Three Fun Ideas for Your Date in the East Tampa Area

When we go shopping in Walmart or to the mall on Friday or on the weekend we see a lot of young people hanging out with each other in small groups, double dates and couples.

When our son and his future wife were dating they liked to go to Sonic and to the Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant for take-out to eat here. Or they went to the movies at the Premiere 8 theaters in Walden Square, although they were the Carmike theaters then. They also went to Chili's and Outback Steakhouse and shopping especially at our local mall or to the International Plaza.

Some of our favorite places have been IHOP, Cracker Barrel, Sonny's and the Oceanic Oriental Market down in Tampa on Tampa St, or just hanging out at Denny's over a decaf with whipped cream or wandering around in Walmart window shopping and talking to whomever we meet.

These have been some of our favorites. There are a lot other choices out there. I'm listing several choices in three different categories to add to what I've already listed. Except for the first two selections, which are free. There are no price quotes since each event has a different fee. You will need to use the contact numbers listed or check out the websites for more specific information:

Community Street Events:

We've enjoyed both of these regular events. It's a way to meet up with other friends or to go as a couple and to be alone while among a lot of others who are also enjoying the scene. Both of these events are free to enjoy. However the shops, clubs and vendors do charge. Plant City is also a nice place to putter among the antique shops during the day.

The Bike Fest is held the first Saturday of each month from 5pm to 9pm in Plant City, near the train depot at Palmer and Drane St. You will find all kinds of vendors of food, themed items and other specialty items. There's always a live band giving a free live concert. The antique shops and local clubs are open for business during
this event. You will also see motor bikes from vintage to current models, slim and trim to all tricked out with all the latest gadgets. This can be an especially lively occasion when it's Bike Week in Daytona. The riders flow between the two events.

The Strawberry Classic Car Show is held the third Saturday of each month from 4pm to 9pm in Plant City, near the train depot at Palmer and Drane St. You will find a wide variety of vendors from food to specialty items. There's also usually a live band putting on a free concert. The antique shops and the local clubs are also open for business.

You can always tell when it's time for the show because if you're out on the road that Saturday, you will see antique, vintage and variously tricked out car kits driving to the show.

Sporting Events and Concerts:

We've attended concerts and events in two of these venues. My husband has also worked in and outside two of them.

St Pete Times Forum:

The Ice Palace as it's known locally, is the home of the Tampa Bay Lightening ice hockey team. So it is a given that you can go to one of their home games here. They also host various other functions such as concerts, events such as mixed martial arts fights and animal shows.

For further information:

For Lightening hockey games call 813 301 6600. For concerts, fights and other shows call 813 301 2500.

Ford Amphitheatre:

Ford Amphitheatre is a Live Nation Venue. They are located at 4802 US 301 North in Tampa, Florida. Their contact number is 813 740-2446.

This location is well known for hosting popular music concerts of nationally well known bands and individuals This is an outdoor venue with both stadium seats and seating on the grass.

Raymond James Stadium:

Ray Jay as it is locally called, is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You can go see one of their home games here. This stadium has also hosted a Billy Graham Crusade. It has also hosted concerts, USF Bull's games, the Monster Jam truck event and the Shriner's Circus.

Shopping and Dining:

We've been in Ybor several times, both during the evening and during the day.

Ybor City:

This Cuban community was based on the cigar factories, which still stand throughout the entire Tampa area. It is home to one of the liveliest Club scenes in the Tampa area. They also have many unique shops and very popular restaurants.

Some restaurants are so popular that people drive from miles around to eat there, especially at the Spaghetti Factory and Columbia. Columbia's food is very good. I was treated for my birthday, there.

You will also find the Centro Ybor Mall which has a lot of fun shops, their museum and restaurants. This mall spans across two roads, covering two blocks.

International Plaza:

International Plaza and Bay Street is located at 2223 N. West Shore Blvd in Tampa, Florida. Their contact number is 813 342 3790.

The International Plaza is located near Raymond James Stadium. It's a huge complex of restaurants, high end shops and activity venues. Some restaurants require reservations, some don't. They also host the Friday/Saturday Music series from March to May. There are different events which are listed on their site.

Additional Reading:

Surviving Your First Vacation as a Couple

What Are Some Signs that You're Not in a Real Relationship?

Would I Marry Someone I've Been Dating for a Month?

Tips for College Long Distance Relationships

Cheap Fun Activities in East Tampa Bay Area

Free Activities in the East Tampa Bay Area

Sources:

http://www.thefocusmagazine.com/3dissue/pc09-03/pageflip.htm

http://www.thefocusmagazine.com/3dissue/st1-1/pageflip.htm

http://www.livenation.com/venue/ford-amphitheatre-tickets/

http://www.raymondjames.com/stadium/schedule.htm

http://yborcityguide.com/index.htm

http://www.shopinternationalplaza.com/scc/10154.html