We all have our favorite places where we feel good, our “sweet spots.”
I asked some savvy friends where they like to go, with the following caveats: The places they chose had to be public (not their backyards) and local (not the Taj Mahal).
Their responses were inspirational. Now I want to expand my horizons and explore further afield. I hope you use the long weekend ahead to check out some of these special spots.
“The top of the tower at Lettuce Lake Park is my spot. Especially near sunset, as the park is closing, the light on the trees and the Hillsborough River is dreamy. Just five minutes off I-75, you can climb up to this roost and feel the natural beauty of Old Florida.” —Maria Hernandez, communications consultant.
“My favorite spot in Tampa (besides Tampa Theatre, of course!) is the Oxford Exchange. The energy, vibe, and decor bring me back to my time in NYC, and I love that Tampa has a little slice of the Big Apple right downtown.” —Maggie
Ciadella, director of annual giving, Tampa Theatre.
“Just off Davis Islands, where the dolphins hang around, is my spot. They come up to my boat just to look at the people on the boat (they are as interested in us as we in them). And this happens in the shadow of downtown. I love our wet neighbors!” —Capt. Larry Salkin, Tampa Water Taxi owner.
“My “zen”… my special place is Madeira Beach. I love the warmth, the sounds, the texture of the sand, the sunsets with my husband. It’s the ‘people’s beach’ and the sights, air, smells wrap me in comfortable feelings of love and peace.” —Lynn Dingfelder, Emmy-winning documentarian,
“Downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk is attracting life, energy, people — there are free concerts and events all the time. People bicycling and walking with strollers and dogs. It’s become a great square, a public space, a beautiful place where we can be together…” —Pat Kemp, candidate for Hillsborough County Commission, District 6 (countywide).
“My favorite spot is the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. The beautiful views of the bay surrounding the campus reinforce my feeling that the exploration of ideas can be a never-ending joy.” —Nancy McCann, graduate student in journalism and media studies.
“My sweetheart Paul [Wilborn] and I can see not only Lassing Park but Tampa Bay from one-third of the windows of our house, with the incredible sunrises and sunsets. At Lassing Park we are able to walk out to the sandbars and feel like we are close to home, but far, far away.” —Eugenie Bondurant, actress and acting coach.
“Sitting on the outside terrace at Cafe Dufrain transports my mind to the French Riviera — the ambiance, the great food, the good wine, the waterfront, the street activity — all such wonderful ‘joie de vivre’!” —Vivian Salaga, AIA, Atelier Architecture.
“Walking or sitting in Swann Circle Park under the majestic oaks and pines is my spot. Watching the dogs play and catching an occasional view of a great horned owl. It always calms me down to walk even just one circular ‘lap’ around it.” —Gary Gibbons, attorney and outdoor enthusiast.
“There is something so inspiring about sitting at Bizou Brasserie in the Le Méridien hotel in downtown Tampa early in the morning drinking our lattes and listening to the low hum of conversations of the international and business travelers.” —Pavel and Jessie Stehlik, photographers who live and work in downtown Tampa.
“I love Kiley Garden! Because it relates to the cool architecture from Harry Wolf’s Cubes and Rivergate Tower. And most importantly, I thank the late international award-winning landscape architect Dan Kiley, who designed this public
space. I hope to see Kiley Garden completely restored in the near future.” —Chris Vela, architect and activist.
Nature, parks, cafes — and what else? Share your favorites at cltampa.com or the CL Facebook page.
This article appears in Feb 4-10, 2016.
