There is no doubt the Tampa Bay area is a great place to live, work and play and at METRO we’ve uncovered and discovered a few favorites in arts & entertainment, shopping, dining, health & beauty, home design and dining & spirits.
Arts & Entertainment
Armed Forces History Museum
Best Military Artifacts
Learn about military history from WW1 to the present at this informative and interactive museum with engaging, educational exhibits and artifacts from WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam and the Cold War. 727.539.8371; www.armedforcesmuseum.com. The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art Best Contemporary Museum in Pinellas County Located on the campus of St. Petersburg College, this museum includes works by Abraham Rattner and modern art by Ester Gentle and Allen Leepa, as well as, Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, and Marc Chagall. Call 727.712.5762; www.spcollege.edu/central/museum.
Florida Craftsmen Gallery
Best Display of Fine Craft Artists
Celebrating nearly 62 years of Fine Crafts, artists from around the state display their art for sale in the gift shop, as well as the gallery with changing exhibitions. 727.821.7391; www.floridacraftsmen.net.
USF Contemporary Art Museum
Best Contemporary Art Museum in Hillsborough County
Located on the campus of the University of South Florida, the museum brings contemporary exhibits from artists around the world and raises awareness of current cultural trends. 813.974.4133; www.ira.usf.edu/CAM.
The Studio@620 Best Community Art House Created in 2004 to bring a variety of art forms and people of different cultural backgrounds together, the programming and opportunities still continue to provide unique and creative explorations of theatre and art to the Tampa Bay area. 727.895.6620; www.thestudioat620.org. Baisden Gallery Best Local Art Gallery This urban gallery across from the University of Tampa, features rotating exhibitions for contemporary glass artists, painters and photographers including Derek Gores, Steve Jensen and Alberto Murillo, as well as other national and international artists. 813.250.1511 or www.baisdengallery.com. Tampa Museum of Art Best Public Art Museum Designed by architect, Stanley Saitowitz, the shimmering aluminum exterior and LED light installation serves as the cornerstone of Tampa’s art culture. Enjoy Art on the House each Friday from 4 – 8pm, with pay-as-you-will admission. Sono Café offers a great spot for light dining and drinks. 813.274.8130; www.tampamuseum.org. Salvador Dalí Museum Best Surreal Museum Don’t miss the upcoming Andy Warhol exhibit opening January 18, along with the more than 2,140 pieces of Salvador Dalí’s work; the museum houses the largest collection outside of Spain. 727.823.3767 or www.thedali.org. Museum of Fine Arts Best Comprehensive Collection The permanent collection offers works by Cezanne, Renoir, Georgia O’Keefe and Monet. For an extra treat, enjoy lunch in the MFA Café, or the special musical events hosted by the museum throughout the year. 727.896.2667; www.fine-arts.org. The Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College Best Showcase of Music Variety The Palladium’s line up of artistic and musical acts includes jazz, blues, pop and opera. Check the online calendar for a variety of musical talents that will feed the soul. 727.822.3590; www.mypalladium.org. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Best Play and Stay Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the sixth largest in the world with over 5,000 slots and 118 live-action game tables to choose from, nine dining options that will satisfy any taste you desire, and luxurious rock star accommodations. 1.866.502.PLAY; www.seminolehardrocktampa.com. Tampa Theatre Best Classic Date Night Built in 1926, this historic movie palace flourishes with romance and its nighttime painted ceiling with twinkling stars. Enjoy classic and contemporary art films. 813.274.8981; www.tampatheatre.org. Straz Center for the Performing Arts Best Theater Experience Enjoy Opera Tampa, Broadway performances, concerts and shows in five unique theaters. DIne at Maestro’s Restaurant or Cafe before the show, and stroll down the beautiful Riverwalk after a performance to cap off an elegant evening of the arts. 813.229.7827; www.strazcenter.org. The Mahaffey Theater Best Bayside Theater European box-style seating and views overlooking the St. Petersburg waterfront, make this theater optimal for watching top quality performing artists of music, dance, comedy and theater. It’s also the home in St. Petersburg for The Florida Orchestra. 727.892.5767; www.mahaffeytheater.com. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Best Animals and Attractions Get an up-close view of zebras, giraffes, tigers, elephants, koalas, and hippos at this world-renowned zoo with more than 1,500 animals. 813.935.8552; www.lowryparkzoo.com. The Florida Aquarium Best Wildlife Encounter The perfect place to swim with fish, meet penguins, dive with sharks and see stingrays and sea turtles. Kids will have a blast in the outside water play area – Explore A Shore. 813.273.4000; www.flaquarium.org. Florida Holocaust Museum Best Museum to Honor and Educate Honoring the millions of innocent people who died in the Holocaust, the museum dedicates itself to teaching the importance of human life. 727.820.0100; www.flholocaustmuseum.org. The Glazer Children’s Museum Best Place to Let the Kids Play It’s a place to let the kids run, play and learn, at the 170 interactive areas with 12 themed areas. When they are done inside, let them continue the fun outside at Curtis Hixon Park. 813.443.3861 or www.glazermuseum.org. Tampa Bay Times Forum Best Multi-Purpose Venue From Lightning hockey games to the upcoming classic Billy Joel, the Tampa Bay Times Forum hosts over 150 different events held annually. 813.301.6500; visit www.tampabaytimesforum.com. Florida Museum of Photographic Art Best In Pictures Inside the iconic Cube at Rivergate Plaza, the FMoPA houses a variety of photographic art by national and local artists. A variety of workshops, classes and programs are offered in photography. 813.221.2222; www.fmopa.org.
