antiques and consignments

Although the Hyde Park area in South Tampa has lots of charm, history, and beauty, the cost of living and things to buy in the area can be quite expensive. There are some precious shops with antique furnishings, relics and paintings, but the price is steep....even at the Salvation Army! I was extremely pleased to find a gem of a spot to treasure hunt for antique and unique furnishings and decor. Seminole Heights Antiques is just plain cool. The area is a precious, up-and-coming (or re-coming) neighborhood with a local brew pub, quiet streets, and funky shops. This particular spot was a lot of fun to explore. The booths are are quite eclectic and unique, ranging from present-day glassware and serving pieces, to civil war memorabilia, to purses and belts from the 40's, to refurbished antique dressers and wardrobes. The pricepoint is really good for the most part. In one booth, the vendor was selling gently used Justin and Tony Lama cowboy boots that were in excellent condition, and at a fraction of their cost. Another was selling arrowheads and spearpoints found in the area. There was a really interesting mix of items, something for every taste. I look forward to exploring Seminole Antiques and the Seminole Heights area again very soon. I understand Ellas, a nearby local restaurant, is spectacular.

food and wine shops

I love the Village Health Market...its the mini-me of Whole Foods, yet much more eclectic and straight-forward, true to its name. I have yet to go when there is a line or a crowd, and the store is very user-friendly. They have a much larger selection of gluten-free and low calorie options in their freshly-made salad display, in addition to a nice, tidy salad "bar" for those who want to pick and choose. Downside? Very few yummy treats and bins of candies, mixes, and pastries (perhaps not a downside), and a very slim wine selection (to date). Upside...a very nice array of organic skin care products, and a section dedicated to children's tastebuds (and health of course). To get your wine, or import beer "fix", head right next door. Redneck Wine Shop. These folks know their wine, and beer, and there is a bottle suited every taste and wallet. The nice thing is, you can ask for anything and not worry about getting "the look". There are lots of well-chosen bottles for $10-15, and of course, for the wine snobs, look no further, you will get what you desire and likely at a lesser cost than a trip to the Big Store. Village Health Market Redneck Wine Company http://www.villagehealthmarket.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=1B7A83E87F8949E1974086DB3219AFA9

florida family festival at the farm

What a treat. Yes, Bowling Green, Fl, is kind of in the middle of nowhere (although to fellow fossilers, it is in the middle of a gold mine of fossils!). The kids and I ventured out to the Heartland Farm Maze in hopes of an untouched environment of farm, food, and festivities. We got just what we hoped for! This little festival, which runs annually mid Oct thru mid Nov, is hosted by a heart-filled family on their farm right outside Bowling Green. The kids and I stumbled upon the festival post primetime, which we didn't mind at all. During its peak, the festival hosts more than 4,000 fun-seekers, but after Halloween, the excitement dies down for festival-goers...but not on the farm! We were delighted to find hayrides, a "cowtrain" ride, a bounce house, concessions, and the highlight....a REAL corn MAIZE. or MAZE. For the adult, about a 30 minute conquest, and for "us kids", a nice venture thru a path of corn and field lasting about 10-15 minutes, led by my 4 year old. This place is just a treat. It's untouched, uncommercialized, and pure fun. As a mom of two small kids, it was refreshing to sit back, relax, and watch my kids run around from tire swings, to the pumpkin patch, to the hayride, to the fossil mosh pit...with no worries. The kind folks who host this annual event are more than accommodating, and the prices are well worth the drive. If you are looking for something to do within an hour or so of Tampa, where you and your kids can get out for some good, wholesome, safe, and fun adventure, this is the real deal.

lunch with a friend

This quaint little spot is a hidden gem. The menu is one page, and the food is prepared fresh and simple, with some unique twists. The feel of this little bistro is European. My friend and I sat inside, and had a very nice lunch without the noise and craze of a lunch crowd. The lobster panini was a perfect blend of fresh chunks of lobster tossed in a light,zesty sauce with a hint of honey, between a crisp panini bread. Just a perfect midday meal. Other options included fresh cheese and prociutto trays, bibb salads, and organic tuna salad with fennel. I was very tempted by their wide variety of wines, especially a midday crisp white...perhaps another time. Both of us left very satisfied, and spent a total of $27 for two. I look forward to venturing over for a romantic dinner with my hubby sometime soon!

kids play

We celebrated Hunter's 3rd birthday at a place called Gator Fred's, about 30 minutes from downtown Tampa in Carrolwood. This is a neat spot. It's a family-owned indoor play area, but its more than a "bounce house" place. Gator Freds has a small, indoor train on a track, a favorite for kids 2 to 10, although an extra $2 per ride! We loved the play areas....an area for dress up with costumes, a "shopping center" with play produce and carts, and even a kids fitness area. Gator Freds is not a huge place, but this is not a bad thing (unless it is packed...call ahead!). Its nice because parents can sit in the middle of the area on picnic tables, and be able to see their child wherever they are in the building (for the most part). The front door is also secure and monitored. The price is reasonable, and we will definitely go back. One downside, the food can be pricey, and they don't allow outside food to enter, so either bring some extra cash, or eat before entering

peace river outing

Sunday, I celebrated my 40th birthday with a wonderful teacher and famed fossil guru, Mark Renz. Mark owns Fossil Expeditions, an outfitter that takes groups to learn about and search for fossils in the Southwest Florida area. Mark made no "bones" about it. His favorite river to hunt is the Peace River. I joined Mark in Arcadia, Fl along with couple of great gals visiting from Boston. We had a wonderful time, and the weather was close to perfection. Mark took us to one of his private "spots", a tributary of the Peace. We certainly got a workout, digging into gravel, sand, and clay, but it was worth it. Our finds ranged from fosilized shark's teeth, horse teeth, turtle shell, sting ray....and much more. I learned so much from Mark, and it is apparent he is passionate about his work. Mark has such an appreciation for nature, for history, and for life in general. I would highly recommend spending a day with Mark and Fossil Expeditions. It will be a day of laughing, discovering,and gaining a deeper appreciation and recognition of Florida and its history.

Find it America!

with Mark Renz