
• Woven Water Brewing Company
• Yuengling Brewing Company
• Zydeco Brew Werks

And, when it comes time to eat, we’ve got some faves whether it is breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.

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Jordan Philyor, Intern, HaveUHeard

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Everyone should attend at least one USF Football game! There are only 5 colleges in the US that play their home games in an NFL stadium, and USF is one of them. HaveUHeard what that means? It means comfort and all the bells and whistles that NFL stadiums offer. Everyone gets their own seat without having to squeeze into an imaginary space. That alone is awesome since no one wants to be a leg on a leg with someone when it’s 90 degrees and 80% humidity. Cup holders are on almost every seat, and yes, they serve alcohol.

One of the keys to making your visit to Ray Jay even better is to know where to sit. For instance, the blazing sun can make a big difference in the fun factor of a game. Here are some thoughts about the best seats for football games.

Raymond James Seating

Luckily, most games are in the evening, but that still means times of full sun and not a lot of shade. The lower bowl does not have any shade, but the middle bowl has some since the upper bowl covers about 10% of the seats. The USF team bench is on the West side of the stadium with home team fans having most of the Westside seats as well. The USF band sits in the middle of the North end zone, under the Pirate Ship, along with the student section surrounding them on each side.

Here are some specifics:

• The USF sideline is in front of sections 109, 110, 111, and 112.
• The visiting team sideline is in front of sections 134, 135, 136, and 137.
• Row X and above in section 215 are covered and offer some shade.
• Row X and above in section 218 are covered and offer some shade.
• Rows 1 and above in the Hall of Fame Club are covered.

Perhaps you would like even more of a comfortable seat.

Stadium Club – The Buccaneers Stadium Club seating zone is located on either side of the field in sections 205-216 and 230-241. The Club seats are slightly bigger and cushioned. These seats allow access to the air-conditioned club with different food and beverage options, along with nice bathrooms and TVs throughout. When our daughters were young, it was so nice to have access to the Club level and get them out of the heat, change diapers in air conditioning, and to have a place for them to run around when they got antsy.

The Student sections cover the entire North end of the stadium. They are sections 102-106, 140-151, 201-206, 240-245, and 341-344. So, if you want to sit near your student, look for sections that flank these areas. There really isn’t a bad viewing area in Raymond James Stadium. Believe it or not, there is less seating in this NFL stadium than some other college stadiums. But remember, each person gets their own seat with a back on it, there is no bench seating, and Ray Jay provides a lot of other perks that college stadiums don’t provide.

You may want to check out some of our other blogs pertaining to football because, frankly, seating is just one part of Game Day. Check out Are You Ready for Some Football or Where to Pre-Game, and of course Game Day Outfits before you head to the game.

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Tampa is a big tourist destination, but it is also a college city. There are all different things to take into consideration when booking. Some may want a suite type of room, free breakfast, a gym, or a Starbucks in the lobby. Some families look for pet-friendly hotels (because what college kids doesn’t want a visit from their pet?), hotels where they can earn points or even hotels on the beach. That being said, you need to know that Busch Gardens is just 2 miles south of campus, so many hotels that advertise for their close proximity to the park, are also close to the school.

Many of the hotels listed below offer a special USF rate. If you choose one of these hotels, state that you are visiting the University of South Florida. Some offer free shuttle service to the campus.

Pet-friendly

For those traveling with pets, the hotels that are pet-friendly include:

La Quinta Inn Busch Gardens
La Quinta Inn & Suites USF Busch Gardens
Hyatt Place Busch Gardens
Holiday Inn Express USF- Busch Gardens
Embassy Suites by Hilton USF
Holiday Inn & Suites Busch Gardens
Home2 Suites by Hilton USF
Quality Inn & Conference Center
Extended Stay America
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa North
Wingate by Wyndham
Be sure, when making reservations, you tell them you are traveling with a pet. Some have fees.

Hilton

Among the many options of places to stay, the most convenient to campus is probably the Embassy Suites located at 3705 Spectrum Boulevard (813-977-7066). It’s directly on campus and is a Hilton property. As a Hilton Honors member, I love this place. And who doesn’t like Embassy Suites full breakfast, and complimentary appetizers and happy hour drinks? They also offer free transportation to local parks and museums. It may be on the higher price side because of its location, but well worth it. You need to book in advance because this is a popular stay for both USF families, as well as Busch Gardens and Adventure Island visitors.

Not too far from campus are two additional Hilton owned properties both of which you can earn those awesome Hilton Points.

Hampton Inn & Suites – 3333 East Busch Boulevard, Tampa, FL. 813-605-5233

Hilton Garden Inn – 13305 Tampa Oaks Blvd, Temple Terrace, FL. 813-342-5000

Home2 Suites by Hilton USF  11606 North McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 813-750-8844

Marriott

For the Marriott families, when booking online, look for special USF rates. If making reservations by phone, please ask for the USF rate.

Courtyard by Marriott

Residence Inn by Marriott – 13420 N. Telecom Parkway, Tampa, 813-972-4400

Fairfield Inn & Suites   12260 Morris Bridge Road, Temple Terrace, FL, 813-989-0007

TownePlace Suites  6800 Woodstork Dr, Tampa, FL (813) 975-977

Some of these are conveniently right off of I-75 and are a direct route from campus. Like I said before, there are lots of options, being that it is also a tourist area. You can find hotels in all price ranges from The Hyatt Place, Clarion Hotels and Conference Center,

IHG Hotels: Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn Express USF- Busch Gardens

Holiday Inn & Suites Busch Gardens

Choice Hotels: Quality Inn, West Wing & La Quinta

La Quinta Inn & Suites (across from the USF campus). 3701 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL,  813-910-7500

La Quinta Inn Busch Gardens

Quality Inn – Busch Gardens/USF (5-minute drive) 2701 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL., 813-971-4710

West Wing Hotel, an Ascend Hotel – 2501 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL, (813) 559-8000

Wyndham: Wingate

Wingate by Wyndham (across from USF campus), 3751 East Fowler Ave., Tampa, FFL 813-867-2878

Best Western

Best Western All Suites Hotel – Busch Gardens/USF (5-minute drive), 3001 University Center Drive, Tampa, FL., 813-971-8930

Other Things to Think About

If you want to be in the heart of downtown Tampa, there are great hotel choices that offer convenience to the picturesque Bayshore Boulevard, Curtis Hixon Park, The Tampa Museum of Art, the Patel Conservatory, and the Riverwalk. If your time permits, I highly recommend going to Amelie Arena for a Lightning hockey game. The Lightning has many partnerships with USF, and you won’t be disappointed.

Let’s not forget the beaches!! The bay area has some of the most beautiful and award-winning beaches in the country. Both Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach is just under an hour’s drive from USF and have great hotels and restaurants.  Some of our favorites are the Hilton Clearwater Resort & Spa. It has a fun atmosphere and great places to eat and shop within walking distance. Frenchies Rockaway Grill has the best grouper sandwich. It is just a couple of blocks from the hotel and very popular.  Another favorite is the Wyndham Clearwater Beach Resort. It has a South Beach feel and just outside is Badfins Brew & Food. Great fresh food and amazing drinks, along with a mural you will want to take pics in front of. It’s super fun! In St. Petersburg, the Guy Harvey (yes, the t-shirt guy) Outpost, a TradeWinds Island Beach Resort is a beautiful, relaxing hotel.  You’ll have to check out their 33,000-gallon tank that was built by the guys on “Tanked”. The other “jewel” of St. Pete Beach is the Don Cesar hotel. It’s “the pink hotel” with lots of history and old-world charm. You may even see a celebrity hanging out by the pool. I highly recommend you tie-in a beach trip when visiting your Bull!

USF football plays in Raymond James Stadium, which is about 13 miles from campus. I recommend staying either close to campus, downtown, or on the beach. Because it is an NFL stadium, you don’t need to worry about booking rooms early for certain games. There is always plenty of room in the stadium. The only possible issue is the number of tickets allocated for the games. Some games have a limit.

Both Busch Gardens and its water park, Adventure Island are right down the street from the school. Keep this in mind when looking to visit USF. Hotels will book faster during times such as spring break because both the school and visitors to the amusement parks share the same hotels.  You can also check Reservations.com,  Expedia and Hotels.com to take advantage of comparative pricing and specials.

While visiting, make sure you check out our restaurant recommendations for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner.

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Tampa is a great city for eating, and “the most important meal of the day” can be had at a variety of great restaurants.  There is no shortage of fast food options and styles of breakfast, so take advantage of all our city has to offer. Your students will undoubtedly have their favorite, but I’m going to fill you in on great places for a great meal at places found all over the Tampa area.

Some things to consider are price and time.  Some simple bagel shops can be fast and cheap, but a trendy, popular restaurant could have a long wait, or even suggest a reservation.  Keep that in mind especially around parents’ weekends, graduations, and holidays when you’re looking for your first meal.

Armature Works – A market-style, mixed-use venue in downtown Tampa with a bunch of different dining concepts. A very popular spot with students and families.

Bagels Plus – Great for a quick breakfast with great bagels.

Big Apple Bagels – Located on SR 54 in Lutz, it is more of a drive, but their bagels rival anyone’s; and that’s coming from my NY-born husband.

Bizou at Le Meridien – Serving everything from eggs, omelets, waffles, and traditional brunch fare

Boca Kitchen – This is a farm to table restaurant in South Tampa. They have an amazing weekend brunch menu.

Ciccio Cali – In Tampa Palms, Ciccio Cali has interesting brunch menus and is also good for lunch and dinner.  Brunch is only offered on the weekends from 10-3 pm. They have good egg bowls, sandwiches, and brunch cocktails as well.

Cracker Barrel – Located on Cove Bend Drive, this favorites among travelers is just over a mile from campus, and they serve breakfast all day long.

Felicitous Coffee & Tea – For a different, eclectic place, Felicitous has a cool vibe.  There is art on the walls and board games out to play. They offer toasts, paninis, and bakes goods along with lots of coffee and tea options.  It is located on 51 Street.

First Watch– This chain is only open for breakfast and lunch.  They always have new menu items and get very crowded on the weekends.  The closest one to USF is on Fowler Ave.

Maple Street Biscuit Company – Casual cafe serving biscuit sandwiches & Southern sides for breakfast & lunch. Get in line for some of the most delicious and uniquely created biscuits.  Fried chicken with gravy topped with melted cheese, French toast with pecans and cinnamon chips toasted in – the only thing healthy about Maple Street is the water! Open 7:00 am-3:00 pm daily, except they are closed on Sundays. This is one place that you don’t want to miss.

Mother’s – 12227 W Linebaugh Ave.

Keke’s Breakfast Café – Now open on Bruce B. Downs with a second location in Carrollwood on N. Dale Mabry  We love Keke’s for their decadent pancakes and home fries.

Grain & Berry – For a healthier option, Grain & Berry offers yummy bowls and smoothies of all kinds.  It is located on E. Fowler Ave.

Shelly’s Cafe – your typical breakfast location but with very good Beignets. 14837 N Florida Ave, Tampa

Steelbach – Located at Armature Works in downtown Tampa, they serve their signature brunch on weekends as well as featuring a whiskey bar and an outdoor patio that overlooks the Hillsborough River and Tampa’s skyline.

The Oxford Exchange – For a fancier, slightly more expensive breakfast or lunch, go downtown to the Oxford Exchange.  It is a beautiful building with a great menu. They offer tons of tea and coffee options and have nice shops as well. It is on West Kennedy Blvd. across from the University of Tampa.

The Rusty Pelican – Offers an array of made-to-order dishes. Indulge in traditional breakfast plates like waffles, omelets, and fresh seasonal fruits or treat yourself to fresh seafood at our Raw Bar, featuring juicy shrimp, oysters, crab legs, and more. Add a twist to your Sunday brunch with complimentary champagne and mimosas. Served Sunday from 10 am- 2 pm, 2-hour maximum.

If Brunch is more your style, check out our recommendations here.

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Like any big city, there are literally thousands of dining options from fast food to fast-casual, from family-style to fine dining. You will find your burgers, pizza, Cuban, Mexican, Chinese, barbecue, sushi, salads, Mediterranean, Indian, Caribbean, basically a restaurant from every continent, for every palate and every price point.

Just like with hotels, Tampa has many local and national chains that are super easy to find and are of great comfort when you do not know where to eat. I’m letting you know about the cool spots, the places the locals go to get their fix. Try a new restaurant! Tampa has many talented chefs!  Trust, me, if you enjoy dining out, you are going to eat some great meals while you are visiting here over the next four years!

When coming to Tampa to visit your student or tour the campus with a prospective student, what restaurants are must-visits? Below we give you a breakdown of a small sampling of some of our favorites.  There are so many dining options in our big city it is impossible to showcase them all. Eating out is a big deal in these parts, be adventurous, try new places, get off the beaten path and explore some of the unique neighborhoods Tampa has to offer.

Depending on the occasion, time of year, and what other events are happening in the city that weekend (and there are festivals and events year-round), you may not get into a specific restaurant unless you get there very early or make a reservation. Open Table is a common app used at many establishments throughout Tampa and the bay area. Considering your student will be at USF for at least four years, you should be able to try many of the restaurants that we personally recommend. Peak weekends and at some of the more popular selections, expect waits for an hour or 2 or more. Make reservations whenever possible.

Pro-tip #1
Yelp is a very robust app that lets customers rate their experience and food at a restaurant. I find Yelp in Tampa to be extremely robust and pretty accurate. You will read honest reviews from real customers about their experience. I highly recommend you use it and use it often to find great places to eat! Load it up on your phone and find your favorites before you even arrive.  Where you type in the “location” just enter one of the neighborhoods described below and start eating!

Pro-tip #2
Many restaurants in Tampa are open for both lunch and dinner. Sometimes going for lunch offers a shorter wait and less expensive meals while still enjoying terrific food!

Trending Neighborhoods

When visiting, you will often hear your student refer to areas in Tampa such as New Tampa, South Tampa, Carrollwood/Northdale, West Tampa, Ybor City…We have done the same, which will help you to speak your students’ language.

New Tampa

This area is just north of USF along Bruce B. Downs and closest to campus.  Some of our favorite restaurants that we have tried are Stonewood Grill & Tavern (try their bruschetta), Acropolis Greek Taverna which has belly dancers and bouzouki on the weekends, Ciccio Cali for healthier, yet yummy options, and Cracker Barrel.  I know Cracker Barrel isn’t exclusive to Tampa, but you just can’t beat a place that has awesome breakfast offered all day, and it’s only one mile from campus.

South Tampa

This area is the southern part of the city closest to Tampa Bay.  You will find narrow streets of cobblestone and a small-town feel.  Datz is a favorite of ours on S. MacDill Ave. Their food choices are amazing and they have really fun drinks.  You can get monkey bread as an appetizer and have the best home-made chips. Parking is bad there, so plan ahead. Panne Rustica is also on S. MacDill and is a lovely atmosphere with great wine.  On Swann on Swann Ave. uses local growers to supply some of their ingredients. They are contemporary cuisine with a seasonal menu.

Carrollwood/Northdale

This area is west of the USF area and we love the breakfast/brunch at First Watch on N. Dale Mabry.  They have healthy choices and fun ones, but weekends get crowded, so prepare to wait. For dinner, go to Shells on N. Dale Mabry.  It’s great, casual seafood and has been in Tampa for over 30 years. Michael’s Grill, also on N. Dale Mabry has lunch and dinner. I love their chopped salad and they have great specials. It’s a small restaurant with some outside seating as well.

West Tampa

This area holds so many dining options.  We like all of the choices at International Mall & Bay Street, and well as Coopers Hawk just down the street from the mall on W. Boy Scout Blvd.  If you are a wine drinker, then you will love their tasting room.

Ybor City

The Columbia Restaurant is a must-try option in Ybor. It is the oldest Hispanic restaurant in Florida and popular with tourists.  The décor and artwork are of Old World Cuba. Make a reservation and visit the shop to take Sangria mix home with you. The Tampa Bay Brewing Company is a microbrewery that also serves pub fare.  It is located in the Centro Ybor area. You can purchase samplings of Tampa brewed specialties.

In Addition to…

If you are looking for something extra special, there are a few restaurants that your Bull may not be aware of.  These are great for celebrations, etc.

Sparkman Wharf- formerly known as Channelside, this Dining Garden features ten of Tampa’s best restauranteurs experimenting with new culinary concepts in a relaxed outdoor waterfront setting. Restaurants include Boat Run Oyster Company, BT in a Box (French Vietnamese fusion), Flock and Stock chicken and burgers, Foundation Coffee Co., Gallito Taqueria, Montados Tapas & Wine, Edison’s Swigamajig (dive bar and fish kitchen), The Corners Pizza, and Whatever Pops (ice pops, gelato, acai bowls and more). Most of the restaurants are opened Wednesday – Sunday, 11 am – 11 pm

Bern’s Steakhouse – this very upscale restaurant is truly an experience.  You can’t beat the steaks, seafood, and wines. You must ask for a tour where you will see their wine cellar holding over a half-million bottles, as well as the kitchen where you can see your future fish dish swimming in the tanks.  There is also an amazing Dessert Room that has 48 private rooms with a menu like no other. Bern’s is located in South Tampa and has a dress code. It is business casual to semi-formal with jackets and ties recommended, but not required.  Be prepared because no flip-flops, t-shirts, or jeans are allowed. Celebrities often frequent Bern’s, so keep your eyes open.

Ulele (pronounced you-lay-lee) – for lunch or dinner, this unique restaurant inspires a modern, but old Florida feel.  The name comes from a Native American young girl’s love story. It is what the story of Pocahontas-John Smith is based on.  It is on the Tampa Waterfront near downtown and is very busy. You’ll want to take pictures here, as the views of Tampa are great.

Ocean Prime – this is our favorite!  Although it is a chain restaurant, the Tampa location is awesome.  You never know who will be there, and the sides are to die for. Whether you sit at the bar, or at a table, your experience will be very satisfying.  It is a great place to people watch, sit by a fire pit, or have smoking, bubbling cocktail (It’s called Berries & Bubbles). They have a couple of private rooms that can be used for graduation or birthday dinners.  Trust me, you will love this place.

I recommend having reservations for all of these restaurants. All of these places are ones that our family has tried.  Looking them up will give you menus, times, and a feel of the atmosphere suitable for your family. If you are looking for something fun to do, along with dinner, check out our blog here.

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Let’s face it, these are odd and crazy times! Things look very different at USF this semester but one thing is still for sure; we all still love to visit our Bulls and they love to have a visit from us. There are plenty of different food options that offer outside and patio seating, are operating at 50% capacity indoors, and others provide pick up or delivery to adhere to and cater to potential COVID-19 related concerns. Check out some of these places to eat.

Dining

• Armature Works
• Bartaco
• Bearss
• Besito
• Columbia Restaurant
• Miller’s Ale House
• North 30th Sports Pub & Grille
• On Swann
• Rooster & The Till
• Ulele
• World of Beer

Outdoor Activities

There are also many outdoor activities to participate in to make memories in a safe and socially distanced manner.

• Manatee Viewing Center – I’m a Florida native, but it is always surprising when I meet someone who has never seen a manatee. These endangered, gentle giants are simply adorable. In the winter months, they search for warmer waters and a great viewing spot is the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach. The Tampa Bay power plant emits warm water, and the viewing platform allows you to see them gather there. There are nature trails and picnic areas provided at this unique location. Admission is free and it is open November-April from 10 am to 5 pm daily.
• Lettuce Lake Regional Park – This park is located just down the street from USF, but you will feel like you are in the wilderness. For just $2 per car, you can experience a beautiful atmosphere along the Hillsborough River. This park is 240 acres of nature trails, picnic areas, a playground, paved paths for bikers, a fitness course, and a 3,500 ft. boardwalk and observation tower. This is a great place to bird watch and see wildlife.
• Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park – This park is 8 acres in downtown Tampa along The Riverwalk. There are a playground, skyline views, and the Riverwalk provides miles of beautiful spots along the Hillsborough River. There are occasional movies on the lawn, classical performances, and concerts, so check out their activities here.
• Fort De Soto Park – The adjoining county, Pinellas, houses their largest park which is a park, beach system, campgrounds, and actual historical landmark. The beaches at Fort De Soto are stunning with powder-like sand. You are sure to see stingrays, dolphins, and an abundance of seabirds. The fort is a must-see!  It was built as a result of the Spanish-American war and was used as a mortar battery. Fort De Soto is about an hour’s drive south of Tampa.
• Weeki Wachee Springs State Park – Ever seen a real mermaid? Well, the mermaids here are legendary. I can remember being completely enamored with them as a child. Today, the “mermaids” still put on shows at Weeki Wachee. The park has been open since the ’40s and has one of the deepest, naturally formed underwater caverns in the US. Here, you can swim in Buccaneer Bay which is a natural spring water park, paddle down the Weeki Wachee River, or picnic on their grounds.
• Rainbow Springs – About a two-hour drive from Tampa, Rainbow Springs is a popular spot in the warmest months. You will find many people tubing down the chilly waters. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular here too.

Regardless of how you choose to visit your student this school year, we hope you make the most of your time with them in their college town by seeing their favorite places (via walking or driving), meeting their friends, and catching up on all the fun times they are having. Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

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Like any college town, there are literally hundreds of dining options from fast food to fast-casual, from family-style to fine dining. Whether you are eating dinner early or late, you will find your burgers, pizza, Mexican, Chinese, barbecue, sushi, salads, Mediterranean; a restaurant for every palate and every price point. Depending on whether you are touring with a prospective student or visiting your student in Tampa, who will undoubtedly be clamoring for a good meal, the options are plentiful. Some things to consider beforehand are price and time. It is not unusual for there to be a considerable wait, even with a reservation, on a game weekend or graduation, at some of the more popular selections.

So, because the Tampa Bay area is so large, I will share with you some great dining options all over the area.

Armature Works – Found on Tampa’s Riverwalk, you will love this restored multi-use building.  It has different eateries, a public market and event spaces.

Bartaco– highly recommend! A very trendy place located in Hyde Park where you can order a bunch of different street tacos.

Bearss – A spin on Southern favorites with wings, burgers, artisan pizzas, salads and more.

Besito – Mexican restaurant using local and fresh ingredients

Cantina Laredo – Located at the Wiregrass Mall, they offer excellent authentic Mexican food and drinks.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen – Located at the Tampa Premium Outlets, they have a huge menu with options that will suit any taste.

Columbia Restaurant – This piece of Tampa’s history is where you will find authentic Spanish food and atmosphere.  Located in Ybor City, must-haves are the Sangria, Cuban sandwich, Paella, and the 1905 Salad.

Ford’s Garage – Also located at the Outlets, they specialize in gourmet burgers.

On Swann – Located in Hyde Park in South Tampa, On Swann is a popular, classy place to be.  Their food is great and the full bar has tons of great choices.

Rooster & The Till – This place is located in the ever-changing Seminole Heights neighborhood.  It is up-and-coming with new construction and refurbishment and is a popular area for new places to eat and drink.

Sacred Pepper – This restaurant is located on N. Dale Mabry in north Tampa and is said to be Contemporary American with an Italian flair.  It has a nice atmosphere and fresh seafood and pasta.

Stonewood Grill & Tavern – Located in Tampa Palms, Stonewood has great steaks and sides.  Make a reservation to avoid a wait.

Sushi Cafe quality sushi and hibachi place and not too expensive.

Ulele – Located downtown on Highland Ave, this unique restaurant on the Hillsborough River is popular.  It has native-inspired dishes and a ten-foot diameter barbacoa grill. It is on Tampa’s Riverwalk, so a stroll along the river is worth the trip.

Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar – Great place to go with friends and split a variety of pizzas. Definitely best pizza place close to campus

One thing to remember or consider is the time of year.  In Tampa, there are many exciting events and some may bring large crowds.  Gasparilla events, Lightning games, road races, and art festivals are just a few events that affect different areas of Tampa.  Making reservations ahead of time will help make your night out easier. Call ahead and ask if there are any events that may make the restaurant more crowded. Want to tie your dinner with something fun to do? Check out our blog here for ideas.

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I love going to college football games- there is nothing like game days. HaveUHeard how USF got its colors? I’d like to say there was something unique or that is based on a tradition but the green and gold simply were selected because Mrs. Grace Allen, wife of the late founding president, said green and gold were selected as the school colors because they were “workable” and no other university in Florida had adopted them as official colors.

I’m all about the Green & Gold on game days and I am somewhat about the fashion. But I also want to be comfortable especially on those Florida humid days when you are packed in a stadium and it is more than 90° out and the humidity is stifling. Parents, you can wear officially licensed Bulls to wear or just dress in Green, White, and Gold.

USF will announce the colors to wear as the game day gets closer. For example, sometimes they may announce that a game will have a “white-out” or a “black-out.” This means wearing a black or white outfit! Want to know the actual primary colors- USF gives you the graphic versions.

We think the best in authentic college clothing, accessories, and fan gear is Fanatics. They carry brands such as Jordan Gear, Vineyard Vines, Stance, Columbia, Dooney & Bourke, Tommy Bahama, Vera Bradley, Orca, Southern Tide, College Row One Shoes, Johnnie-O Clothing, and Peter Millar Clothing. Add in everything you need for tailgating including NCAA tents, tables, and chairs, waterless face tattoos, eye black, jewelry, and more.

For shorts or jeans (only if it is cool out- even ’70s will still be hot in Ray Jay stadium), I like American Eagle’s mom jeans or denim shorts.

If wearing a comfortable dress is the way you want to go, definitely check out some of these fun Game Day dresses from Redbubble. We have also found a good selection at Kohls.

Sometimes I love to glitter the gold,  or glam up the green. If you are like me and more about ‘repping the school’s colors, just look for gold or green. There are private online stores that specialize in Game Day Attire that we like Bows and Arrows Boutique.

Throw in some accessories including a regulation stadium bag from SCORE! The Official Game Day bag (you even get a 15% discount- get code by clicking on the link), cute green and gold earrings, and everyone will know you love the Bulls!

We would strongly recommend leaving the high heels at home as you will be walking a good distance to the stadium (unless you were lucky enough to get there many, many hours in advance and snag a great parking spot) and climbing stands. I love wearing Converse sneakers or Adidas Stan Smith, depending on my outfit. For cooler weather, I even have worn flat boots.

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If this is your first college Homecoming as a parent, get ready for your Bull to be super busy. USF’s Homecoming is packed with fun events for both students, and parents, and alumni. Homecoming also coincides with Friends & Family Weekend (see our blog about Friends & Family Weekend here). USF’s special week has become an event not to be missed. There are so many activities scheduled, that you are bound to find something to do almost every day. It happens every Fall and this year’s theme was SuperBull!

• USF’s Homecoming site. I am listing some of the bigger, more popular events to attend.
• Kickoff: This is at the Marshall Center Stage Fountain and Rocky the Bull will be there, along with the HOT band, cheerleaders, free food, and spirit items.
• Stampede Comedy Show: IN the past, featured comedians were Nicole Byer and Alex Moffat and it is held in the Sun Dome.
• Homecoming Ball: This is a semi-formal event full of dancing and music. Here you will have a chance to see the Court and vote.
• Concert: This is a free event for students, but they must have a ticket. In 2018, the lineup featured RAE SREMMURD!
• Carnival: This is held in the Sun Dome parking lot and is full of rides, food trucks, and performances by talented USF students.
• Running of the Bulls Parade: This is an evening parade on campus that highlights the theme, the team, the band, and many organizations on campus. It is family-friendly and we have attended many. It’s super fun.
• Football Game: Homecoming ends with the football game. This year it is against UConn. Since it is also Friends and Family Weekend, the game is usually a big crowd.

There are lots of events for Alumni too.  The USF Muma College of Business will have a Homecoming Parade Watch Party on October 11th. Click to RSVP. Other alumni events will be listed on the designated site, as well as the USF Alumni website.  It is Homecoming after all, so it’s a great chance to meet up with old friends and to see how USF has evolved over the years.

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Although I had visited my daughter a couple of times at school, my first weekend alone with her was in the Spring for her sorority Mother-Daughter Weekend.  It was different to have her alone. Conversations were different, and it was so nice to spend time one on one. To see your child as the true, independent adult that they are becoming is inspiring.

Spending time with my daughter at school always involves a few things.  A trip to the bookstore, so I can buy that wanted school shirt or a sweatshirt that she has been eyeing; as well as picking up something for myself.  A nice lunch or dinner out, just the two of us. I especially like this as we get to just chat and catch up over a meal she usually doesn’t get.  And, there’s always a trip to Target to resupply and stock up on needed things.

There is no shortage of great places in the Tampa Bay area to have a bite to eat, shop, or experience a new site.  On trips to visit my daughter, she has taken me to Hyde Park in South Tampa and we strolled the shops and had a wonderful lunch.  We had really great breakfast downtown at the Oxford Exchange, and we’ve even gone to the beach for the day.  But, one of our favorite things to do is shop. Of course, with me and my wallet there, it is oh so much more fun for her.  Kidding aside, it’s fun to see her evolve and change and make smart decisions. International Plaza is her favorite and I love it too.  There are tons of unique boutiques in Tampa as well, and it’s fun to find something new to both of us.

If you both want to get pampered a little, why not go get your nails done together.  There are many places near campus, but my daughter’s favorite is the Pure Nail Bar on Bruce B Downs.  She took me there once and I was thrilled with their work.

The point of Mother-Daughter time is simply to connect.  It’s easy to feel like your relationship is not as strong when your daughter is away.  That’s normal, but making the time together is important. Enjoy it, make the most of it, and look forward to the next time.

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