10 Ways To Shop Local At Tampa International Airport

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay is home to an eclectic mix of both small businesses and local brands that got their start right here in this region - and that trend doesn't end when you get to the airport.

As the shops and restaurants at TPA have undergone redevelopment, the airport team has made it a point to keep local Tampa brands in the mix, offering passengers flying in or out a true taste of Tampa Bay.

If you're looking to support these local brands when you fly through, just look for the "TPA Local" icon on any products or displays.

Here are 10 ways you can shop (or dine) local at TPA:

1. Toasty beverages: Yes, we've got Starbucks. But we also have a wide-variety of regional coffee shops, including local options on every airside. Kahwa (Main Terminal - The Shoppes at Bayshore, Airside E - Air Essentials or Bay to Bay and Airside F - The Cafe at Mise en Place); TeBella (Main Terminal -The Shoppes at Bayshore); Cafe Con Leche (Airside C.)

Courtesy TPA

2. Chilly Beverages: There's really nothing better than an Airport beer - unless your Airport brews their own local beer on site ;) Grab a local brewski at Cigar City Brewing (Airsides C or F) or grab a Mother Kombucha (Main Terminal - The Shoppes at Bayshore) on your way out.

Courtesy TPA

3. Pastries: The Tampa Bay Region has plenty of sweet snacks from illy's fresh daily croissants to other sweet Cassis treats. Chef Jeremy Duclut of Cassis Bakery blends classic French recipes with modern American style, offering an array of fresh pastries from scratch to ensure the highest possible quality and the finest attention to detail. Find these at illy Caffe (Airsides E or F) or at Air Essentials (Airside E) and Bay to Bay (Airside F.)

C0urtesy TPA

4. Confections: Sweet tooth? Satisfy it like the locals do - snag some decadent Toffee To Go (Main Terminal - The Shoppes at Bayshore) for yourself or as a gift (box and bow already included) or try Pinellas Chocolates from the same TPA store.

Courtesy TPA

5. Candles: Inhale the sweet scents, exhale the jetlag. TPA has an array of candles, melted and poured by local brands like Tipsy (The Shoppes at Bayshore - Main Terminal) and Seventh Avenue Apothecary (The Shoppes at Bayshore - Main Terminal.) These make the perfect gift to anyone on your holiday list (or yourself.)

Courtesy TPA

Courtesy TPA

6. Cigars: hand rolled in historic Ybor City, Matador Tampa Cigars make for the perfect taste - or puff - of the region. Snag some in the Main Terminal at The Shoppes at Bayshore.

7. Restaurants: Taste Tampa Bay before even leaving the Airport. With local restaurants like Ulele, RumFish Grill, The Café by Mise en Place, Burger 21, Ducky’s, Goody Goody, Cigar City, Brewing/Taproom, Columbia Café you won't run out of spots to grub. See which restaurants are currently open and where they're located here.

Courtesy TPA

8. Beauty: Looking to support local brands while looking and feeling your best? Canviiy, a company that sells natural-based scalp care, got its start RIGHT HERE on the shelves of Tampa International Airport's The Shoppes at Bayshore. The company now sells in hundreds of Target stores and all across the world. Another women-owned and company, Conscious Coconut, sells organic coconut oil products while contributing to the community and both local and country-wide charities.

Courtesy TPA

9. Jewelry: Forgot your bling at home? Grab a TPA Bourbon and Boweties bangle (or a bunch) or shop Monya Flora for handmade women's jewelry (Main Terminal - The Shoppes at Bayshore.)

Courtesy TPA

10. Sports: Bucs, Bolts, Rays and Rowdies, Tampa is getting closer and closer to becoming a titletown. Support your local teams at the Tampa Bay Sports store in the Main Terminal

Courtesy TPA