Entertainment in West Coast
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Coliseum Ballroom
Also called the Palace of Pleasure, this ballroom opened in 1924 and, over the years, big bands, classical orchestras and rock bands have all played here. In 1985, the Colliseum Ballroom made its film debut in Cocoon with an incredible ballroom scene. The red-oak dance floor is classic. If you’re here on a Wednesday, big band Tea Dance sessions run from 1pm to 3:30pm (bring your own booze).
reviewed
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B
Jannus Landing
The best place in the area to hear live music, Jannus Landing is St Petersburg’s most revered live venue, with good reason. Set in a courtyard, it hosts several weekly concerts by local and national bands. It’s a very casual place and all ages are admitted. Burgers, hot dogs and such are sold.
reviewed
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Lee County Sports Complex
The Minnesota Twins play at Lee County Sports Complex, just southwest of the intersection of Daniels Parkway and Six Mile Cypress Parkway. During the regular season, the Fort Myers Miracles (the Minnesota Twins minor-league baseball team) play here.
reviewed
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Bottom Line Lounge
Just north of Winkler Rd, Bottom Line has a predominantly gay crowd, with a good mix of lesbians, but all are welcome. Bar-top dancers gyrate and drag queens come out nightly except on Saturdays and Mondays. On Thursdays you can drink $5 mason jars of Long Island iced tea. Yowza.
reviewed
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Central Cigars
In addition to an enormous selection of stogies and a full line of humidors and accessories, Central has a cigar bar (no cigarettes allowed) where you can sink into an overstuffed leather chair, sample some smokes, sip port and catch up on all your cigar-related reading.
reviewed
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Push Ultra Lounge
DJs spin hip-hop and top 40 at this pulsating club that uses lots of colored lights and imagery to set the trippy mood at this popular club. Exposed brick walls and ultramod decor grace all three levels, and there’s a rooftop bar if you need to get some air.
reviewed
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George M Steinbrenner Field
Spring training for numerous Major League teams is a great way to see baseball stars up close in a spontaneous atmosphere. Tickets are around $30. Try George M Steinbrenner Field to watch the New York Yankees practice.
reviewed
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Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
The best dinner theatre in Fort Myers puts on Broadway and off-Broadway musicals throughout the year, accompanied by good food. It also features a children’s theatre. Check the website for a season schedule.
reviewed
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Spirits of Bacchus
This chic restobar departs from the usual barefoot, tank top, cheeseburger-in-paradise vibe. Instead there’s fine wines, classy cocktails and hip interior decor, plus dancing and music into the wee hours.
reviewed
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Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill
A friendly neighborhood place with an outdoor bar, and plenty of TVs to watch the football, Ferg’s really gets hopping before and after big games. It’s one of St Petersburg’s favorite sports bars.
reviewed
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Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field is home to the major-league Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who play baseball from April to September. You’ll find parking (about $7) around 10th St and 4th Ave S.
reviewed
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A Taste for Wine
This upmarket 2nd-floor bar, with a lovely New Orleans-style balcony, is a fun place for wine tastings, wines by the glass and appetizers (unless you want to drink on an empty stomach).
reviewed
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Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
Experience art in action at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, a sprawling, multivenue complex where you can see touring Broadway shows, concerts, opera and more.
reviewed
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Gaspar's Grotto
When it comes to nightlife, just head for Ybor City's 7th Ave. Start at the pirate ship-like bar Gaspar's Grotto then wander till you find the right scene.
reviewed
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Foulds Theater
South of Colonial Blvd between Summerlin Rd and McGregor Blvd, it houses the year-round Theatre Conspiracy, a troupe that stages productions from classic to cutting edge.
reviewed
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Martini Bar
Step into your coolest black threads, slip on a sexy demeanor and head over to sip a trendy vermouth cocktail at this perennially popular and very slick martini lounge.
reviewed
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State Theatre
This restored art-deco theater (built in 1927) has live music regularly – from acoustic acts and ‘old wave’ to new bands. Buy your tickets at the bar and head upstairs.
reviewed
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Haymarket Pub
If you come to this casual and friendly gay bar more than once (and you just might), regulars will begin to recognize you and may start treating you like family.
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Ceviche Tapas Bar
The flavors are amazing and, with over 100 different options, your foraging experience is limited only by your time and budget. Tuesday happy hour is a bargain.
reviewed
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Indigo Room
This popular Patio de León pub-bar-club alternates between DJs and bands. In the contest for beer boasting rights, Indigo claims over 100 different brands.
reviewed
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Bayfront Center
This venue houses the 8400-seat Times Bayfront Arena and the 2000-seat Mahaffey Theater, and hosts Broadway shows, concerts and some sporting events.
reviewed
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Buddha Nightclub
It can get rowdy in here, but past the bikers and the guys on the pool table are some of the edgier acts playing around Fort Myers.
reviewed
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Tropicana Field
Sports are big in Tampa. Catch Major League Baseball at Tropicana Field with the Tampa Bay Rays.
reviewed
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Arcade Theater
The beautifully renovated 1908 Arcade Theatre hosts popular comedies, dramas, musicals and ever-increasing local productions.
reviewed
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Seminole Gulf Railway Dinner Train Theatre
This is fun: a murder-mystery dinner theater set aboard a real classic railroad car. Check the website for more details.
reviewed
