Some weeks, I have to confess, I struggle to find something to write about. Other weeks, I have so much to say that I can barely organize my thoughts. Still reeling with enthusiasm from our plotting weekend, which took place in my hometown, the topics are endless.
Like how much I love, love, love Tampa.
There was a time, not too long ago, when people did not know where Tampa was. Back when I was in college and working in public radio and television, we were the thirteenth largest media market in the nation, and yet few people knew exactly where the city was. That seems to have changed now (though if you’re not sure…if you look at a Florida map, and you see that little hooky thing on the left hand side of the peninsula, that’s close to where Tampa is!)
I don’t think I realized how much I loved this city until I moved, which didn’t happened until after I was married. I was born here, I was raised here, I attended college here (even graduate school) and really had absolutely no desire to ever leave. I love the ethnic mix of this town. Tampa was discovered by the Spanish, and settled by a mix of Southerners and immigrants from Cuba, Spain and Italy. The weather is normally beautiful (I’m freezing my little Tampa toes off here today!) and the atmosphere is relatively relaxed and laid back. Not quite Key West, mind you, but we have our charm.
I was able to take the Plotmonkeys to Tampa’s most famous restaurant, Bern’s Steakhouse. I love this place! It looks like a warehouse on the outside, like a brothel on the inside, and has the most fabulous food, most of it organic and grown on a farm owned by the restaurant. It has the largest wine list in the world and serves more rare and unusual wines by the glass than any restaurant anywhere. We were able to take a tour of the kitchen (though they got rid of the fish tank, which disappointed me greatly…the lobsters were still live, but you couldn’t see them) and the wine cellar, where we saw vintages from the Civil War era. Then we went to the dessert room. Yes, they have their own rooms! Actually, it’s a bunch of rooms shaped like wine barrels where you have some privacy. I didn’t get the dessert I really wanted (no, girls, I’m NOT still pouting!) but Karen and Janelle both made excellent choices.
This was a rare treat for me…I never get to show off my city or my favorite places to my friends since nearly all of them live here and have for years, just like me. I loved playing hostess and chauffeur and I hope that maybe in another couple of years or so, I can lure the Plotmonkeys back to my side of the world. (Remember how beautiful and easy our airport is? And free Internet!)
In a few weeks, the world will once again be reminded about Tampa’s location as we host the Superbowl. This isn’t our first Superbowl and it doesn’t affect my life much as I live far north of the stadium (though the Plotmonkeys learned that everything in Tampa is pretty much 15 minutes from my house…except my pediatrician’s office…but that’s a whole ‘nother blog.)
It was hard not to take them on a full tour (though we did end up passing by one of Tampa’s most famous strip clubs…I can’t tell you WHY men all over the world know about this dive, but for some reason, they do.) We pretty much stayed near the airport, with brief jaunts to my house with Carly one time and Janelle another time to see the new kitchen. (Leslie took these breaks to write, write, write!) We had so much work to do, we couldn’t afford any real “sight-seeing” but I loved showing them the little I could! I exercised much restraint, I think they’ll agree.
See…look. A whole blog. And I didn’t even get to tell you all about my new haircut (Carly will have pictures tomorrow, I think!).
So, when someone comes to visit you in your hometown, what do you like to show them? What is the one end-all, be-all “must show my friends” spot in the town where you live?
OH! Something Wicked is in some stores now and is available from eHarlequin.com! Don’t forget!
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Warm wishes for a Happy Birthday go out to Plotmonkey pal Christina Tavener today! We hope you have a fabulous, fun-filled day!
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Tampa sounds amazing, Julie. I’m hoping to visit one day!
In Melbourne, I take visitors to Acland Street. It’s right on St Kilda beach and its signature is the amazing cake/pastry shops that stretch from one end to the other (it’s so great, I set a book there, after doing loads of research, of course
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It’s a must see!
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Julie, I love how real you’ve made Tampa feel to me, someone who’s never been there. It truly sounds wonderful.
Hmmm, I live in the Chicago ‘burbs, and I’m sure there are many places to visit that are unique to the city, I just haven’t been to any of them. In the ‘burbs, there’s a fun restaurant called Entourage where it’s ladies’ night on Wednesdays, with $4 bella rose martinis and yummy appetizers. It’s a fun atmosphere to hang out in, especially after work. You’re reminding me I need to go, and look, it’s Wednesday *g*
Happy birthday to Christina!
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Here in Albany, NY one of the best restaurants to visit during lunch is Jack’s Oyster House. I think it is one of the oldest ones still running too. It’s on the Hill and all the politicians go there for lunch. It’s very laid back but the waiters are very good and the desserts are awesome.
Since this is the capitol of NY there is a lot of history here, including the Saratoga Battlefields and in the right season, the race track. I haven’t been there yet because the last time hubby and the family went, they called and sent him to Vietnam. He is afraid they will do so again!
the only part of Tampa I got to see in Dec was the route to Busch Gardens. Since I was driving I didn’t get to look out the windows much other than the traffic. It was Xmas eve so everyone was hurrying around!
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Julie, I love Tampa and you’re right. Nobody should ever visit there and not eat at Bern’s. Best beef in the world and I adore the dessert rooms! But it’s not my favorite Tampa restaurant. That honor goes to the Columbia. There’s one on St. Armands and I was a regular there when I lived in Sarasota. Man, do I miss their food now that I’m up here in South Carolina.
When people visit me the first place I take them is out on the lake. Lake Keowee is a man-made lake with over 300 miles of shoreline, pristine water, calm, cozy coves and lovely waterfalls, surrounded on the north, west and northeast by the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. It would take days to explore every nook and cranny of my lake but oh what fun the journey would be. :)
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I’ve only been to Tampa once, and it was only to the airport and then straight to St. Pete(work retreat on the beach…it was the best). I would love to come to Tampa and see the sites and try the food.
I live in Nashville, so there are many historic places to see. If you want to go out at night, Printer’s Alley has some of the best bars/clubs to hit(not much of a club person now, but still fun). The Grand Ole Opry is always fun, and even better right now since it’s back at the Ryman thru February. There are also tons of great restaurants, but my 2 favorites are actually in Franklin(about 15 miles south of Nashville), called The Red Pony and Sol. My friends own them and the food is amazing.
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Sounds wonderful like you all had a good time! I want to go to that dessert room!
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PJ, I TRIED to talk them into the Columbia, but Janelle and Carly balked at the whole “Spanish” food idea. They have no idea. Just the churros for dessert with the three dipping sauces is worth the price! I’m excited because the Tampa History Museum just opened and they have a Columbia cafe where they’ll serve the 1905 salad, which is my FAVORITE. Still, Bern’s is an experience.
Liza, keep those Nashville suggestions handy because RWA will be there next summer! When the Plotmonkeys went, we loved the hotel, but we did not do enough research about the city to know where to go when we left. I’ve since been back and had a great time venturing out. I have a cousin who lives in Lebanon (Tennessee, LOL) and I should have called her for suggestions, but I didn’t. Next time, we’ll just ask you!
ev, Busch Gardens is a fun experience, but it’s not exactly in the most scenic part of town. :sosad: And now, they’re doing away with the hospitality houses where you could get free samples of beer. Bummer.
Nicola!!! I want to come to Melbourne!!! Not just for the mecca of all bakeries, but because I desperately want to go to Australia. My brother and his fiance are going for their honeymoon, though I’m not sure where yet. Either way, I’m jealous.
Stacy~, if you go, have a bella rose martini for me! I love Chicago. Even the suburbs! Of course, not this time of year. :freezeman
Although, it was in the 30s here this morning…of course, I had a pedicure scheduled and my toes are so cold! I can’t put on shoes or socks for at least another hour. What do you people up north do? I need to go buy a space heater to put under my desk!
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Julie, Julie, Julie! Tampa! Berns. Columbia (I got to eat at the Ybor City original on Sunday lunch). I feel like I’ve been on a Tampa Tastes – The Steak Version, this past week. OMG, the food! Bern’s dessert room is to die for! If you are ever out Lakeland way, try Louie Mack’s. The crab soup and radiant oven grilled steaks are OMG good!
I’m in OKC. The first place most people want to go is the Murrah Bombing Memorial. As a first responder that morning, I still have a bit of PTSD so that’s a hard thing to show visitors. I prefer to take them to the Oklahoma Museum of Art with its amazing Dale Chihuly blown glass collection, the Western Heritage Museum with the Trail of Tears and Coming Through the Rye statues and incredible western art, and finally, the Oklahoma Heritage Museum, where my daughter wants to work once she graduates with her degree in museum studies.
For food, Cattlemen’s is a must and a local landmark. Then we take visitors to small, local places for Greek, Thai, Mexican, and Mongolian BBQ/Chinese. Or I fix my signature brisket and home-made yeast rolls.
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Happy Birthday, Christina!
Okay, my M-I-L lives in Boca at present. She used to live in Ft. Lauderdale which is just down the road from Boca. Anyway, there are some nice places in Florida, even pretty places but I would be one uphappy puppy if I had to live there. I grew up in Georgia and hated it. I always felt like I belonged somewhere else.
I live in the gorgeous state of Colorado. As far as sights to see, any guests who come to town get a spectacular view of the Continental Divide on their way in from the airport. Our airport btw is a thing of beauty and easy to find your way around. They can also step out our front door or back door or look out of most any window in our house and see the mountains. There is usually a fabulous view of Red Rocks. The foothills are thirty minutes away and we can be up in the mountains in an hour. The drive is breathtaking. We have a skyline that is like no other. And when it snows, it is so beautiful you think you’re in heaven. And you know what, you are! Can you tell I love Colorado? :-) This place is definitely God’s country. :-)
Cher
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Julie, you’re right. They have no idea of the delights they missed out on by not going to the Columbia. The 1905 Salad – OH MY GAWD! I miss that salad so much! My late dh took me to the Columbia for our first date and I had the 1905. That was all it took. My fate was sealed…both for the salad and for him! lol
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julie Tampa is a lovely city. I haven’t been ther in years. The last time I was there we got lost.
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Yes, Janelle and Carly are the picky eaters of the group! :giggler However, I have to say that Bern’s was FABULOUS. My steak was amazing, and the dessert room . . . talk about heaven!
Julie was a great hostess. It was nice to see another side to Florida, but I still love Oregon more!
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My hometown! I don’t live where I grew up but I have been here in this area for 41 years, so it is home! As most of you have seen me mention before I live in Wine Country, it is a beautiful area. There are two favorite wineries for me due to the gardens that I like to take people to see. I can no longer drink wine but I do still like to take people tasting as I can be the designated driver. There are lots of good places to eat as we draw people from all over the world to taste wine and eat good food. There is so much to see and do in this area there is not just one thing. We are close to the coast, the Redwoods, San Francisco. Where I would take people would depend on who it was and how much time we had. I do love to play tourist guide to people
All this talk about places makes me want to go somewhere! Colorado is great, I miss going there Cher! My travel has not taken me very far a way from the west coast. My ex is from Michigan and that is the farthest east I have ever been.
Julie thanks for telling us about Tampa. Sounds like a great place to visit.
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Bern’s is high on my list when someone comes to town. I do love the Pier in St. Pete too.
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Denver is to me what Tampa is to you, Julie. I’ve lived here my whole life and can’t actually picture living anywhere else, though I do like visiting other places. For me, the one place I would have to take people who visit is Red Rocks Amphitheater. Not only is it a beautiful place to visit, but it allows some of the best views of the city from the top.
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I heard that they were doing away with them- that’s what they get for selling it to a non-American!! :*&#!
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Well I’m from Birmingham so we always take people to Vulcan–you can’t beat a 56-foot tall, cast-iron man who moons the city!
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I live in NY State by the original Woodstock site in Bethel – so I usually take them there – there is a plaque where the stage was. And now there is a museum and a concert area adjacent to the site.
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Berns! That takes me back to Prom Night!
I grew up in Pinellas County (um, the “hooky” penninsula west of Tampa) and I always liked to take visitor’s to Frenchy’s restaurant on Clearwater Beach (best grouper sandwiches in the world!) and the Dali museum in St. Petersburg.
Funny that you post this today, as I’ve been trying to figure out what to recommend to people here in DC for when RWA descends this summer.
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ev, I hear ya!
Diana, funny you should be thinking about it because I was going to ask!
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Right then, Julie, you’re coming to Australia.
The next RWAus conference in Melbourne is in 3 years, usually 3rd weekend in August, so you’re looking at 2011.
Put it in your planner :)
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I am so jealous of this Tampa talk I am in Ohio and I have not seen warm temperatures for what seems like Forever!! haha but My Grandma and Aunt and Uncle live in Largo, florida close to Tampa and I go every chance I get . Mine and my husbands dream is to move to florida and every winter we really wish we had . I want to try Berns steakhouse the next time we are in town its going on my list.