Touring Tampa: The Oxford Exchange.

Featuring photography by Elizabeth Holder.

Being a Tampa native, I’ve had the opportunity to watch this city grow and transform over the years, meeting the needs of its ever-changing population while drawing in new residents every day. One of my favorite areas of growth is the restoration of historic buildings and ideas into brand new, trending hot spots. Serving eclectic and decadent food and coffee in the daytime, to selling classic novels and collector’s decor, Oxford Exchange on Kennedy Blvd does just that. With sophisticated and refined taste, OE gives off those original Tampa vibes from the minute you walk in the door. Follow along as I share my favorite parts of OE and why you don’t want to miss your chance to check it out!

For the Foodies

The menu offerings at OE are 👏🏻👏🏻 1) creative, 2) delicious, and 3) full of flavor. Definitely a #foodblogger’s dream. Here are some of my favorite choices:

Chocolate Chip Pancakes, please. With EXTRA strawberries.

Kale Salad OR Seasonal Chopped Salad. (Side note: anything with goat cheese and I’m sold.)

And of course, THE TEA. Any flavor, any temperature. It’s all amazing. But then again, those that know me, know I should probably be in a rehab program for tea addiction. 🍵😂 #slightlybiased

For the Book-lovers

OE has books on books on books, and every place you could ever imagine to read them. From a quiet chair on the upstairs balcony overlooking the restaurant, to a plush leather couch where you can secretly watch the cafe goers while you pretend to be invested in your book. (Ha! You all know we’ve done it before. LOL)

Indulge in a classic…

Yes, that’s Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky.

Or learn about Tampa’s history in FREE softbound books that really should not be free because they are such great quality, but OE is just awesome like that.

Wherever you choose to sit and whatever you choose to read, OE is THE place to be the ultimate bookworm.

For the Shoppers

Now that you’ve fueled up on tea and brunch favorites, gotten lost in a good book, and are feeling the 100% European charm, take a final look in the gift shop which features antiques, unique collectables, and Warby Parker eyewear.

No drama with these llamas… too much? (#never)

AND – The shoe shines are real, y’all. Since the shiner was on break, I decided to shine my own. #independent

And the seating, you guys. The seating. Anywhere you choose to sit, is just straight GLAM and comfort. Like this blue chair above that is complementing my outfit better than a PB&J.

For the Friends

As you guys know, the purpose of my blog and social media presence is to encourage others, bring joy, and foster positive relationships by giving and showing the love of Christ in my community. One thing I have found that is VITAL to a healthy community and relationships is time spent together. Doing life. Exploring. Praying for each other. Sharing our hardships and our victories. Sharing meals together. Truly giving of ourselves to pour into another person.

Oxford Exchange is an incredible place to meet up with old friends, new friends, or anyone you are looking to grow a relationship with. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, and the best part is… you can spend HOURS there and not get bored. It’s a great place to get some work done on your laptop, have a lunch meeting, or connect with a friend who needs you. Whatever your reason for being there, OE has you covered. ♥

I hope you guys have enjoyed my review of Oxford Exchange in Tampa, FL and give it a try soon! Also wanted to give a HUGE shout out to an incredible woman of God, the photographer that collaborated with me on this shoot, Mrs. Elizabeth Holder (My first #Graysie), of Elizabeth Holder Photography. She was a joy to work with and one of the sweetest people EVER. I highly recommend her because her pictures are amazing, but also because she is a gem! Check out the rest of the pictures below, then grab your wallet and head on over to OE for a bite. 🙂