By Mariana Navarrete, Arts & Culture Editor
Driving along State Road 52 on the way to Saint Leo University’s main campus, you might see… some cows and green areas.
As an international or out-of-state student who might not been in the suburbs of Tampa before, you might feel the campus is a bit secluded and there is not much to do around it. Indeed, there are cows less than a mile away, but there are also plenty of local hike trails, beaches, restaurants, shops, and seasonal events that might change your mind and help you enjoy the weekends outside the campus.
Outdoors Activities for Nature Lovers
The Withlacoochee River Park is just a 25-minute drive from Saint Leo. This wilderness park consists of 13 miles of trails. The Withlacoochee River runs through the park with an abundance of wildlife, such as Bald Eagles, Swallow Tail Hawk, and Wild Hogs. Whether you want to go fishing, camping, biking, kayaking, or have a picnic, this park has it all. There is also a GPS Orienteering Course that you can track as well.
Just 27 minutes from Saint Leo is the Flatwoods Conservation Park. It is best known for its seven-mile paved loop road. The Morris Bridge well-field is located within the Park. A two-mile paved extension connects Bruce B. Downs Boulevard with the loop road. Park activities and features include a paved bicycle loop, off road bike trails, remote picnicking, and nature trails.
The Hillsborough River State Park is 30 minutes away from Saint Leo. Stroll along the river rapids, enjoy camping, explore historic structures, share a picnic, or view scenic landscapes. This Park provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation. From fishing in the Hillsborough River to hiking or biking on the trails or picnicking under pavilions built in the 1930’s, there is something for everyone here.
For a freshwater adventure, the Weeki Wachee state park offers the clear blue water of a natural spring. There are kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards for rent. If you just want to relax, the Buccaneer Bay Waterpark is there, too, where you can snorkel and swim.
The nearest beach to the Campus is the Ben T. Davis Beach. The 43-minute drive is worth it to see the sunset and dig your feet in the sand. Further down, there is the Hudson Beach Park that is 50 minutes away from Saint Leo, but usually less crowded. If you want to drive an hour or more, you can visit the famous Clearwater Beach, Saint Pete Beach, and Indian Rocks Beach.
Local Shopping
Local thrift shops are close to the Saint Leo area, accessible by car, and were founded for a greater cause.
Solutions Thrift Shop is located three minutes away from Saint Leo. The shop not only has clothes and shoes, it also has books, furniture, and household items; there is a little bit of everything for your dorm! The best part is that 100% of the proceeds generated by sales are used to support Pasco County’s programs and services for adult and child victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Gulfside Regional Hospice Thrift Shop has five locations in the Tampa area and the closest to Saint Leo is 18 minutes away. Each location has a special section to highlight unique and popular items with affordable clothes, furniture, and household items as well. All net proceeds from the daily sales at all five thrift locations benefit Gulfside Hospice patients.
Events
The closest farmers’ market to Saint Leo is held every first and third Saturday of each month, year-round. The farmers’ market started in 2010 and is held at the Shops at Wiregrass, an open-air retail and entertainment destination located in Wesley Chapel. This Market supports 80-100 vendors and caters to all of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel.
The Pasco County Fall Carnival will take place at the Pasco Fair Ground on Sep. 17th-19th. There will be food trucks, craft vendors, axe throwing, and more.
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival will be on Sep. 17th at the Withlacochee River State Park. The festival consists of a 16th Century European village featuring 4 stages of entertainment including musicians, magicians, jugglers, and mimes. Over 100 artisans will fill the festival marketplace to display and sell their handcrafted goods.
The annual Pumpkin Festival goes through Oct. 15th-17th at the Grove in Wesley Chapel. There will be a Pumpkin Patch, Full Carnival, Food Trucks, Craft Vendors, Costume Contest, Dog Costume Contest, Mr. and Ms. Pumpkin, and Truck-or-Treat.
The annual Donut Fest will be on Nov. 7th. Guests can simply enjoy a Sunday while sampling donuts, coffee, and naming your city’s Favorite Donut. Location is yet to be announced.
Tampa Bay Balloon Festival is an outdoor event that features tethered hot air balloon rides, local food, and retail vendors. The event will take place on Dec. 17th-18th 2021 in the Dade City area.
Enjoy the holiday season at the Church Street Christmas at downtown Dade City. The celebration will include performances by local church choirs, the Dade City Symphony, and talented musicians from all over East Pasco County. The entire street is blocked off where visitors may stroll and listen, as well as see the sights of the season, luminary lit sidewalks, and brilliantly decorated homes.
The famous Strawberry Festival is scheduled to be on March 3rd to March 13rd, 2022. The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, over 500,000 visitors enjoy the festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, rides, exhibits of commerce, and, of course, its strawberry shortcake.
If any of these events is of your interest, stay updated by their respective websites about their COVID-19 protocols.
Local Food you need to try before Graduating
Either by car or just walking distance, local businesses know how to keep students’ bellies happy. Before you graduate, at least:
- Have a pizza at Al’s Famous Pizza, located on Curley St., right around the corner from campus.
- Get coffee and some baked goods at A Cup of Organic, one minute away by car or 15 minutes walking from Marmion/Snyder.
- Grab a Cuban sandwich at Jiffy’s Food Store, one minute away by car or 15 minutes walking from Marmion/Snyder.
- Eat at Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant, right around the corner of Jiffy’s Food Store, or at Del Carmen Mexican Store and Restaurant in downtown Dade City.
- Grab a baked good at Olga’s Bakery and Deli in downtown Dade City—make sure to go early in the morning, because after noon there is nothing left!
- Get a taco at the Taqueria El Guache, just 5 minutes away from campus, and taste some authentic Mexican tacos.
These are just a few of the various places a Saint Leo student can visit, taste, and enjoy. The best part of it is that, by doing so, we are supporting our community and helping local families!
