Parts Of Tampa’s Downtown Riverwalk Is Closing: Here’s Why

The reason parts of Tampa's downtown Riverwalk is closing.  If you love to get outdoors and walk or bike, one of the best places to do that is the Tampa Riverwalk.  Since it was constructed, it has been a very popular place.

For those people who use the riverwalk, they are going to have to take a detour soon.  The City of Tampa announced that they are going to have to close part of the Riverwalk for construction.    The Riverwalk will be rerouted onto Ashley Drive.  This will be right in front of the Wells Fargo building, between Whiting Street and Borein Street.  This is going to be a little bit of an inconvenience for those who walk or bike. Construction crews will build a protected walkway around the future site of the Pendry Residences.  This is so the Riverwalk can stay open during the two-year construction period.

The closure and detour will last about four to six weeks.  The construction project won’t be finished until 2025.

Pendry Residences Tower is supposed to open sometime in 2025. It is 38 stories and will include a 5-star hotel as well as condominiums.

Those who walk or bike along the Tampa Riverwalk enjoy some of Tampa's best beauty. It is a  2.6-mile walk along the Hillsborough River to the Garrison Channel.  A good place to start your journey is at the Heights Market at Armature Works.  Along the way, you can stop at Curtis Hixon Park where there are many city events and live music events.  The walk continues until you reach Sparkman Wharf where you will find many places to eat and drink right on the river.   Visitors can walk, bike, or take a scooter down the Riverwalk where they can stop at one of the many attractions, bars, or restaurants.  The best time to visit the Riverwalk is at night when you can see the colorful lights that bring the Riverwalk to life.  If you're lucky enough to have a boat, the ride down the Hillsborough River at night is breathtaking.

We all know going on a first date is never easy. Where do you go? What kind of food should you order? (Oysters for obvious reasons). Will they want to go on a second date? We’ve seen it all so how do you make it to round two without it throwing in the towel? We asked you on social media to help us put together the top places to go on a first date in Tampa Bay. You sent us tons of great options so we put together a list of 8 places to go on a first date in Tampa Bay.

Location plays a big part in how the date goes. Frankly, it sets the tone for the entire relationship and pretty much decides if it lasts one night or a lifetime. If you don’t believe us, just ask Reuben Feffer after Polly came along and took him to a Moroccan restaurant. You want to pick a place that you know gives the right signals to the date, but also doesn’t land you chilling in the friend zone either because nobody’s got time for that. 

Another key ingredient for a first date is atmosphere. You want to pick a place that won’t make that awkward silence, awkward. Pick a place that has some background music, live bands or anything to lighten the mood when you first walk in. A corner booth in a dive bar is a bold move for a first date, but that could get weird real quick. 

If you're stressing about planning the first date, just remember you can always ask how much a polar bear weighs because it will be enough to break the ice. Now that we've set the mood, here is a list of 8 places you should go on a first date in Tampa Bay with your help. There are options for any occasion whether its in a crowded bar or a secluded picnic and here are the top places to go on a first date in Tampa.

If you're into Country Music, Southern Belle Bar is where "Where Nashville meets Tampa".  They've got live music until 11pm, food, line dancing classes and of course drinks.

If you're looking for a place that has it all, Armature Works checks the boxes. Outdoor seating, shops, food trucks, you name it. Grab a couple drinks, play some games and unwind.

Lowry Parcade blends classic arcade games, craft beer, and special events to make this one of the best places to go on a first date.

Drawing inspiration from the clubs, shops, and libraries of London, the Oxford Exchange is the perfect place to meet up for the first time if you're into literature and travleling.

There's no shortage of professional sports in Tampa Bay. Grab a couple of brews and gear up with your date to hit-up a Tampa Bay Lightning, Rays or a Bucs game!

This caption says it all. Walk the pier at sunset and grab a drink at the rooftop bar overlooking St. Pete and views of Tampa.

The Wharf takes you straight into the middle of a Chesney song down in Pass A Grille. Mix it up strong and unwind at this little beachside bar.

Ever wanted a picnic on the beach? Picnics Perfected makes your dream a reality and provides you a customizable picnic tailored to your needs. Check this out.