The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce hosted a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at “THE SNAP HOUSE”.  This very original selfie house will have your cameras on overload! Every wall (Including the bathrooms) will make incredible photos.  The owners and staff are all about having fun and it shows. Check they out today at https://www.facebook.com/thesnaphousetampa

Busch Gardens Tampa

In 1980 a ticket to Busch Gardens cost $9.35 and a Season pass was $25. We were poor starving USF kids then. After several weeks of saving, we purchased our season pass. At the Busch gardens Hospitality House, you could get 3 samples of free beer. Walk a little and come back after shift changes and get 3 more LMAO!!! What a deal for college kids. We would go at least 2 times a month some times more. Over the years going to Busch Gardens was like going back home. Some things change while other things remain the same. Fast forward 40 years later and we have the Covid Christmas. Several friends told us how safe it was, so we decided to give it a try. Our group traveled in separate cars. From the time you step on the trams the park did an incredible job.  There was social distancing, everyone had a mask on and hand sanitizer stations everywhere. The enclosed entertainment areas and some rides were closed. That was OK. It was so much fun strolling thru the park and saying hi to our favorite animals. We found a Gay Pride display in a store. Had a photo taken with Rudolph The Reindeer and so much more.  With all our memories it truly was like going home for the holidays. Thank You Busch Gardens for being so responsible.

The Hotel Haya

Now open in Ybor City is the Hotel Haya www.HotelHaya.com  This past week Mackenzie Fox, Director of Lifestyle, gave the Board of Tampa Pride a special tour. The Haya is a welcome addition to Ybor City. The historic tiles from the El Goya were still there.  The Tampa Pride Board thinks the pool would make for a Fabulous T-Dance! What do you think?

Island Hopping at La La’s Sangria Bar

When you’re in Ybor City as a resident or visitor you will feel like you’re on an Island. With a friendly island attitude, we park our car (Boat) then walk to everything!!! I’m sure many other communities in our area have the same feeling. When Ybor people are not in Ybor City we call it “Being off the island.” This past SUNday FUNday a big group went Island Hopping to “La La’s Sangria Bar” in Channelside.  What an exciting and fun way to spend a SUNday FUNday!!! Then show host is Miss Daisy Rae, an Ybor resident too. The Owner John & his staff did everything to make the day special. Here is a big hint… The new Hampton Inn on Kennedy & Meridian has public parking. La La’s Sangria Bar is located at 203 N. Meridian Ave. Next door to the Hampton Inn.  Be sure to call (813) 460-4522 for reservations. CHEERS https://www.facebook.com/LaLasSangriaBar/