Keystone - Lutz, FL Area Guide

Much of this area was developed by Van Dyke Farms to serve as residential communities. Designed to be convenient and ecologically responsible, the homes here represent some of the nicest accommodations in the region. Two nearby museums, the USF Contemporary Art Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry provide various exhibits and perspectives. The art museum supports the arts scene by presenting public art, in addition to providing a full calendar of events during the year. The Museum of Science attracts a lot of younger visitors, largely due to the IMAX dome theater and the fun hands-on interactive nature of the exhibits there. The annual Bay Area Renaissance Festival has been drawing visitors from far and wide for several decades, encouraging locals to participate and to enjoy the costumes, food and themed entertainment.

Family-centric Nabruzzi Trattoria invites you in to enjoy its authentic recipes and friendly atmosphere, which give diners the impression they've been transported to Italy. Start off with calamari fritte or bruschetta caprese, and then try the aragosta ravioli galietta or vitello arabiata. Top it off with espresso creme brulee. For a truly Floridian dining experience, head south to Ballyhoo Grill. This local favorite features fresh Gulf seafood creations, including spicy clams diablo and melt-in-your-mouth crabcakes. For a true flavor adventure, try the grouper nuggets, which come grilled, blackened, or fried along with a side of fried alligator tail. A full bar and a cozy, casual environment make this spot a great place for a night out with friends. Head east to visit Mekenita Mexican Grille, where dishes inspired by beautiful Oaxaca treat the palate to unusual combinations such as passion fruit and pasilla chilies. Hand-pressed corn tortillas form the basis for fish tacos made with delectable wahoo. If you prefer, Mekenita can also cater your birthday party or corporate event. McAnderson's House of Brews, right down the road, features specials on drinks and food almost every night of the week. The bar's mug club provides benefits to members, and although beer holds the primary focus here, a full bar serves up your favorite mixed drinks as well.

Tampa’s bus service does not extend to the outer northwest part of town, so owning a vehicle makes life much easier here. Scheduling a ride through a local taxi company or through Uber's ride-share service can help if your car has to go into the shop or if you don’t go out much. On the plus side, the plentiful parking costs nothing, and two state roads (589 and 568) intersect in this area and can take you wherever you need to go. The residential subdivisions provide sidewalks and safe spaces to walk, jog or ride a bike; however, the highways do not, and no bike lanes have been provided on the busier roads.

Nearby Lake Park's 589 wooded acres serve as a sanctuary for birds and wildlife. With its five lakes, cypress swamps, pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks, nature lovers can roam for hours. Both the exercise trail and the two miles of scenic hiking trails provide ample opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography. The park has picnic pavilions with grills and picnic tables, as well as children's playgrounds and primitive camping facilities. Athletic accommodations include jogging paths, an archery range, a BMX bike track, two equestrian arenas and a radio-controlled car track. Many of these activities cost nothing, but some do have fees. The Carolyn Meeker and Land O’ Lakes dog parks allow off-leash socializing in a safe, fenced environment. At Land O’ Lakes, the large dogs and smaller dogs have separate areas. Operated by the Tampa Film Institute, what began as the Gasparilla International Film Festival has become a year-round endeavor to provide support for film screening, production and education throughout the Tampa Bay region.

The cost of living here is comparable to living in downtown Tampa, but without bus service the added expense of a vehicle may factor into the equation. A one-bedroom apartment rents for about $780 per month here, and the gas prices sits around 10 percent lower than the national average. Grabbing a beer at a local bar will cost you $4 to $6 a bottle.

The Westfield Citrus Park is a large mall containing a variety of stores, including anchor stores Dillard's, Macy's, Sears, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Other stores include Justice, H&M, Fossil, and Eddie Bauer. For personalized service that makes you feel like royalty, visit the LMB Boutique. This trendy boutique offers unique clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Drive down Howard Avenue and you can't miss it -- just look for the large, white flowers that cover the building. Specializing in trendy and seasonal fashion-oriented clothing and home decor pieces, the owners travel every nook and cranny across the country to find just what you need to complete that perfect outfit. Right around the corner you'll find Simply Elegant, another upscale shop that carries a number of name brand designer clothing and jewelry items in a wide variety of styles. Pet lovers appreciate the Red Hydrant Pet Boutique & Spa. Doggie daycare allows Fido to enjoy canine companionship while you're at work, and grooming keeps his nails trimmed. The boutique stocks collars, toys and treats for your furry friends as well as thoughtful gift selections, including frames for those memorable photos. For groceries, Publix at Northgate Square serves this area, and both the Keystone and Family Farm Farmer's Market provides fresh, locally grown produce. Cheyenne's Country Thangs has an organic co-op program, and while it sometimes opens to the general public, joining the co-op allows residents to shop there more frequently.