Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The most interesting street shopping is in Ybor City. The
Columbia Restaurant
gift shop
has a notable selection of hand-painted Spanish ceramics. On 8th Ave between 15th and
18th St, Centennial Park; 9am-3pm Sat)
emphasizes arts and crafts.
SoHo (South Howard St) south of Platt is another trendy stretch with cool finds and
boutiques.
La France
VINTAGE
813-248-1381; 1612 E 7th Ave, Ybor City;
11am-8pm Mon-Thu, to 10pm Fri &
Sat, noon-7pm Sun)
Thanks to an influx of wealthy snowbirds, Tampa has a thriving vintage scene. With four
streetfront windows rotating displays of flapper dresses, ornamental umbrellas, feathered
hats and men's leisure suits, La France is like a living museum without a cover charge. In-
side you can browse racks of 1930s maxi-dresses, sparkling 1940s swing dresses and Mod
suits from the 60s. Some items are newly made from period designs, while others come
from estate sales and private sellers.
Inkwood Books
BOOKS
813-253-2638;
www.inkwoodbooks.com
; 216 S Armenia;
10am-9pm Mon-Thu,
to 7pm Fri & Sat, 1-5pm Sun)
In a small house close to Hyde Park, Tampa's best independent bookstore has a fantastic
selection of new Florida titles, both nonfiction and mysteries, and wonderful children's
books. It also hosts a whole roster of readings and signing events.
Hyde Park Village
MALL
(
www.hydeparkvillage.com
; 10am-7pm)
Tampa has its share of malls, but for upscale trends and fashion, seek out this outdoor
complex, in the lovely Old Hyde Park neighborhood in South Tampa. You'll find it
between Swann and Morrison Aves.
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