Where Were You This Weekend: Out and About in Heights & South Tampa

Friday Night at The Independent

On Friday night, was the place to be – a crowd that warmly conversed, hugged, and enjoyed the early summer breeze. The only thing lacking was our neighbor’s ale…local brewery, Cold Storage’s-Florida Ave Ale, but no doubt that will change. Hanging out was a great mix of folks-all that spoke praises of this new locals  and beyond “place to be.”  I ran into Pamela Palumbo, Queen of Twirl Girl Promotions — the chicks that know what’s up in the gay scene. Pamela’s not only a neighbor, she’s a friend. We shared the hummus appetizer —I’d definitely order it again. She enjoyed a Hofbrau Maibock and I went for the Smutty Nose IPA. As we chilled on the benches outside, I was appy  to run into , our Seminole Heights Patch editor and his cute fuzzy companion, Chance. Mike was enjoying then night air for a local Seminole Heights TweetUp.  As the sun went down the people kept rolling in. What a great way to kick off the weekend! Want to find out more? Visit www.independenttampa.com.

Saturday Fun Festivities.

Saturday started in my front yard — an hour of sunbathing. (I was looking a little pasty) before the highlight of the weekend, ’s second Tour & Tasting. Friends gathered at my house – just blocks away before we strolled down to the brewery.  Once again the folks from Cold Storage had a great turnout for the weekend and when it was announced that everyone would get a free beer when the Lightning scored, the crowd went crazy. Back again to support our local brewery were the “beer duo” of Todd Edwards, Beer Expert and Jay the Welder (http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001232963900). On May 19, Cold Storage celebrated a milestone — their 1000th keg! This welcomed addition to the Heights is growing like crazy. Their biggest concern these days: how do we make enough beer to keep our customers happy? Now that’s a good problem to have!

From there we headed to Cigar City Brewing, where the afternoon crowd had gathered to enjoy some libations. I talked with people about the two local breweries and toured the facility which was actively brewing away. Two neighborhoods, two breweries. I have to say it’s pretty freaking cool to have two breweries within 10 minutes of where I live.  I LOVE IT TAMPA! I’d love to see the two breweries team up for an event — now that would be a good time!

Happy Birthday!

As the sun began to set on Tampa I headed to Davis Island Yacht Club, where Trista Snook, former Crewe of Bobbie C Davis Commodore & Captain of Pirate Girl, celebrated her 4oth birthday! A night of music, drinks, appetizers, and even "Trista Trivia" made this a birthday to remember. Celebrating with her were Crewe Mama Linda Harrington Parrish, Carrie Davis, and many others.

I welcomed Sunday with a visit to the Thai Temple with a group of close friends. What a beautiful morning boat ride, followed up with lunch at the temple. If you’re a spiritual person and haven’t made the time yet, then find the time for a visit.

And as we move through the week and welcome in Memorial Day weekend, let us be thankful for the good times we’ve had and for the times we have before us. Let us reflect and honor the men and women who given their lives to protect our freedoms.

I head to Phoenix on Friday but before that I won’t miss the Crewe of Bobbie C Davis’s Meet n’ Greet at World of Beers South Tampa on Wednesday!

See you soon!