Upper Tampa Bay - Tampa, FL

The Upper Tampa Bay Park area remained largely unsettled until R.E. Olds established the nearby town of Oldsmar in 1913. As the small town grew, the surrounding areas remained rural until the development of Westchase in 1991. As the population in the deed-restricted community grew, businesses set up along Hillsborough Avenue to accommodate demands for nearby shopping and restaurants.

A short trip to downtown Tampa opens up several museums to locals. The Tampa Museum of Art displays a permanent collection and traveling exhibits in a wide array of art forms. The museum presents lectures and classes for adults and children. Admission costs $10 for adults, but it gives discounts to students and seniors.

Special festivals in the area include Oldsmar Days. This annual celebration takes place each March in downtown Oldsmar. Featuring a parade of historic Oldsmobile cars, the multi-day event also hosts craft vendors, food booths, music and family friendly competitions.

When it comes to restaurants, expect diverse options in Upper Tampa Bay Park. Chain restaurants and local shops flavor the scene along Hillsborough Avenue.

While the Cuban sandwich originated in nearby Ybor City, don't worry about traveling far to find a good one. Try the world-famous treat and other island cuisine at Cuban Breezes. The menu includes a Miami-style Cuban with ham, shredded pork, cheese, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread. Variations include the media noche, which replaces the Cuban bread with a sweet bread for a late-night flavor. The restaurant serves other dishes revolving around the Cuban staples of chicken, pork and rice. For a fan favorite, try the fricase de pollo. Shredded chicken, diced potatoes and a tomato-based sauce top your choice of white or yellow rice. Wash it all down with authentic Cuban sodas such as Materva, Ironbeer and Jupina. Save room for dessert because its guava and cream cheese empanada enjoys rave reviews.

Enjoy ethnic treats from India at Dosa Hut. This shop blends selections from north and south India to deliver a comprehensive selection of vegetarian options. Most items start with dosa, a traditional Indian breakfast pancake with no sugar or gluten. Traditional favorites include the plain dosa of rice and lentil, while local favorite such as the utappam add green and red bell peppers, onion and cilantro.

Those hungry for traditional American foods can head to Charann's Tavern. This spot features classics ranging from hot wings to burgers, but it serves up a few surprises along the way. The broccoli cheddar bites mix up the appetizer menu, while the fried bologna sandwich presents an option typically not found on restaurant menus. For a house specialty, consider ordering Charlie's special. This grilled cheese on rye bread adds tomatoes, onions and peppers for a hearty dish. Stick around for trivia and happy hour specials Monday through Friday and all day Sunday.

The nightlife scene heats up along Bay Street at nearby International Plaza with a selection of upscale bars and restaurants. Closer to home, experience the lively atmosphere at Round Up. This country bar features live performances and lots of line dancing. Those who could use some work on their moves can check out the free dance lessons in the evenings.

Most Upper Tampa Bay residents get around by car, which readily available free parking makes convenient and easy. Hillsborough Avenue serves as the main route through the area, providing easy access to the Veterans Expressway. The toll road connects to I-275 and the Howard Frankland Bridge, putting both Tampa and St. Petersburg within easy reach.

Taxis do not patrol the area to pick up fares. However, residents can contact cab companies directly for pickup service. Both Uber and Lyft also provide service to the area.

Hillsborough Area Rapid Transit provides bus service along Hillsborough Avenue to downtown Tampa. Residents rarely commute by bicycle because few area roads have separate bicycle lanes.

Sitting on the line between Hillsborough County and Pinellas County, Upper Tampa Bay Park residents enjoy nearby parks in both areas.

Those who play team sports often head to the Ed Radice Sports Complex. Covering 138 acres, this park hosts leagues and tournaments at five baseball, five softball and nine soccer fields. Lights provide nightly illumination on all but one of the soccer fields. The expansive facility provides restrooms at each field, covered seating at all the baseball fields and bleachers at all the softball fields as well as the championship soccer field. Cross country and football fields also practice on the grounds at Ed Radice with occasional cross country meets held there. The park accommodates large crowds with 850 spaces and overflow parking. The Keystone Little League and North Tampa Leaguerettes girls softball league both play games at the park, and it hosts the Tampa Bay United Soccer Club.

Enjoy all that Old Tampa Bay provides at Philippe Park. Sitting along a 1-mile stretch of shoreline, this area features two playgrounds, a rock climbing park and a softball field. Wide open spaces and walking paths provide opportunities for exercise. Pinellas County charges fees for using the boat ramp and reserving the picnic shelters with grills, but the other facilities remain free for all.

Bring the pets along to Logan Gate Dog Park. The facility contains separate enclosed areas for large and small dogs. Both provide benches and water fountains for dogs and people as well as dog washes. Hillsborough county does not charge admission for people or pets.

Known for upscale living, residents of Upper Tampa Bay Park pay for the privilege with a higher overall cost of living compared to the Tampa area in general. Single bedrooms rent at an average of $1,075 per month, approximately 27 percent higher than the metro Tampa area average. Gas prices typically fall 5 percent below the national average, providing some relief.

Rides on Hillsborough Area Rapid Transit buses cost $2 each way. Tolls along the nearby Veterans Expressway vary depending on distance traveled. When heading out for a night on the town, expect to pay $4 for a beer.

Find upscale shopping and great bargains right around the corner in Upper Tampa Bay Park. Enjoy luxury shopping at well known national stores such as Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus at International Plaza. Discount chains and other big box stores line Hillsborough Avenue. Those seeking smaller boutique shops can head to Linebaugh Avenue. Explore the clothing, jewelry and accessories available at Simply Elegant by Design Boutique. This family-owned business fills the shelves with nationally known designers such as Vera Bradley and Jude Connally. A selection of local clothing and jewelry designers enhance the inventory mix. Explore the stylings of Tees by Tina, created in nearby Odessa, or the Switch Flop footwear designed by Lindsay Phillips in Clearwater. The shop opens seven days a week, employing staff that work to keep a fun atmosphere for shoppers.

Search for bargains on brand name fashions at Couture Designer Resale Boutique. Instead of paying top dollar for brand new items, save some cash with the lightly used selection available here. Catering to shoppers ranging from trendsetters to career business women, Couture stocks clothes and accessories from brands such as Tiffany, Prada and Hermes. The store buys merchandise in good condition and also sells on a consignment basis. Couture even allows layaway for items, payable within 60 days.

Parents appreciate the bargains at Reruns 4 Little Ones. This locally owned and operated store deals exclusively with baby and maternity items. Browse the aisles to find clothes for babies and young children along with furniture and other accessories. In addition to the wide selection of consignment items, the store also stocks boutique baby accessories, such as Sticky Bellies and handcrafted tutus and bows. Go green and learn more about its selection of cloth diapers at one of its monthly diaper classes.

When it comes to grocery stores, enjoy the many options nearby. Publix, Winn Dixie and Walmart Neighborhood Market all operate in and around Upper Tampa Bay Park. Those searching for locally grown fruits and vegetables can explore the Tampa Bay Farmers Market. Open seven days a week, daily deliveries ensure that the selection stays fresh.