Vacation Safely at Sparkman Wharf
Listen these past few years have been challenging for us all, but there’s no reason not to enjoy vacationing with your family. Here in Florida, we have plenty of ways to vacation safely outdoors, whether it’s in a cabana on the beach, or having a grand adventure at Sparkman Wharf. Tampa is the perfect vacation spot for families.
Tampa’s waterfront entertainment district, Sparkman Wharf. Built on the Tampa Bay right next to the Florida Aquarium, this open-air center is built for families to have fun together, and they’ve added some special features to make it an awesome vacation destination.
You’ll want to spend more than an hour or two at Sparkman Wharf because there’s just so much to do. On your next visit to Tampa, why not head over and sample some of the amazing food that the local restaurants are offering at the food trucks?
Hang out and watch the boats go by on Sparkman Wharf’s recreational lawn, with cornhole games, porch swings and live music. Sip on local brews under sparkling lights at the LightHaus Beer Garden. Be sure to take a picture with the iconic TAMPA sign and enjoy the gorgeous views of the Tampa skyline as the sun goes down.
Sparkman Wharf overlooking Garrison Channel in Downtown Tampa, celebrates the best of the city with good weather, waterfront views, music, craft beer, free community events and a delicious selection of al fresco dining. It hosts a variety of local restaurants in cute storage units that never fail to disappoint by serving a plethora of tasty treats. Fill your tum with delicious delicacies, ranging from tacos to ice cream! The various food stalls offer a wide range of eclectic dishes worth trying! Relish a fresh and healthy meal with a bowl from Naked Farmer. Dine on a classic comfort dish full of Mac and cheese paired with collard greens from 7th & Grove. And get saucy with a bbq Texas-style brisket from Murph’s Barbecue. They have a dish fit for everyone and any dietary needs. Sparkman Wharf is located at 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa Florida 33602.
LightHaus Beer Garden
Dine in
Do you prefer a more formal dining experience? Sparkman Wharf also offers sit-down restaurants! Enjoying a full dining experience includes waiting, a designated seat and, food. This all together forms a more enjoyable meal! Plus, these sit-down restaurants offer more options on their menus and longer hours.
Shop at Sparkman Wharf
Treat yourself to a little bit of retail therapy by shopping at Sparkman Wharf! Currently, only three shops live on the wharf, but each still offers a fun shopping experience! Modern Paws reigns as one of the local pet stores in Tampa. They sell adorable pet clothes, toys, and all kinds of goodies to spoil your animal family member with! The newest shop on the block, Joyful Notion, sells goodies for humans. This boutique and gift store offers an inventory full of treasures. It ranges from outfits to small house items! Shopping at Sparkman’s is a limit. But it still provides treats to splurge on and the same joy that arises with any shopping trip! Hampton Chocolate Factory , is a luxury in itself and as they want to embed that luxurious vision through their tasty chocolates. They take pride in not only soothing your taste buds desire for high quality chocolates but you are also supporting the Peconic Land Trust, whose mission is to preserve the Hamptons land and lifestyle for future generations to come...now how sweet is that!
Go Bowling
Have a bit of competitiveness in your heart? Go for a bowl! Hidden in the corner of Sparkman Wharf lives Splitsville! his fun and lively bowling alley offers an array of entertainment. Hit the lanes with your family or friends and fight for the highest score. If you are really up for a challenge then test your accuracy skills with a game of pool. Drink and dine in their dining space or right at your lane. Enjoy more ball-rolling games with a bit of skeeball, and work out your arms with a game of ping pong! There’s never a dull moment at Splitsville!
Snap a Pic
Say cheese because Sparkman Wharf has a bunch of cute photo-worthy spots! From art murals to giant neon signs, there’s plenty of Instagrammable scenes to snap! Some of our favorite moments include the giant Tampa neon sign by the entrance. Posing in front of the paintings on the garage doors off to the side. And capturing aesthetic designs overflowing Sparkman Wharf! Hey guys and gals! Don’t forget to tag us in any of your photos @ourhomeourhaven on Instagram and Facebook!
Coming Soon…
Sparkman Wharf provides endless amounts of places and activities to explore. But if you want to make the most out of it, these are the 10 best things to do at Sparkman Wharf! Eat, drink, work, play, and do so much more at this one hot spot that has it all!
In my opinion Tampa is one of the hidden gems of Florida. Usually when people visit Florida they come to escape the cold weather and visit Disney or our surrounding beaches such as Clearwater Beach. However the Tampa Bay Area is a great place to raise a family. Despite the fact that no one ever really vacations here unless it’s for work or they have family living here already.
Stay up to date with all the family, date night and more ideas of things to do in and around Tampa, make sure to check out my Facebook and Instagram!
XO, Kangelia.
Photos by Christina Jones Photography
