This weekend, the region has several opportunities for you to get into some food and drink shenanigans. Check out this guide to five of CL’s favorites.
Be on the lookout for an orange VW cheese bus, because Tillamook’s Road Trip is coming to town. To celebrate its new availability at area Publix, Fresh Market, Sprouts, Earth Fare and Walmart stores, the cheese brand and farmer-owned dairy cooperative will make three stops in Tampa, starting Friday with Hyde Park Village. Cheeseheads and other dairy lovers can expect to sample various Tillamook products from 1 to 7 p.m. Free. 1602 W. Snow Ave., Tampa.
On Saturday, you can peruse local goods produced by more than 70 vendors, including fresh produce, plants, artwork and other artisan items. The monthly North Tampa Market, hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is family- and dog-friendly. Free, money for goodies. 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa.
If you’re not up for any Saturday shopping, drink beer instead at Avid Brew Company’s Hydroponic Expo while learning a thing or two from gardening pros. Fox Farms, Hydrofarm and Hawthorne Gardening representatives will answer product questions for green thumbs between noon and 4 p.m. Food and giveaways are also planned. Free, money for beer. 1745 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-388-6756.
Whiskey in the Woods is hosted deep within the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area. Scheduled for noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, NJoy Spirits’ annual whiskey and rum tasting features food, beer and wine, in addition to small-batch, farm-to-table booze from the distillery itself. Tickets are available online. $10 general admission in advance, $50 VIP. 7237 Wild Buck Road, Weeki Wachee. 352-592-9622.
As for Sunday, there’s no shortage of bottomless drinks at the weekly Brunch, Biscuits and Booze gathering. But good luck choosing between c.1949’s mimosa and sake-infused Bloody Mary; both are featured with the all-you-can-down price tag of $15 as early as 11 a.m. Soul Food Street Kitchen will keep you sober with its menu items, some of which feature biscuits from Hey Giant! Free, money for drinks and food. 6905 N. Orleans Ave., Tampa. 813-990-8883.
This article appears in Dec 6-13, 2018.
