We recently visited Snobachi Handcrafted Ice Cream in Ybor City (Tampa, FL). Located one block East of the historic Columbia Restaurant, Snobachi is a locally owned business that offers a family-friendly, laid back environment with all the offerings you’d expect from an ice cream shop and more.
We enjoyed the Cookies & Cream Milkshake and an order of the liquid nitrogen infused Dragon Ballz. The milkshake was one of the best we’ve tasted, and the smoke pouring out of our mouths as we ate the Dragon Ballz added fun to their flavor.
The shop is taking some social distancing precautions, due to COVID-19, but it did not negatively impact our experience.
We’d recommend anyone stop into Snobachi when seeking a cold break from the Florida heat. Whether you enjoy classics, such as hand-scooped ice cream and a Root Beer float, or would like to have a slice of cheesecake and try some Dragon Ballz; this place will not disappoint. Children and adults alike are sure to get a blast out of experiencing the liquid-nitrogen infused offerings.
Support a locally-owned business next time you are in the Ybor area of Tampa and stop by Snobachi Handcrafted Ice Cream!
Snobachi is open Monday-Thursday 2p-9p, Fri/Sat 12p-10p, and Sunday 12p-9p.
The St. Pete Pier opened to the public on Monday, July 6, 2020.
The St. Pete Pier provides fun for those seeking a casual stroll, children needing to release their energy, fisherman wanting to cast their line, or couples seeking a romantic evening. We visited the newly opened pier to see what it had to offer.
One convenient feature is the St. Pete Pier Tram for those wishing to explore the new pier, but would rather not walk the length on foot. The trams offered wheelchair accessible options as well.
The Pier Plaza features both the Spa Beach Bistro and the Stone Fired Pizza restaurants. A bar sits in front offering adult drinks. The Pier offers an educational experience for those who visit the Discovery Center and Wet Classroom, operated by the environmental organization Tampa Bay Watch.
Level 1 of the main structure featured a gear and gift shop, as well as a tackle store. Driftwood Café is located on level 2, and on level 4 is the Pier Teaki.
The Pier Teaki Bar & Restaurant is located at the top level of the structure at the end of the St. Pete Pier. This is where we decided to take a break and have a snack and some drinks. It has tables along the outside of the top balcony that allow for lovely views of the water, boats, surrounding parks, and downtown St. Pete. It also has couch seating areas throughout. There is a full bar and a menu of light – even somewhat healthy – bar food (including a tuna bowl and a blackened grouper sandwich). The waitresses wear masks and the menus are scannable (you scan the QR code on the waitress’s device and view the menu on your own phone). The service was rather slow, but if you’re just there to relax it’s not a big deal. There were kids present when we were there at around 2pm, but the waitress said that after 8pm, it’s strictly 21 and over.
Adding to the amazing views of the skyline was being able to watch the planes take off and land at the Albert Whitted Airport near the pier.
Google says that the Pier is only open from 9am-5pm, but that’s not the actual hours of the bars and restaurants. Pier Teaki, for example, serves food until midnight and drinks until 2am.
COVID-19 Concerns: There were clean bathrooms everywhere with staff limiting the number of people allowed to enter at once. We also saw multiple hand sanitizer stations with foot pedals, so you don’t even have to touch them. Pier staff all wore facemasks.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has managed to provide an excellent experience that puts health and safety at the forefront when it comes to concerns over COVID-19. They’ve even managed to have some fun with the inconvenience of needing to wear face masks right now, by placing one on their lion sculpture at the main entrance.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an amusement park located on the north side of the City of Tampa. It is known for its thrill rides and animal advocacy. It’s kind of like a zoo with rollercoasters. After hopping off your favorite ride, you can wander around the park observing and learning about giraffes, cheetahs, lions, tigers, elephants, penguins, and many other species.
My six-year-old was excited that he was finally tall enough to ride Cheetah Hunt for the first-time. He provided entertainment for all of our fellow passengers when the ride launched and he started screaming, “God, help me!!” – but that quickly melted into enthusiastic cries of, “This is the best ride ever!” It was hard to catch my breath on the ride from laughing so hard.
The final verdict: He loved it! If your child is not a roller-coaster enthusiast, though, there are plenty of rides that appeal to all ages.
Let’s address the first question that is probably on the mind of parents considering a visit with their family: Is it safe to visit Busch Gardens right now with COVID-19 being a concern?
COVID-19 Precautions: Busch Gardens is taking COVID-19 seriously! We were really impressed with the precautions that have been put in place. The park is limiting admission to those who have made a reservation for the specific attendance date. Newly purchased Busch Gardens tickets are now date-specific. Passholders and existing ticket holders will only be permitted admission by reservation. Hours vary by day, and the park is no longer open every day of the week. You can check the schedule HERE.
Your temperature will be taken before proceeding to the entrance and face masks are required once inside the park. If you don’t have a face mask, the park has them available for purchase. Designated “Mask Relaxation Zone” areas are marked for visitors to remove their masks to cool down and get some fresh air. Social distancing is also encouraged. Ride lines are clearly marked with six-foot markers. Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations are placed at regular intervals throughout the park, with additional locations placed when entering and leaving a ride. Additional information may be found on their Health and Safety page and their Health and Safety FAQ page.
We found most of the park’s COVID precautions made the visit even more enjoyable than the typical amusement park experience. Waiting in line with six feet between our party and the next was a welcome departure from the normal expectation of fellow visitors being crowded against each other in the heat. Everyone seemed to be respectful of each other and the enhanced rules.
We’ve decided to err on the side of caution regarding public spaces and COVID concerns, but Busch Gardens has done an excellent job of providing as safe an environment as possible.
One drawback is that their playground areas and carnival games are closed. There are additionally none of the typical amusement park things available like face painting. In addition, indoor shows have been temporarily canceled. If you plan on attending, just be aware that you’re going to be limited to riding rides, looking at animals, eating, or shopping for souvenirs.
If you are able to take a day off and go during the week, we highly recommend it! Our most recent visit was on a Tuesday, and the longest line we waited in was around 45 minutes. Most of the lines were 20 minutes or less. However, with the reservation requirement, weekends aren’t overly crowded either.
Overall, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a fun and safe escape for those parents and children who are going stir-crazy from months of sheltering in place and social distancing.
Tampa Bay Explorer 