Tampa trip...what should we do there?
 

Dear BOTL

My wife and I are doing a long, get-away weekend to the Tampa area, and I am looking for feedback/advice on where to go. Honestly, I booked this trip before I realized that Tampa was "Cigar City"! It dawned on me that folks on this forum might have some thoughts on the area. I found El Reloj cigar factory, and a tour there sounds like fun. Is it worth a stop? Where would you go for your first trip? Where would you NOT go?

Thank you! I appreciate your thoughts.

Nick

Re: Tampa trip...what should we do there?
 

I have family in Tampa and go often. I have never explored the cigar spots though. I’ll be paying attention to this one also.

Re: Tampa trip...what should we do there?
 

I'd go to Ybor City. Have lunch at the Columbia or Tampa Bay Brewing Company. Check out the local cigar rollers, hit up the Fuente shop, and then get the hell out of there before dark.

Re: Tampa trip...what should we do there?
 

Hah, definitely hit up Columbia. Great place. Get a Mojito.

One of the best steak houses in the US and I highly recommend you do the tour. Be sure to hit up the dessert in the separate HARRY WAUGH DESSERT ROOM.

https://bernssteakhouse.com/

Corona cigars is a popular night time hang out near the stadium. Good restaurants around that area. https://www.coronacigar.com/tampa-store/

I’ve eaten several times at Kona Grill is good. Has some nice sushi. Eat then have a cigar. Good whiskies and bourbons can be had at the Corona Cigar bar.

Re: Tampa trip...what should we do there?
 

Go to the beach. Look around. Exclam loudly "This beach SUCKS compared to SoCal!"

And run like hell.

Re: Tampa trip...what should we do there?
 

We usually go to King Corona for cigars and then the Columbia Restaurant when we visit Ybor City.

Re: Tampa trip...what should we do there?
 

Hit up elderboy02 (Dan) for some more thoughts, he visits there frequently.

Re: Tampa trip...what should we do there?
 

Its fun to walk around Ybor City. Eat at the Columbia and have fun watching the rollers in the little cigar shops. If you bring home some cigars, freeze them. I brought home some beetles once...

Re: Tampa trip...what should we do there?
 

Ybor City definitely. At night it's like New Orleans. Fun times!

Tabanero Cigars, King Corona, Grand Cathedral are great shops to hit.

Food: Colombia, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, and any of the NY style pizza joints.

Re: Tampa trip...what should we do there?
 

I'm not finding much on the Fuente shop. Do they have a factory there or is it just a retail store? Can you share any links?

Re: Tampa trip...what should we do there?
 

I really appreciate all of the feedback, gang! It sounds like Tampa will be a great time!

Has anyone went to the El Reloj factory for a tour? It looks like it is also called JC Newman.

Re: Tampa trip...what should we do there?
 

It's official name is Tampa Sweethearts. Here's a link. It's at 1603 E. 6th Ave.

Re: Tampa trip...what should we do there?
 

I second Dan's recommendation of the Grand Cathedral, super cool place.

https://i.imgur.com/TllDteX.jpg

Besides cigars, Corona has an outstanding whiskey selection.

https://i.imgur.com/5KQa0jV.jpg