I was recently invited to spend some time exploring Florida’s Sports Coast, located just north of Tampa (and encompassing all of Pasco County). If there was an award for most hospitable county, Florida’s Sport’s Coast would win it ten times over. Everyone we met was just as lovely; it was easy to see these residents loved their town and I did too! Florida’s Sports Coast is not only a friendly place, but there are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, sports, great food and endless beauty to be found there.
Once I arrived in New Port Richey (one of the cities found within the destination), I settled into my beautiful hotel suite at Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa- Port Richey and I spent some time relaxing and lounging by their beautiful pools. Before I knew it, it was time to get ready for dinner. I was taken to Sip, a wine bar with a hidden speak-easy. A speak-easy is a hidden room where patrons could partake in the once prohibited act of drinking! The most beautiful charcuterie boards were piled high with cheeses, meats, olives, dried fruits and peppers. I enjoyed my meal while listening to a live performer and sipping on a glass of wine. The owners of Sip, Lisa and Kris, created a fun riddle that revealed the location of the speak-easy within the bar. When it was time for dessert, I still had not figured out the riddle. I was stumped – and out of drink tickets so I’m not sure if I was really giving it my best effort! I won’t disclose where the hidden room is, but I eventually found it! Behind the hidden door were mini cups of tiramisu, dessert wines and their popular cannoli cream dip. We were all begging for this recipe! It was delicious and I would highly recommend you give it a try. Conversation was lively as we discussed the rich history of the county and building we were in. Believe it or not, the owners had stayed in the restaurant to keep an eye on their business during a hurricane when they thought of creating the speak easy. All around, a lovely time was had at Sip with our gracious hosts.
The next morning, we embarked on what I had been waiting for – the scalloping trip! After a 25-year hiatus, Pasco County is once again open for scalloping. Each county has a different scalloping season, for different lengths of time, with this season being ten days long. Believe me, you do not want to miss it!
I enjoyed a short trip out to the ocean, thanks to our local charter captain, Mermaid Slayers. Fellow, mermaids, do not fear – they were more than kind, generous and informative hosts! There was no actual slaying of mermaids. After getting my gear on and a quick introduction on where to find the scallops, I dove in! I admittedly had a hard time seeing the scallops under the water without my glasses on, but it was beautiful day for an undersea adventure.
In case you are wondering where to find scallops, check around the edges of the sea grass near the sand or where the sea grass type changes!
After a few hours of swimming and scalloping, we headed to Whiskey Joe’s. I can honestly say everyone’s food and drinks looked amazing. We shared appetizers and even drinks! The piña colada is a basic drink, but I love it and the one I had here might have been the best one I have ever tried.
Later in the evening we took a boat over to the Lake family’s iconic American flag stilt house! This beautiful stilt house is literally in the middle of the ocean and runs off of a generator! The panoramic views of the ocean allowed us to enjoy a beautiful Florida storm, complete with nature’s fireworks.
Last year, the stilt house was tragically struck by lightening and burned within minutes. This flag was actually pulled from the wreck! The community was devastated by this loss and helped the owners rebuild it in just a few months.
It was here that Chef Ben from Benedetto’s served up a true feast. The scallops we had collected earlier in the day were prepared in a ceviche, a dip and served in the shell along side. For dessert, we had Aunt Rosemary’s kumquat pie, which is similar to a key lime pie. A sweet ending to an epic adventure with Florida’s Sports Coast.
*This trip was provided for the purpose of this review and media content. All opinions are my own. Thank you for having me out!