USF Botanical Gardens

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12 days ago

This was such a cute calming place. This garden was beautiful and I enjoyed sitting in the back by the lake. It's a nice little trail and everything is kept up nicely. They also have plants to sell to take home. If you are in the area it is a nice place to experience for some beautiful greenery and quiet peaceful time for an only a few dollars. read more

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Boon C.

Elite 26 All-Star

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3 months ago

Plant sales was organized in the botanical garden. This event attracted a lot of visitor. The entrance required a small fees. This event has displayed many plants sales, food truck and music pavilion. It is pleasant to visit for such a wonderful day in early April. I have an order of ClerodendrumBlue Butterfly plants to pickup. The sales of the plant from southern Florida and they are reasonably priced. I got 4 of them. The flower shape like butterfly. Very beautiful. The sales include fruit tree and flower bushes. A lot of varieties. Parking for this event is available for free. Need a bit walk. read more

USF Botanical Gardens - Clerodendrum blue butterfly bush - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Alicia P.

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2 years ago

Such a surprise! A huge variety of plants, flowers, gardens, trees, cactus, to look at, learn about and even buy! I have been in the process of figuring out my trying to make a Florida native yard's needs and this was such a fantastic place to get ideas and see what I might want and how to group together or separate... While going through the shop and the grounds, I found some I already have and some I may be interested in getting... I could see how they look when matured and bigger. It was also just nice to walk through and find a little peaceful hidden gem on the edge of campus to peruse... I never knew there was a lake right there! I'll definitely be back. Maybe in the spring...as I continue to add to my yard all things Florida! read more

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Karl Y.

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3 months ago

Not very many blooming flowers during prime flower season. probably due to Winter ice this year.

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Karen V.

Elite 26 All-Star

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3 years ago

It's a cool place to walk around and chill out when visiting USF. It may not be as manicured as places like Florida Botanical Gardens, but it's not meant to be that way. It's more of a learning garden. Also keep in mind that it's a natural tropical habitat that attracts birds, butterflies, and all kinds of creepy crawlies. There's a great view of Lake Behnke. We even saw a Roseate Spoonbill scooping up breakfast from the shallow water near the bank of the river. The pelican must have just finished eating. It flew off as we started approaching the lake. The gardens are divided up into plant collections such as orchids, butterfly, bromeliads, gingers, carnivorous, aroids, succulents, and so much more. I think I spent most of my time in the butterfly garden looking at the pipevine swallowtail butterflies and caterpillars. There were some interesting butterfly plants. There's an herb garden with Tank the Caterpillar. What a cool idea to paint the irrigation tank for the kids. So, the entrance to the botanical garden is on USF Pine Drive. It's kind of at an odd location. It's a left turn into the entrance before you get to the stop sign at USF Alumni Drive if you're coming from Bruce B. Downs. It opens at 9:00 am. It's a good idea to go in the morning on a hot day. The admission fee is $5 per adult and $3 per child. It's free if you have a USF ID. They have scheduled events on Saturday. Check out their events page for more details. They have plants for sale (indoor and outdoor plants). I would definitely go back, and especially when they host their plant festivals. They have many vendors that day. I went to one about 10 years ago, and it was quite a show. I may go back again in June. Check it out if you happen to be in the area. read more

USF Botanical Gardens - Angels Trumpet - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - Pipevine Swallowtail - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - My first sighting ever of a pipevine swallowtail caterpillar - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - Crossberry tree flowers in the Butterfly Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - Butterfly Garden Decor - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - Looks real but it's not - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - The USF Botanical Garden Kitty - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - Giant Star Potato Tree - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - Butterfly and Florida friendly gardening tips - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Rachel M.

Elite 26 All-Star

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3 years ago

Enjoyed my visit to USF Botanical Garden. It's actually bigger than I thought. There's several parking lots and the one I favored was the first one coming in to the drive way. There was shade there, as well as the restrooms. Once parked, I met my friend and we went through the area close to the Plant Shop. This is the area where you pay for admission. The girl working was a college student that was super cheerful and helpful. She provided us with a map, but I'd rather just walk around and see for myself rather than seeing a map. The first areas that you come through are is the butterfly garden. There's many flowers that are inviting for the butterflies, bees, wasps, & pollinators. It's nice to see life like this just literally happy and blossoming. Walking through, there's a cow and caterpillar statue along with other types of gardens Keep going and you will see a small pond with some birds. I was so happy to see a Spoonbill bird. It was so pink and had that spoon bill scooping the water. It was nice and intriguing. There is also a meditation garden, cactus garden, koi pond, and some other cool garden areas. It's a nice array of gardens here. At the very end, you can go through the plant shop and see if there is a plant you would like to take home. I'd like to visit their plant fests in the future, & see all of the variety they have available from participating vendors. For now, I was quite happy with my visit. It was $5 to visit, & parking is free. read more

USF Botanical Gardens - As of March 28, 2021 - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Tee P.

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2 years ago

Lots of native Florida plants. Nice pathways. Nice areas to sit and meditate and listen to the birds. Also, this was the first time I heard a strange sound. It turned out it was the tall bamboo trees swaying in the wind and hitting against each other! The longan trees were amazing and beautiful. read more

USF Botanical Gardens - Cardinal was chirping away and eating berries - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Natalya K.

Elite 25

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2 years ago

It's a nice place, not very big but worth a visit to support the students, program, and planet if you're on campus. We went after visiting the art gallery at USF. There is a cat that visits sometimes, he's friendly'! I got to pet him. They also have a nice gift shop, take what you need herb garden, and honeybee read more

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Valeria M.

Elite 23

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4 years ago

My best friend asked me to accompany her to the Sunday plant sale event at this garden, and since I'm not from the area, I decided to give it a try! We arrived around 10:15 AM. There was a bit of a line but we went through the entrance quickly. To enter each person had to pay $5, and they accept both cash and card. The botanical garden was beautiful and the were several vendors selling not only plants, but pots, keychains, shirts, and other plant-like merchandise. We walked around and saw which plants interested us, and after going inside the greenhouse (which they had both of them open that day) and I saw the plant I knew I wanted to take home. I ended up choosing a Swiss Cheese Plant, for only $10!. After this, we walked a bit more and decided it was enough plants for the day. A few tips: 1. Get there early! We say a crowd starting to form at the door and the parking lot was completely full. 2.Wear sunscreen. The sun was up and shinning and even though there are some tents, I'd recommend some protection. 3. Before deciding which plant to buy, walk through every tent (and the greenhouse) and compare prices and size of the plant. This is to make sure you get the best deal for the plant you want to get. I had a lot of fun at this plant sale, and I will come back when I go to Tampa again! read more

USF Botanical Gardens - us in the greenhouse! - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Katrina P.

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5 years ago

The USF Botanical gardens is open to the public with an admission of $5 for adults. Totally affordable for out of town visitors that are looking for an informational Tampa Bay attraction. Not only does the garden inspires and educates visitors, the area surroundings showcase flora, fauna and natural resources to promote the environment. The gardens also has special events throughout the year to anyone who will enjoy. read more

USF Botanical Gardens - Visitors can request a gazebo for special events - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Melissa W.

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3 years ago

Visited here after picking up family from USF to move out. Admission was $5 for adults and free for our student. Cute area. Some of the areas looked run down but maybe that's the look? We saw lots is little lizards and butterflies! They give you a map to help find the little gardens. read more

USF Botanical Gardens - Lake with alligators and other animals. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - Meditation garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - Mosaic art - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - Flower power cow. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Debbie R.

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2 years ago

We had company, who are USF alumni, visiting from WA State so we thought it would be fun to visit the gardens. No one would answer the phone so we drove there during operating hours and it was closed for a private event. Very disappointed. read more

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Michelle J.

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3 years ago

If you haven't been in a while it's gotten much prettier in the last year!! Added multiple new areas with lots of florida natives. Also they've completely redone the begonia beds. They are also painting murals. There's a huge new community garden. It's absolutely magnificent. read more

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Jenny R.

Elite 24

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7 years ago

Great spot for photography. They had several cool spots and this botanical is probably the biggest I have visited near home. Many trees and plants everywhere but they do have a lot of land unlike other botanicals. They have a medicinal plant section, pretty cool to learn about them. The bamboo plants were probably my favorite. Not packed at all, it is a bit hard to find if you miss the entrance. read more

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Ariel G.

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5 years ago

This place is amazing. There is always something new in bloom each season. Sometimes every other weekend there is a plant event sale where you can buy different kinds of plants. The staff is friendly and super informative plus it's only 5$ read more

USF Botanical Gardens - Roxie the cow - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Hugo T.

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3 years ago

Trashy. Amateurish. Uninteresting. $5 entry fee/no veteran or senior discount/free to USF students. Probably a good cheap dating space for students. But not worth the drive. Free botantical gardens on Ulmerton Road is far more interesting and organized. read more

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Debbie T.

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8 years ago

This review is for the succulent wreath class sponsored by the USF botanical gardens. The botanical gardens operates with donations alone and mostly maintained by volunteers. The class was $30 and included the instructor and all materials and plants to make a 10 inch wreath. The class is held under a tent near the parking area. Lots of fun. There is a limited number of participants allowed. There is a small store to buy multiple plant species at fair prices. read more

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Allyson Y.

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4 years ago

Cute, quaint garden. Definitely stop by if you're in the area. Don't forget to look around the plant shop, lot's of plants that you don't usually see and for good prices. They also sell local honey. Hosts a lot of cool events, workshops, and plant sales throughout the year. Only $1 for USF students. read more

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Debra N.

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4 years ago

Small gardens run by the students of USF; however, it is nice to walk around. The staff is very knowledgeable and they have great prices in their plant store. read more

USF Botanical Gardens - Beautiful orchid garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - Orchid garden, very relaxing. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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May O.

4

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8 years ago

My friend and I had about two hours to kill before our flight home today and I am a plant lady at heart, so naturally I Googled a botanical garden and this one came up. I'm soooo glad I did! I think this place is underrated! Gorgeous plants and an awesome/inexpensive plant shop where you can purchase your favorite plants from the garden. When you're in Tampa I highly suggest setting aside at least an hour to walk around this beautiful place. I wish we had packed a picnic because it was incredible. I'm fortunate enough to own almost every type of plant and I was able to see three types I do not own and one I hadn't seen before. Loved it so much! read more

USF Botanical Gardens - Leaves as big as me! I'm 5'3" for reference. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Jon J.

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10 years ago

Place was kind of small but it's only $5 to get in and $1 for students. Someone was having there wedding there. The shop was really cool. They have local honey for sale with lots of different flavors to choose from with really nice plants in the shop. Hoping to try it again during the spring time. read more

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Teresa A.

185

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5 years ago

Lovely shaded and unshaded place to stroll. There is a lake nearby. Plants are reasonable. The orchid wall is pretty. Butterflies and bees are plentiful. I love the huge tree with the bench! read more

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Dave J.

Elite 14

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170

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7 years ago

I go to the plant sale events that USF Botanical Gardens hosts a few times a year and they're great. Not only can you find some plants the stores don't have, but you can also meet people who grow them to get better info. We just have to be courteous of the fact that they don't have a big staff like a store and must spend their time with the people who are buying something. There are sellers who specialize in specific plant groups like succulents, Orchids, Plumeria, Bromeliads, Desert Rose, etc. There's even a guy with nice houseplants, and a few people who sell things like soil amendments and other supplies. These seasonal events are a great way to support the local botanical gardens. read more

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Jonny E.

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9 years ago

This is my favorite spot in Tampa to pick up unusual plants. Their stock rotates so you never know what you will find. The prices are very reasonable, and the staff have always been very helpful. They have multiple plant sale events throughout the year that have a fantastic selection. Make sure to bring a cart! read more

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EJ B.

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4 years ago

Great spot for a relaxing walk and enjoy all the different plants! Pets are allowed / I would definitely recommend visiting if you're ever in this area of Tampa. There are many plants for sale too and all very healthy- the only thing I would recommend is mark what the different types of plants are. There were a few I was interested in buying but I didn't know their name and so I was unable to check online to see if they were pet safe- volunteers appeared busy so I didn't want to interrupt! Beautiful spot/ I will be back! read more

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Sarah C.

511

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9 years ago

Very beautiful. The orchids were so colorful and healthy. I had a photo shoot here and the background looked amazing! Just around the corner was a gathering of people relaxing on their yoga mats. read more

USF Botanical Gardens - Beautiful - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Shelley P.

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10 years ago

The plant sales at USF are not to be missed. Bring a wagon or bag to use for carrying your many purchases that I guarantee you will make. The prices are very reasonable. The plant selection is awesome. The professionals and volunteers are more than happy to answer your questions, carry your purchases, help you in anyway possible. I highly recommend this event. read more

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Brandi C.

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10 years ago

I loved how beautifully this event was set up! It was breath taking. The kids area was a great idea. Everyone was so helpful with information even down to the reptile guy. Super amazing! Want to go again! read more

USF Botanical Gardens - Beautiful gorgeous quiet peaceful place. Layout of the area provides privacy. Loved visiting and will visit again. Little treasures - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - So pretty - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - It's so beautiful - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

USF Botanical Gardens - My son loved smelling all the pretty flowers - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Miguel A.

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9 years ago

If you like looking at interesting Florida plants with an occasional butterfly thrown in the mix for not a ton of money to get into then this is the place for you! Great flowers too. read more

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Laura S.

30

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9 years ago

Thought this would be a great place to bring my pups as they are dog friendly but only spent 10 minute before leaving. There are no trash cans and everyone just started at us as we walked around. Very odd. Won't be going back. read more

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Rachel S.

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10 years ago

This was a pleasant space to walk around in the hot afternoon but compared to other botanic gardens in the area (Florida Botanic Gardens in Largo, Selby Gardens in Sarasota, Palma Sola in Bradenton), it was a bit underwhelming. The price was $5 for a really small area and some of the trails were not well maintained (lots of overgrown areas). There are a nice variety of gardens and the signage is pretty good. Wouldn't go out of my way to go there but if you're on the USF campus, it's a nice place to visit. read more

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More info about USF Botanical Gardens

12210 Usf Pine Dr
Tampa, FL 33612
USF
Directions
(813) 974-2329
Call Now
Visit Website
http://gardens.usf.edu

Hours

What time does USF Botanical Gardens open?

USF Botanical Gardens opens at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does USF Botanical Gardens close?

USF Botanical Gardens is closed on Monday.USF Botanical Gardens closes at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon ClosedTue-Sun 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Indoor Amenities

Does USF Botanical Gardens allow dogs?

Yes, USF Botanical Gardens allows dogs.

Other Amenities

Does USF Botanical Gardens have free WiFi?

Yes, USF Botanical Gardens has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

The USF Botanical Gardens Plant Shop is open during regular business hours. We offer beautiful and unusual plants, most propagated from our collections. Plants include, orchids, Hoyas, cactus, succulents, ferns, butterfly plants as well as native plants. The proceeds from the sale of plants, tee shirts, local honey, etc. help to support the Gardens.

History

Established in 1969.

When the USF Botanical Gardens was established in 1969, the Gardens were little more than wilderness, Lake Behnke was small and marsh-like, Fowler Avenue was a two-lane road and University Mall did not exist. Very few people knew this small jewel existed. During the 1970s and 1980s, the Gardens served primarily as a teaching and research facility for the Biology Department at the University. The Gardens experienced tremendous growth beginning in the 1990s, when it was opened to the public. The addition of new structures, demonstration gardens and plant collections began in earnest. Volunteer and membership programs were established as well as the semi-annual plant festivals. The Plant Shop was established in 1994, increasing the visibility of the Gardens and attracting many new members and visitors.

Review Highlights - USF Botanical Gardens

“Don't forget to look around the plant shop, lot's of plants that you don't usually see and for good prices.”

Mentioned in 8 reviews

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People searched for Botanical Gardens 1,041 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

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Hummingbird Gardens

I've visited many flower and garden shops, including well-known chain stores, but I've never seen a…read moremore stunning selection of plants than at Hummingbird Gardens, 10305 Henderson Rd., Tampa, Florida. The owners were courteous, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the beautiful variety of plants on the property--and there are plenty. It was such a unique and personalized experience. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous, and if I hadn't been told about this place, I would have never known it existed. As a garden and plant fanatic, I can say this spot is truly special. If you ever need plants for your home or garden, this is the spot to visit! On a scale of 1 to 10, this place easily scores a 15!

We had our daughter's wedding at Hummingbird Gardens, Tampa, Florida on Feb 14th. The venue was…read moreextremely pleasant, beautiful, easily accessible and full of nature including peacocks. It is a family-owned nursery, especially designed for special events like weddings etc. As bride's parents we first encountered with this family-oriented business when we had to put up the Mandap/poruwa/wedding Altar. Since the day one until the wedding is over and taking the structure down, we had beautiful memories. Francesca and Shani are the ones we directly dealt with, and they are so accommodative for our requests and made us so welcome and comfortable. They helped us to make our decision in making our structure giving us very positive comments. They were very helpful with the time frame. On the day of the wedding as we arrived, the whole place decorated with flowers and it was elegantly beautiful! It was like I was in a fairy land, very magical. Francesca was extremely professional and decorated the place so beautifully to meet the wishes of the couple. Shani added beauty and flowless running of the show as a great coordinator. Shani is very professional, very kind and loving. She executed the program very elegantly and to the highest standard. We would recommend this venue to anyone without reservation! We left this place with our hearts filled with love and beautiful memories!

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Florida Botanical Gardens

4.7

(155 reviews)

26.4 mi

This place is still so lovely especially at Christmas. We have been here countless times and…read moreChristmas every year. It never gets old. It's so beautiful and every step are colorful lights. They have music playing and right now I feel like I can fall asleep. It is dog friendly here so bring your pup to walk around and love on the lights and take lots of pics. This season is through Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 and closed at 9:30 PM. $10 suggested donation. Must stop for Xmas!

The gardens are absolutely beautiful! I was thrilled to see that they support neurodiversity by…read moreoffering sensory aids. As a person with autism, this made me feel so seen and included. I can't wait for my next visit. The gardens are gorgeous and there's so much to do and see! Thrilling place!!!

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Eureka Springs Park

4.6

(77 reviews)

6.0 mi

You'd never guess this beautiful park is tucked between Tampa and Brandon, right near the highway…read more For just $2, it's an incredible little oasis and a perfect Sunday evening stop. Parking is limited, but it wasn't busy when we visited about an hour before closing. The park features easy walking trails, a 0.3-mile boardwalk, a beautiful botanical garden, and my favorite, the greenhouse. It's amazing how much history and so many rare tropical plants are packed into just 31 acres. You can comfortably see everything in 1 to 2 hours. We spent the last part of our visit chatting with one of the groundskeepers, who was incredibly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about preserving the park's history and keeping everything so well maintained. This hidden gem is absolutely worth a visit.

Such a beautiful place. I would have never thought all that beauty was back there. A really nice…read moreplace to take some photos. And that is what we did. We used this place to take some graduations photos of me. We got some great shots in the different areas they have inside the park. The pergolas. The gazebos. The bridges. They all add a nice background for photos. So many beautiful plants and flowers also. I'm going to take my granddaughter for a walk in there. She will love it too.

Pink flower

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Ararat Garden

(28 reviews)

7.3 mi

Fantastic experience from start to finish. Very responsive and great communications through the…read moreprocess. The work was done on time, quickly and professionally. I could not be happier with my interactions with Jose and Edwin. I will use them for all my landscaping needs in the future. (PS - They even repaired and replaced a broken sprinkler head at no charge!)

Ararat did some landscaping work for me about 4 months ago on a sole-source basis. Their work was…read morefast and efficient, and I selected them due largely to their reputation for high quality work. I was satisfied with the result, but felt it was overpriced. I bid out several other jobs out, and Ararat lost because of overpricing. Bottom line: If you want quality work done quickly and price is not an issue, Ararat is a good choice. For the rest, bid the job out.

Our garden before & after

Patio after 1

Patio after 3

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Sunken Gardens

This garden was absolutely beautiful. Every plant, tree, shrub, and brush look like it was…read moreintentionally placed. It was peaceful and the customer service was amazing.

I went to Sunken Gardens on a Sunday and honestly just had a really chill time. It's a good spot to…read morespend an hour or 2 just walking around without feeling rushed. The place has been around forever so there's a bit of history to it and a ton of different plants throughout, which keeps it interesting as you go. They had a scavenger hunt going on which made it more fun than I expected, and my favorite part was easily the huge koi fish. I didn't realize how big they get until seeing them up close. Also got a nice discount on Groupon so that was a win. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area and want something low key.

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Vista Gardens

(4 reviews)

5.9 mi

This is a plot of land located in the middle of Carrollwood Village. For $30 you could become a…read moresocial member or you probably pay a little bit more to use a plot and pull your own weeds and grow your own vegetables. There are numerous plots, beautiful beehive maintained by a local apiary and the honey is sold at their spring festival and other outdoor markets. No pesticides, beautiful surroundings very peaceful. Come visit. Talk to Jennifer.

Such a cute place to explore. Local gardeners were tending to the plant beds while I was there…read more There are a couple of areas to sit and relax, very cute! Informational cards / QR codes throughout as well. Will definitely be back

Colorful Swiss chard

Spring Festival notice

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White eggplant

Fancy Free Nursery

We rented the Fancy Free Nursery as an event space for my daughters bridal shower this past…read moreSaturday night. The owner was fantastic to deal with and location was perfect for the occasion. We had 20 guests and had an abundance of room - could have easily had double or more seated for dinner on the patio! Great ambiance, facilities and ample parking. We also ordered flower arrangements which were divine! Thank you again Robbie and team!

Robbie is a real salt-of-the-Earth kinda guy. I walked in looking for a bouquet and he told me…read moreeverything I needed to know to make my next visit as stress-free as possible. If you're looking for a floral arrangement call ahead because they sell out quick!

Main counter set up as bar area

Purchased plants

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Inside shop - set up for buffet style dinner

Whistle Stop Garden's Tea Room

I have now been here twice and have to say that both times I thoroughly enjoyed myself!…read more I have drove by this place many times and never equated it to being a quaint tea room until it was introduced to me. From the outside, it looks like a red barn thrift store. But it's actually this cute, charming thrift shop in the front, garden space in the middle section, a store front in the back side and a tea room with inside and outside seating by the pond in the far back. I love the fact that the inside tea room is stocked with different eclectic tea cup sets and that each table is decorated with a matching set for the guests. I like that you are provided a menu of the teas of the day to choose from and there is one from black tea, green tea, herbal tea and a specialty flavor. It gives a nice variety for the table to enjoy. The finger sandwiches/pastries are just the right size and I absolutely love the balsamic dressing that goes with the salad. Tea time has become one of my favorite things for a nice little time away from all the hustle and bustle of normal every day life.

The cutest afternoon tea spot! Service is fast and friendly, everything was well timed. Will say…read morethe tea could have been warmer. Otherwise everything was delicious! It is a very cozy and eclectic vibe. Their are several other small local shops on site, including a small home goods store and antique and plant store as well! Reservations are tricky, definitely contact well in advance. Parking can be tight and mostly grass and gravel. But overall we all Loved the experience and great price at just $30! Our table was able to pick 2 tea flavors. We had salad, scones, pastries, and savory sandwiches as well as desserts, and they accommodated our vegetarian preference! We were all stuffed by the end. Highly recommend everyone try this place!

Tea room set up for halloween season

Annie's Garden Shop

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Verandai

Henry B. Plant Museum

(90 reviews)

8.1 mi

We purchased tickets online for the Victorian Christmas Stroll. Tickets were $20 per person. The…read morearchitecture of the building is stunning; looks like a castle! Upon entry the receptionist checks you in and encourages you to watch the 15 min video prior to exploring. They also have a scavenger hunt to keep you entertained throughout the stroll. The exhibit was very unique and filled with unique history. The museum is very tiny and leaves you wanting more. As large as it appears from the outside, you would think the museum would be congruent. It took us about 30-45 mins to stroll through it, and that included the 15 minute video. Overall it was a good experience.

This was a really great experience. It's on campus and it was a weekday so we were busy navigating…read morethat but it was very interesting to see so much history still persevered in the little wing of the original hotel. Definitely worth checking out if you love history and appreciate vintage furniture and architecture.

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University of Tampa Zen Garden

(1 review)

8.1 mi

This is a nice place to sit. It's tucked kind of back toward the athletic fields. Also worth…read morechecking out on campus are the chapel and the fraternity rock garden. But of course the Hotel Tampa/ Henry Plant Museum building and gardens are the star of the show. But I liked this little area tucked away on campus.

Zen garden at University of Tampa

Zen garden

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Tampa Theatre

4.7

(269 reviews)

7.7 mi

The Tampa Theatre is hands down one of the best places to watch a movie. Forget the giant chain…read moretheaters. This place has something they just can't replicate. The building is absolutely beautiful and has almost 100 years of history. You can feel it the second you walk inside. Every room has a presence to it. The atmosphere is unlike anything else. It always feels full, even when it isn't. You're never really by yourself...;) The concessions are great, the staff is always friendly, and I love that they haven't tried to modernize away all the character. The little noises, the old floors, the way the building seems to settle around you during the movie just reminds you this place has seen generations of people come and go. I definitely will be back. I have a feeling something there is looking forward to seeing me again.

A Cinematic Masterpiece Before the Movie Even Begins…read more If you are looking for an unforgettable night out, the historic Tampa Theatre is an absolute must-visit. Calling it just a "movie theater" feels like a massive understatement - it is a breathtaking time capsule and a true architectural marvel that elevates the simple act of watching a film into a grand event. From the moment you step through the doors, you are transported into a spectacular, 1920s Mediterranean courtyard. The attention to detail inside the auditorium is stunning, offering an experience that modern multiplexes simply cannot replicate. Here is what makes it so incredibly special: * The Atmospheric Ceiling: You sit under a remarkably realistic night sky, complete with 99 twinkling stars and gently drifting clouds, making you feel like you are outdoors on a perfect evening. * The Architecture: The eclectic, opulent blend of Moorish, Spanish, and Byzantine details - surrounded by gargoyles, statues, and ornate balconies - gives the space a magical, almost surreal charm. * The Mighty Wurlitzer: Arriving early is a requirement! Hearing the historic theatre organ played live before the screenings perfectly captures the golden age of cinema. The programming is just as thoughtfully curated as the decor. Whether you are catching a brilliant independent film, a beloved cult classic, a documentary, or a live event, the venue makes every single screening feel momentous. Grab some popcorn, take in the gorgeous scenery, and enjoy the show. The Tampa Theatre is a meticulously preserved local treasure and truly one of the greatest places to spend an evening!

Your view from upstairs... it's like you're sitting outside for the performance!

Home Free

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Tampa Theater

CMX Cinebistro Hyde Park

3.9

(578 reviews)

8.9 mi

It had been many years since our last visit to CineBistro. We liked it back then, but somehow never…read moremade it back, and between the pandemic, movie prices, and life in general, it just fell off our radar. Fast forward to now: my wife wanted to see the new movie Disclosure Day, which we both enjoyed, and she decided it would be the perfect excuse for a dinner-and-movie night. So we headed back to CineBistro. I'd recommend arriving about 30 minutes before the movie starts so they have time to take your order and you can hopefully finish eating before the film begins. Prices are on the mid-to-high side, and they do add an 18% gratuity to the bill. That said, you can adjust it if you want to tip more, less, or remove it entirely. For dinner, my wife had the Shrimp Florentine Linguini, it came with sautéed Gulf shrimp, fresh linguini, roasted garlic cream sauce, spinach, marinated tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano, and wild mushrooms. I had the CMX Burger, which is two Angus Beef Patties, White American Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Pickles, Special Sauce on Potato Roll. The burger also comes with fries. Soft drinks and bottled water are $7, which felt a little steep to me, although soft drinks do come with free refills. You can also just ask for a glass of water. The seats are very comfortable, with small tray tables or fold-out tables so you can eat right at your seat while watching the movie. Food is delivered directly to you, which makes the whole experience convenient and enjoyable. Overall, we were very happy with the food. It was tasty, and we have no complaints there. You really do get what you pay for, and this is a different kind of movie-going experience with good food to go along with it. If the movie is good too, it makes for a great night out. We would definitely come back.

Came here to see Avatar, such a long movie. I forgot their seats don't recline nor do they offer…read morefootrests. My long legs were def affected. It's $10 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays but I'd pay more for a reclining seat. Also the movie screen felt smaller. On a positive note, bathrooms were emasculate. Not sure if I'll be back. AMC offers reclining seats for same price.

Bar

Lobby bar

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Ready for Mean Girls!

Sun Ray Cinema

4.6

(26 reviews)

0.7 mi

I don't write reviews. Not because I don't have anything to say about a place, but because other…read morepeople usually have already said it. In this case though, I'm making an exception because everyone in the Tampa Bay area needs to know about this gem. It's on the second floor of the parking garage at University Mall. Which means you need to navigate around what is left of the mall. There's a separate entrance so you don't have to set foot in the mall itself. The decor is Pee Wee's playhouse and is just as delightful as you would think it would be. They are the top of the game when it comes to special appearances (Kevin Smith was there for two nights, John Waters, Lydia Lunch, Amy Goodman and Todd Solondz have all done Q&As there, just to name a few. Will Oldham has one coming up in September before his performance on the other side of the bay) They show the blockbusters you can see everywhere, but they mix it in with indie films and documentaries that you would have to be in NYC or LA to see otherwise. They also specialize on showing movies on FILM. If you love watching actual film, this is the place that is showing the love! The ticket prices are cheap. The seats are comfortable. The staff is absolutely amazing. The food is far better (and affordable!) than it has any right to be at a movie theater, and they bring it to your seat. There are a TON of vegan options! Which is pretty rare when it comes to going to the movies. It's not just my favorite local movie theater; it's become one of my favorite places in the Tampa Bay region.

Wow what a great experience all the way around. You can easily park in 2nd floor behind the 'mall'…read moreand enter the theater from there. Greeted right away by the friendly hostess at the customer service desk. If you bought tickets on line you can just go to concession area to get food drinks , you look over the menu while in cue which goes very fast, and order. Drinks are made for you and you can a nice big bowl for self serve popcorn with butter or lots of flavors for toppings. All other food is brought to your reserved seat, just give them the theater and your seat numbers. Within less than 10 mins wait(we snacked on popcorn and our drinks) we had an amazing pressed cuban - delicious! And also a huge soft fresh pretzel with cheese for dipping. All for less than $30! Previews were less than 15 mins(closer to 10mins) . We will be back for sure.

Great seats & tray tables for service

Sun-ray cinema

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Dinosaur World

(296 reviews)

14.3 mi

my son & i came here to celebrate a bday party & it was such a good time! the entrance leads you…read moreright into the gift shop (parents be aware) - but the process was seamless to enter. there was a whole room w/ animatronic dinosaurs that moved - the boys loved that! there is a shaded patio w/ lots of seating for eating & a splash pad right next to it too. they had a food cart & some other options for snacks as well. the playground was extensively built & the park itself is a generous size. they had neat attractions such as gemstone panning, fossil digging, & a rideable dinosaur cart as well as a train! we had so much fun celebrating our friends & my son said he couldn't wait to go back again. see yall soon !!

Beware! Today my daughter was playing at the splash area and suddenly started screaming that she…read morewas bleeding. There was a screw tucked between the tiles and she cut her foot! The young manager was called and he seemed overwhelmed with what to do with a crying child. Really just overwhelmed with the situation. Overall I'm disheartened by the response by the team because as my daughter was limping through the souvenirs, she really wanted a toy. But all the manager offered was a small discount. My daughter kept apologizing like she was the one who did something wrong when it's their fault she cut her foot by not keeping chairs and materials safe. It was a $10 toy. It's not like we demanded refunds or free tickets for a future visit. And they couldn't be bothered to help her trip end on a good note. It's it like we did something wrong. No one expected a screw to be sticking up in the splash pad area! Thank you for nothing.

John Hankla collection, a limited time event attraction

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Glazer Children's Museum

(193 reviews)

7.8 mi

Kids absolutely loved it and so did me and my husband! Had tons of fun playing with our kids at…read moremany of the interactive zones.

Location: Childrens Museum Date: June 27, 2026…read moreService: Museum Today me and my friends went to a children's museum to explore with the little ones. I'm happy there is air conditioning here to enjoy. As it is hot out here in Tampa Florida. They offer discount to military people and members as well this place has over two to three floors. The bathrooms are located on every floor. There is the present to assist you if you need some help.

Publix Exhibit

Storytime with Team GCM

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Hospital Exhibit

AMC West Shore 14

3.1

(232 reviews)

10.0 mi

I had a rushed experience the last time I was here. We were going to be late for the movie…read more Parking is not bad, but it's not the best either, so we ran from our spot, into the mall, and up the escalator. I am an A-List member, so I bought the tickets in advance in the AMC app and was able to get in quickly with my son. This place didn't check my ID (which they are supposed to do with A-List), but I wasn't complaining, because we were late. From my mad dash to the theater, I wasn't able to spot any major flags about this spot. From my perspective, the theater was clean, the seats were perfect, and the fact that I'm part of the A-List membership, it's hard for me to complain about much. I just wish parking was a bit more convenient.

Security guard in body armor with a hip-holster gun in the lobby, standing with his hand on his gun…read moreand finger hovering over the trigger like he's in the wild west. He eyed everyone leaving the theater like he was about to shoot you for looking at him. Feared for my life just being in the wrong place at the wrong time around an armed psycho.

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Great Explorations Children's Museum

3.7

(108 reviews)

22.6 mi

This non-profit museum in St. Petersburg focused on hands-on learning for children especially those…read moreunder 10 years old. It features creative play areas like a pretend city, pretend supermarket, vet office, climbing structures, fire department, city map with vehicles on the wall, art stations, and a few animals. They offer stimulating learning through creativity, play and exploration. Cost is $12 for adults, $15 for kids 1-17, free under 1. Next door to Sunken Gardens. A fun day for the kids.

This was not what I expected - I thought it would have more interactive and educational exhibits. I…read morealso thought for the price we would get access to the sunken gardens (right next door) as well. Overall it was a good way to kill a few hours but for the price I am not sure it was worth it. Also - for as many kids and families come through here i would suggest more bathrooms and to clean the ones you have more frequently. Our favorite exhibit was the grocery store, and the room with all the reptiles.

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3 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Rob R.

0

4

0

2 years ago

I recently visited the Botanical Gardens at the University of South Florida, and I must say, it was a deeply disappointing experience. While I understand that maintaining a garden takes effort and resources, the cost of admission ($5) seems unreasonable, based on the condition of the garden. The garden is in complete disarray. Weeds have overtaken many areas, plant beds are unkempt, and trees look like they've suffered from heavy-handed and poorly executed pruning. What used to be a serene and beautiful space for the community to enjoy has now become an eyesore. USF should truly be ashamed. Now, the gardens stand as an embarrassment and a stark reminder of what happens when neglect is allowed to take root. There were some nice portions of the garden, such as the brick courtyard and the roses around the gazebo. However, until serious efforts are made to restore this garden to its former glory, I would recommend skipping this visit altogether. It's not worth the admission price, or the disappointment. read more

Darlene D.

0

13

0

10 months ago

Love this place. Would still be visiting frequently but can no longer walk through parks or gardens.

Branden M.

0

1

0

4 years ago

amazing place to go and unwind for a bit! very friendly workers, extremely beautiful place!

USF Botanical Gardens - gardens - Updated July 2026

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(3 reviews)

I really loved this place and walking around the path seeing bright colored zinnias and sunflowers…read more At first I was like, oh these are not the 10 foot gigantic sunflowers that I have seen elsewhere. But after walking through, I thought it was nice just feeling like you are in a field of wildflowers just being super carefree. There were a few vendors, and they sold snacks like kettle corn, drinks, etc. They had games like badminton, the bean bags, rubber ducky water races, and swings. They also have a hay ride. There was sun and shade. We brought out umbrellas for added shade through the flower fields. This was a super fun experience! I'll be back in the fall for their corn maze! I can't wait! Check this out! They will do it next weekend for one last time. It doesn't say it on the website, but for sure they are doing it!

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University of Tampa Zen Garden

(1 review)

This is a nice place to sit. It's tucked kind of back toward the athletic fields. Also worth…read morechecking out on campus are the chapel and the fraternity rock garden. But of course the Hotel Tampa/ Henry Plant Museum building and gardens are the star of the show. But I liked this little area tucked away on campus.

Florida Botanical Gardens

4.7

(155 reviews)

This place is still so lovely especially at Christmas. We have been here countless times and…read moreChristmas every year. It never gets old. It's so beautiful and every step are colorful lights. They have music playing and right now I feel like I can fall asleep. It is dog friendly here so bring your pup to walk around and love on the lights and take lots of pics. This season is through Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 and closed at 9:30 PM. $10 suggested donation. Must stop for Xmas!

The gardens are absolutely beautiful! I was thrilled to see that they support neurodiversity by…read moreoffering sensory aids. As a person with autism, this made me feel so seen and included. I can't wait for my next visit. The gardens are gorgeous and there's so much to do and see! Thrilling place!!!

St. Pete Orchid Farm

4.5

(8 reviews)

The variety of orchids and the health of all of the plants are truly remarkable. The staff were…read morethroughout the property and so very helpful.

What a cute plant nursery tucked inside St. Petersburg! Street parking on a quiet side street,…read moretucked in residential area. A little gardener's heaven essentially. Every second Saturday, they open to the public and have a huge variety of plants to pick from ranging in small babies you can nurture yourself to fully grown pieces that are in bloom and ready to wow. There's a great range in sizes too; my boyfriend had to talk me out of a gorgeous red orchid that hung and was easily 3 feet from root end to flower tip while he picked up an adorable orange mini that's no bigger than my hand. Some of blooming, some have buds, and some are still growing, so you can find plants at all different stages of their cycles. I got one that was fully bloomed, one that had several buds and several blooms, and one that all the buds were just about to bloom. Everything was so well maintained and there was quite the variety to pick from. We spent over $100 easily here and on these Saturdays they offer 10% off. I'm already looking forward to getting back there, especially since the owners were such nice people too!

Nights of Shimmering Lights

(1 review)

Such a beautiful place and a really nice experience for all ages…read more My friend and I went there last night to visit and absolutely loved it. The admittance is $8/adults and kids under 2 get in for free. It's a small area but so festive. There is a 1/4 mile trail of walking around to see various light displays and characters. They have a scavenger hunt paper for kids to fill out while walking, but we enjoyed it as well. There is also a little maze to go through - super cute! After the light displays you can get a free gift at the concessions. There are a variety of food options (I recommend the fresh donuts and hot chocolate) that are very reasonably priced. You can tell it's more about the family friendly feel than the profit. Around the area they play Christmas movies for kids and have tons of games to keep them occupied - duck races, connect-4, coloring, letters to Santa, photograph area, and ping-pong. I highly recommend for all ages to enjoy as it is really a nice outing if you are looking to experience something some small town festivities for the holidays.

Fallen Oak Farms

(4 reviews)

Today was our third time visiting the baby goats and as always it was a fun and relaxing time on…read morethis beautiful farm. This time we added a special lunch for my husband and myself. Lex from Bamboo Bakery prepared a wonderful meal for us that was absolutely beautiful and delicious! Edible flowers and herbs from Fallen Oaks own garden decorated the spread, and eggs from their chickens were used in the yummy cake we had for dessert. Shelley is a warm and inviting host and it's always a pleasure to visit Falling Oaks. We'll be back.

My skin is glowing in the best possible way!!!…read more I wanted to share that I just had the most fantastic experience at Fallen Oak Farms. I've had a pretty stressful couple of months so my sweet husband worked with Shelley to give me a spa package. It did not disappoint!! We started out relaxing in the aromatherapy garden, surrounded by the beautiful flowers and butterflies. It was incredibly peaceful. For the spa treatment I opted for a facial with a dermaplaning and soothing gel masque. I especially liked that Candy the esthetician explained exactly what she was doing, every step of the way. I had never had the gel mask before, and it was amazing! I could feel the stress melting away. I loved all the products that she used and I was already familiar with the Image brand. Will definitely be back for this sublime experience!

USF Contemporary Art Museum

(3 reviews)

I'm a USF student and I've been on campus for two years now and never really explored what campus…read morelife has to offer. So I decided to actually see it and I found the museum and I loved it. The staff were super friendly and it was free, who doesn't love free stuff. So I was able to enjoy the art work that they brought in from NYC. They have couple of events throughout the year. I'm excited to see what else comes through the museum while I'm here.

Exhibits at this mid-sized museum may best be described as eclectic, edgy and evocative…read more Located on the sprawling main campus of the University of South Florida, the building can be tricky to locate, and parking may be an issue, but inside awaits intriguing displays of "significant and investigative" contemporary art from around the world. USF offers its Master of Fine Arts students a graduation exhibition yearly that seems to highly anticipated but whatever works by emerging and established artists are showcased here are sure to offer fascinating insights into current trends, directions and influences on contemporary art. Free admission makes it easy to return to view new exhibits throughout the year.

24th Annual Hyde Park Village Art Fair

3.5

(2 reviews)

3.5 Stars This used…read moreto be a great show, but maybe it's just run its course. Or perhaps, when you compare it to the other amazing art shows in the Tampa Bay area, like Gasparilla Festival of the Arts and Mainsail Art Festival, that's why it falls short. Taking place in Hyde Park Village, all the booths are crammed one right next to the other, with a few located down odd little roads and entrances. This year's offerings seemed to be mostly paintings and framed photographs. And of course, lots of jewelry. There was also pottery, glass knickknacks, and leather aplenty. There were a few unique stalls I liked; one lady was selling handmade table runners made of gorgeous fabrics combined with leather and river rocks. Another had life-sized metal statues-if you have ever driven by Whatever Pops on Florida, you have seen their yellow one. Other than that, same old same old. If I'm in the area I might go next year, but I'll probably wait another week and head to St. Petersburg for Mainsail.

This is part of the Howard Alan Art yearly event. My second year attending and it's still just as…read moregreat. You can find every type of craft art here, paintings, jewelry, glass, metal, pictures a very good and extensive selection on display. If you like arts and crafts this event will not disappoint and as always easy access to parking and restaurants. There were not a lot of food kiosks, if you decide to eat in one of the restaurants there will be some waiting time.

Ybor City Museum State Park

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Some friends and I met here to visit the urban state park before going to the Lightning game…read more Highly recommend a visit here and grabbing food in the area before going to a game! Street parking was easy to find and it was nice to walk by the park and see the area around the State Park. The ranger, Barbie, was incredibly welcoming and informative, sharing some fun facts with us as another group also checked in so we could all watch the intro video together. For being the second smallest state park (1 of the fun facts we were told), there were a lot of great exhibits strategically packed into the space. There is also a courtyard and row of casitas outside the main building that are also part of the tour. It is very well done and an interesting unique state park being located right in the heart of the downtown area rather than sprawling nature like most others. The location gave extra weight to the history we learned through the tour and exhibits. It was a great experience!

Ybor City has a fascinating history and this is a great spot to learn more about it. It's a small…read moremuseum but still packed with many interesting facts and items to see. The person running with the big beard is awesome. Big bear and big personality.

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