Events

1. Old Seminole Heights 10th Annual Home Tour. The event attracts 1,200-1,500 people each year. Organizers expect to showcase 13 homes this year — this "reunion" edition will feature some of the favorite homes from past editions. Sun. April 6, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Self-guided, begins at the Seminole Heights Garden Center, 5810 N. Central Ave., $10. For info, call 813-310-3124 or go to oldseminoleheights.com.

2. Premiere of Seminole Heights: An Intimate Look at the Early Years. Produced by the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association's Preservation Committee and written and directed by Gene Howes of Cigar City Pictures, the documentary film looks back at the neighborhood's colorful history. Thurs., April 17, 7:30 p.m.,Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., 813-274-8981.

3. Porch parties. To bolster the sense of community that sets these urban enclaves apart from their suburban counterparts, Old Seminole Heights, Southeast Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights throw monthly porch parties at people's homes, where everyone in the neighborhood is invited, and encouraged to bring a covered dish. While these soirees are restricted to residents, outsiders interested in the area will surely be welcomed. Porch parties are listed on the civic association websites. South Seminole Heights and Riverside Heights do not list them.

Food & drink

4. American Legion Cocktail Lounge. One of only two bars in the Heights, the lounge is open to the public. Hobnob and have a highball with the older set. 6918 N. Florida Ave, Tampa., 813-236-2281.

5. Bo's Ice Cream. This quaint walk-up has been around since 1954. Homemade soft ice cream, banana splits, sundaes. 7101 N. Florida Ave., 813-234-3870.

6. Bungalow Bistro. Situated in an immaculately converted 2-story house, Bungalow Bistro boasts a menu that combines hearty fare — burgers, sandwiches, salads — with fine-dining options. Eat on the upstairs outdoor balcony, if you prefer. 5137 N. Florida Ave., 813-237-2000.

7. Café Hey. Open just a few months, the cozy place has become a hot Tampa Heights meeting spot. Top-shelf coffees and teas, as well as in-house baked goods, sandwiches, soups and salads. 1540 N. Franklin St., 813-221-5150.

8. Cappy's Pizza. Last year, the South Tampa Cappy's won Creative Loafing's 64-restaurant PZZA tournament. The Seminole Heights Cappy's has the same menu, which features both New York-style and Chicago deep-dish. 4910 N. Florida Ave., 813-238-1516.

9. The Front Porch Grill & Bar. Set in a converted Victorian house, the place has become a popular neighborhood hang. Steaks, seafood, pasta. Reasonable prices. The Front Porch has also garnered praise for its wings and meatloaf. 5924 N. Florida Ave., 813-237-5511.

10. Corner Club. Neighborhood dive with karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays. 1502 E. Sligh Ave., 813-239-9998.

11. Grass Root. Purest-of-the-pure vegan and raw/living fare. As much a lifestyle outpost as a restaurant. 2702 N. Florida Ave., 813-221-7668.

12. Merino's Seminole Heights Deli. Big specialty sandwiches, salads and soups have got the 'hood buzzing. 6428 N. Florida Ave., 813-236-3354.

13. Nicko's. An old-time diner and Old Seminole Heights institution. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 4603 N. Florida Ave., 813-234-9301.

14. Rico's Tacos. Formerly El Taconazo, but fondly known as the "taco bus," the place has become a go-to joint for tasty, authentic Mexican fare. 913 E. Hillsborough Ave., 813-232-5889.

15. Rick's on the River. Tucked south of Columbus, Rick's is actually in West Tampa, across the Hillsborough River from The Heights. It's spacious, with a large outdoor area and has a beach-bar motif. 2305 N. Willow Ave., 813-251-0369.

16. Stephanno's. Known as the place for New York-style pizza. Also wings, calzones and salads. 6607 N. Florida Ave., 813-232-9486.

17. Three Coins Diner. Classic American fare in a friendly, relaxed environment. A step above standard diner food. 7410 N. Nebraska Ave., 813-239-1256.

Cool shops

18. Bleu Acier. This intimate gallery/print studio, a live/work space, exhibits works by established and mid-career artists from the U.S. and Europe. Open Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. or by appointment. 109 W. Columbus Drive, 813-272-9746.

19. Greenshift Music & Comics. A quirky mix of musical instruments and comic books. Cramped and intimate. Hang out and schmooze. 5226 N. Nebraska Ave., 813-238-4177.

20. Phoenix Glass Studio. The hot glass studio features the cast glass sculpture of Susan Gott. Also blown glass gifts. 811 E. Knollwood St., 813-267-1762.

21. Sherry's Yesterdaze. Longstanding vintage clothing and antique store. Knick-knacks too. Quaint and packed to the gills with stuff. 5207 N. Florida Ave., 813-231-2020.

Parks

22. Epps Park. Runs along the Hillsborough River in Old Seminole Heights. A beautiful stroll. Picnic facilities. 350 Fern St.

23. Rivercrest Park. Picturesque expanse along the river in South Seminole Heights. Includes picnic facilities, grills, a canoe launch and small pier. 4802 N. River Blvd.

24. River Boulevard Park. Continues north of Rivercrest Park along the Hillsborough. Lovely walk, fewer facilities. 5401 N. River Shore Drive.

25. Robles Park. Includes large ponds, courts, picnic facilities, playground and trails. Bordered by I-275 on the east. 3305 N. Avon Ave.

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This article appears in Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2008.