Mi Casa Tampa

I know I know, everyone has been, or so it seems. I am way late in the game and made today my first ever visit to Ren Fest. It was sweaty, dirty, but fun to people watch and peruse the food and shopping! They seemed to always have something going on as well, be it a parade, pub crawl, music with live musicians or some kind of stage show – it was a fun few hours to walk about. We refrained from spending too much cash, knowing that we would be back for St Patty’s Day celebrations! I can say though, we would all love to return next year completely adorned as if we were our favorite pirates, wench or some type of romanticized version of a commoner. Please enjoy the pics!

So for anyone that has lived here long enough – most know that Cuban bread is the key to a healthy Tampa native’s long life. Cuban bread, deviled crabs, you know the drill. Despite my ‘keto’ diet, I crave the holy grail of Tampa breads – and there are a few places you can find the best. One – Mauricio Faedo’s Bakery on Florida Avenue – is open *nearly* 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – it is one of the best spots to stop. If you get there at the right time, you can also cash in on potatoe balls, deviled crabs, guava pastries and even an assortment of donuts, apple fritters and the like. I tend to enjoy my Cuban bread softer and not as crusty – so if you like the same – request to get a “light loaf”. Bread is baked there daily, all day and night and open to the public. Fair warning, they only take cash – but they do have an ATM on the spot in case you forget!

A series of notes, images and stories that help to compile a snapshot of my hometown, Tampa, Florida. Please enjoy the journey – as I am sure at every turn of this adventure, I will. Learn about the people, places, landmarks – maybe even a lost story or two in the pages of Mi Casa. I will be sure to invade great haunts – like the endless amounts of restaurants, entertainment venues, activities and everything that basically makes Tampa worthwhile!

The L’Unione Italiana Cemetery, Tampa – 26th Street – the first stop!

I had passed by this cemetery on the way to a dinner with my family, and knew I had to circle back on my free time. The aged crypts, dates going back into the 1800’s – and despite the marble needing some pressure washing, this is a relatively well maintained and obviously very old footnote to Tampa. I will have to research some more and get back to you!