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Tampa’s Hyde Park Annual Historic Home Tour Announced

Once again, it’s time to explore some of South Tampa’s most prestigious addresses during the Annual Hyde Park Annual Historic Home Tour. Hyde Park Preservation Inc. has announced the event is back and will take place this year on Saturday, December 2, from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

Hyde Park Village, Tampa
Keir Magoulas | Visit Tampa Bay

Once again, it’s time to explore some of South Tampa’s most prestigious addresses during the Hyde Park Annual Historic Home Tour. Hyde Park Preservation Inc. has announced the event is back. It will take place this year on Saturday, December 2, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Let’s face it, this may be the only opportunity for many of us to get a peek inside Tampa’s oldest, most elegant, and most storied homes. The tour will include several distinctive homes in the iconic Hyde Park neighborhood near Bayshore. Enjoy beverages, snacks, and music from Gasparilla Music Festival performers. This year’s event features some of the most exclusive historic properties that are opening to the public for the first time.

Proceeds from the Historic Home Tour will benefit the preservation and beautification projects undertaken by Hyde Park Preservation, Inc. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the event. Click here for an advance purchase.

One addition to the tour for the first time since its extensive restoration is the “Leiman House”, built in 1914. This is a rare example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style, designed by Tampa architect M. Leo Elliott, who also designed Tampa City Hall, Grand Central Place, and the Cuban Club in Ybor City. The "Leiman House", featured on the tour, was originally built for Henry Leiman. He was, at the time, president of the Tampa Box Company. This was the largest manufacturer of wooden cigar boxes in the world.

Hyde Park Preservation, Inc. is a nonprofit neighborhood association founded by community leaders in 1974. It is dedicated to the historic preservation, rehabilitation, and beautification of Hyde Park.

The Top 5 ‘Instagrammable’ Spots In Tampa For The Perfect Photo Op

Everybody always wants that 'Instagram-worthy' photo op whenever they're in town. Luckily, Tampa is packed full of 'Instagrammable' spots! Much like Nashville and other big cities, Tampa is becoming more and more of a mural city each week. It seems like every time we go downtown, there's new artwork to be admired and shared. We are including the best Instagram-worthy murals on this list and other perfect Tampa backdrops that are guaranteed to get you tons of likes.

What's new in Tampa?

There are lots of new things to see and do in Downtown Tampa. It seems like Water Street is constantly transforming with new restaurants, condos, and art fixtures. Recently there was a light show on Water Street that illuminated the entire street blue and gave you the feel of being "underwater".

Tips and hacks to get that perfect Insta photo

Sure you could just point and shoot and let the editing apps do the rest. Or you can adjust these settings in your phone to help you get that perfect shot without relying on a bunch of editing.

    Now that you have all the basic tips you need, here are the top 5 'Instagrammable' spots in Tampa for the perfect photo op

    Rooftop Bars

    There are plenty of rooftop bars in Tampa to get you that perfect skyline photo. M.Bird at Armature Works is one of the more popular ones. Beacon, the tallest rooftop bar just recently opened in Tampa. You can find breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and the waterfront.

    Sparkman Wharf

    There are tons of photo opportunities at Sparkman Wharf. Whether you want to show your love for the 813 in front of the Tampa sign or by the neon heart and peace sign murals. Or you can hang in their open seating area for a more chilled vibe. Either way, Sparkman has the perfect backdrop for you.

    Edition Hotel

    Tampa's best-named hotel is a great spot for artsy photo-ops. The luminated staircase offers an appealing optical illusion, the Arts Club has plenty of seductive lighting, and the rooftop pool has so many options for a great backdrop!

    Murals

    Tampa postcard, Ray Charles, Tom Brady, Beyoncé, Tampa Bay Lightning. There are so many different themes for murals across Tampa. Visittampabay.com has a list of all the major ones you can check out here. 

    Tampa postcard muralCristy B/BBGI

    Riverwalk

    It's especially great during championship boat parades, but any day will do! Take a stroll at sunset to get some gorgeous colors and the University of Tampa as your background!

    Roxanne is a co-host on the MJ Morning Show and host of Middays on Q105 in Tampa Bay. She also hosts segments on The Current, which features local feel-good stories and health and wellness segments, and airs on five of the six Tampa-based Beasley Media Group stations. Roxanne has conducted hundreds of interviews, from athletes to Oscar winners, including Matt Damon, Christian Bale, and Chadwick Boseman. She also specializes in media training, having worked with clients in the NFL, NBA and WWE for television, in print, and online. Roxanne is a published author and will be releasing a thriller novel in 2024. Her favorite thing in the world is being with her two daughters and husband. As a content creator for Q105, Roxanne writes about family activities in the Tampa Bay area, as well as reviews for local restaurants and travel.