Local Culture: 5 Museums in Tampa You Can’t-Miss

Tampa has fascinations for both locals and visitors. Outdoor activities are all the rage thanks to its balmy climate, but there are plenty of low-key ways to spend time around Tampa too. 

The area has a long and colorful history dating back to 1539. You’ll find no shortage of museums in Tampa where you can find out more about its exciting past.  

It’s also a hotspot of artistic endeavors and home to some of the best art museums in Florida. Here’s a snapshot of the best places to go in Tampa for an intellectual boost. 

1. Henry B. Plant Museum

Housed in the original building of the Tampa Bay Hotel circa 1891, this Tampa history museum provides a glimpse of the early days of tourism in the area. 

Here you’ll step back in time to a grander age of ornate furniture, elaborate gardens, and extravagant architecture. 

2. Glazer Children’s Museum

As the name suggests, this is one of the best Tampa museums if you have children to entertain. There are enough attractions here to keep any child busy here for days, and the best part is they’ll be learning as they go.

There’s a handyman, fireman, cooking and science station, as well as a mini theatre to amuse kids of all ages.  The special events and workshops are a top hit with the youngsters too. 

It’s the best way to keep children occupied on rainy days when outdoor activities are less accessible. 

3. Tampa Bay History Center

It’s all about interactive exhibits and mini theatres showcasing the history of Central Florida.

From the earliest, inhabitants via the first settlers and the cigar trade to present times, you’ll learn all about it at this premier Tampa museum. 

4. Ybor City State Museum

This museum, housed in the historic Ferlita Bakery, is a left-over from Tampa’s once-thriving cigar industry. It’s a celebration of the Cuban, Spanish, and Italian residents of Tampa, against a backdrop of lively Latin music.

After your museum tour, you can explore the lush Meditteranean styled gardens outside, including a perfectly restored cigar worker’s casita.

5. SS American Victory Museum Ship

Take a tour of one of the only remaining WWII ships either on your own or with a guide.

Discover what it was like living on a warship during these troubled times in the crews quarters, or check out the galley, bridge, mess halls, and weaponry.

6. Major Art Museums in Tampa

The Tampa Museum of Art boasts an eye-catching architectural design as well as a substantial collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. It’s also well-known for its displays of contemporary photography and special educational events.

The Salvador Dali Museum has one of the largest collections of work by this artist. It holds pride of place on the waterfront of downtown St. Petersburg. 

Ready to Make the Move to Tampa?

The museums in Tampa are only a small part of the joys you’ll experience while living in Tampa. Keep reading our blog for more about what’s in store when you make the move to Tampa.

When you’re ready to join us, get in touch to learn how we can help you make the process as stress-free as possible.

Falling in Love with Tampa: 4 Amazing Fall Events and Activities in Tampa

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The Tampa Bay area is one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. If you’re planning your move to the area or are already settling in, you aren’t alone. 

If you’re moving to Tampa this fall, take the opportunity to get to know your new city with these fall events and activities.

1. Tailgate Taste Fest — Oct. 5, 2019 

Food, sports, and music. Tailgate Taste Fest has it all! This is a free, family-friendly festival held at Curtis Hixon Park. 

The Fan Zone is a central-attraction of the festival. Try your hand at the Tampa Bay Rays Pitching Challenge or the Valspar Championship Games. There’s even a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Kids Zone for the younger crowd. 

Over a dozen local restaurants will be serving up great tailgate treats throughout the day. Enjoy some mac-n-cheese bites, classic BBQ, or even chicken and waffles! 

Wherever you venture, you’ll be able to watch the day’s college football games live on a large LED screen. 

2. Viva Tampa Bay — Oct. 6, 2019

If you’re searching for, “fall events near me,” check out Viva Tampa Bay. This festival is centered around celebrating Hispanic heritage month. But, you don’t need to be of Hispanic descent to enjoy all the festival has to offer. 

Head over to Harvey Perry Sr. Park to enjoy live music from Oro Solido, Frankie Negron, Timbalive, and many other Hispanic performers. 

Get a taste of authentic Latin foods and watch a variety of cultural dance exhibitions. During the event, the festival will recognize local Hispanic leaders who’ve made an impact in the Tampa area.

3. Oktoberfest Tampa — Oct. 11-13, 2019 

Oktoberfest Tampa is one of the most celebrated fall festivals in Florida. This 3-day festival has been named one of the top five Oktoberfest celebrations in the US. 

Like Tailgate Taste Fest, this festival is also hosted at Curtis Hixon Park. The festival features great beer paired with authentic German foods such as Bratwurst or Schnitzel. 

Learn about German culture as you listen to music and explore the festival. Get competitive by participating in the Stein Hoisting, Carry the Wench, or Keg Stacking games. And don’t forget to make it out for the Beard & Mustache and Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest competitions.  

4. Tampa Pig Jig — Oct. 19, 2019

And no list of fall festivals in Tampa is complete without the Tampa Pig Jig. This festival is a fundraiser to benefit the NephCure Foundation. 

What started as a backyard BBQ has grown to a festival full of live music, great food, and fun games. This year, enjoy live performances by Jake Owen, Lanco, and Dr. Dog. 

Enter the Pig Jig BBQ Competition to showcase your BBQ recipe. There’s no better way to fit into a new town than being known as the Pig Jig BBQ Grand Champion. 

Enjoy These Tampa Fall Events with New Friends

These four fall events are a great way to get acquainted with the Tampa area. But even the best events can be intimidating when you’re alone in a new town. 

Branch out and make some new friends in the process. Bake some cookies and head over to your new neighbors. While introducing yourself, mention the fall festival of your choice and invite them along for the fun. 

Or, consider inviting them out to a great meal.

Check out this article to discover four top-rated restaurants in Tampa, Florida.

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify! How to Downsize Before a Big Move

It’s a ton of work to pack up everything you own only to move it to a new place and unpack it. That’s why moving is a challenge. 

But what about when you unpack, and you don’t have enough room in your new space? You might feel overwhelmed and wonder why you even moved in the first place.

Downsizing before you move will prevent stress and give you a fresh start in your new home. Plus, you’ll save on moving costs.

Read on to learn how to downsize before your next move. 

How to Downsize: Start with Storage Areas

Garages, basements, and closets in spare bedrooms usually hold things we don’t use very often. Usually, it’s easier to part with items you don’t use very much. Plus, it will take the most time to downsize storage areas, so start here.

You’ll probably find a lot of things you didn’t remember you had. Some items might be great finds, while others will be easy to discard.

For example, that brand new toaster from your wedding registry is a great find. But, those old snow boots that are missing a sole? Toss those out.

Once you’ve conquered the forgotten clutter, the rest will be easier. Next, you can tackle your everyday stuff like your closet or the kitchen utensil drawer.

Make a Plan for Your Unwanted Belongings 

Once you’ve decided what to get rid of, you have to decide what to do with it. Without a plan to deal with your unwanted things, you’ll end up with the same clutter.

Most of your unwanted items can be donated, sold, or recycled. 

Donate

If your items are in good shape, consider donating them to a good cause. Most animal shelters need blankets and linens. You can also donate books to local libraries, clothes to Goodwill, and much more.

Sell

If you have some time before your move, consider having a garage sale. You can also use sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to sell furniture, kitchen items, or clothing. You could even place a classified ad in your local newspaper.

Recycle

Items like old laptops, used mattresses, and batteries can all be safely recycled for another use. Don’t throw anything in the garbage without doing a little research first! Most items can be recycled.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Downsizing can be stressful, frustrating, and emotionally draining. Understand that it might be tough to let go of your stuff. It’s normal to feel confused and unsure when you’re decluttering. 

As soon as you start thinking about a move, start sorting through your belongings. If you feel rushed, you might end up shoving unwanted things in a box.

Clutter actually stresses us out, makes us feel guilty, and makes it harder to relax. Take the time to declutter. You’ll be doing yourself a favor.  

Need Help Moving? Let Us Do It

Once you know how to downsize, you can look forward to a clutter-free lifestyle in your new home.

The professionals at Community Moving & Storage will take the stress out of your next move.

If you need help with your Florida move or beyond, contact us today for a free quote.