Spending a little over two weeks in Tampa, Florida was a really refreshing change of scenery and weather. The vibe was completely different, laid back but full of energy, and it’s definitely the kind of place I’d recommend if you’re younger. I didn’t take too many photos this time around, aside from a few shots of my cigars.
One of the biggest highlights for me was the coffee. Tampa has some of the best coffee shops I’ve ever been to. My favorite was Côté France French Café, where I tried both their espresso and a regular drip coffee. The flavor had so many distinct notes you could pick up on, rich, complex, and perfectly balanced. The owner told me they exclusively serve Cafés Richard, a French coffee brand that’s huge in Europe and just starting to branch into the U.S. It made sense, the coffee had that elegant European depth to it. They also had a selection of pastries and cookies that looked incredible, though I didn’t try any this time around.
Outside of the coffee, Tampa also surprised me with its cigar scene. I spent a good amount of time at Grand Cathedral Cigars, which was rated the best cigar lounge in the world in 2022, and it’s easy to see why. The place is an old church that’s been transformed into a lounge and bar, and the atmosphere is incredible. The cigars were kept at perfect humidity, and the quality was outstanding. I picked up a few different cigars throughout my stay, a couple were a bit tight on the draw, but that’s bound to happen here and there. Overall, though, the experience was top-tier.
The interior of Grand Cathedral was beautiful, with high ceilings, warm lighting, and a social yet relaxed environment that made it the perfect spot to unwind. Between the coffee, cigars, and the general atmosphere of Tampa, the trip felt like the ideal balance between rest and indulgence. The weather couldn’t have been better either, warm days with a bit of a chill creeping in by the time I was leaving. The city itself had a charm to it, beautiful scenery, good energy, and just enough pace to keep things interesting.
Chill Life 
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