By Jamie Lu
Seminole Heights is a historic district in central Tampa characterized by its 20th century bungalow homes. Full of cafes, restaurants and eclectic shops, Seminole Heights ranks among America’s best places to spend a slow Sunday, according to www.calgary.com.
The neighborhood was established in the 1910s through the work of pioneer real estate developer T. Roy Young. Over time, the area grew in popularity and size, with the Sulphur Springs Traction Line connecting the suburbs to downtown Tampa.
Today, Seminole Heights is bounded on the west by Florida Avenue, on the north by Hanna Avenue, on the east by Interstate 275 and on the south by Osborne Avenue. It is separated into three neighborhoods: Old Seminole Heights, South Seminole Heights and Southeast Seminole Heights. The district is flourishing with places to dine and shop while still maintaining its old-timey charm. The streets are paved with brick and lined by palm and shady oak trees. Calgary.com says, “Daily life there feels easier, slower, and more connected.”
Visitors of Seminole Heights can admire the low-pitched roofs and wide front porches of the neighborhood’s colorful bungalows, best suited for Tampa’s subtropical climate. Some of these buildings are part of the United States National Register and the local Tampa Historic District, meaning they will be preserved for generations to come. Visitors can also stop by food spots like Bo’s Ice Cream, a locally-owned staple of the community since 1954, Front Porch Grille, a restaurant located in a 1898 Victorian house or The Rooster and the Till, a 4x Michelin Bib Gourmand Award Recipient.
The Seminole Sunday Market, which takes place every second Sunday of the month, is one of the more popular events hosted by the district. Visitors can spend time listening to live music while perusing the stalls of over 70 local vendors of goods ranging from fresh produce to artisanal crafts.
And as the afternoon fades away, the vibrant nightlife of the neighborhood comes alive. Those interested in the Heights’ diverse brewery and distillery scene can visit 82ºW Distilling — the first craft distillery built in Tampa’s city limits — or Angry Chair Brewing, popular for its unique atmosphere and creative stouts.
The Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association, the South Seminole Heights Civic Association and the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association work to keep the community of Seminole Heights active, informed and close-knit. This sense of solidarity is what helped Seminole Heights preserve its historic beauty against the encroachment of highway infrastructure in the 1960s and the 1980s.
The civic groups post information on their websites about events hosted by local businesses as well as volunteer opportunities. To learn more, visit https://seseminoleheights.com/, www.sshca.org or www.oldseminoleheights.org.
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