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Tampa Bay's Tailgate Taste Fest 2022

Another amazing year has gone by for the Tampa Bay's Tailgate Taste Fest. I had the honor of being a judge for the 3rd year in a row and the event was amazing as always.



Never been to the Tampa Bay's Tailgate Taste Fest? It is A FREE, family-friendly event at Tampa's Curtis Hixon Park, Tailgate Taste Fest’s robust schedule includes activities for the casual event-goer and the ultimate sports fan alike. Entertainment consists of a food competition with local restaurants serving up the most delicious tailgate foods Tampa has to offer (which I had the fun of judging), live music from local bands, a competitive corn hole tournament and, of course, live action from the day’s most exciting college football games shown on huge LED video screens throughout the day!



Everyone was dressed in there sports attire and chowing down all of the amazing tailgate food. It was so fun seeing all of the different fans of all the teams getting along and having a great time with some beers, great music and fun times.



For this fun event you have the option of buying a VIT ticket (Very Important Tailgater) wristband. Your wristband includes:


  • Access to the VIT tent, with prime viewing of the main stage and LED screens

  • Unlimited tailgate snacks within the VIT tent courtesy of The Orenda Collective

  • Unlimited soda, water, beer, wine and liquor within the VIT tent

  • One (1) sample from each of the participating restaurants

  • Comfortable, upscale seating and dining accommodations within the VIT tent


Definitely worth the upgrade!


I tried so many amazing dishes from all of the participating restaurants it was hard to select a favorite dish! We had three categories for judging: Meat Dish, Side Dish and Dessert.




Restaurants that participated this year:


Diggy Dogs, Fuzzy's Taco Shop, American Social, Livy O's, Chez Shay's Sweets, New York New York Pizza, Odd Fellows, Jotoro, Spitsville, The Pub, Oronzo's, Bavaro's and Taste (Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown).





Don't worry if you missed this years event. Stay tuned to my feed for next years event date. You will definitely want to mark that on your calendar! Also give Tampa Bay's Tailgate Taste Fest instagram a follow and stay up to date on all of there upcoming news!








Margaritaville at Sea Cruise

Come with me on a fun cruise to the Bahamas on Margaritaville at Sea!



I was so excited when Margaritaville at Sea reached out to me to host me to check out their new cruise! The cruise departs from Port of Palm Beach and was such an easy process to check-in. You are able to add upgrades at the port like the JWB Steakhouse, excursions in the Bahamas, Drink packages and so much more so once you get on the ship you don't have to worry about anything but a cold drink in your hand and the sun on your face.




If you are a Jimmy Buffett fan you will not be disappointed. There is a Margaritaville theme everywhere across the ship and fun music with live performances that will get you all ready for your vacation!



We decided to upgrade to the boat drink package which includes 10 drinks for your cruise. You can also do upgrades like a fun drink cup (I got the shark and named him Bruce haha) or the classic booze in a blender cup and you can use your drink package for refills.




Now for our room..I loved our ocean view room! It had a fun tropical vibe and was a good amount of space for two people. All of the rooms are an elevator or stairway away from all the floors to enjoy the entertainment and restaurants/bars.



While on the boat we dined at so many tasty spots. First off was the Port of Indecision Buffet. Cruiser tip: Make sure to go to the homemade pasta station! You can make your pasta how ever you like and it was so delicious and fresh. You have options from fresh salads, sandwiches, desserts and so much more.



The first night we dined at Fins Dining and we had a lovely meal! Everything from shrimp cocktail, caprese salad to ginger glazed salmon for our entrée. You are also offered a wine sommelier when you dine. They can help you figure out the best wine to pair with your delicious meal!



The last night we upgraded and dined at JWB Steakhouse and it was well worth it! We feasted on everything from deviled eggs, french onion soup (one of the best I have ever had), center cut filet, banana cream pie and decadent chocolate cake. Wow! Everything was so delicious. Also the service was impeccable. Everyone was friendly and made you feel right at home.



As for entertainment you have such a large variety to choose from. One night there was karaoke, an adult comedian, live bands at every corner of the ship, dancing and my favorite was the Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy's ship show. It was so fun singing along with all my favorite Jimmy Buffett songs!




For excursions once you get to the Bahamas they have alot to choose from. You can spend the day at some fun resorts and use their amenities, swim with dolphins or swim with the pigs. Yup you guessed it... I chose swimming with the pigs. It has been on my bucket list for awhile now and it did not disappoint.



You get an up-close encounter with the pigs and piglets (baby pigs) everything from swimming, feeding them apples and a fun photo opportunity at the end to get your favorite memories on camera. It was such an amazing experience.




There is also a beautiful beach and bar/restaurant at the excursion so you can relax, swim in the crystal blue water or enjoy some yummy local cuisine.


Honestly the cruise was so fun. I would definitely go back and recommend to friends and family. If you are a first time cruiser or just wanted to get away for a few days it is definitely worth the amazing price. Best part is if you want to cruise and stay you can! What does that mean? You can cruise to the Bahamas and then stay at one of the resorts for a few days and take another boat back. Margaritaville at Sea offers 4 and 6 night all-inclusive getaway packages, inviting you to combine a fun 2-night cruise with a luxurious resort stay in Grand Bahama. It’s like two vacations in one!


Another thing I love about Margaritaville at Sea is active and veteran military, first responders, law enforcement officers and educators sail for FREE. You read that right! You can claim your free cruise HERE.


I forgot how much I missed taking a cruise! I highly recommend checking Margaritaville at Sea out so you can have your own island parrot head vacation. Grab your favorite flip flops , your favorite people and have a fintastic cruise!







Caribe Royale Orlando Staycation


A few weeks ago I had the best stay at Caribe Royale Orlando.



As most of my followers know I frequent Orlando, Florida alot for highlighting different fun activities, resorts, theme parks and food. When Caribe Royale Orlando reached out to me to come check them out I was very excited!




The stunning resort is located on 53 tropical acres and features renovated suites, a gorgeous lobby and my favorite the Barcardi Rum Bar. They have three restaurants, two lounges, a poolside bar and grille, also a state-of-the-art fitness center, boutique spa, beautiful swimming pool with waterfall and waterslide, tennis/basketball court and bicycle rental.



The rooms were so pretty! We had a spacious one bedroom suite which was alot of room for the two of us! The suite had its own separate living room with a queen-size sofa bed, 55” wall mounted high-definition television, Keurig® coffee maker, mini refrigerator, microwave and workstation. Everything you need right in your room for your stay!




We also were able to order room service for breakfast right to our room if we wanted to every morning. Definitely get the Avocado Toast and make sure to pair with one of their yummy mimosas!




Honestly one of my favorite parts of Caribe Royale Orlando is the multiple resort dining options which means you don't ever have to leave the resort. What is better then that!



My top dining pick is The Venetian Chop House. The upscale steakhouse combined with a celebration of Italian cuisine that sets the highest standard for fine dining in Orlando, FL. Signature Venetian cuts are offered and innovative takes on classic dishes are paired with a delicious selection of wines. We indulged in a tasty Italian Red Blend picked by the friendly staff and tried numerous dishes. My favorite was the Ora King Salmon blackened with okinawa blue potato and lemon beurre blanc. Honestly everything we had on the menu was amazing!




On the second night of our stay we had a rum tasting set-up for us with a sampling of some of the top menu items at the Rum Bar. The Rum Bar is centered around an extensive selection of Bacardí® Rum and so many different rums I have never experienced before. It is the perfect spot to try your hand at a game of dominoes, or just relax, sip, snack, and dance the night away. Make sure to sign up for their newsletter or give Caribe Royale Orlando a follow on social media to stay in the know for their rum tastings, dinners and more!




My overall stay was a great one and definitely wont be my last. I love that the resort is right by all of the theme parks and fun of Orlando but also all the fun is at the resort! So you have the choice to never leave or add on to your fun vacation with outside activities. I can't wait for another visit, hopefully in the winter during all the holiday festivities in Orlando.



Book your vacation HERE.






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