Tampa Area Resort Named One Of The Best Waterfront Hotels In The U.S.

There is something overly peaceful about staying in accommodations that are right on the water. USA Today recently listed the ten best waterfront hotels in the country, and a Tampa resort was named.

"Each of these 10 U.S. waterfront properties sets the scene for a memorable and relaxing vacation," they state.

In addition to Tampa making the list, Florida had quite the showing in this list of best waterfront hotels. The Acqualina Resort and Residences on the Beach in Sunny Isles Beach ranked second. The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa in Miramar Beach ranked eighth.

Located at 3400 Gulf Boulevard, The Don CeSar was named the 10th best waterfront hotel in the country. This signature pink building has a history that goes back almost 100 years.

"If you dream of lounging on a white sandy beach, watching an unobstructed view of the sun setting across the Gulf of Mexico, you belong at The Don CeSar," USA 10Best said.

In addition to King and Queen suites (241 guest rooms and 36 suites), the Don CeSar offers 71 Beach House Suites a half a mile up the beach, along the Gulf of Mexico.

In terms of amenities, there's enough for the entire family to enjoy. There are outdoor heated pools and hot tubs. There's a wide range of watersports right on the property and a play area designated for children on the beach. Furthermore, if you just feel like floating, you can hop right up to the SandDollar Pool Bar to unwind.

You can easily stay put at this pink palace. In addition to the SandDollar, there's an outdoor kitchen, marketplace, and an indoor fine dining experience.

"Dramatically perched atop wind-swept dunes with expansive water views in every direction, the fully renovated Don CeSar is the crown jewel of Florida's Gulf Coast," The Don CeSar states.

Do you want fries with that? Tasting Table recently published a list of restaurants with the best French Fries in the country and two New Florida establishments were named.

"From high-end steakhouses and neighborhood brasseries' to fast food restaurants and even grocery store freezer aisles, fried spuds can be found in just about every type of restaurant or shop across the country," Tasting Table explains. Their feature is specific to non-fast food restaurants.

French Fries are always a fan-favorite whether a side dish, an appetizer, or just a snack. They come in all shapes and sizes. Shoe strings crispy versions, thick-cut steak fries, seasoned curly fries, waffle fries, and even tater tots (are those considered fries, though?).

In a 2019 story published by the Daily Meal, they discussed unique facts on French Fries in America. Two of the most fascinating have to do with McDonald's. "Approximately 7 percent of the potatoes grown in the U.S. meet the same fate: they become McDonald's french fries," they said. They later stated that this fast food chain sells one-third of the French Fries consumed in the United States.

French Fries are like music. They are a common bond, and they are subjective. What one person prefers may be completely different from another. Better yet, both choices are correct.

For example, Best Things Florida released their list of best French Fries in the Sunshine State. It is completely different from Tasting Table's. However, Tasting Table went and explored all corners of the country to crown their French Fry kings.

The two restaurants in Florida that were recognized for having some of the best French Fries in the country serve two very different styles. One of them is part of a restaurant that has expanded to other markets. The other is served in a restaurant where fries compliment BBQ.

Located on 2727 Indian Creek Dr. in Miami Beach, Broken Shaker has fries that are so good, they even get their own line item on the menu. These are Shawarma Fries, served with Harissa ketchup. You can order them on their own or have the fries paired with any of their burgers or sandwiches. Although Broken Shaker does also have restaurants in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Madrid, their menus show a some different takes on their hand-cut fries in certain markets. For example, Los Angeles has Carne Asada fries. New York and Miami both have the Shawarma recipe.

"In terms of meaty all-American food pairings, french fries go just as well with barbecue as they do with burgers," Tasting Table exclaims. The Polite Pig is located in Disney Springs. They describe their menu by saying, "Our menu is inspired by the best seasonal food that Florida has to offer, bringing new twists to local flavors and BBQ." They serve waffle fries with a polite rub. They can be selected as a side to any dish or in a giant platter to accompany your catering order. In addition, sweet potato tots are on the menu as well.