This blogpost correlates with the second episode of my podcast, check it out in the link in my menu! Both are all about my very Florida weekend! This post serves to inspire an array of activities to fill your weekend with creative fun.
Strawberry and Tomato Picking: Hunsader Farms
There’s something so satisfying about eating produce that you hand-picked yourself! These “U-pick” farms are a bit of a drive out from the city but otherwise readily available almost anywhere in Florida. We visited Hunsader Farms East of Bradenton and had a great time picking our own tomatoes and strawberries. The farm even featured a little farm village for kids, a stage for events, and eateries. A super family-friendly and fun activity to do anytime – just check which produce is in season beforehand!
Rapid Fire Comedy: Mark Normand at the Tampa Theater
The Tampa Theater is a ridiculously beautiful venue and it was our second time attending a comedy show there. Mark Normand’s slightly dry sense of humor is truly hilarious. We especially appreciated that he didn’t tell as many stories as it was just rapid-fire joke about a variety of (albeit sometimes touchy) topics!
Excitement and Relaxation: Tampa Bay Lightning Game
Of all the sporting games in Tampa Bay to attend, Lightning games have to be by far the most exciting. Ronak was gifted these seats which we sat in for the second time and truly had a blast. The bonus was that we won!
Discount Frenzy: Walmart and Goodwill
For those of you who don’t know: January is the month that Walmart pushes out a ton of baby gear on sale and clearance. The easiest way to score a hidden good deal is to scan every yellow barcode that you can with the Walmart app and it will tell you if the item is actually cheaper than what it’s already discounted for. We scored a $190 jogging stroller for $90 and my friend picked us up a $100+ Pack n’ Play for $17. The bonus tip is that if an item is listed for a whole number (9.00 for example rather than 9.99), then it is being discontinued at the store and is on super clearance. I tell the story of this brand new Sam Edelman trench coat in my podcast episode!
Disappointment and Inspiration: Florida CraftArt Event and Cultosaurus
Florida CraftArt Gallery was hosting a week-long Sacred Arts Tour. At the exhibit, 8 Tibetan Buddhist monks from Drepung Gomang Monastery displayed their mandala sand art. At the end of the week is a “dissolution ceremony” during which it is all symbolically blown away. I arrived at the gallery hours after the ceremony had ended – I was so sad! I turned that into an opportunity to stop by Cultosaurus’ new location and marveled at its cool, non-mainstream novelty item collection. Overall, a win but I’ll never rob myself of another interesting art exhibition or event again!
This was how I spent one packed, very Florida weekend. There’s no shortage of activities to do, things to see, and food to eat in Florida, especially in St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay!
