Joanna Garcia’s Tampa, Fla

BEST

HOTEL

“Hotel Haya is one of the most exciting additions to the Tampa area. Every detail is infused with the spirit of our magnificent city and especially Ybor City (a National Historic Landmark District). It’s a gorgeous celebration of our history, brought to life by local artisans.” The Straz Center is a Tampa treasure. “ It brings back so many amazing memories. As a kid, I remember falling in love with performing there and feeling so lucky we had such an impressive theater.”

— JOANNA GARCIA SWISHER

JOANNA GARCIA SWISHER’S

Tampa, Fla.

Actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher, known for her work on Reba, Once Upon a Time and Sweet Magnolias, stars in this spring’s As Luck Would Have It, a Hallmark rom-com set in Ireland. Born and raised in Tampa, she still chooses it as her home, which she shares with her husband, retired pro baseball player Nick Swisher, and their two daughters. “Tampa is a big city with all the amenities, but somehow it hasn’t lost the small-town vibe that makes it feel like home,” she says.

— JENNIFER BRADLEY FRANKLIN

BEST

BOUTIQUE

“I’m always making an excuse to pop by Penelope T Boutique. They carry all of my favorite brands, and shopping there always feels like ‘girl time.’”

BEST PLACE FOR

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

“Tampa is such a kidfriendly city. The Glazer

Children’s Museum

and the aquarium are a must. And we often visit ZooTampa at Lowry Park to feed the giraffe and ride on the carousel.”

BEST PLACE FOR

BRUNCH

“Brunch with my girlfriends at Oxford Exchange is always something I look forward to. It’s a stunning space with great food and drinks with gorgeous books and treasures to shop.”

BEST

DINNER SPOT

“Bern’s is a world-renowned steakhouse that will blow your mind. You don’t want to miss finishing the evening off in the (Harry Waugh) dessert room with some macadamia nut ice cream.”