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Daytona 500 Race Information | Tickets | Parking | Facts

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Headed to the Daytona 500 NASCAR races in Florida? Here are the things you need to know before you head to the Daytona International Speedway for the races.

Daytona 500 Race Information

Daytona 500 Race Information

Each year the Daytona 500 is one of the most anticipated events of the NASCAR season and not just because it is the first race of the year. The Daytona 500 is considered the most prestigious races of the NASCAR circuit. 500 miles of racing at 200 miles per hour is certainly a sight to behold, especially when at times these speeding cars are three-wide on the track. The Daytona 500 winner receives the biggest purse of the year, and also the most points towards the championship.

The Daytona 500 known as “The Great American Race” first ran on February 22nd, 1959 and it’s very first year ended with an upset and a photo finish. Daytona Beach is known for it’s hard-packed flat sandy beaches and that is what initially brought the sport of racing to the city. As far back as 1903 amateur racers would line up on the sands of Ormond Beach, Florida to race against each other.

In 1934 “Big Bill” France, a racer and mechanic made his way to Daytona, Florida to race his car with others. In 1955 France announced plans to build the Daytona Beach Motor Speedway, and four years later the inaugural Daytona 500 race was run. The first race was won by Lee Petty, but initially, it was thought that Johnny Beauchamp had won the race. Three days later Petty was awarded the trophy by a photo finish, and yes, he was the patriarch of the Petty racing family.

Just attending the race is an experience in itself, and no matter where your seats are you have a great view of what is going on down on the track. There is a super fun, party atmosphere and you can feel the excitement in the air. Race fans are also notoriously friendly and hospitable so you will probably make some new friends during your visit! If you can swing it, buy yourself a pass for the pre-race festivities. There is a LOT to see especially if you are a hardcore race fan and you will not regret it.

Daytona 500 Race Details

The UNOH (University of Northwestern Ohio) fan zone tickets are an additional fee and you can buy access for race day only or a four-day pass if you plan to spend the weekend at the track. Fanzone tickets give you access to the infield where you can meet the drivers, peek into the garages, and get autographs. You can walk on the track and can even sign your name on the start/finish line. There are concerts before the race and the excitement is contagious. This year children under 12 can attend the UNOH fan zone for no additional charge provided they are with a paying adult.

Daytona International Speedway Races

My son has actually had the opportunity to attend these incredible NASCAR races for the last several years. Our family friend used to camp on the infield of the races and invited Steven to come along. Talk about an experience! He was actually able to sleep on the race track that he favorite racers circled.

Daytona 500 Information

In 2019, we attended the races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Each race is different and absolutely incredible to witness. We camped in St. Augustine and made the drive over daily, it is about 45 minutes from St. Augustine and the traffic is usually light, then you just have to pay for parking on race day. The amounts vary on where you park.  The Daytona 500 is a family friendly event and can be enjoyed by generations.  In fact, my son, husband and dad have been going for years!  Each one enjoys it and the memories created are absolutely priceless.

Things to know about Daytona 500

My son was able to witness the HUGE Denny Hamlin win in 2019 (Toyota won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place that year!) who led 30 laps and my son was there in 2018 when Austin Dillon who only led one lap. What a race!

What you can bring into the Daytona 500

If you are planning to attend a race at the Daytona International Speedway here are a few things that you should know. You are allowed to bring in soft-sided coolers with your food and drinks. As with most venues, food and drinks at the speedway can be a little bit pricey. You are allowed to bring in alcoholic beverages for the race but you may not bring in glass bottles. There is a limit on cooler size so make sure that you check on the official Daytona International Speedway website before you go. There you will find a list of all of the items that you are and are not allowed to bring in.

Daytona 500 Race schedule

Find out about the Daytona International Speedway policies, facility rules and prohibited items before you go.

There are definitely somethings that you will want to bring with you to the race as it can be a long day and you want to be as comfortable as possible. The new stadium seats at the speedway are wide and pretty comfortable, but you still might want to bring along a seat cushion. You are probably going to want some ear protection of some kind because it does get LOUD when 40 plus cars are whizzing past you. You will also want to make sure that you bring along plenty of sunscreen, it may only be February but the Florida sun can do a number on your skin if you don’t protect it.

Depending on what the weather forecast is you may want to bring along a rain poncho as umbrellas are not allowed. You should probably also bring along a sweatshirt or jacket. If the race runs long and is still going after the sun sets it can get a lot chillier than it is during the day. Binoculars seem to be a staple of all race fans race day gear, and you may also want to bring along a blanket, and some sunglasses. Backpacks are allowed so you will have a way to keep up with your belongings, but they will be checked when you enter so be prepared for that.

Daytona International Speedway Race schedule

The Daytona Motor Speedway was renovated in 2016 and lost about 40,000 seats in the process. Those seats were replaced by more comfortable, wider seats with a cup holder, more restrooms, elevators, concession stands, and luxury suites. The renovation also included adding free WiFi to the entire property, and additional entrance/exit gates to make it easier and faster for visitors to gain access and participate in all of the race day activities.

While the Daytona 500 is definitely the main attraction, there is more than one race during this major racing event.

Important Daytona 500 Race Information

Typically races start the week before the actual Daytona 500. There will be qualifying races, the truck races (a personal favorite) and the Xfinity Series. These races are less than the 500 laps and are usually pretty action packed. If you happen to be in Daytona before the Daytona 500 race day, definitely try to get into to some of the other races.

Here is the race schedule for the 2022 Daytona Races.

The 2022 500 NASCAR race at Daytona is scheduled for February 20th, and tickets are selling fast so if you would like to go now is the time to get your tickets. The Daytona 500 has completely sold out each year since 2016. If you are planning to attend be sure to look around online as there are some great package deals on hotels and race tickets.

You absolutely do not have to be a fan of NASCAR or even racing or cars to have an incredible time at the Daytona 500. There are so many people and activities and the atmosphere is just full of fun. Add to that watching car’s whizzing past you at 200 miles per hour for 500 miles and even the most casual observer is sure to have a BLAST!

Daytona 500 Races Information

Have you have been to any of the races at the Daytona International Speedway? Which NASCAR races are your favorite?

Daytona 500 Ticketing Information

A huge THANK YOU to Southeast Toyota for making the Daytona 500 dream a reality for us in 2022!

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Healthy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

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This is the best Tzatziki Sauce you will ever try! This Homemade Tzatziki Sauce is not only easy to make, but it’s healthy. You will have this Homemade Tzatziki Sauce ready in about 5 minutes.
Best Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Healthy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce is an excellent condiment for so many things!  I know traditionally you would put Tzatziki Sauce on gyros or use it as a dipping sauce for fresh veggies, but have you topped fish with it?  Have you put Tzatziki Sauce on a pizza?  It’s so good and adds a creative twist to many recipes.

And when you make it at home, it’s not only fresher, but healthier!  If you follow Weight Watchers at all, you will be happy to know that this homemade version is ZERO points on the Blue Plan!  That’s right ZERO points!  You use non fat Greek Yogurt and then your fresh herbs, garlic, cucumber lemon zest and lemon juice.  Pretty easy, right?  Honestly, it’s the best tzatziki sauce I have ever had!

Healthy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

We made this homemade tzatziki sauce for my healthy Greek-Inspired Pizza, but then we made more and used it as a dip for cucumbers and other fresh vegetables.  Healthy snack for the win!  Then we used it on some fresh Spanish Mackerel that my son caught when he was fishing in place of tartar sauce.  Again, absolutely delicious.

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Are you ready for this incredibly easy recipe??  Of course you are!  After you make it for the first time, you will wonder why you ever bought tzatziki sauce from the store! It’s just that easy and that good.  Now, here is my yummy tzatziki sauce recipe, be sure to print it and pin it so that you can make it again and again!

Healthy Greek Pizza
Print Recipe

Healthy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

This Healthy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce is easy to make and tastes amazing! It is the perfect dip for vegetables or add it to your sandwiches, pizza and more.
Prep Time5 minutes
Course: Condiment/Dressing, Snack
Cuisine: Greek
Keyword: condiment, dip, easy recipe, healthy, weight watchers
Calories: 22kcal
Author: Tracy

Ingredients

  • 1 5.3 oz container of non fat Greek yogurt
  • ¼ English cucumber, halved lengthwise
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint - chopped
  • 1/2 tbsp fresh dill - chopped
  • 1/2 zest from half the lemon
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Scoop out the seeds of the cucumber
  • Using the large holes on a grater, grate the cucumber
  • Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use
  • Enjoy!

Notes

This recipe is Weight Watcher friendly and is ZERO points on the Blue Plan.  This homemade Tzatziki Sauce recipe is delicious as a dip for veggies or chips as well as a yummy addition to sandwiches, fish and even pizza!

Nutrition

Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 110mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 291IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

I hope you enjoy this Homemade Tzatziki Sauce as much as we do!  It’s the best tzatziki sauce I have ever had, and I hope you’ll agree!

Easiest Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

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10 Best Foods To Boost Metabolism

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Your metabolism can be every changing, making it hard to keep up with. Here are the Best Foods To Boost Your Metabolism to help you keep your body running at it’s best.

Metabolism Boosting Foods

10 Best Foods To Boost Metabolism

Metabolism is the body’s way to produce energy and as you know, most of that energy is found in the foods that we eat. In order to stay healthy and keep the body running at it’s best sometimes, you need to give your metabolism a little boost, especially if you are hoping to drop a few pounds.

Your rate of metabolism changes as you age, and it can also be affected by hormonal changes, and your current level of health and stress. So, basically my metabolism changes constantly! When your metabolism is slow it can lead to weight gain, tiredness, and fatigue, and may even contribute to preventable conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

The good news is there are ways to boost your metabolism and help your body run more efficiently. One of the easiest ways to boost your metabolism is to make smart choices about the foods that you eat and drink every day.

Best Foods To Boost Metabolism

Here are the Best Foods To Boost Your Metabolism:

Cold Water

Can boosting your metabolism get any easier than pouring yourself a nice cold glass of water? Drinking cold water boosts your metabolism because your body has to expend energy to warm it to your body temperature. Drinking cold water also prevents you from getting dehydrated and helps to make you feel full so that you aren’t as tempted to overeat at meals.

Green Tea

Studies have shown that drinking 24 ounces of green tea each day can boost your metabolism and help you lose weight. Green tea contains antioxidants which may provide health benefits outside of boosting your metabolism such as lowering blood pressure, increasing mental function, and lowering your cancer risks.

Coffee

Not only can coffee help get you going in the mornings but it can also help to boost your metabolism too. Just drinking one cup of coffee can increase your metabolism by as much as 15% for a short period of time. Keep in mind though that the coffee is what increases metabolism, so try to avoid adding too much sugar or other high-calorie additives to your cup.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon, is, of course, a spice and not a food, but it has been proven very effective in not only boosting metabolism but also as a weight-loss tool. This is because cinnamon increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin and helps to lower blood sugar. This can be particularly helpful to type 2 diabetics who are trying to boost their metabolism and want to lose weight. You can add a little cinnamon to your morning tea, coffee or smoothie, or if you don’t like the taste you can take it in supplement form and still get the results that you are looking for.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is full of fiber which means that it is going to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, in addition to helping increase your metabolism. Oatmeal has also been proven to lower bad cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Oatmeal can also prevent bloating which may make you look and feel heavier than you are. Make sure that you are avoiding the flavored, processed oatmeal packets because they are often full of sugar.

Berries

Berries have very few calories and they are bursting with flavor, fiber, and antioxidants. They are also known to help rev up your metabolism which will help you to burn more calories faster. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries can all help to give your metabolism a kick start and they have been found to reduce your risks of heart disease and work to stabilize blood sugar levels as well. Try enjoying them as a snack or adding them to your favorite salad.

Lean Protein

Lean proteins such as those found in chicken, turkey, or lean beef also help to boost your metabolism. Digesting lean proteins burns excess calories and fat because it takes a while for proteins to become fully digested. Lean proteins are also an important part of any diet for those who want to lose weight because it prevents the loss of muscle mass. The more muscle mass you have the faster your metabolism will be even when your body is at rest.

Cruciferous Vegetables

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that eating vegetables is good for your health, but did you know that certain veggies can help boost your metabolism along with their other health benefits? Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are full of fiber and a handful of other essential vitamins that your body needs. These delicious veggies can also reduce inflammation throughout the body and work to detoxify it too.

Beans and legumes

Beans and legumes are packed full of protein and fiber that will keep you feeling full well after you have finished your meal. In addition to boosting your metabolism, they have also been proven to help lower cholesterol levels and increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin which can make it easier to lose weight.

Hot peppers

Hot peppers are another food that have been proven to boost your metabolism and help you to lose weight. The compound known as capsaicin is what gives peppers their heat, and it is the element of hot peppers that kicks your metabolism into overdrive.

It doesn’t take a large of amount of hot peppers for you to get the metabolism boost that you are looking for and studies have shown the results can last for hours. Which is great news for me, as my whole family loves spicy foods so I make them a lot!  Would you like the beneficial effects of hot peppers but can’t take the heat? Not to worry, studies have shown that nutritional supplements of cayenne pepper have the same fat-burning effects as actually eating the peppers themselves.

If you combine these foods, drinks, and spices with other metabolism-boosting activities such as physical activity and getting an adequate amount of sleep each night you will start to lose weight. Your metabolism will pick-up, your muscle mass will increase, and soon you will be burning calories even when you are sleeping. Try adding some of these foods to your diet and see if you can get your metabolism burning faster than it was before!

Best Metabolism Boosting Foods

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21 Free Things to Do in New York City

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New York City is filled with so many things to do, but not everything is expensive! Save your money for the food and drinks, and do your sightseeing for free. Add these 20+ Free Things To Do In New York City to your travel itinerary.

Affordable Things to Do in New York City

21 Free Things to Do in New York City

The Big Apple is notoriously expensive to live in, but visiting the city on a budget is completely do-able! New York City consists of five boroughs, each with exciting things to offer. The borough that most people are familiar with, of course, is Manhattan. This is where you’ll find iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, and the rebuilt World Trade Center. Between Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, New York City has a total population of over 8 million people. That makes it the most densely populated city in America!

We absolutely love visiting New York City and taking advantage of all the free things to do in NYC.  There is so much to do and see!  You can spend a day there, or a week.  And you can go back dozens of times and never see it all.  In fact, I am trying to talk my husband into another visit this holiday season 🙂

There’s a right way to visit New York City, but there are also plenty of wrong ways to plan your trip. One of the most common mistakes people make when visiting this city is dropping ridiculous amounts of money on tourist traps. When food, drinks, and lodging are expensive enough, why spend hundreds of extra dollars when there’s so much to do for free? These things to do in NYC for free will let you experience the city like a true New Yorker without having to spend like one!

Cheap Things to Do in NYC

21 Free Things To Do In New York City

Staten Island Ferry

This free boat ride will take you from Manhattan to Staten Island in a little over 20 minutes. Even if you don’t have a reason to be in Staten Island, take a round-trip ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty. You’ll get incredibly close to one of New York’s most symbolic landmarks!

For an even more memorable experience, ride the ferry at sunset. Your Instagram followers will thank you later once you post pictures of the Statue of Liberty with a beautiful backdrop!

Nintendo New York

Nintendo New York is a game fanatic’s paradise. Here, you’ll find exhibits that showcase Nintendo consoles from the past, along with playable consoles with the latest games. On the second floor of the store, you’ll find a GameBoy that was recovered from the Gulf War. It still works!

If you play Pokémon Go, head to Nintendo New York for exclusive Pokémon and bonus you won’t want to miss out on.

Museum of Natural History

New York City makes cultural attractions accessible to anyone, regardless of income. That’s why the Museum of Natural History operates on a “pay-what-you-can” model. Even though the suggested donation is over $20 per person, you can get in with pocket change! In fact, the most common mistake that tourists make is buying tickets in advance or paying full price at the door. There is no minimum donation, so you can give the front desk a penny for each family member!

The Museum of Natural History is home to famous exhibits like the giant whale, dinosaurs, and so much more. You could easily spend the entire day in the museum, so plan accordingly!

MoMA

The Museum of Modern Art uses the same admissions model as the Museum of Natural History. For just pennies, you can enter the renovated MoMA with new galleries and spaces for live performances. The installations use a wide variety of mediums that are guaranteed to capture your attention!

The MoMA will re-open in late October, 2019 after receiving a much-needed makeover. If you’re visiting New York City at the end of 2019, you’ll be one of the first to see the new museum!

Free Things to Do in NYC

Central Park

Central Park is full of free and fee-based attractions. Although the zoo and ice skating rink charge for admissions, the park itself is free to explore. Take a walk around the park to see castles, cool architecture, and statues. Visit Balto’s statue and learn about the wonder dog’s adventures, or hop in the pool for free!

If you’re traveling with kids to New York City, Central Park has some awesome playgrounds for them to climb on. School-aged kids will love the adventure playground, but their younger siblings can join them at the Heckscher Playground, complete with aquatic features and swings. Walking around Central Park is one of our favorite free things to do in NYC.

Central Park is located at 59th Street and 110th Street South, 5th Avenue East, and 8th Avenue West. The area is divided up into three different sections.

North Central Park offers:

* Charles A Dana Discovery Center
* Harlem Meer
* Lasker Rink and Pool
* Conservatory Garden
* North Meadow and Recreation Center

Mid Central Park offers:

* Central Park Tennis Center
* Reservoir
* Great Lawn Park
* Metropolitan Museum of Art
* Delacorte Theater
* Belvedere Castle

South Central Park offers:

* The Ramble
* Conservatory Water
* Loeb Boathouse
* Bow Bridge
* Bethesda Fountain and Terrace
* Strawberry Fields
* Tavern on the Green
* The Daity
* Central Park Zoo
* Wollman Skating Rink
* Carriage Rides

9/11 Memorial and Museum

Once upon a time, visitors needed a pass to enter this important museum. Now, anyone can learn more about the event that reshaped modern America for free. The National September 11 Memorial honors the lives lost in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the passengers on the United 93 flight that crashed in Pennsylvania. The memorial features the largest man-made waterfall in North America, with the names of every life lost surrounding the pools. This is a great opportunity to educate younger children about 9/11’s impact on America.

The museum is on the same property, and it features narratives and artifacts in a 110,000-square-foot space. Visiting the museum gives those who weren’t in New York for the attacks an idea of what happened, since it can be hard to explain to those who didn’t live through it.

Best Free Things to Do in NYC

Westfield World Trade Center

The new World Trade Center shopping center is transforming Downtown shopping — with over half a million square feet of retail, you will find just about everything you! The shopping includes boutiques and specialty stores, leading global brands including Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, John Varvatos and Turnbull & Asser. Of course, you don’t have to buy a thing while you are there, but I definitely recommend walking around, heading upstairs to Eataly, and don’t leave the area without appreciating all out the artwork outside.

Grand Central Terminal

There are two large train stations in Manhattan, but Grand Central Terminal is the one you absolutely have to see. The station boasts phenomenal architecture, and it’s overflowing with history. Although you can pay for a guided tour, it’s free to explore on your own!

While you’re in the terminal, look for the Information Booth Clock and the Grand Central Market. When you’re done exploring, take a train to your next activity!

New York Public Library

The The New York Public Library is another landmark. It has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years. Even if you don’t want to sit and enjoy one many free books, you can appreciate the history and architecture. Founded in 1895, NYPL is the nation’s largest public library system, featuring a unique combination of 88 neighborhood branches and four scholarly research centers, bringing together an extraordinary richness of resources and opportunities available to all.

Cheap Things to Do in New York City

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

The Cathedral of St. Patrick is a decorated Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral church in the United States and a prominent landmark of New York City.   The architecture is just breath-taking, be sure to take a moment and walk in, you can’t help but be in awe.  This is just one of the many churches you will find around the city, so keep a look out for others as you walk around.

Macy’s Herald Square

Are you ready to see the one of the largest department stores in the United States?  Be careful, because you can spend a whole day just walking around this Macy’s!  This is the flagship of the Macy’s department store chain  and is 2,500,000 square feet; it is located on Herald Square in Manhattan, New York City.

Window Shopping on 5th Avenue

This is one of the most famous and also most expensive shopping streets in NYC. You don’t have to buy a thing! Just walk the streets and check out the incredible window displays. If you happen to be in NYC during the holidays, this is a must see. Feel free to walk in some of your favorites, but don’t be surprised if you have to buzzed in by security.

Best Things to Do in New York City

Chelsea Market in the Meatpacking District

I absolutely love walking around markets, let me look at delicious food and handmade crafts and jewelry and I am a happy gal. The Chelsea Market is unique because it is the old Meatpacking District. Markets have existed in the district since the 1840s. The Chelsea Market is a block long and a block wide and just a short walk from the Hudson River. It is one the greatest indoor food halls of the world, with more than thirty-five vendors purveying everything from soup to nuts, wine to coffee, cheese to cheesecake. Attracting 6 million national and international visitors annually, it is one of the most trafficked destinations in New York City.

Time Square

No trip to the Big Apple is complete without a walk down Time Square. You just have to see all the billboards, lights, stores, and people!  In fact, you may see a tad more of people that you were bargaining for, so if you have kids with you, be sure to keep a look out for street performers that like to dress…a bit…well, maybe I should say that they aren’t that well-dressed at all 😉

Best Free Things to Do in New York City

Bryant Park

Not nearly as big as Central Park, but still absolutely beautiful! I love it when you find green spaces in this huge city. And it’s right by the New York Public Library, so you can easily visit the park, then head over to the Library. If you happen to visit during the cooler months, I absolutely love the Winter Village, it opens for the season on October 31st. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is Manhattan’s winter wonderland. Enjoy New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink, of course, there are things for purchase at the Holiday Shops, and of course there are delicious treats.

Watch a Taping of the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Did you know that you could see the Tonight Show for FREE?  Yep, if you area fan of the Tonight Show, you can watch a taping with Jimmy Fallon at NBC’s studios in Rockefeller Center with a some advanced planning. Free tickets are released a month in advance, though if you’re lucky you can get standby tickets the night of the event.   It doesn’t hurt to walk by the day of the show to see if there are any available.

Catch a Glimpe of the Today Show

If you are in the city during the week and want to try to get on TV, this may be for you! Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. is when the TODAY Show is filming, but you may want to get there early (like before 6:30 a.m.) for a good place to stand and watch the action, they film outside until 9 a.m. and then move the show into Studio 1A. Watch from the window and still be seen on camera. Peer through the window to see how it all comes together, and watch the live broadcast on our plaza monitors.

National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian pays tribute to Native Americans and their history. At their New York location, you’ll find a mix of rotating and permanent exhibits, complete with fascinating information. Learn about Native Americans’ role in the Armed Forces, Native American art, and how today’s Native Americans embrace their history.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn has several cultural communities and public attractions, including the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Visit the garden during one of their free admissions periods to frolic among the tulips and roses. The nationally recognized botanical garden is free to enter on Fridays before noon, weekdays in the winter, and every day of operation for children under age 12!

On occasion, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts free events for children. Look for events that are happening during free admission periods!

Just Walk

There is so much to see in NYC and it doesn’t cost a thing to walk around and look!  From the Financial District to SoHo to the Brooklyn Bridge.  New York City is filled with people and sites.  So, just walk around!  Every time we go, we walk an average of 9 – 12 miles a day.  Chinatown is always fun to walk through, and so is Little Italy.  It’s like you can travel the world just by walking around New York City! There’s plenty of areas in Manhattan perfect for an afternoon stroll. You’ll get to see more of the “real” New York, drink in some of the local flavor everyone’s always going on about, and best of all, it’s absolutely free. Explore the Village, or the Upper East Side. And of course, Central Park is free, and you can easily spend an afternoon wandering through one of the most beautiful urban parks in the country. Just pay attention to how far you have gone, as you will have to get back.  If you end up getting too far from your hotel, Ubers and taxis are just about everywhere, but they are not cheap in NYC.

Brighton Beach

Don’t spend money on visiting Coney Island! Instead, head to Brighton Beach during the summer months. This free urban beach has lifeguards on duty, so you can swim in the Atlantic Ocean knowing that you’re in good hands. Since there are snacks available for purchase, you’ll want to bring some cash with you. Otherwise, Brighton Beach is completely free!

Keep in mind that New York isn’t warm all year round. If you try to visit a New York beach after early September, you’re bound to be freezing. Plan your beach trips wisely!

As tempting as it is to hop in a cab after a long day’s sightseeing, it isn’t really cost effective, unless you’ve got a big group splitting the fare. Instead, take advantage of the city’s subway system. These trains are frequent, convenient, and far-reaching. Navigation isn’t too difficult, and despite what you’ve heard, most New Yorkers are willing to help a stranded tourist when asked. Believe me, we’d rather you ask for directions than stand around looking confused blocking the exit.

New York City is only an expensive place to visit if you overpay for attractions. With few exceptions, it’s safe to say that you shouldn’t drop money on anything that a New Yorker wouldn’t pay for so be sure to add these fun free things to do in New York City to your travel plans!

If seeing all these sites is not enough, there are also plenty of tour companies in New York that offer air, helicopter, and balloon rides, there are custom tours that can be taken, shopping excursions, walking or biking adventures, water sports, and more. There is a tour of every kind available to be had.

Top Free Things to Do in New York City

Have you been to the Big Apple?  What are your favorite free things to do in New York City?

Like to travel but don’t like to spend a fortune when you do?  Like to spend time in the city?

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Colorfully Eerie Halloween Pancakes

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These Colorfully Eerie Halloween Pancakes are the perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season. Grab this homemade pancake recipe and get ready for Halloween! While this post is sponsored by Florida Dairy Farmers, all opinions and the recipe are my own.

Colorful Halloween Pancakes

Confession: I had never made pancakes from scratch…until now. Why bother when a box mix costs just a few bucks? Well, I finally gave it a try, and wow, homemade pancakes are amazing. Light, fluffy, and full of that “from-scratch” flavor, they completely changed breakfast for us. And to make it even more fun, we added Halloween colors! Seriously, how could anyone resist these Colorfully Eerie Halloween Pancakes? No matter the age of your kiddos (or adults! hello, breakfast for dinner!), they’re sure to bring a smile to the table.

Halloween is the perfect time to turn a simple meal into a festive treat, and these pancakes do just that. Vibrant, fun, and easy to make, they’re not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious way to celebrate the season. Whether it’s a special Halloween breakfast or a playful dinner, these pancakes are a hit with the whole family.

Orange Pumpkins

Frankenstein, Zombies and Witches…Oh my!

Black Cats

Eerie Purple Skies

To get the darker, more vibrant colors in your Halloween pancakes, I recommend getting the gel food coloring. Gel food coloring is thicker and more condensed, making the colors more pronounced and you are adding less liquid in your recipe so you are less likely to compromise the texture of the pancake batter. My local grocery store actually had a Halloween Gel Food Coloring Set, making it really easy to get all the colors I wanted to use, so keep a look out for that when you are at the store. You can use regular food coloring if you prefer, you may just have to watch the thickness of your batter if you have to add a lot.

Best Halloween Pancakes

To make your homemade Halloween pancakes, you will need basic pantry ingredients such as flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. To make your Halloween pancakes extra tasty, you will need chocolate milk (yes, I said chocolate milk), butter, vanilla extract and cinnamon. And finally to get your Halloween pancakes to the perfect texture you need low fat Greek yogurt and eggs.

Halloween Colored Pancakes

This Colorfully Eerie Halloween Pancake Recipe makes 13 spooky pancakes. Lucky number 13 😉

To make 4 different color pancakes without having to make this homemade pancake recipe 4 times, you will need 4 bowls to divide up the batter. After the pancake batter was thoroughly mixed, I put approximately one cup into 4 different bowls and started adding the gel food coloring and mixing until I was happy with the colors.

Cook your pancakes low and slow, I recommend turning the griddle on to about 250 degrees, if you cook them too fast they will brown and you will lose some of that fun color. And don’t forget to rinse the ladle (if you are using one) after each color to avoid cross-color-contamination.

Tastiest Halloween Pancakes

As you can see, I added candy eyes and some sprinkles to my Halloween Pancake stack, you don’t have to, but it added another level of spooky fun.

These Colorfully Eerie Halloween Pancakes are more than just a treat, they’re an experience. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween breakfast party or enjoying a cozy morning at home, these pancakes add a touch of spooky fun to any occasion. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #FoodWineSunshine – I’d love to see your colorful masterpieces!

Easiest Halloween Pancakes

Now, here is how to make my Colorfully Eerie Halloween Pancakes, be sure to Print the recipe and Pin it so that you can make them year after year.

Halloween Pancakes
Print Recipe

Colorfully Eerie Halloween Pancakes

Make Halloween extra spooky this year with these Colorfully Eerie Halloween Pancakes. These halloween pancakes are made from scratch and spooky delicious.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time3 minutes
Total Time33 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: breakfast, halloween, homemade, pancakes
Servings: 13
Calories: 156kcal
Author: Tracy

Equipment

  • Griddle

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 ½ cups chocolate milk
  • 1 cup plain low fat greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup butter – melted and brought back to room temperature
  • green gel food coloring
  • orange gel food coloring
  • black gel food coloring
  • purple gel food coloring
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine all your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Mix well.
  • In a separate medium bowl combine all your wet ingredients: eggs, chocolate milk, greek yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk well.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well. Add small amounts of chocolate milk if needed to make the batter thinner. I used exactly 1 ½ cups of chocolate milk.
  • Divide batter into four bowls . I found the easiet way to do this was with a 1 cup measuring cup. I put approx 1 cup of pancake batter into each bowl.
  • Add gel food coloring to each bowl. Start with a small amount, you can always add more. Mix well until you have achieved desired Halloween color.
  • Heat griddle to medium-low heat, approx 250 degrees
  • Pour desired amount of batter onto the griddle, I got 2-3 pancakes per color, but it really depends on how big you make your pancakes. If you are using a ladle, be sure to do one color at a time or clean the spoon after each color.
  • Cook pancakes, approx 1 – 1 ½ minutes per side depending on the size of your pancakes
  • Enjoy with a cold glass of chocolate milk
  • HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Notes

Top with candy eyes, sprinkles and/or whipped topping for an extra special treat.

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 184IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1mg

I hope you and your family enjoy these Colorfully Eerie Halloween Pancakes as much as we do!

What is your favorite part about Halloween? The candy? The eerie eats? The costumes? The parties?

Best Colorful Halloween Pancakes

Looking for another recipe to celebrate the Fall season?

Pumpkin Apple Pie Smoothie

Pumpkin Apple Pie Smoothie

Be sure to check out Florida Milk for more dairy-licious recipes and follow on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

In fact, check out all the delicious recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow on me Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more FOOD WINE AND SUNSHINE.

Florida Prepaid College Board Promo Code

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Saving for your child’s college education is easier than you think thanks to the Florida Prepaid College Board. Use this Florida Prepaid College Board Promo Code to save on a Prepaid Plan or a 529 Savings Plan. This post is sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Plans, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.

2019 Florida Prepaid College Board Promo Code

Florida Prepaid College Board Promo Code

Are you Team WOOHOO or Team BOOHOO when the kids go back to school? I will openly admit that I a usually Team WOOHOO, but this year, summer seemed to go by way too fast. Maybe it’s because the kids are getting older and they are easier to “entertain” or maybe it’s my mommy-senses prickling because I am realizing that I don’t have many more summers with them before they head off to college.

I absolutely LOVE their ages right now. My son is 14 and we chat about just about everything. Cars, school, how our day was. You name it. When we go out as a family we can easily carry on conversations that last for more than 10 minutes. He isn’t growing up too fast, he is grown up. But sometimes I catch a glimpse of that little boy that just liked to play with matchbox cars.

My daughter is 12 going on 16, come on parents…you know what I am talking about. She talks, dresses and acts like she is 16 going on 20. And she’s 12. But sometimes I catch a glimpse of that little lady that just likes to cuddle with me on the couch.

My babies aren’t babies anymore. But they still need me to take care of them. And that’s a job that I will happily do for the rest of my life.

They may not need me to change their diapers or feed them airplane style anymore, but they need my support and unconditional love in everything they do. They count on me to point them in the right direction, they count on me to provide for them, they count on me to prepare them for the future. And the best way I know how to do that is to love them unconditionally and save for their college educations. So that when they are ready for to step out into the real world, we are too.

Being financially prepared for college is a HUGE parental responsibility. HUGE. Scary? No. In fact, it’s a fairly easy process thanks to the Florida Prepaid College Board. They actually have two incredible options to help us to save our children’s college education.

2019 Florida 529 Savings Plans Promo Code

Two Ways To Start Saving For College:

  1. Florida Prepaid College Plans
  2. Florida 529 Savings Plan

And right now, when you start saving with either option, you can save even more money. How?

  • Open a new Florida Prepaid College Plan between now through October 13th and use Florida Prepaid College Board Promo Code SAVING20 to get your Florida Prepaid College Plan application fee waived. That’s a $50 savings!
  • Open a new Florida 529 Savings Plan and set up automatic monthly contributions between now through October 13th and use Florida Prepaid College Board Promo Code SAVING20 to get $50 seeded your account.

No matter how you would like to start saving for college, you can save even more right now thanks to the Florida Prepaid College Board and the promo code SAVING20.

In fact, did you know that you can actually have both a Prepaid Plan and a 529 Savings Plan? Yes indeed! They actually work really well together. Find out more here.

2019 Florida Prepaid College Plans Promo Code

It’s our responsibility as parents to help our children achieve their biggest dreams, so start thinking about tomorrow today by looking into a college savings plan. Florida Prepaid makes it simple and affordable to get started. The enhanced Florida 529 Savings Plan offers a variety of flexible investment options with reduced fees – you can contribute what you can, when you can.

And I’m not just saying that either, I am a believer. I am a Florida Prepaid Customer. Both of my children have Florida Prepaid College Plans and I can honestly say, with my whole heart and soul, that it was the best financial decision we have ever made.

If you are ready to start saving for the future too, don’t forget to use Florida Prepaid College Board Promo Code SAVING20 to get your Florida Prepaid College Plans application fee waived and when you open a new Florida 529 Savings Plan and set up automatic monthly contributions to get $50 seeded into your Florida 529 Savings Plan account.

Florida Prepaid College Board Promo Code

Learn more about Florida Prepaid College Plans online and feel free to follow Florida Prepaid College Plans on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to stay up to date with information on open enrollment but get tips on college and more.

Be sure to follow Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more helpful tips, things to do in Florida, and family fun.

Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders with Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping Sauce

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ChooseMazola #CollectiveBias
These easy Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders with Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping Sauce are the perfect weeknight meal. Full of flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is sure to please. Best Coconut Chicken with honey sriracha lime dipping sauce

Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders

with Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping Sauce

September is Back To School month, which also means that everyone’s schedules got a little busier. September is also National Cholesterol Awareness month. So, to celebrate both, I created an easy weeknight meal idea that is absolutely delicious and has some simple swaps that you can make in the kitchen so that you feel better about serving it to your family. I made these Coconut Chicken Tenders with Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping Sauce, complete with sautéed fresh vegetables in less than 30 minutes! To make the baked coconut chicken tenders, you simply add the chicken tenders, Mazola® Corn Oil, seasoning and shredded coconut to a plastic bag, coat thoroughly, and then you bake the tenders. Told you it was easy. I like using Mazola Corn Oil because it is an all-purpose, cholesterol free cooking oil that is a smart heart-healthy* choice for your family. *See Mazola.com for more information on the relationship between corn oil and heart health. In fact, a clinical study showed Mazola Corn Oil reduces cholesterol 2x more than extra virgin olive oil. To learn more about this claim, see Mazola.com. And that’s why I used Mazola Corn Oil to coat the chicken tenders, saute my vegetables and to make my Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping Sauce. Best honey sriracha lime dipping sauce
If you follow me on Instagram, you heard that my son broke his arm at baseball tryouts a few weeks ago. His right arm. He just had surgery last week and we hope to start physical therapy this week, so I have also been making dishes that are a little easier for him to eat. When you are right handed, using a fork or spoon with your left hand is hard at first! You can be proper and eat these baked coconut chicken tenders with a fork, but I won’t tell if you use your fingers. 😉

Tastiest Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders I know I mentioned above that you only need Mazola Corn Oil, seasoning and shredded coconut to make your chicken tenders, and can you guess what you need for the Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping Sauce? You guessed it…honey, Sriracha, fresh lime juice and to keep things light, corn oil. No need for extra virgin olive oil or mayo. I already used the corn oil to coat the tenders and since corn oil has a variety of uses like in baking, grilling, sautéing, stir frying, or mixing up a marinade or dressing, it was the perfect swap in making my Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping Sauce. The sweet, spicy and citrus flavors of the dipping sauce are the perfect accompaniment to the sweetness and texture of the coconut. Best Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders
When you think of chicken tenders, you may think that the perfect side is french fries, chips or maybe even rice. Well, I went for the lighter option and sautéed fresh zucchini, squash and green beans. It was the perfect side dish. Again, simple, flavorful and delicious. Hungry yet? Perfect! Now, here is my Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders with Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping Sauce recipe. Be sure Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

Baked Coconut Chicken
Print Recipe

Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders with Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping Sauce

This Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders with Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping Sauce recipe is loaded with flavor and can be ready for your family in under 30 minutes!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time16 minutes
Course: Easy Weeknight Meal or Lunch, Lunch/Dinner
Keyword: baked, chicken, coconut, dipping sauce, fresh
Servings: 4
Author: Tracy

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Stove

Ingredients

Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders

  • 2 tbsp Mazola Corn Oil
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken tenders
  • 2 tsp your favorite seasonings I use DUST by VooDoo Chef
  • ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut

Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping Sauce

  • 1 tbsp Mazola Corn Oil
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 juice of a small lime

Instructions

Baked Coconut Chicken

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  • Add corn oil, chicken and seasonings to a gallon size ziplock bag and massage gently to coat chicken
  • Sprinkle in the shredded coconut and massage gently to coat thoroughly
  • Place chicken tenders on a non-stick baking sheet
  • Bake for 8 minutes, then flip and bake for another 8 minutes

Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping Sauce

  • Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Melt honey first if needed.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Prepare the dipping sauce and sauteed vegetables while the chicken tenders are baking.  I sauteed fresh zucchini, squash and green beans in approximately 1-2 teaspoons of corn oil and a few shakes of the same seasoning I used on the chicken tenders.

Easiest Baked Coconut Chicken

 

I hope you enjoy this Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders with Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping Sauce recipe as much as we do!

In this easy weeknight chicken recipe, I made several “swaps” that made me feel good about making this recipe for my family. I baked the coconut chicken; I didn’t fry it. I lightly coated the chicken with Mazola Corn Oil instead of using a heavier oil or even mayo. I made my dipping sauce with Mazola Corn Oil instead of olive oil or mayo. And finally, I served these baked coconut tenders with fresh veggies lightly sautéed with the corn oil. It has a variety of uses including baking, grilling, sautéing, stir frying, or mixing up a marinade or dressing. The results were delicious. Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders with Honey Sriracha Lime Dipping SauceLooking for another easy weeknight meal that is baked to perfection?Sheet Pan Oven Roasted Chicken And Vegetables
Sheet Pan Oven Roasted Chicken And Vegetables

In fact, check out all the delicious recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow on me Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more FOOD WINE AND SUNSHINE.

Top 20 Free Things To Do In Tampa

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Whether you live in Tampa or are planning a Tampa Florida vacation, you will enjoy these free things to do in Tampa. Discover free events and activities, and save your money for all the delicious local food.

Free Things To Do In Tampa

Top 20 Free Things To Do In Tampa

Tampa, Florida is the largest city in the Tampa Bay area. There are many reasons to visit this Sunshine State city, including the fact that there’s an international airport right in town. That convenience, along with the 165 parks, beaches within city limits along with these free things to do in Tampa makes Tampa a city that has everything you need. There’s no need to take a road trip to find things to do in the Tampa Bay area, since so many attractions are right in town!  Tampa is located about 30 minutes from St. Pete and about an hour from Orlando.

People visit Tampa for its sporting events, amusement parks, and animal sanctuaries. While, as a Tampa resident, I love going to all of them, I know that these attractions can be pricey, and ticket prices add up when you’re traveling with your family. To save money on your Florida vacation, or just your weekend fun add these free things to do in Tampa Bay to your schedule. Actually, whether you are vacationing in the Tampa Bay area, or if you live here in the Tampa Bay area, like me, be sure to check out these free activities in Tampa, your wallet will thank you for it.  As you know, we get our fair share of rain here in Florida, especially in the afternoon, so on this list are still things to do when it rains in Florida.

Free Events In Tampa Florida

Free Library Events

The Hillsborough County Library Cooperative has free events going on in the Tampa Bay area consistently. In fact, I have given a few presentations at several locations myself. Typically on delicious slow cooker meals. You will find events for children of all ages and adults and in all categories. You can learn how to play board games, set up your email, or learn how to prep 12 slow cooker meals in 45 minutes. The Hillsborough County Library System is bound to have a fun and free event for you to check out. And with about 30 locations throughout Tampa Bay, there is bound to be a Hillsborough County Library Branch close to you.

Free Movies in the Park

This free movie event is located at Waterworks Park, right on the Tampa Riverwalk. Bring a blanket to sit on and feel free to bring some money for the concessions and food trucks. You can also pack your own to keep this family event completely free. Be sure to check the website for the next showtime. The movie normally starts around 7 p.m. If you want to drive a little further, you can also catch free movies at Sunsets at Pier in Clearwater Beach. Sunset Cinema movie time starts at dusk and is every weekend, but always be sure to check the website before heading out.

Free Pops in the Park Concert put on by The Florida Orchestra

Free concerts by the Florida Orchestra. Yes, you read that right. Enjoy a night outside listening to the magical sounds of the Florida Orchestra. All for free! Bring a picnic basket with your favorite eats, a blanket and get ready to listen to anything from Broadway hit to your favorite movie scores at River Tower Park. Be sure to check the events calendar linked above to find the next free Pops In The Park Concert in Tampa. They do also hold Free Pops In Park Concerts in St. Pete at Vinoy Park.

Pinchasers Youth Bowling League

Kids can learn to bowl and participate in a league for free at Pinchasers. This free bowling league is designed for kids in grades k-12. They have six different age groups and three different locations, so there is bound to be one by you. This free bowling league is a great way to not only teach children how to bowl, but for them to make new friends. You can sign up anytime throughout the season and the league meets Saturday mornings at 9:00 a.m.

Fourth Friday

On the fourth Friday of every month, participating venues in Tampa host exhibits and programs in town. Typically, you’ll find art galleries, happy hours, and theatrical events. Although not all of the activities are free, it costs nothing to explore the area in search of freebies!

Your free Fourth Friday admissions bracelet also unlocks great deals at some nearby restaurants. Check out the Fourth Friday website to see which restaurants are participating.

Free Museums In Tampa

Glazer’s Children’s Museum

Grab the kids and head to this interactive free museum in Tampa.  Glazer’s Children’s Museum is all about playing with a purpose. Kids can learn and discover all while having fun for free on the first Tuesday of every month from 12-6.  Free admission is for the children and the fun adults that bring them. Location: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL.

Tampa Firefighters Museum

Head downtown to the Tampa Firefighters Museum, located next to Tampa Rescue Fire Station One. This museum tells the history of the city’s fire department, promotes fire safety, and honors those who have served in the department. Visitors can see a firetruck from 1947, firefighter gear, and tools that are commonly used on the job. The Tampa Firefighters Museum doesn’t just pay tribute to Tampa’s fire department – it recognizes firefighters everywhere!

The museum is open to visitors on Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10:00am until 2:00pm. Private events may interfere with their operating hours, so be sure to check out their calendar before planning your visit. Location: 720 Zack Street, Tampa, FL.

Tampa Police Museum

This free museum in Tampa museum celebrates the history of the police department. You will find police uniforms, famous criminals mug shots and fingerprint cards, and much more.

It is open from Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Location: 411 N. Franklin St., Tampa, FL.

Henry B. Plant Museum

This National Historic Landmark was once the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. You will find the actual furnishings enjoyed by the first guests to visit the Victorian styled railroad resort.

The Henry B. Plant Museum offers two free admission opportunities. You can visit the first Friday of every month (except in December) from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. as well as the fourth Friday of every month from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL. It is located on the University of Tampa campus.

Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center

Tampa’s Sulphur Springs neighborhood became a tourist destination in the late 1800’s due to its mineral hot springs and alligator farm. This community, which earned the nickname “Florida’s Coney Island” isn’t as popular as it used to be. However, the Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center will bring you back to the glory days of this historic neighborhood. At the museum, you’ll learn about Sulphur Springs’ rich African-American history and the natural history museum that used to operate there.

Visit this free museum in Tampa for free from Wednesday through Sunday each week. Location: 1101 E River Cove St, Tampa, FL.

Tampa Museum of Art

This modern building in Tampa is filled with many beautiful sculptures and art pieces. The Tampa Museum of Art has two Pay-As-You-Will opportunities. You get to decide what you will pay for admission, even if that amount is nothing.

Tampa Museum of Art Pay-As-You-Will admissions:

  • Art on the House – every Thursday evening from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Fourth Friday – Every fourth Friday from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL.

Yuengling Brewing Co.

Take a free, hour-long tour of a popular Tampa brewery! Yuengling Brewing Co. brings visitors through the process of brewing and preparing their beer for sale. At the end of each tour, you’ll get a chance to sample some brews at the Biergarten. Don’t pass up the opportunity to tour America’s oldest brewery!  My brother and sister-in-law took did this the last time they came to visit Tampa and really enjoyed it, what’s not to love about visiting a brewery and getting a beer for free in beautiful Tampa?!

Although visitors need to be over 21 with a valid ID to sample beer, anyone can take a tour of Yuengling Brewing Co.

Top Free Things To Do In Tampa Bay

Top Free Things To Do Outside in Tampa

Ben T. Davis Beach

The closest beach to downtown Tampa offers beautiful sunset views, calm water, and shelters for picnicking. Ben T. Davis Beach is often a traveler’s first look at Tampa’s beaches as they enter through the airport, sitting just 4 miles away from the landing strip. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, local volleyball players gather here to practice, so arrive early to catch a game!  If you are hungry, Whiskey Joe’s is right there and it has decent food and amazing views of the water.  Swimming in the ocean is definitely one of our favorite free things to do in Tampa on the weekends!

The Courtney Campbell Trail is right next to Davis Beach, making it a great spot to check out once you’re done swimming in the ocean.

Location: 7740 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, FL.

Manatee Viewing Center

Manatees are a common sight in Florida. In the winter months they try to find warmer water, which is why it is very common to lots of them between November 1st and April 15th each year at the Manatee Viewing Center.  When we went last we saw manatees, sting rays and even a shark!  You can visit the manatees in this sanctuary and learn about their annual migration to Florida. The environmental education building features informative displays on manatee habitats, renewable energy resources, and hurricane preparation. You can even feel the power of a Floridian hurricane with the Manatee Viewing Center’s hurricane simulator!

Outside of the viewing center, check out the butterfly garden and wildlife observation tower. To fully experience everything the sanctuary has to offer, be prepared to walk a mile on the premises.  This is definitely a free attraction in Tampa Bay that can keep you busy for most of the day.

Location: 6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL

Bayshore Boulevard

Bayshore Boulevard isn’t a flashy attraction by any means. At first glance, it’s an ordinary sidewalk designed for skates, bikes, and leisurely walks. What isn’t immediately noticeable, however, is the fact that Bayshore Boulevard is the world’s largest continuous sidewalk. The 10-foot-wide path is about 4.5 miles long, and there’s plenty to see along the way. Walk the entire trail to see a pirate’s ship, the Tampa skyline, and Hillsborough Bay!

If the long walk isn’t enough of a challenge, you can find fitness stations scattered across Bayshore Boulevard. There are also benches along the trail for those who need to take a break.

Curtis Hixon Park

This beautiful park is located in downtown Tampa kids and adults love the area. You will find a free splash pad for the kids and plenty of places for you to sit and relax. You are also not far from Glazer Children’s Museum, so if you go on a Tuesday, don’t forget to add that free spot to your agenda!

Location: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL. The park is open from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily.

Best Free Things To Do In Tampa Bay

Tampa Riverwalk

The waterfront in downtown Tampa is lined with fun activities and sights. Tourists can take a self-guided public art tour on a 2.4-mile path, or they can opt for a stroll down the Monument Trail. Kids will love the playgrounds and splash pads, too!  Here you will find fun spots such as Ulele, Armature Works, and the Straz Center for Performing Arts. Walking the Tampa Riverwalk is one of my family’s favorite things to do for free in Tampa, especially before a show at the Straz or after dinner at Ulele or Armature.  Keep a look out for river dolphins!

The Tampa Riverwalk is also home to festivals and celebrations, like Riverfest and the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade.

Oaklawn Cemetery Self Guided Walking Tour

If you enjoy history and maybe a few ghost stories, then you will explore Tampa’s first public burial ground. It was deeded in the mid-19th century and was described as the final resting place for “White and Slave, Rich and Poor”. There are various monuments inside as well as the final resting place for many people of historical prominence. You can find the full walking tour as well as all the haunting spots along the way here.

Location: 606 E Harrison St, Tampa, FL. The cemetery hours are 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Courtney Campbell Trail

The Courtney Campbell Trail sits near a scenic highway with the same name. Pedestrians and bicyclists can travel along the southern side of the causeway for 9.5 miles. Start on the Tampa side of the trail, which stretches for 5.5 miles and includes a bridge. The remaining 4 miles will bring you to Clearwater. Locals and tourists treasure this trail for its water and wildlife views, along with the nearby beaches and fishing spots.

Free Things To Do In Tampa Bay

Ybor City

Ybor City is one of Tampa’s most vibrant neighborhoods, and it’s the only community on the west coast of Florida to be named a National Historic Landmark District. Here, you’ll find a 12,000-square-foot mural, several art galleries, and nightlife venues. It’s hard to believe that the neighborhood was nearly abandoned before it was revived as an art district. Now, as the neighborhood boasts, “there’s so much more to explore in Ybor!”

Be sure to ride the TECO Streetcar for free while you are there too.  It looks like an old-fashioned streetcar and will take you on a journey through Tampa. You can catch one about every 15 minutes at the designated areas, and if you are lucky you may even catch an on-board concert. On the route you will see lots of great monuments, memorials and play parks. You can also get off at Sparkman Wharf and The Florida Aquarium along the way.  We love walking around Sparkman Wharf, you can usually find free live music there on the weekends too, while the food and drinks can be a tab pricey, it doesn’t cost a thing to enjoy the music, colorfully decorated buildings and enjoy the water view.

Best Free Things To Do In Tampa

Florida is full of beautiful cities, and Tampa should be at the top of your Floridian travel bucket list. Whether you’ve saved up for your trip or you’re short on funds, there are activities for tourists and locals on any budget. It’s almost impossible to see everything this city has to offer, even if you live here, but thankfully you can see quite a bit of it for free!

Looking for things to do in Tampa with kids?  I got you covered!  Check out the best things to do with kids in Tampa.

What one of your favorite fun free things to do in Tampa Bay? Be sure to comment with them below so that I can get them added to my list.

Top Free Things To Do In Tampa | Whether you live in Tampa or are planning a Tampa Florida vacation, you will enjoy these free things to do in Tampa. Discover free events and activities, and save your money for all the delicious local food. Read more travel tips, traveling on a budget, travel destinations and more on foodwinesunshine.com

Looking to do some more traveling around Florida?

Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale

Top Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale

Looking to travel beyond Florida?

Top Free Things to Do in Memphis

Best Free Things to Do in Memphis

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5 Different Types Of Yoga

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There are several different types of yoga, and each style has it’s own techniques. However, no matter what type of yoga you do, it will benefit your mind, body and soul.
Different Types Of Yoga

5 Different Types Of Yoga

The art of yoga has been practiced for centuries.  The benefits of yoga extend past flexibility, and include being great for your whole body (inside and out) and your mind.  Did you know that yoga actually encompasses a variety of styles?  I didn’t until just recently!  And each different type of yoga style has distinct differences and each will vary according to what is the goal is for that particular the class. So if you are just learning about yoga or interested in trying a yoga class, it’s best to know the style choices before walking into the yoga studio. A beginner yoga student can definitely be overwhelmed by the style choices presented when choosing a class, so I wanted to share some popular types of yoga to help you become a little more familiar. Having an overview on the most common forms of yoga is an excellent way to get an idea of the type of yoga that suits you and your goals.

Different Styles Of Yoga

Different Types Of Yoga

Ashtanga or Power Yoga

Power Yoga is the most commonly taught form of yoga practice, which explains why I have about 3 Power Yoga Studios within 10 miles of my house! This style includes a series of poses that are repeated in a particular order during the class. The poses are changed rapidly and the forms flow into one another. This type of class is quite physically demanding as there is no real rest between forms. Ashtanga yoga is primarily a physical class although breathing and meditation exercise are incorporated at the end of the forms.

Iyengar Yoga

This type of yoga is a style that is concerned primarily with body alignment. These classes incorporate objects like blocks, straps or yoga blankets to help align a body for a particular pose. The poses are held for much longer periods of time than in the Ashtanga style. Breathing and meditation are a larger part of Iyengar yoga classes. This style of yoga is hugely popular all over the world and its instructors have the one of the highest levels of education.

Kali Ray Triyoga

Kali Ray Triyoga incorporates the flowing forms that are common to Ashtanga yoga and the meditative practices of several other styles. This style combines posture, focus and breath control to create a program that is systematized by level. This type of yoga allows a student to work at a level that he or she chooses. The poses can be tremendously challenging or can be modified for students with physical difficulties. Kali Ray Triyoga is popular with both elderly students and the very young due to its flexible styling.

Viniyoga

In this type of yoga allows a yogi or yoga instructor to work with one student at a time. This individual attention requires the instructor to create a personalized program for each student. The yoga class is designed to benefit a student because it is tailored for her/him alone. Private classes are usually more expensive than group classes, so Viniyoga is not as widely practiced as some of the other styles.

Kripalu Yoga

Kripalu Yoga is similar to Viniyoga in that it is tailored to individual students. This yoga style allows the student to work according to their own body’s limits. Emphasis is placed on body alignment, proper breath and then coordinating the breathing with the movements. Kripalu yoga is practiced in classes of several students, but each student moves at an individual pace. These courses are divided into stages, the first stage allows the student time to learn the pose and body alignment and the second stage emphasizes holding each pose for an extended period of time.

Common Types Of Yoga

Although yoga styles vary, the essence of yoga resides in each style equally. No matter which style you choose, yoga has been proven to be a beneficial addition to your overall health.

 

What different types of yoga do you practice?  Which style of yoga is your favorite?

Popular Types of Yoga

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Visit Innisbrook Resort & Indulge in Luxury

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Innisbrook Resort is not only a world class golf resort, but it has a luxury spa and fine dining experiences that are all open to the public. Visit Innisbrook Resort and indulge in a little bit of luxury. While I was hosted on this visit to Innisbrook, all opinions are my own.

Things to do at Innisbrook Resort

Visit Innisbrook Resort & Indulge in Luxury

Innisbrook Resort is situated on the legendary west coast of central Florida, located not far from Tampa Bay area in Palm Harbor, Florida. Innisbrook is on 900 wooded acres to offer guests a relaxing natural setting in a way that can only be found here in Florida.

When you think of Innisbrook Resort, you probably think of world-class golf courses and when the PGA TOUR visits Innisbrook for the Valspar Championship. Well, you wouldn’t be wrong in thinking that. Innisbrook is home to four incredible golf courses, including the infamous Copperhead course. As an Innisbrook Resort guest, you can indeed play golf where the professionals play and you can also practice on the driving range or even take golf lessons with one of their talented golf instructors. Even if you decide not to stay at the resort, you can enjoy the golf courses at Innisbrook, as the resort is open to the public.

Why Visit Innisbrook Resort

When my husband and I visit Innisbrook Resort, it’s not actually for the golf. GASP. I know. But there are so many things to do at Innisbrook other than golf! And our favorite thing to do is to indulge in a little bit of luxury.

Innisbrook Resort Salamander Spa

Nestled on the Innisbrook pristine grounds is the Salamander Spa. The Salamander Spa is also open to the public, so you don’t have to be staying on the property to enjoy a day of pampering and relaxation. The Salamander Spa located at Innsibrook Resort is 12,000 square feet of pure bliss. You can take a yoga class to enrich your body and mind, then spend the day taking care of yourself by allowing yourself to relax at the spa. The Salamander Spa here in Tampa Bay offers spa packages as well as services and treatments. They even have a salon. My husband and I usually get the Couple’s Ritual Massage which takes place in a beautiful massage room that has a fireplace, fresh flowers, dimmed lighting, relaxing music and adjustable massage tables to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.

Innisbrook Resort Spa Services

After our massage we usually sit and enjoy a glass of wine and a snack or lunch together on the beautiful grounds outside, or if it’s too hot, we will sit inside and enjoy the view. The spa offers a light menu so that you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to. And you won’t! Once we enjoy lunch we head back to our separate lounge areas that offer steam rooms, comfortable seating to sit back and enjoy a book, bathrooms, showers and everything else you want need. The staff is impeccable as well, if you need something, simply ask and they will do everything they can to assist. See what I mean by luxury? I told you!

Innisbrook Resort Spa

We loved our visit to Innisbrook Resort, we stayed for two nights, I love being able to wake up and enjoy the day there! We were able to sleep in, have breakfast and then head to the spa for the day. After the spa we headed back to our newly remodeled room to get ready for dinner. Yes, newly remodeled.

Innisbrook Resort Guest Rooms

Innisbrook Resort wanted to make sure they were giving guests the best experience possible so they transforming the interiors of its guest accommodations to feature an appealing and modern look. Each spacious suite is being completely refreshed to receive all new furniture, furnishings, flooring, stainless-steel appliances, quartz counters, cabinets, lighting, draperies and other decor.

Guest Rooms at Innisbrook Resort

Everything should be completed in late 2019, but there are some done now so don’t delay your trip. I gave you all a live walking tour of the rooms on Instagram, if you missed it, you can still see it in my Highlights under Florida. And, of course, I took pictures.

Rooms at Innisbrook Resort

Dining at Packard’s Steakhouse is not simply going somewhere to eat, it’s a fine dining experience. I worked in the restaurant industry for years and it’s not all that common to see the same friendly faces year after year in the same restaurant. But that is exactly what you will find at Packard’s Steakhouse at Innisbrook Resort. You know that if the staff is happy there, it is well run and will have exceptional food. Packard’s Steakhouse is also open to the public, so you don’t have to be a resort guest, resident, or a club member to enjoy this dining experience.

Best eats at Packard's Steakhouse Innisbrook Resort

The food is absolutely incredible. I really don’t know how else to describe it. You must try it. I have had the seafood and the steak. The blackened grouper is so full of flavor you will find it hard to put your fork down, in fact I don’t think I did. The crab cakes are loaded with crab, not fillers, and the spices used are just perfection. The bacon wrapped BBQ shrimp is a signature menu item and with just one bite, you will know why. Crispy bacon wrapped around succulent shrimp, then lightly coated in barbecue sauce. Speaking of signature dishes, do not leave Packard’s Steakhouse without trying the Kona Crusted Lamb Chops, they basically melt in your mouth. And let them, so you can savor all the flavors of the Kona rub and that heavenly balsamic reduction. And it wouldn’t be called a Steakhouse if the steak wasn’t worthy of that title. Packard’s Steakhouse serves only the finest aged premium beef steaks. I recommend the Prime New York Strip. While, I love filet mignon, the flavors of the NY Strip are exactly what you want when you cut into a steak.

Packard's Steakhouse at Innisbrook Resort

Now, you know that I appreciate a good glass of wine. And when dining at Packard’s Steakhouse and enjoying an exquisite meal, you need a wine that is also exquisite. The wine list at Packard’s Steakhouse will not disappoint. From the moment you walk in you see a beautiful wine display, yes, I said beautiful, I think wine is beautiful 😉 Some of the wines that immediately caught my eye are Caymus Vineyards, PlumpJack, Joseph Phelps and Far Niente. Just thinking about them can make my mouth water. If you are enjoying a steak for dinner, I recommend a nice Cabernet Sauvignon for your pairing. They serve wines from all over the world, but if you aren’t a wine lover, you will be happy to know that they have an excellent beer and spirits selection.

For dessert, if you actually have room left to eat anything else, I recommend the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee with a glass of Cognac for your after dinner cocktail. Then sit back and enjoy the moment. Enjoy the experience. Enjoy who you are with. My husband and I used that time and dinner talk about all the things we didn’t get a chance do that week. Life is busy, time seems to just disappear. Get it back while you dine at Packard’s Steakhouse. Let the staff take care of you, let the chef cook for you, the only thing you have to do is enjoy.

Luxury. From the world-class golf courses, to the luxurious spa, to the newly remodeled rooms, to the dining experience like no other, Innisbrook Resort offers you luxury. All you have to do is come to Tampa Bay to get it. Innisbrook Resort is open to the public, come and appreciate the luxury. Affordable luxury. Florida luxury. Get it all when you visit Innisbrook Resort.

Visit Innisbrook Resort Tampa Bay

About Innisbrook, a Salamander Resort

Operated by Salamander Hotels & Resorts and owned by Sheila C. Johnson, Innisbrook is situated on 900 wooded acres of rolling hills in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and is located just 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport. The resort features 72 holes of championship golf, spacious condo-style guest suites and rooms, four restaurants and three bars, the Innisbrook Golf Institute, 11 tennis courts, the Salamander Spa and state-of-the-art Fitness Center, six heated swimming pool complexes, a nature preserve, and three conference halls with 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. Part of the Salamander Golf Collection, Innisbrook hosts the annual Valspar Championship at its famed Copperhead Course. For additional information call 727.942.2000 or visit www.InnisbrookGolfResort.com

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