Rocky Point - Tampa, FL Area Guide

Outer Central Tampa was fairly rural and consisted of several dairy farms until the 1960s and 1970s when the suburbanization of the area began and bus services were extended.

The Town and County Regional Library runs several events and workshops each year, such as horticulture classes, literary events and family fun days.

Each year, the Westchase Holiday Market in nearby Westchase brings together artists of all mediums. Run by the Westchase Artists Society, as the event benefits the local artists as well as Autism charities.

Most of the area's restaurants and nightlife sit conveniently on West Hillsborough Avenue (Route 580). Latin, South American and Mexican food restaurants dominate the area. For a Colombian feast, try the meat lover's paradise, Mi Bandera Restaurant. The restaurant offers delights such as Churrasco, empanadas, seasoned rice and salads, though everybody comes for the "carne." Try the flank steak with Creole sauce, though you can't go wrong, as all the beef on the menu melts in your mouth.

Floridians love their Cuban food, so luckily, Central Tampa does not disappoint in this category. Try Pipos for a cheap and casual lunch. Don't let the cafeteria atmosphere fool you, the food satisfies even the most discerning Cuban. Try the palomilla and the Cuban sandwich, which locals name the best in Tampa.

One Family Korean Restaurant not only serves authentic, generously portioned food, but also showcases beautiful hand-painted murals and a simple bamboo aesthetic. The pork dishes here prove particularly note-worthy. Try a bottle of Bekseju - Korean rice wine, which pairs nicely with most of the entrées.

Looking for a night out without going downtown? Start at the Pit Stop Pub for a dive-y experience, with cheap drinks and free pool on most days of the week. Liquor-lovers might be disappointed however, as the selection remains limited at this beer and wine joint.

For a boys' night out or just a chill place to watch the game with friends, WingHouse of Tampa fits the bill. The wings prove plump and juicy, ranging from a one to 10 on the "hot" scale, and are served by attractive waitresses. The bar plays many big screen TVs, so you are sure to find your favorite game. Locals often come here for the pay-per-view sporting events, although these events sometimes require a cover.

Like much of Florida's residents, Outer Tampanians love their cars, as they can zip downtown in under 30 minutes due to the extensive and accessible highway system. However, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit System (HARTS) does run several buses through Central Tampa, so you can hop the number 30 bus to get downtown in about an hour. Cab companies service the area, though you need to call them to schedule a pick-up. You can also order an Uber through your smartphone, as the app-based car service operates in the area.

Cyclists appreciate that several roads remain bike-friendly, such as Sawyer Road. The highways, however, do not always have bike lanes. Many of the main attractions line the highway, so walkers and cyclists should use caution. Sidewalks adorn most of the local roads.

Tampa International Airport sits right in the area, which makes domestic and international travel convenient.

Easily accessible via Memorial Highway, Skyway Park holds several athletic fields and hosts various adult and youth sports leagues. Plentiful parking and bathrooms make this a great place to play a pick-up game of wiffle ball. A playground also graces the park for your little ones to burn off some energy.

Most of the local parks allow dogs on-leash, but if you want a place to play with your pup off-leash, try the West Park Dog Park. The park sprawls over 5 acres, so Fido can run to his heart's content. The park separates the areas for large and small dogs, a relief for humans with easily startled, tiny fur-babies or with an overzealous Great Dane who just wants to make friends.

As an up-and-coming neighborhood, the cost of living in Outer Central Tampa averages lower than that of downtown. One-bedroom apartment prices hover around $895 per month. Gas prices in Tampa runs about 23 percent cheaper than the United States as a whole, though public transport also proves reasonable. The buses that service the Tampa area cost between $1 and $5. Just $3 gets you a domestic beer at the local bar.

For major retailers and high-end shopping, most residents here head to International Drive and Downtown Tampa. However, several interesting local shops adorning Outer Central Tampa are worth a look. Peaches and Pearls, a locally owned business, makes for a fun afternoon treasure hunt. Visitors always find a bargain thanks to plenty of shops with antiques, furniture, jewelry and clothing. Say "hi" to the owner's dog, who tends to work the floor.

Brides-to-be need to check out the White Closet Bridal Company on Memorial Highway. The intimate yet spacious shop offers dresses, accessories and a friendly, patient staff. You must make an appointment in advance.

DIY-ers on a budget should stop in Ingersoll Tools. This giant store carries even the most obscure tools for your projects. The store offers both new and used products, and the staff works with you to ensure you get a deal.

For groceries and other practicalities, plenty of supermarkets pepper the area. Locals favor Publix for food staples, which conveniently sits at the intersection of Routes 590 and 589. For ethnic items, try El Unico Supermarket or the Korean Rice Market and Restaurant. Cacciatore Brothers Meat Market on Hanley Road also carries fresh meats and other specialities. Definitely bring home a slice or two of cheesecake.

Sweetwater Organic Community Farm offers fresh, organic produce every Sunday between May and October. For a fun family outing, pack a picnic, or eat your newly acquired healthy treats while you listen to music, as the farm features local musicians each week. Sign-up for the CSA farm share, and pick up your share of a variety of fresh fruits and veggies each week. Sweetwater Organic Community Farm also hosts numerous workshops and events, such as Canning 101.