Da'Shrine: An African Caribbean Restaurant

  T he building has been sitting for a while. Lets explore what finally took over.  Da'Shrine, 2023 L et me start this one off by stating that I am in no means an expert on Africa, their cuisine, or their culture. Da'Shrine claims to be a mixture of African and Caribbean cuisine. They are sporting a restaurant with a rooftop bar. If you had been to The Refinery prior to coming here, you'll know how the rooftop bar was set up. Unfortunately, the bar wasn't open when we went due to some maintenance that needed to be done before they could open. They did manage to use the space well, though, given how small the building actually is. They also have music playing from the TV, which is fine, but you can't hear the bartender over the bass. But that's not why you're here. Old Fashioned, 2023 T he bar is a square bar sitting against the back wall when you walk in. They have a decent selection with six beer taps as well. The bartender was telling us about some unique

Black Friday & Small Business Saturday: Support Local

Don't want to leave your Thanksgiving dinner early to beat the crowds? We have your solution!

Holiday Shop Hop, 2017

Between Ybor City and Seminole Heights alone, there are a ton of local businesses taking part in the Small Business Saturday. In this post, I'm going to do my best to detail everything that's going on. 

First thing's first, you see the flyer above and I'm sure you're wondering what that's all about. So, you stop at any one of the above stores and you pick up a flyer that has each of the participating businesses listed. You then go to those businesses and you have them stamped. Despite the flyer saying to only go to six stores, you should go to each of them (most of them are walking distance to each other, you should only have to drive to a handful of them). Once you have your stamps, you meet up at the Graham Building off of Florida and enjoy some wine and turn in your stamped flyer and await the drawing to find out who wins the prizes. Last year they had some really cool prizes and I have no doubt that this year will be just as fabulous. This is also an amazing way to find out about local businesses that you might not have heard of. If you're looking to support local for Small Business Saturday, THIS is the event to do it. 

Participants for Holiday Shop Hop:
- Bali Bay Trading Company
- Milagro's Wellness Sanctuary 
- Cleanse Apothecary
- Pheonix Glass Studio
- D&D Antiques
- Revolution Ice Cream
- Forever Beautiful Spa
- Rooster & The Till
- Frank Albert A Team 
- Frolic Exchange
- Seminole Heights Home Decor
- Gypsy JunQue
- Seminole Heights Spa
- Health Mutt
- Tempus Project-Cunsthaus
- Heights Cigar Bar & Lounge
- Disco Dolls Studio
- Hey Giant! Little Biscuits
- Urban Bungalow
- Valhalla Resale
- Mekenita Cantina 
- Vintage Post

For more information, visit Their Facebook and for a holiday gift guide from these shops, check out Valhalla Resale's Blog.

Etsy Market at Ella's, 2017

Seminole Heights has always been slightly off kilter. This isn't an area you go for a Target or an Applebee's. This is the type of neighborhood you come to to find locally made crafts, craft beer, and off the wall restaurants. The Etsy Market at Ella's falls under the first category. Come on out and support local artists and artisans as they showcase their eclectic collection of goods. Find handmade jewelry, foods, music, and various other knickknacks. This is the perfect place to come to find a gift for that one friend who's really hard to shop for. I imagine you'll find exactly what you're looking for.

Humane Society Tampa, 2017

On Black Friday, from noon until 7pm, the Human Society of Tampa will be offering 75% off all adoption fees of any pet over four (4) months old. The will also be offering lunch from noon until 3pm and will have games for the kids. This event allows you to get a new family member much cheaper than they usually are and allows the Humane Society to clear up their kennels for more pets in need. I strongly urge you to stop in.

Ybor Statue, 2017

The Ybor City Saturday Market will be taking place at Centennial Park from 9am to 3pm. Come out and find fresh produce, gourmet foods, hand made sauces, fresh bread, plants, photography, honey, fresh cigars, and more! There is free, two hour parking along all the streets around the park as well. There is free admission and it is pet and kid friendly. website



 Steelworker Records, 2017

Steelworker Records is participating in Record Store Day, falling on Black Friday this year. Come out to find your new 45! For more information, check out their website.

Goody Goody, 2017

Hyde Park Village will also be doing some cool specials for Small Business Saturday. Participating stores and specials include:

- Albisia: The purchase of any piece of jewelry will put you in a raffle for a one of a kind piece of jewelry.
- Boho Hunter: 10% off any purchase of $200 or more and the chance to win a piece of Cavana jewelry.
- Color Me Mine: 20% off entire purchase.
- Downtown Dogs: Free Trixie Treats dog treats.
- Fig & Julep: 25% off holiday balsamic selections.
- Juxtapose: 20% art and apparel.
- London Philips: BOGO on all store items of equal or lesser value.
- Salt Pines: Beverages, plus a free gift with purchase over $50.
- Scout & Molly's: 20% off entire purchase.
- Seventh Avenue Apothecary: Buy one, get one half off on all glass candles.
- Surf Outfitter: 25% off storewide (excluding GoPros), and spinwheel prizes. 
- Wine Exchange: $5 mimosas, bellinis, and bloody marys. 

What stores are you most excited to visit? Do you support local on Small Business Saturday? Leave a comment below. If you'd like more information on Tampa, check out my YouTube Channel and if you'd like to support my efforts, don't hesitate to buy a shirt from our Spreadshirt (we have new designs!). Also, don't be afraid to click subscribe and you'll instantly be notified whenever a new entry is posted. If you'd like to meet other people who love Tampa, consider joining our Facebook Group. Thank you all and I will see you next time!

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