Are you a struggling college student (or regular brokeass person) with little cheese to spend, but want to take your hip out-of-town guest (bohemian uncle, indier-than-thou sibling, long-distance girlfriend) on an overnight adventure?
• Stay at Gram’s Place. Located in the heart of Tampa Heights, Gram’s Place is the city’s only hostel, with accommodations ranging from music-themed dormitory-style rooms with shared baths ($25 a night per person) to private rooms with private baths ($60 a night). Socialize with travelers from all over the world in common dining areas, living rooms and a BYOB poolside bar; make a dinner catered specifically to your guest in either of the two fully equipped self-service kitchens (more cost-effective and personal than eating out); enjoy periodic live music (Tallahassee’s Kelly Green Band and singer/songwriter C.C. Carter from Sarasota on May 21); or take part in an impromptu jam session. Traveling musicians and music lovers are encouraged to bring instruments or use any that are onsite (electric and acoustic guitars, bass, two pianos, a full drum set and more). (3109 N. Ola Ave., Tampa)
• Hang out at Café Hey. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus random entertainment (live music, film screenings, game play) as well as a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. (1540 N. Franklin Ave., Tampa)
• Soul Food Sunday at Ella’s Americana Folk Art Café. Chow down on barbecue and cornbread while taking in free live music on their afternoon stage by local, regional and national talent (The Only Sons play May 15, the day after their Heatwave appearance). (5119 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa)
• Bonnie “Prince” Billy at Mojo Books & Music. Blow the cool factor through the roof by mapping out your low-cost cation so that it ends on May 28 with a free show by the hippest indie rock songwriter of them all at Tampa’s coolest record store. (2558 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa)
This article appears in May 12-18, 2011.
