A TRIP THROUGH TIME

from Bay Magazine August 2023

Social calendar

From Bay Editor Susan Taylor Martin

While browsing through an antiques mall recently, I came across a 1946 issue of Life magazine. It featured a story about people who lived in New York’s legendary Plaza hotel.

Over the years, the story said, about 40 percent of the Plaza’s 1,056 rooms were occupied by permanent or semipermanent residents, many of the prominent people who came from other cities for New York’s social season. The presence of wealthy widows — some sharing quarters with their dogs — gave rise to the expression “39 widows of the Plaza.” At a time when the cheapest room was $6 a night, they spent up to $30,000 a year for a suite or apartment.

Rich people still live at the Plaza and other grand hotels. Not many of us could afford that, but who doesn’t like to stay at a nice hotel every now and then? In this issue we take you to three of Tampa Bay’s newest hotels, where you can enjoy a staycation close to restaurants and other amenities. And we check out the spa, high tea and history tour at St. Petersburg’s newly renovated Vinoy.

If you do get out of town and travel up I-75, consider a stopover in Macon, a charming Georgia city with a rich music history. We visited the Capricorn Museum and the Otis Redding Museum, the latter of which had special meaning for me. While in college in 1967 I worked as a DJ at the campus radio station and was on duty the morning news broke that he had died in a plane crash. I immediately put on his classic “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay,” but until visiting the museum I didn’t realize what a truly great artist — and person — he was. Proceeds from the museum support music education.

▲ 28 FASHION

Embrace midsummer style with a variety of fall-forward looks.

52 Collecting

Yes, it’s 2023, but a new movie has renewed interest in Barbie, who was introduced in 1959.

44 Travel

There is a lot to see and do in Macon, “the heart of Georgia.”

▲ 10 FOOD

Enjoy Michelin-starred dining at Rocca, Koya and Lilac in Tampa.

16 Faces

Meyer Davis’ Will Meyer reflects on Ritz-Carlton Residences and other jobs.

20 Hospitality

The bay area has become a luxury hotel haven. Ready to plan your staycation?

56 Shopping

Hurricane season is here. Freshen up your preparedness kit with some practical, colorful products.

60 Pampering

At the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, a renovated spa, high tea and history tour delight.

64 Social

Ty Specialis Ts

EDITOR

Susan Taylor Martin smartin@tampabay.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Nikki Life nlife@tampabay.com

COPY EDITOR Dawn Cate

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER

Brian James, brian@brianjamesgallery.com

Bay is published eight times a year by Times Publishing Co. and delivered to Tampa Bay Times subscribers in select neighborhoods in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

Chairman & CEO Conan Gallaty

Editor & Vice President Mark Katches

Assistant Managing Editor/Features, Visuals & Production Ellen E. Clarke