You know that moment in a show when that one song that everybody knows comes on? Well, on Tuesday night, that one song turned into every song when T-Pain graced the stage of The Ritz in Ybor City for a sold-out show.

Throughout the mid 2000’s, T-Pain had a stronghold on hip-hop and cranked out hits year after year. Now, almost two decades after T-Pain’s debut hit single “I’m Sprung”, the 37-year-old is back on the road for a revival. In his 10th show of his "Road to Wiscansin Tour" featuring Erica Banks, Yung Cash and DJ Honeycomb, T-Pain had The Ritz packed wall-to-wall.

After a short countdown from Nappy Boy Entertainment, T-Pain emerged from the darkness of the stage and stood in front of the large LED panels dressed in a vibrant, all-red suit with matching hat. The first 20 minutes alone had the audience awestruck, with fans matching T-Pain’s cadence on songs like “Cyclone”, “Booty Wurk”, and “2 Step” as he danced across the stage. As he moved onto the bulk of his set with songs like “I’m Sprung” and “Up Down”, T-Pain’s performance was exhilarating as he brought out his best dance moves, consistently interacted with the crowd, and had a plethora of lights and LED panels which brought amazing production value to his show. By the end of his 90-minute set, which ended with “Welcome to My Hood” and “I Like Dat”, T-Pain had changed outfits five times and had the packed theater chanting for an encore.

Earlier in the evening, Banks prepped the stage for T-Pain and had the crowd vibing during her set. All the women in the building were living for her performance, and a few lucky fans went onstage during her hit single “Buss It”. By the end of her set, fans were anxious and ready for T-Pain, the legend himself. Before Banks, Florida rapper Yung Cash hit the stage with songs such as “I’m a Freak” and “Sugar Walls”. As he jumped across the stage, Yung Cash had the crowd jumping with him, and gave a quick shout out to Duval County before exiting the stage. Prior to Yung Cash’s performance, DJ Honeycomb provided organic sounds by beat boxing and interacting with the crowd, keeping the room fresh for the start of the show.

The experience? Nostalgic. The energy? Absolute ecstasy. The visuals? Immaculate. T-Pain is back, showing his influence with a tour full of sold-out shows, and a collective of talented artists. As T-Pain’s tour merchandise suggests; “Make T-Pain Famous Again!”.

Ken Breslauer, who’s authored numerous books on Florida’s long-vanished roadside attractions and mid-century tourism, believes he understands why native Floridians – like him – treasure memories of a Sunshine State that no longer exists.

“It’s funny how as you grow up you develop this loyalty to certain things,” he says, “whether it’s a restaurant that’s been there forever and closed suddenly, an attraction, or a store.

“You take it for granted when it’s there, but then when it’s gone it feels like a piece of you has been stolen.”

That, in a nutshell, was the reason Breslauer began putting together Florida memorabilia events in 1994. The 2022 Floridania Fest will take place Saturday inside the Gulfport Casino – featuring 18 vendors selling memorabilia, books, souvenirs and other tourism ephemera from pre-21^st century Florida.

“I think that when people get older, they see that things have changed so much that they miss what they grew up with,” Breslauer adds. “I guess it’s just human nature.”

Although most of Saturday’s sellers are Florida residents, several are coming in from as far as the Midwest – Florida collectibles have become something of a big business.

The attendees, explain Breslauer, will visit the Casino for different reasons. “There’s always a percentage of people who are just curious as to what it’s all about,” he says.

“But the core group of people who come to this … there are niches. Some people collect tourist attraction memorabilia, there’s postcard collectors, there are people who are into Florida art and decorative items. There are tiki culture fanatics. And everybody always has a lot of fun.”

Full disclosure: This reporter will be there, too, with copies of the St. Petersburg Press books Vintage St. Pete – both volumes in hardcover – plus my other Florida books Skyway: The True Story of Tampa Bay’s Signature Bridge and the Man Who Brought it Down and Phil Gernhard Record Man.

Breslauer, who spent years as public relations director for the Sebring Raceway, got hooked on nostalgia while pursuing his graduate degree.

“I did my thesis on Preservation Strategies for Roadside Tourist Attractions, which is a subject that nobody gave a sh– about until 2003, when Cypress Gardens closed rather suddenly, and everybody started freaking out – ‘What’s going to happen to all these attractions, to Weeki Wachee and Silver Springs?’ This big preservation movement started, and a lot of them have been saved, either by the state or by municipal governments.

“Then I started doing books on the subject, and here we are.”

Correspondent

ST. PETERSBURG — Back in the day when motorists drove the few roads available through a mostly-undeveloped state of Florida, a series of roadside attractions tempted them to pull off the highway and linger and spend a dollar or two to see oddities that were both natural and entirely unnatural to the state.

This was long before the “mouse” was even conceived by its creator Disney. Those attractions, often family-owned and operated, of the early 1900s were usually small in scale, but big in hyperbole. Gaudy signs with fluorescent lighting and garish colors and graphics announced their presence.

They included attractions like Cypress Gardens (with its antebellum maidens in hoop skirts); the Monkey Jungle; Weeki Wachee (“real mermaids!”); Marineland and a Seaquarium in Miami; Gatorland; St. Augustine's Alligator Farm; the ubiquitous citrus stands that dotted the highways (“Freshly squeezed delicious juice!” and “See the orange grove!”); McKee Jungle Gardens and Sunken Gardens are a few of that era.

Sunflowers:National flower of Ukraine, flower of hope and more

Many are gone now, but some are still there, competing today with the likes of more than one “world” of epic manufactured entertainment and amusement. And some of them are better than ever, and are still drawing crowds. Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg is one of the survivors with almost a century under its green “belt” of lush foliage and flowers still awing visitors.

Sunken Gardens actually dates to about 1903 when local plumber, George Turner Sr., looked to cultivate a tropical garden at a 4-acre site at what was then the center of town. His plumbing skills were put to a test as he excavated the site to drain a small shallow lake which exposed rich peat soils under the surface. Then he began creating a network of pools and waterfalls that would punctuate the meandering pathways through his exotic jungle.

Over the years he added more and more plants, trees and shrubs, and today those specimens are some of the oldest of their kind at any botanical garden in Florida. According to Sunken Gardens’ literature, by 1925 word of those gardens had spread and visitors were paying a quarter to tour them. Many of the plants were imported from tropical regions (St. Petersburg being in a marginal subtropical growing zone) and in some winters citrus grove heaters were employed to protect those tender, cold-sensitive plants as well as huge native royal palms.

In 1998, Sunken Gardens was designated a local historic landmark and the City of St. Petersburg purchased the property in 1999. What followed that was an extensive, years’-long restoration. So from being one of the state’s oldest family-owned roadside attractions, the gardens are now a restored botanical garden still welcoming visitors to enjoy this little gem of an attraction with its color, vibrancy, lush tropical jungle and many water features.

A maze of shaded walkways connect and divide the acreage with a series of plant-specific areas: a palm plaza; an oak pavilion; the orchid arbor; bromeliads; coconut grove; a meditation patio; butterfly garden; and so on. Throughout the gardens are the signature water features with cascading waterfalls, pools swimming with colorful koi fish or floating water lilies and tropical vegetation. In one, a small flock of flamingos struts and preens in a shallow pool.

On a recent sunny Sunday a crowd gathered at the entrance gate, just before noon when the gardens open for the day. As the morning wore on, more and more arrived to experience this tropical oasis in the middle of a bustling Florida city. Families with small children, young couples — people of all ages came to experience the beauty, the color and the tranquility of the lush gardens. It was proof positive that this little gem, Sunken Gardens, can still draw a crowd. Not bad for a few acres of exotic plants and a vision that came into focus more than a century ago. You could say that Mr. Turner had a pretty good idea there, knew what he was doing would endure and be appreciated for years to come.

Sunken Gardens offers educational programs, workshops, special events and tours throughout the year. Weddings, private parties and meetings are a frequent use of the facility with a special wedding lawn area and an indoor banquet facility dubbed The Garden Room, which offers stunning views of the Sunken Gardens from the second floor of restored historic 1926 building adjacent to the gardens.

Sunken Gardens is located at 1825 Fourth St., St. Petersburg, and is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 4:30 p.m. Sundays. For information, call 727-551-3102 or visit sunkengardens.org.

Lynette L. Walther is the GardenComm Gold medal winner for writing, a five-time recipient of the GardenComm Silver Medal of Achievement, the National Garden Bureau’s Exemplary Journalism Award and she is the author of “Florida Gardening on the Go.” She is a member of GardenComm, the professional organization for garden writers. Her gardens are on the banks of the St. Johns River.

Last Updated 3 months ago

If you’re looking to mix things up from some of the most well-known things to do in the sunshine state, this list has you covered. Here are 7 fun and off the beaten path things to do in Florida on your next trip.

“Public pool” may bring to mind images of boring, overcrowded cement pools from suburbia. While the Venetian Pool is technically a public pool, it couldn’t be further from this image. Instead, the pool features two waterfalls, lookout towers, and gorgeous architecture. Its history is also one of a kind – it was built from a coral rock quarry in the 1920s, and is fed with spring water. Located in Coral Gables, Florida, tickets to this memorable and unique pool are available online.

Florida Caverns State Park is one of the few places in the state where the general public can explore a large cave system. The inside of the cave is truly stunning – intricate rock formations are lit by LED lights, giving the entire area an almost magical feel. Guided cavern tours are offered five days a week, Thursday through Monday. In addition to the cave, the state park is also home to opportunities for hiking, boating, and camping.

Learn all about the history of the circus with a visit to The Ringling Circus Museum. Located in Sarasota, this museum highlights all things related to the big top. You’ll be able to view all kinds of historic gear and props used in shows. The museum is also home to several interactive exhibits, making this a great option for those traveling with children as well. Tickets can be purchased online.

The Morikami Museum And Japanese Gardens seeks to highlight Japanese art and culture. If you enjoy museums or you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, consider heading over to check out their various exhibit and stroll through the garden. The museum is open every day except for Monday. Tickets must be purchased in person upon arrival at the museum. For those interested in the exhibit and idea behind the Morikami museum, They also have some online exhibits that are a great way to check out what you can expect when deciding whether or not to visit.

Here’s a great option for fun for the whole family. Now that we’re getting into hotter months – especially in Florida – many of us may start looking for things to do that include ways to stay cool. Weeki Wachee is probably best known for their daily mermaid shows. Such shows are a great way to add A little magic into your trip and are sure to fill any younger members of your party with joy. Mermaid shows aren’t all Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has to offer, however. You’ll also want to check out the water park, Buccaneer Bay, as well as consider going on the Wilderness River Cruise. The park can reach capacity during busier times. If you’re going during such a time, such as the summer months, you will likely want to consider arriving early to make sure you can get entry into the park.

This serene island is only accessible by boat. However, it’s peaceful and relaxing enough that the wage to get there is more than worth it. You’ll be able to spend your day relaxing on one of the island’s gorgeous beaches call. Caldesi Island it’s also home to a couple of hiking trails. If you have a boat of your own, The island features a marina that allows overnight camping. If you don’t, no worries. You’re also able to take a ferry out to the island.

Devil’s Den is an astounding and well-loved spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Located in an underground spring in Williston Florida, Devil’s Den is currently open via reservation only. Reservations for your visit can be made online.

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As is tradition, the holiday season starts early at the theme parks, and Busch Gardens is no exception.

The Tampa park and Florida roller coaster king kicked off its annual Christmas Town event earlier than ever on Nov. 12. Besides the park’s signature millions of lights and dozens of holiday displays, there are outdoor kitchens serving up sweet and savory treats plus classics, bars with boozy beverages and three new attractions to get your jolly on.

New this year is the “Holiday in the Sky” fireworks show at Festival Field around the corner from the new Iron Gwazi coaster, which is decked out for the holidays in red and green lighting (it will officially open in March 2022).

Another reason to light up the sky over Tampa and blast Christmas music, the Holiday in the Sky show is still an impressive display to cap off an evening of stuffing yourself with peppermint hot chocolate and whiskey-spiked bread pudding.

Speaking of indulgences, part of the draw of Christmas Town are its holiday-themed food and drink kiosks in the festival center and special menu items at restaurants around the park. The go-to items are, of course, deep dish cookies, hot chocolate (classic, peppermint or gingerbread) and a selection of local seasonal brews from Big Storm, 3 Daughters and Coppertail.

Many of the menus are new this year, with the most eye-catching and mouthwatering options being a chicken and maple bacon doughnut sandwich, sweet potato “totchos” with smoked brisket and beer cheese and a giant soft pretzel twisted into the shape of the Busch Gardens coaster logo.

There are also new mixes at the Jack Frosty Cocktails kiosk – from the new Christmas Town punch (cranberry, orange, Tito’s Vodka) and Mistletoe Margarita (lime sour, cranberry, Milagro tequila) to an apple brandy hot toddy (brandy, cinnamon, honey, lemon).

You can even ask to make your hot cocoa “jolly” with Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua or Peppermint Schnapps and get a kick of Jack Daniel’s in the caramel and brown butter bread pudding, which is spiked with a pipette of Winter Jack Tennessee Cider.

Beyond the booze and bites, there’s a “Storytime with Mrs. Claus” show in the new Coke Canopy near the Christmas Town Village area. Shows are at various times throughout the night along with chances to visit Santa at the North Pole Experience in the Nairobi area of Busch Gardens.

That same area of the park (near the elephant habitat and the Penguin Point light display) also has the Holly Jolly Express—Busch Gardens’ signature train decked out in holiday lights and blasting classic Christmas tunes as it takes you around the darkened animal habitats.

Other returning favorites include the long-running Christmas on Ice skating show in the Moroccan Palace Theater, the Three Kings Journey in the Stanleyville Theater and Elmo’s Christmas Wish at the Sunny Day Theater in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area of the park.

Like in past years, Busch Gardens also gets appearances from the most famous reindeer of all at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland, which opens at 5 p.m. during Christmas Town dates.

Christmas Town is included with admission to Busch Gardens, though food and drink items are separate. Holiday dishes are $6.99-$9.99 and drinks are $10.99. Sampling lanyards are available starting at $44.99 for eight items.

Christmas Town runs daily through Jan. 2, 2022.

For more information and tickets, visit christmastown.com.—Chelsea Zukowski

Florida nostalgia lovers, rejoice. And maybe say a prayer for your pocketbook.

After a multiyear hiatus, Floridania Fest returns to Tampa Bay on May 21. Thousands of historic Sunshine State souvenirs, artwork and collectibles will be for sale at the Gulfport Casino, from postcards and felt pennants to orange blossom perfume and alligator-skin handbags.

“It’s just a super fun hobby because it can combine your love of history, and especially Florida history, with collecting,” said author Ken Breslauer, who has hosted the event on and off since 1994. “You can have lifelong friendships with people who have the same passion.”

Breslauer typically spends six months or so promoting his events and works with about 20 dealers, who are all devoted to scouting out fun and quirky artifacts. The event will also have plenty of Florida books for sale, from Breslauer’s own volumes detailing the state’s souvenir history to coloring books about Florida’s lost landmarks.

Breslauer, 65, has an interesting history of his own: He grew up in Delray Beach and became a sports writer for the Pensacola News Journal, then spent 37 years at the Sebring International Raceway, where he retired after working as the media relations director. Along the way, Breslauer earned a master’s degree in historic preservation, publishing a thesis in 1999 based on roadside attractions in Florida.

“It wasn’t that big of a topic and then all of the sudden in 2003, Cypress Gardens went out of business,” he said. “Everyone was worried about the future of these roadside attractions, how they might be lost to development and so forth.”

Breslauer followed up his thesis with a book on the history of local roadside attractions. And he started collecting. His first show was at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, but over the years it’s traveled to other historic venues in cities around the Sunshine State.

Browsing the merchandise isn’t just a fun way to spend a Saturday. It’s also a way to understand how Florida has sold its sunshine over the years. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, most trinkets were handcrafted, including mementos made with natural Florida wood and gator skin.

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“The early attractions of Florida are based on the natural appeal of Florida,” Breslauer said. “The springs, the gardens, the wildlife.”

As the 20th century progressed, the rise of the roadside attraction ushered in a new era of keepsakes: ashtrays, decals, plates and View-Master reels. Before Disney made a splash in the ‘70s, spots like Silver Springs, Sunken Gardens and Cypress Gardens reigned supreme.

Certain attractions have big crossover appeal among collectors and will be very present at the show, like Weeki Wachee’s mermaids and Cypress Gardens’ water skiers. Tiki Gardens, a now-defunct Indian Rocks Beach attraction that capitalized on the midcentury tiki craze, is popular with tiki enthusiasts. A 33 RPM record put out by the attraction now can go for up to $500.

“Whatever people tend to remember from their childhood tends to be what they go crazy for,” said author Rick Kilby, who will be selling his history books at Floridania Fest.

When Kilby was working on his last few books about Florida’s springs, he attended Breslauer’s events to find artifacts he could use. These days, he’s going more to have some fun shopping.

“Ken buys the cream of the crop,” Kilby said. “He has stuff no one else has.”

Kilby’s advice: If you see something you like, grab it. He still remembers unique items from previous festivals that he didn’t buy and hasn’t seen since, like tiny hand-drawn billboard inserts that Silver Springs sold to be added to model train sets from the 1950s and ‘60s.

“This is really a good chance to find your Florida treasure,” Breslauer said.

If you go

Floridania Fest takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 21 at the Gulfport Casino. The last admission is at 3:30 p.m. $5, children 14 and under are free. 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport.

Bok Tower Gardens

Lake Wales (1 hour 30 minutes southwest of Orlando)

Welcoming more than 23 million visitors since 1929, this Lake Wales gem continues to delight guests daily with its 60-bell carillon ringing out from Bok Tower that perches atop the 298-foot Iron Mountain. Built from Georgia marble, coquina, and ceramic tile, the 205-foot Gothic Revival and Art Deco masterpiece (known as the “Singing Tower”) overlooks the rolling citrus hills and lush 250-acre botanical gardens nestled below. As part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, this serene oasis is home to more than 100 bird species that flit between the live oaks, magnolias, sabal palms, native plants and wildflowers. With special events year-round—including concerts, art workshops, and culinary events—Bok Towers is worth the drive in any season. Before you leave, tour the adjacent Pinewood Estate, a beautifully restored 20-room mansion built in 1932, for an up-close look at 20th century Mediterranean-style architecture. -L.B.

Silver Springs State Park

Ocala (1 hour 30 minutes northwest of Orlando)

With 5,000 acres to explore at Silver Springs State Park, the property’s crown jewel continues to be its waterways. As one of one of the world’s largest artesian springs, Silver Springs gushes up to 550 million gallons of clear water every day and began attracting tourists back in the 1820s. The springs form the five-mile Silver River, which feeds the Ocklawaha River, eventually flowing into the St. Johns River. When two enterprising men attached a piece of glass in the bottom of a rowboat in the late 1870s, an iconic attraction was born. Providing a window to aquatic life below, the world-famous glass-bottom boat tours of the Silver River have been delighting visitors for more than 100 years. During the 30- or 90-minute journey, visitors might spot alligators, turtles, manatees and many species of fish as well as submerged Native American and Spanish artifacts. And, as part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, Silver Springs is the home many aquatic and woodland birds, including limpkin, wild turkey, bobwhite quail and warblers. Dig into a bit of history at Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center (open to the public on weekends and holidays), which includes a late-1800s pioneer “Cracker” settlement and a 1930s one-room schoolhouse. -L.B.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Weeki Wachee (1 hour 45 minutes west of Orlando)

Opened in 1947 by former U.S. Navy man Newton Perry, Weeki Wachee Springs debuted with a soon-to-be-iconic mermaid show. These underwater performers dazzled thousands of fans over the years (including Elvis Presley) with their synchronized ballet moves. The nod to nostalgia continues today in the current 400-seat theater embedded in the side of the spring 16 feet below the surface, where modern mermaids perform three shows a day. This 538-acre destination, now part of the Florida State Park system, makes a perfect family outing with Buccaneer Bay and Lil’ Mates Caribbean Cove for the kids, plus swimming, snorkeling, tubing, and a boat tour along the Weeki Wachee River. As home to the deepest freshwater cave system in the United States and teeming with wildlife, the fun goes beyond enchanting merfolk. -L.B.

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Winter Park (15 minutes northeast of Orlando)

Spend a tranquil hour touring the pristine Winter Park chain of lakes in an 18-passenger pontoon boat that winds its way through Lakes Osceola, Virginia, and Maitland. The boat also squeezes its way through narrow canals covered by lush ferns and tree canopy. Navigating local waterways since 1938, the tour boats take you past opulent estates, Kraft Azalea Gardens and the majestic Rollins College campus. Tour guides share Winter Park history along the way, pointing out where famous celebrities once lived. Stunning natural beauty lines the waterways, from swaying palms to towering cypress trees. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of cranes overhead or alligators in the water. With tours leaving hourly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., you can shop along the tony Park Ave. area, then board the open-air boat on the east end of Morse Boulevard on Lake Osceola. -L.B.

A visit to Kennedy Space Center provides thrills galore. (COURTESY KENNEDY SPACE CENTER)

Kennedy Space Center Complex

Merritt Island (1 hour 12 minutes east of Orlando)

Kennedy Space Center has been the epicenter of US space exploration and the embodiment of the American can-do spirit for sixty years. Millions of visitors have passed through the Visitor Complex to get a glimpse of man’s exploration of space. But while we laud the achievements of the past, KSC is also looking to celebrate the present—and move forward with a brand-new attraction, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex.

Upon entering the Gateway building, come face-to-face with a collection of actual space-flown artifacts and full-scale models, including the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster (officially known as Booster 1023) that supported two SpaceX missions. Next, visit the Robotic Trail Blazers wall to learn about nearly 40 satellites and probes in space through interactive touchscreen displays. Finally, explore Spaceport KSC, billed as “the first and only airport of the future.” You’ll be transported forward in time for a chance to board one of four spaceships that will offer various adventures: Cosmic Wonders, Daring Explorers, Red Planet and Uncharted Worlds.

In addition to all of this, the new facility offers a rooftop space that hosts special events, including launch and landing viewing. -B.F.

NOLA Creamery and Sweet Beignets both right next to the Garden Gate Café, is where to get sweet fried doughnuts that are a must at any Mardi Gras festival, and the options at Busch Gardens include traditional with powdered sugar, ones topped with Woodford Reserve bourbon chocolate drizzle and banana’s foster beignets. The Busch Gardens beignets also stand out for their flaky, croissant-like texture.

Busch Gardens brought Big Easy cuisine and entertainment to Tampa a little early with Mardi Gras. But the beads and bites filled festival is a festive way to kick off what’s sure to be an exciting 2022 for the Tampa theme park.

Mardi Gras and the park’s Real Music Series are the firsts of nearly a dozen events happening at Busch Gardens this year. There’s at least one special event happening every month at Busch Gardens – from Mardi Gras and Food & Wine to Summer Nights and Howl-O-Scream.

Mardi Gras—on now through March 6—is also a great primer for the park’s popular Food & Wine Festival, which kicks off on March 11. With two food stations for New Orleans-style main dishes, two more for desserts and several spots to drink around the park, it’s easy to get a taste of everything Mardi Gras has to offer.

If you’re planning to spend the day eating and drinking around the Mardi Gras festival, it’s worth it to buy one of the sampling lanyards. The five-item sampler is $35 and the 10-item lanyard is $55.

Beyond food and drinks, Mardi Gras sports several festive photo-ops around the festival area, a daily parade with music, performers and chances to snag beads and live local music and a brass band playing in the Bird Gardens and on the Coca-Cola Stage. Be sure to check out the Bird Gardens, which has been outfitted with a giant Fleur-de-Lis statue and about a dozen garden flamingos dressed in beads and Mardi Gras crowns.

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras runs weekends and select days through March 6. Find more information and tickets at buschgardens.com.

Here are all the desserts, drinks, bites and sights to eat and see at the event.

Creole-style jambalaya In Jackson Square across from the Coca-Cola Stage, a savory dish with a heavy serving, this time of homemade-tasting jambalaya with chicken, Andouille sausage and plenty of spices and tomatoes. Also in Jackson Square.

Smoked peppered brisket At Esplanade Street Bites (across from the bead garden), these are essentially Mardi Gras nachos with a generous helping of thick, crispy kettle chips covered with smoky brisket and cheesy chipotle cream. Don’t sleep on these.

Reimagined sundaes The festival Mardi Gras waffle cone sundae gets an upgrade with salted caramel ice cream and topped with popcorn, chocolate drizzle, whipped topping and morello cherries. There’s also the Bourbon Street cream and cookie, which is a cookie sundae with your choice of ice cream and chocolate drizzle. Also at NOLA Creamery and Sweet Beignets both right next to the Garden Gate Café. Drinks (at every Mardi Gras station and at the Garden Gate Café and Giraffe Bar)

Xcursions The popular artisan gift shop near the festival area has rum tastings outside and a limited selection of Mardi Gras cupcakes inside – take home a two- or four-pack. This shop is also where to buy beads, hats and other Mardi Gras attire for the parade. Available at every Mardi Gras station and at the Garden Gate Café and Giraffe Bar.

Smoked bourbon peach sour This cocktail includes Woodford Reserve bourbon, peach sour and club soda. Get it at Sweet Beignets food station. Available at every Mardi Gras station and at the Garden Gate Café and Giraffe Bar.

Spiced vanilla old-fashioned Jackson Square boasts this drink that includes Woodford Reserve bourbon, vanilla and bitters. Available at every Mardi Gras station and at the Garden Gate Café and Giraffe Bar.

Smoked bloody mary Esplanade Street Bites has this smoky brunch cocktail featuring Tito’s Vodka, hickory and fresh lemon. Available at every Mardi Gras station and at the Garden Gate Café and Giraffe Bar.

The Garden Gate Café also has other Mardi Gras cocktails including the Tampa Vice (Pina Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri mixed together), the Gold Coin Mojito (Fleur de Cana rum, turmeric, mint) and the Green Fairy Margarita (tequila, green apple, lime). Available at every Mardi Gras station and at the Garden Gate Café and Giraffe Bar.

Heavy on buttery, cheesy grits, the shrimp and grits are likewise not too spicy and perfect comfort food on the days when Florida actually gets a little chilly. Also in Jackson Square.

In Jackson square, don’t miss out on the meatless twist on classic dirty rice, which is perfectly spiced with chunks of savory crispy-chewy Impossible meat.

Get a frozen or iced Hurricane at the bar near the Coca-Cola stage and at the new Giraffe Bar at Serengeti Overlook near Cheetah Hunt. You can also “Spike DAT” for $3.50. Available at every Mardi Gras station and at the Garden Gate Café and Giraffe Bar. Traditional Hurricanes are a fruity and sweet concoction of rums, juices (orange, passion fruit and lemon or lime) and grenadine.

These are essentially Mardi Gras nachos with a generous helping of thick, crispy kettle chips covered with smoky brisket and cheesy chipotle cream. Don’t sleep on these also Esplanade Street Bites (across from the bead garden).

At Esplanade Street Bites (across from the bead garden), this is where to get your (two) hands on some Big Easy staples, including the shrimp po’boy slathered in Creole remoulade, and the new smoked chicken po’boy topped with bourbon BBQ.

NOLA Creamery and Sweet Beignets both right next to the Garden Gate Café, is where to get sweet fried doughnuts that are a must at any Mardi Gras festival, and the options at Busch Gardens include traditional with powdered sugar, ones topped with Woodford Reserve bourbon chocolate drizzle and banana’s foster beignets. The Busch Gardens beignets also stand out for their flaky, croissant-like texture.

Make beignets your dessert appetizer and then finish off (after a walk around the park) with a French Quarter waffle cone with amaretto ice cream, chocolate drizzle, Mardi Gras sprinkles and topped with a chunk of cheesecake. You can also get it with salted caramel ice cream if you don’t want the booze. Head to ?NOLA Creamery and Sweet Beignets both right next to the Garden Gate Café to get it.