Tampa Bay Brewing Company

Again off topic!

This weekend my husband and I went out the Tampa Bay Brewing Company. We eat out quite regularly but we wanted to try something other than the regular chains. My husband had read great things about TBBC on the Seminole Heights Blog so we decided to head down to Ybor.

Although, I used to frequent Ybor on Saturday nights often so I thought I knew what the experience had instore. Groups of teenagers and early twenties, who would leave my ears ringing and the food to be standard.

However the experience wasn't anything like I expected, to my surprise we had a great time.

The patrons ranged in age from 2 - 70, the beer selection was expansive and the food was good - really good. The menu offered something for every taste. And to top it off the service was good, our waiter was very attentive.

If you are looking for an easy going good time that's worth the money definitely check the Tampa Bay Brewing Company out.

For more info visit their site http://www.tampabaybrewingcompany.com

Roomba Zooms

So this is a little off topic from my blog's purpose but I think a lot of people might find it of interest.

They say that Robots are the future. That statement can be overwhelming and frightening to most people, especially, if you have seen movies such as: IRobot or Matrix, which portray Robots as an evil force. I have to admit that I used to feel the same way.

However that all changed, Christmas 2004.

That's when my house was invaded and it's never been the same.

If you and your roommates, kids or spouse have different ideas of cleanliness this baby is for you.

My husband and I never discuss or argue over vacuuming anymore. We turn it on when we leave in the morning and we come home to a neat and tidy home. And don't be fooled by its size, it's the best vacuum I've ever used including a Kirby. The first time you use it, you will be surprised to learn that the floors you thought were clean are not so clean. You'll be amazed by the amount of dirt and dust it picks up.

Now as much as I love our Roomba, it doesn't come without its problems. Occasionally, it wedges itself in the corner, it gets trapped between the hallway runner and the bathroom door. It follows you from room to room (my husband says this is my imagination) and if it can possibly find it's way outside it will. There have been several occasions where it has pushed the screen door open and wandered out on the porch. And some might say the prie is a problem.

You might think it's expensive but after a week or two of never having to think about vacuuming again (or argue), you'll gladly pay the price tag of $250. It's a small price to pay for the feedom it provides.

Sulphur Springs McDonalds

The McDonalds on Florida is almost complete. Here is an update on its current look and the Sulphur Springs Tower that provided the inspiration for the new design.





Is the McDonald's rebuild in Sulphur Springs another sign of the area's progress ?
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/05/26/Northoftampa/New_homes_a_hard_sell.shtml
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/06/02/Citytimes/County_sales_dip__but.shtml

Or

Is it just part of McDonald's design overhaul?

http://money.aol.com/bw/investing/canvas3/_a/mickey-ds-mcmakeover/20060509100909990001

Either way, I thank the franchise owner for putting a little forethought into their design.

Progress

I plan on posting pictures from all areas of Tampa Bay, however, I keep getting rained out, which is a great problem to have after our very dry summer. This entry will feature some of the new homes and establishments in Seminole Heights.

For the critic: When traveling around our neighborhood, I do go to ends of the North, South, East and West boundaries and those areas in between. The conclusion is that Old Seminole Heights has a lot of vacant lots where developers can produce infill development that's why the majority of these homes are in that area.

Definition: Infill Development
Closely related to the principle of smart growth, infill development involves building and developing in vacant areas in city centers or urban settings. This promotes the betterment of these city centers and leaves rural areas and open spaces undeveloped. Advocates state that infill development can reduce traffic congestion, save open space, and create more livable communities.

These three homes are side by side along Hanna. The new homes being built in the area makes me ask whether Seminole Heights is being invaded by the McMansion? Though I personally like the look of these houses and believe they add value to the neighborhood, I am disappointed that they have no yard. These homes virtually take up the whole lot.

I couldn't get a full picture of this home due to its enormous size. It's viewed best from northbound 275 right before the first Hillsborough Ave. exit. I originally thought it was a multifamily structure, however, now I believe it's singe family home.

I don't know the full story on this house. I believe it was a rehab with lots of changes and an addition. Either way the pictures below are of the front and rear. I love the detail and windows on the rear addition and I wonder if they have a downtown view from the deck.

I'm anxious to see this one finished.

Townhomes for Rent or Sale?

Another McMansion?

The infamous Starbucks.
Personally, I like coffee so why not a Starbucks? But either way it's better than a makeshift car lot. I like the design and color scheme of the building.

Our new McDonalds on Florida. Technically in Sulfer Springs but it's my McDonalds of choice. What's up with the Turret?

Is Sherwin Williams Having A Sale?

My husband and I are preparing to paint our house. And although I'm a fan of the "bungalow books" for research, I must admit I find it hard to apply their ideas to my house. The houses featured in them are full of architectural detail and over 1500 sq ft, both of which my house isn't. Regardless of my search terms and effort the internet leaves me empty handed as well. So it is my conclusion that the historic homes in Tampa are in a league of their own. With that being said, my only option for research and ideas are the neighborhoods themselves.

So I hopped in the car and started down the streets. As I drove around looking for a color scheme, I started noticing a trend. The streets are lined with yellow houses. It seems like one every other house is yellow. Even on the MLS most of the houses are yellow.

The pictures below represent a small percentage of the houses I saw on my quest. However, most of these houses are within a few blocks of each other.

There has to be an explanation. Can someone please explain this trend to me? Is there a psychological reason, why everyone is painting their houses yellow? Is yellow a historic color? Was there a sale? Did HGTV do a special on exterior paint colors?


In my opinion, yellow is a great color if it's done correctly but not all houses or shades of yellow can be pulled off.


Just painted, hopefully
it will be for sale.

Recently painted and sold !

FOR SALE !

Thanks for the Welcome

Thanks for the welcome and interest. Last night, I was messing with adding content and trying to figure out how it works, when my husband asked is this your blog? I had no idea that someone would have found it so quickly or even at all. I am working on adding content and trying to define a direction. If there are any links you think might be helpful please let me know.

Pictures of the Hood

My neighborhood is called Seminole Heights. It's a historic neighborhood that is centrally located just north of downtown.

The pictures below are a small representation of the character and charm my neighborhood has to offer.

A cute house around the corner that is for sale.

The future home of our newest pizza joint, Cappy's.

I love this front porch, it's rare to see a porch this large.

The pictures below were taken while attending the Old Seminole Heights home tour in April.

It was a lot of fun and very educational.

This house was featured by Ripley's Believe it or Not.

The man who built this home was blind and it' has a basement. It's absolutely stunning inside.

This is my favorite house.