Mosaic Westshore

Golf Tampa Bay’s Westchase Course This Spring

2012-05-15T04:09:29Z

Westchase is one of Tampa's best golf courses.

If you are looking for one of the best golf courses near your luxury Tampa Bay apartment, look no further than Westchase. This golf course is expertly designed and provides both challenging and satisfying holes throughout the entire course. The golf course is open to the public, and you don’t have to be a member. However, to keep its more exclusive feel and to upkeep the grounds, a round of golf is a bit more expensive than other options near your Tampa Bay apartment.If you are looking to partake in a round of golf at one of the best public golf courses near your Tampa Bay apartment, there are many different price points for you here. It is cheaper to go later in the day as it is less busy, especially after 5 p.m., as golfing during peak hours on the weekend and holidays can cost you $94, before tax and cart.

However, should you decide to golf during the week after 5 p.m., you only have to pay $25. This is a significant price reduction in one round of golf, making it affordable for those who can’t pay the peek times. So check out the tee times and reserve accordingly.

Westchase is a top golf course in the nation, and it’s less than 25 minutes away from Mosaic Westshore. It’s just one of the many golf courses around town that make Tampa a top destination for golfers.

What’s your favorite golf course around Tampa?

Image courtesy of Flickr.

5 Ways To Spend Memorial Day Weekend In Tampa Bay

2012-05-08T02:27:46Z

Mosaic Westshore's pool is going to be the hottest Memorial Day spot.

Before you park yourself at the heated pool at your Tampa apartment, you can take in some of the special events occurring around town this Memorial Day, and you are in luck, as there are many different sites and activities to stop by. So no matter what kind of event you feel like attending, there is something just for you while away from your Tampa apartment.

Free Admission to Lowry Park Zoo: On Memorial Day, all the Lowry Park Zoo is not charging admission for all activate or retired members of the armed forces, and up to three of their children are also allowed to enter the zoo for free (The Florida Aquarium is doing the same!). Plus on the prior Saturday, you may want to go early to the first Summer Safari Nights at the zoo, where you can stay late and enjoy special activities.
Memorial Day Getaway At Bok Tower Gardens: Over an hour away, you can get away from Memorial Day weekend to visit the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens. On Saturday, you can run the Carillon Classic 5K, and you’ll enjoy the free Memorial Day Carillon Concerts on Monday.
Memorial Day Weekend Music Festival: The Sunset Music Festival happens on Saturday, May 26, at Raymond James Stadium. The lineup of artists includes movers and shakers in dance music, like Pretty Lights and Alesso.
Sale Shopping at Tampa Malls: Head to Tampa’s best malls, like International Plaza or Westshore Plaza, to roam the best Memorial Day weekend sales at stores like Neiman Marcus and Macy’s. Besides air conditioned shopping, you can stop for movies and cocktails.
Tampa Bay’s Best Beaches: Pack a cooler, giant umbrella and cushy float to head to Tampa Bay’s best beaches. You may want to rent a boat or jet ski to cruise the ocean, too. Also, you can party at beachside bars like Gators Cafe and Saloon.

Where will you be Memorial Day weekend in Tampa?

Paddle Florida’s Hillsborough River This Summer

2012-05-08T01:37:59Z

Hillsborough River State Park is one of Florida's oldest state parks.

If you are looking for some outdoor fun away from your Tampa apartment, look no further than the Hillsborough River. About 30-40 minutes from your downtown Tampa apartment, this popular river is one of Florida’s lush state parks where you can spot one the area’s most notorious natives – the gator. You can make this weekend getaway into an active trip, too, as you can canoe, kayak and paddle through the river, all while you seeing some amazing animals and vegetation.

Right by the river, the Canoe Escape company rents out canoes and kayaks, even on an hourly basis, in case you don’t have such a vessel inside your Tampa apartment. Plus, with many different options available to you, you can enjoy the river not only during the summer, but for most of the year as well. They also offer daytime and moonlight trips down the river with guides who are able to point out the different wildlife and vegetation species you are passing.

The park also offers rentals at affordable prices. You can rent a canoe at just $25 for two hours or a kayak at just $15 per hour.

See Florida's wildlife at the Hillsborough River.

This state park is also a great place to bring your pet for a hike, pack a picnic, camp, or bicycle the trails. On top of alligators, the cypress swamp and grassy habitats have turtles, otters, and beautiful birds along the river.

Images courtesy of Flickr.

Snap Tampa Bay’s Most Photographic Scenery

2012-04-30T12:16:30Z

Capture Tampa's sunsets at the Skyway Fishing Pier.

You don’t have to travel far from your apartment in downtown Tampa to arrive at an amazing place to snap photos. From water views to animals, there is something for everyone looking to take photos of.

The lush greenery makes Macfarlane Park a perfect location for taking pictures, while you can also stop by with children and snap some great action shots of them playing.
Busch Gardens is a great place to have some fun, plus some amazing views of the gardens and all the animals and attractions. You do have to pay to get in here, but it is an incredible location.
Ybor Museum State Park is a great little spot that has a wide selection of different places for pictures by monuments and green spaces. This helps you have a great spot to take pictures of just about anything.
If you want pictures of the ocean and the gulf, Skyway Fishing Pier is the place for you. It isn’t far from your your apartment in downtown Tampa.
Not too far from your apartment in downtown Tampa, bring your camera to Caladesi Island State Park for water views at one of America’s best beaches.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Must-See Spring Shows At Tampa’s Straz Center

2012-04-30T11:37:51Z

There's always something new at the Straz Center.

If you are looking to get out of your upscale apartment in downtown Tampa and take in a little culture, you are in luck, as there are many upcoming shows at the Straz. This Tampa venue allows you to see some of the most popular traveling shows, which you can’t see anywhere else in the city. So check out what all there is to offer and what is coming to town, and purchase your tickets so you can spend a night out and away from your upscale apartment in downtown Tampa.

“Boeing Boeing” is a show that has been playing since the beginning of April and is still in town through this Sunday, May 6. So if you want to check out the Broadway musical comedy about jet-setting air travel, make sure to do it now, as you only have a few more chances before it has left town.

If you want to see an epic drama that has the area talking, it is time to get out of your upscale apartment in downtown Tampa and see “Race.” This drama dives head first into the subject of race and if it has any effect on work and plays May 9-27.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Good Mexican Grub In Downtown Tampa For Cinco de Mayo

2012-04-25T20:16:36Z

Celebrate the holiday at Mexican restaurants in downtown Tampa.

With Cinco de Mayo fast approaching, you may be looking for local restaurants near your apartment in downtown Tampa for possible locations to take in the festivities. Of course, with so many different Mexican restaurants in the area, there is no limit to the amount of options you have for taking in local events. This way, you don’t have to drive very far from your apartment in downtown Tampa, but you should leave early, just to make sure you have a seat.

Whether you want to just enjoy Mexican cuisine or take in one of the delicious margaritas, there is something right for you at Estelas Mexican Restaurant. You don’t have to travel far from your apartment in downtown Tampa (there’s one 15 minutes away on East Davis Boulevard), but seating is limited. Come down with a few friends and you might want to split one of the larger margaritas for the day.

The Lime is an upscale Mexican and Latina bar, which serves not only traditional Mexican food but also tapas. This is perfect for sharing with friends, as each person can take a bite of the other’s food. Plus, the large drink menu is perfect for a little Cinco de Mayo celebration. This posh Mexican restaurant is just 10 minutes from Mosaic Westshore at South Howard Avenue.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Savor Fresh Produce At Tampa’s Farmers Markets

2012-04-25T20:06:24Z

Get juicy, fresh fruit from Tampa's farmers markets.

If you live in an apartment in downtown Tampa and are always on the look out for fresh produce, you don’t need to look very far, as there are several different farmer’s markets located in and around the city. This way, you don’t have to travel far from your eco-friendly Tampa apartment, and you always return home knowing exactly where the produce came from, that your money is going back into the community and you are helping out farmers that provide so much already.

From flowers to produce, you can find whatever you are looking for at Tampa Bay Farmers Market. Many of the items are seasonal though, so while shopping around, not all plants are going to be around in the winter and the summer, so keep this in mind when looking for particular plants and vegetation.

Plus, there are artisan food vendors from the Tampa Bay area, like Ybor Gold Coffee and Javi’s Salsa. You’ll find it at South Macdill Avenue open every day each week.

When looking for fresh fruit, you won’t want to return to your green apartment in downtown Tampa until stopping at Bearss Groves. Watermelon, peaches, oranges, not to mention freshly prepared juices with nothing but the pulp and juice itself are all on sale here, with money spent going back to the farmers. Check out this fresh stand at Lake Magdalene Boulevard.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Moms Get In Free At Tampa Attractions This Mother’s Day

2012-04-19T19:46:29Z

Enjoy a sunny day at the Lowry Park Zoo this Mother's Day!

Attractions around Tampa are making it easy to dote on mom this Mother’s Day with free admission. Just buy your own regular-priced ticket, and she’ll tag along for free!

Some of the participating locations include:

The Florida Aquarium: You buy a ticket on May 12 or 13, and mom gets in free to walk under the sea with you. The beautiful Aquarium features river otters, Floridian animals like alligators and stingrays, colorful tropical fish of the coral reef, and the interactive exhibit Ocean Commotion. You may even splurge for a Wild Dolphin Cruise or snorkeling inside a fish tank.
Lowry Park Zoo: Tampa’s number one zoo is offering BOGO admission for moms May 12-13. Bring mom to see huge elephants, swinging chimpanzees, gentle manatees, and much more. This fun, beautiful zoo will keep you busy with 1,500 animals from all over the world.
MOSI: On May 13, take mom to the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa for Mummie’s Day. Just buy your own ticket, and she’ll get in free just in time to see the upcoming “Mummies of the World” exhibition featuring 150 mummies and artifacts. The museum also has other interesting, ongoing exhibits, like the BioWorks Butterfly Garden that mom will love.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Lighten Up This Spring With Tampa’s Best Spots For Salad

2012-04-19T19:02:21Z

Try Columbia's famous 1905 Salad.

Now that the warm weather is here, you are probably more inclined to eat something healthy and light. When in the mood for some really delicious salads, be sure to stop by for a meal at one these Tampa restaurants.

Columbia Cafe: This place’s 1905 Salad has gained national attention, having landed in USA Today as one of the top salads in the country. This flavorful dish, invented by a waiter back in the 1940′s, features iceberg lettuce, tomato, baked ham, Swiss cheese, Romano cheese, Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce, and dressing.
Crispers: This casual eatery features a number of signature creations on its menu. Try the Polynesian Crab Stack, with fresh lump crab meat, mango, avocado salsa, carrots, cucumbers, red cabbage, and citrus summer dressing. The Flatbread Salads add an extra twist to eating. Choose from the Blackened Chicken Club, Steak and Bleu or Asian varieties.
Woody’s Famous Salads: Known best for its Greek salad, this Tampa institution serves up other flavors such as the Spinach Gorgonzola with Fuji apples, Valencia oranges and roasted almonds with Orange Marmalade Balsamic Dressing. Also on the menu are the Albacore Tuna Woody, Fresh Spinach and Strawberries and the Chopped Boar’s Head Chef Salad.

You’ll be in swimsuit shape in no time with these healthy options and ready to hit the heated courtyard pool at Mosaic Westshore. What’s your secret for slimming down for summer?

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Tampa Bay’s Funnest Restaurants With Outdoor Dining

2012-04-10T15:12:24Z

Your Tampa apartment is just minutes away from beachside dining, like Frenchy's.

Tampa always seems to always have amazing weather, so outside of the small rain spells, you probably want to spend a good amount of the time out and about. Because of this, many of the restaurant options near your Tampa apartment provide outdoor dining. Regardless of what you want to eat or what time you are hungry, there is a restaurant perfect for you.

Although a bit on the pricey side, Datz Tampa serves up everything from classic breakfast food to standard American dishes, with outside seating available. Some of the upscale Southern fare includes Black Truffle Fries, Mac n’ Cheese Bites and Fried Oysters. You’ll find this funky place just 10 minutes away in Tampa.

For island-themed outdoor dining, Rumba Island Bar and Grill is exactly what you are looking for. With the large deck, tiki bar and delicious grilled island items options, you better come hungry, because you are sure to go home stuffed and satisfied. There are locations just 25 minutes away in Oldsmar and Clearwater.

From Caribbean to seafood, sandwiches to soup, there isn’t a limit to the kind of food you can find at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. Frenchy’s has four Clearwater cafes and grills, with beachside locations, located not far from your Tampa apartment. Whatever you are hungry for, you can find on the menu.

Image courtesy of Flickr.