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Tampa Bay’s Hometown Morning Krewe

Tampa Bay’s Hometown Morning Krewe

Tampa Bay’s Hometown Morning Krewe

2 Florida Cities Are The Best Cities For Christmas

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Author Tampa Bay's Morning Krewe

The list of the best cities for Christmas in 2023 have come out. Additionally, there are two Florida cities in the top 10 on the list. The study came from Wallethub. They compared the 100 biggest cities in the United States on a variety of categories. Firstly, some of the categories are traditions and fun, observance generosity, shopping and costs. Secondly, there are actually 28 factors that that fit into those main categories to come up with a list of the 100 biggest cities for Christmas in the United States. The two Florida cities that made the top 10 or Orlando which came in at #3 overall. Secondly Miami is in the top 10 at #9.

Orlando in Miami are not the only Florida cities that are in the top 100. Tampa comes in at #29 on the list. Additionally, Jacksonville comes in #74 and St. Petersburg comes in at #80. Finally coming in at number 100 on the list is Hialeah which is located near Miami.

Cassandra Happe, who is a Wallethub analyst, talks about the study. “Inflation is weighing heavily on consumers’ minds as well as their budgets this holiday season, but it doesn’t have to spoil the occasion. Whether you find yourself in what amounts to a humble modern-day manger or one of the best cities for budget-friendly Christmas celebrations, the most important thing is to spend quality time with loved ones and create lasting memories. By doing so, you can find joy and inspiration in the true spirit of the season.”

You can check out the Top 10 best cities for Christmas below.

  1. Atlanta, Georgia
  2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  3. Orlando, Florida
  4. Las Vegas, Nevada
  5. San Francisco
  6. St. Louis, Missouri
  7. Seattle, Washington
  8. Chicago, Illinois
  9. Miami, Florida
  10. Birmingham, Alabama

Tampa ranks number 26 overall in traditions and fun. Secondly, they rank 13th in observance rank. Additionally, they rank 40th in generosity. Finally they come in #26 overall in shopping on the list.

 

 

5 New Things To Look Forward To In Tampa In 2024

It’s time to close the chapter to 2023 and look forward to the next year. Luckily for us in Tampa, there’s a lot to be excited about in 2024. Be on the lookout for these new businesses and experiences in Tampa Bay next year.

Champa Bay seems to be growing and expanding more and more each year. So many new places and experiences popped up in 2023, and it was hard to keep track. We discovered a bunch of new restaurants, hotels, and adventures that opened up this past year. 2024 might be even better! We get to look forward to new restaurants and bars, roller coasters, and so many big acts playing Tampa venues (just to name a few). With the help of Creative Loafing and That’s So Tampa, we made a list of 5 things to look forward to in Tampa in 2024

Related: 7 New Restaurants That Opened In Tampa This Year

To help make this list, we got some of our inspiration from Creative Loafing. They told us 20 new restaurants to look out for in 2024. A couple of them made our list, but you can check out the full list here. But we wanted to expand more on things to get excited about in Tampa for next year.

2023 in review:

Tampa had a lot of growth in 2023, leaving us excited for what’s to come. This year we said “hello” to many new businesses and attractions including the tallest rooftop bar in Tampa, new restaurants with Michelin-star chefs, changes to our favorite theme park, and more. We also said “goodbye” to some of our favorite businesses and athletes who got traded to other teams (like Pat Maroon on the Tampa Bay Lightning and Ji-man Choi on the Rays).

Thinking of moving to Tampa in 2024?

One of the great things about Tampa is it’s constantly changing for the better. But that also means it’s becoming a really competitive market for those looking to move here. One thing we can count on with all of these new additions of 5-star restaurants and new affordable and luxury housing is that more people will surely be packing their things and heading to the Tampa Bay area. If you plan on making the move next year, check out some of our realistic advise before making the move.

Here are 5 new things to look forward to in Tampa for 2024

  • New Restaurants

    We’ve already told you about some of the new places we’re excited to see open in 2024. Coffee enthusiasts can get excited for a famous west coast coffee chain to open in Tampa next year. Dutch Bros coffee will be coming to the Ballast Point sometime in 2024. Learn more about that here.

    Water street will continue to grow with the highly anticipated Italian-inspired restaurant Ash opening in the early spring. The Edition will also be gaining a new cocktail lounge called Alter Ego. This spot will offer an energetic vibe with a curated musical experience.

    A few of Tampa’s staple restaurants will be opening second locations across the bridge in St. Pete. Now there will be an Olivia and Forbici in the burg!

    A brown coffee and green energy drink outside of a Dutch Bros Coffee shop.

    Dutch Bros drinks outside of a location.

     

  • More Fun At Busch Gardens and Adventure Island

    Tampa’s favorite theme parks are also making some changes in 2024. Phoenix Rising is a new family-friendly coaster coming to Busch Gardens in the spring of 2024 in the Pantopia area of the park.

    Adventure Island is also adding a new interactive splash and play area opening in Spring of 2024. Castaway Falls is the ideal play and relax spot for kids of all ages.

     

  • New Encounters At ZooTampa

    Earlier this year ZooTampa announced a $125 million expansion with multiple new habitats. First up on the expansion is the Stingray in-water experience. The Wallaroo are is also being reimagined as Australia with new rides, expanded splash pad, new restaurant and bar and even a wallaby encounter! You can also now reserve your encounter with a clouded leopard where you can witness a training session with the beautiful cat!

     

     

  • Gas Worx Development In Ybor

    Gas Worx is going to be one of the biggest developments in Tampa. The first 317-unit apartment development within Gas Worx is scheduled to be completed in early Spring 2024! Gas Worx will certainly enhance Ybor and make a better connection to Downtown.

  • Concerts, Concerts, Concerts

    There have already been so many awesome concerts announced for 2024. Billy Joel & Sting, Morgan Wallen, Madonna, Bad Bunny, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more!

     

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    A post shared by Raymond James Stadium (@rjstadium)

Kevin is a member of Tampa Bay‘s Hometown Morning Krewe on 995 QYK. He has been with the station for 25 years, is a Tampa native, and went to Jesuit High School and USF. Go Bulls!. He is passionate about all things Tampa Bay. Kevin writes articles on the ongoing road projects around the Tampa Bay area, awards that Tampa Bay cities and businesses have won and country music happenings around the Bay area. He is always doing many things with his wife and kids. He loves to read books and play video games in his spare time.

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