This past weekend I have the great pleasure to join my husband on a work travel/mini-vacations….which was much needed. My husband and I have been together in the nine years we noticed we have never taken a true vacation or getaway. We have replaced large pleasures with small ones between work and life by making nightly ice cream runs out get vacations from our fur babies. Having the chance to actually be in a different location with the love of my life, even though it was a work trip for him, was actual magic. If any of you know Ethan, he is the most humble, down-to-earth, free-spirited person…when he is away from work, So this trip was a big deal for him in our little book of memories. Between each of the meetings and sessions, we were able to make our way to explore the beautiful gem of Tampa Flordia.

I have been on many trips from work to gather inspiration for clients and future projects, so things were a normal inspo trip for me. Ethan has gained a large respect for architecture and interior design through me, and it seems to be an outlet for him. This trip would be perfect because I already had spots listed that I wanted to see, and he already had his day bag packed and ready to go.

I want to take ya’ ’ll on our three-day adventure through Tampa and, hopefully, give yall some inspiration as well.

DAY 1: Clearwater Beach

Clearwater beach is a favorite beach of mine on the gulf coast. I have Destin is usually that number one spot for everyone but there is just wanted about Clearwater allows me to reset. Since I have been here a few years back right when Ethan and I got together I wanted to show him the way I think it is so amazing. We started at Pier 60. where it seems like a pier straight out of California. People rollerblading, inflated obstacle courses on the white sand, cabanas lining the beach, and huts to get refreshments. This would be Ethan’s first time on white sand…so he was THRILLED!

DAY 2: Ybor City - Colombia Restaurant

Ybor City is known for its cigar factories and Cuban culture. When you walk to present-day streets you still get to feel this Latin culture intertwined with bars, restaurants, and heavy nightlife. The charm and historic architecture stole my heart. Since being in Tampa I could not miss eating and studies the beautiful historic elements of the Colombia Restaurant. As stated on the website this is the place to be for Spanish and Cuba-inspired food.

“The Hernandez Gonzmart family opened this landmark Columbia Restaurant in Tampa's historic Ybor City in 1905. Today, it’s Florida’s Oldest RestaurantSM  and the world's largest Spanish restaurant.

Fourth and fifth generation family members work hard to preserve the family legacy that Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. created more than 115 years ago when he opened the Columbia as a corner cafe frequented by local cigar workers. Join the celebrities, tourists and locals who flock to the Columbia and make your next meal an experience to remember.”

Day 3: Boardwalk

The Tampa Boardwalk truly brings life to the Tampa downtown area. The multiple lights and coastal inspiration architecture really showed as we took walks in the evening. Tampa is known for the ports and bays and tends to not be the biggest stop for tourists, but that is honestly what makes me so beautiful. Being about to enjoy the life of the city without the crowds was very delightful.

If you want to have a nice getaway and get a load of history inspiration I highly recommend taken a weekend trip to enjoy the Cuban culture and architecture.