SEMINOLE HEIGHTS

Explore this sun-speckled neighborhood full of old bungalows, eclectic shops, gourmet dining, a unique bar scene and a modern bohemian appeal reflected in the artists, musicians, hipsters and young families who live here.

Must-See

The annual Seminole Heights Home Tour showcases the area's historic bungalows, but simply drive down Central Avenue and you'll see Craftsman, Arts & Crafts, Florida Cracker and Florida Vernacular styles. However, one of the area's most famed structures is a Victorian house with a wraparound porch and is now home to Front Porch Bar & Grill, a preferred casual dining spot. Check out unique works of glass art and watch live glass-blowing demos by artist Susan Gott at her Phoenix Glass Studio & Gallery. She's been firing glass for more than three decades and specializes in cast-glass sculptures.

By Day

The Second Sunday Morning Market brings more than 100 vendors to Hillsborough High School's front lawn, where dogs on leashes and kids on adrenaline are welcome. Vendors hawk plants, fresh veggies, gourmet bites and the like. Before food trucks became all the rage, Tampa Mexican food mainstay, Taco Bus was dispensing fresh, cheap, authentic fare (soft corn tacos, tostadas, quesadillas, burritos) from a bus parked in the rear of its cantina; it's now open 24/7. The cute and funky Sherry's Yesterdaze hawks vintage clothing, accessories and jewelry, as well as an overall diverse assortment of mid-century modern decor.

By Night

The Refinery's shabby-chic style doesn't extend to the food of its three-time James Beard award semifinalist chef Greg Baker, who changes his menu regularly to reflect what's in season. Another understated Heights hotspot, The Independent Bar & Café, draws legions of hipsters with craft brews on tap and elevated bar food, a phenomenon also embraced by nearby Angry Chair Brewing. Ella's Americana Folk Art Café offers folk-art charm and brash live music overseen by its blues-howling owner. Beer fans should head directly to The Independent, where you can find a diverse selection of brews from around Tampa Bay and the world.