What started off as a joke for Sam Shepherd and her friends has led to receiving hundreds of thousands of views to her TikTok account. She has now over 99,000 followers on TikTok in which she shares some of the most unique spots of Tampa, some that have been here for decades and others that opened during the midst of the pandemic.
With Tampa being a fast-growing city, it’s no surprise why blogger Shepherd’s videos have gone viral.
Let’s take a trip down to the Top 3 most viral local locations featured on Shepherd’s TikTok.
Dairy Joy
Found in South Tampa, an old-fashioned ice cream shop has been serving locals since 1958. It offers a diverse array of flavors and toppings. With over 400,000 views on TikTok, there’s no doubt that this time-traveler ice cream experience is a destination that cannot be missed.
Fairgrounds St. Pete
At Number 2, we have an art museum that showcases over 60 local and international artists. It offers a range of exhibits, events and workshops, including the immersive Mermaid Star Motel, which was created by their team. The interactive museum is about combining art to modern technology and helping build the community.
The Saint Speakeasy
At Number 1, Shepherd’s most viral video exposes the Saint Speakeasy, with over 3.2 million views. This unholy bar gives visitors a chance to confess their worst sins and grab a drink.
The speakeasy offers Holy Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m. so grab your sinning friends and get ready to confess together.
Tampa is full of hidden gems and these are just a few that the Bay has to offer.
“It’s usually the ones that pop off are the ones that are a little unique kind of out there, and just maybe a lot of people haven’t known about them,” said Shepherd.
To check out more local attractions you can follow Sam’s TikTok account @tampabae_explorer.
Credits
Reporter/Producer/Editor/Videographer: Claire Mercier
Videographer: Scott Schemmel
Web Editor: Estefani Hernandez
