Tampa Named A Best Dog-Friendly Vacation Spot

Most would agree, your dog is part of the family. So then, shouldn't dogs come along on your family trip? PlanetWare thinks so, and recently, they named Tampa among the best spots for dog-friendly vacations.

"To see the look of contentment as they traverse hills with their tails wagging, run off-leash on a pristine beach with their ears flopping, or savor the last bits of ice cream at a roadside shop is worth every moment spent planning your dog-friendly vacation," PlanetWare states.

Florida is fortunate to have many enjoyable outdoor locations that are great for taking trips, and have dog-friendly accommodations.

There are plenty of beach space areas to bring any dog that loves to splash in the water. Picnic Island Beach Dog Park is among the main attractions, as dogs can be off-leash here. "Picnic Island Beach Dog Park offers the best of both worlds for pups that like to socialize," PlanetWare explains.

Travel sites like Hotels.com now have features that allow you to search "pet-friendly" accommodations. In addition, TripAdvisor has pages full of hotels in the Tampa area that allow dogs. They suggest Ybor's Hotel Haya as the top choice. "We have treats, beds and bowls waiting for your four-legged friends," Hotel Haya says.

Other fun dog-friendly spots around Tampa include a stroll along the Riverwalk and more swimming at Davis Island Dog Beach. Furthermore, Two Shepherd's Taproom is the largest dog bar in Tampa. This indoor and outdoor dog park allows you to enjoy some craft beer while your dogs indulge in a "breed meetup."

Any dog-friendly vacation in Tampa would not be complete without ice cream. Favorites like Bo's Ice Cream in Seminole Heights even offer a dog bowl of ice cream that can be topped with little dog bones.

In a market overview report by Straits Research, it was reported that the cigar industry is projected to reach USD 114,355.50 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 11.90% during the forecast period (2022-2030). Currently, there are dozens of locations in the greater Tampa area where you can go to purchase an authentic cigar. We have put together a list of Tampa area cigar bars you need to know about.

As we roll into summer, people tend to have more time to seek out a lounge-style atmosphere. A local cigar bar can serve as a destination gathering or as your nightcap spot to wind down. Holt's Clubhouse describes the setting as, "The best cigar bars are outfitted with a powerful air purification system, meaning your spouse or non-cigar-smoking friends won’t mind hanging out with you while you smoke. This is the ultimate environment to enjoy a cigar."

Furthermore, it is not uncommon to find cigar bars offering more than their smokes. Whether it's a dining experience or entertainment, there's reason to stay at the establishment longer than the duration of a smoke.

Though many local cigar bars welcome a walk-in experience, it is best to know in advance what you are getting yourself into. With regulations, as you can imagine, there are restrictions to blowing smoke in a public space. In addition, Holt's Clubhouse also has a great list of etiquettes to be aware of. This includes the proper way to cut your cigar, how to control your mouth, and a few other common courtesies.

We considered a few key attributes to compile our list of Boston area cigar bars you need to know about. We reviewed location, what the bar offers, and how it differentiates from others in the region.

Corona Cigar is located right next to Tampa's best buffet. The interior is completely humidified. In fact, humidors are a large part of their business offering. Corona is a larger space than your typical cigar lounge. They now have five locations in Florida including two in Orlando. Considered a "Cigar Superstore" Corona also offers a wide array of branded gear like ash trays, cutters, and apparel.

There's a reason why Montecristo is in the name of this SoHo establishment. Though there are other options, Casa De Montecristo primarily specializes Montecristo cigars. They host premier events such as the Tampa Cigar Bash, coming up in October. In addition, their club memberships operate off a points system that generate rewards. Casa De Montecristo consider themselves to be a "feel at home" place, with flat screen tv's around the interior, often broadcasting a local sporting events.

Located along N. Florida Ave, Cigar World named Grand Cathedral the Best Lounge of 2022. Its name is connected to the fact that this used to be the First Congressional Church of Tampa. Grand Cathedral has it all - from a cigar museum feel, to plenty of indoor and outdoor space to be comfortable. The 6,000 square foot patio is also pet friendly. The entire inside is considered a smoke facility. There is a full service bar serving beer, wine, and craft drinks. In addition, the Sandwichi food truck is onsite. Different levels of lounge memberships are offered (but not required). Enjoy a premium hand-rolled cigar, sip a drink, eat a sandwich, and bring the dog.