Hyde Park, Tampa

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Hyde Park Village

Perhaps my favorite memories of Tampa are from the time we spent exploring Hyde Park Village and its surrounding historic residential area as evening transitioned into night. Hyde Park Village is a collection of restaurants and high-end shops housed in brick buildings that fan out from a central square. Even the free parking garages are designed to blend in with the buildings so as not to be eyesores. Subtropical trees, an elegant fountain, and a red English phone booth are among the accents that add to the ambiance of this quaint district.

After checking out a few shops, our attention turned to walking itself as we began to amble down the street. The brick buildings give way to stately, restored homes accented with lush, subtropical foliage and wide front porches. Hyde Park is a special place in the city with an atmosphere that feels warm, inviting, and safe. We followed the street for several blocks, eventually reaching Bayshore Blvd. and a view of Hillsborough Bay before turning around.

By the time we returned to the village, the sky was a darkening shade of blue and the streetlights were aglow, further enhancing the atmosphere. We found a frozen custard shop in the village and stopped in for a cool treat to cap off the day. Then, under the cover of trees and dark skies, we walked back across the lighted buildings of the village shops and restaurants to our car. We drove back over to Bayshore and head toward Tampa’s now seemingly more majestic skyline of skyscrapers illuminated with office lights and neon accent lighting. While our time in Tampa had a few setbacks, a twilight stroll through Hyde Park was the perfect antidote.

hyde park is a beautiful old neighborhood just west of downtown tampa. for those interested in architecture there are many old homes in this area in a variety of architectual styles. also located in hyde park is the old hyde park shopping complex, (see my shopping tip for info). pictured is one of many beautiful homes in hyde park.

Hyde Park is a trendy/classy neighborhood in South Tampa. Stretching southward from the mouth of the Hillsborough River down the east side of the Interbay Peninsula, Hyde Park has several things to offer. From shops to theaters to restuarants and lounges. Take an evening stroll though the mall area and enjoy a very pleasant atmosphere.