SoHot Style in South Tampa

Whiskey Park SoHo (720 S. Howard Ave., 813-259-9669) is South Tampa's main meet market, and if it's a party you're after, you'll find it here nearly every night of the week. Surgically enhanced sorts of all ages (silicon and Botox are practically de rigueur among this crowd) come out in force, and people-watching is a highlight. A rustic wood bar dominates the front patio and lush greenery obscures would-be parking lot views. Tables topped with candles and red tablecloths make for a romantic vibe at night. Inside, shake your thing on the packed dance floor or chill in an intimate elevated room with velvety tables to set your martini on.

For something more low-key, head to St. Bart's Island House (1502 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-0367), a Caribbean/French Indies restaurant that attracts a mellow bar crowd on Thursdays for live reggae music and $3 specials on Red Stripe beers and spiced rum drinks. Brick walls painted red and turquoise are hung with tropical paintings, and colorful striped couches centered on wood tables make for comfy lounging.

The South Tampa crowd isn't one that likes to blend in with the mall masses, so shopping at the area's independent boutiques is the retail trend.

Fashion-forward females love Deborah Kent's (2120 S. Dale Mabry Hwy.), a boutique that's been around for roughly 25 years but always stays au courant. In addition to international couture, look for vintage silk and crewel-embroidered handbags with 1930s Bakelite handles designed by owner Barbara Kent ($250-$300). Local designer Judy Tampa's designs can be found here, too -- her "Frida" skirt, a boho-chic garment tiered with gray, blue, brown and green silk swatches, sells for $231.

More affordable fashions and retro home furnishings can be found at Squaresville (508 S. Howard Ave.). Owner Craig Greabell hits flea markets and estate sales to add to his cache of mullet wigs, fantastic plastic go-go boots ($39.99) and vintage Bucco Bruce mascot collectibles for old-school fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Get your bling on at DKM Accessories (3102 W. Palmira Ave.), a 1920s-style bungalow that is chockablock with glittery costume jewelry and unusual handbags, including one line of purses created from interwoven seatbelts (Harveys Seatbeltbag, from $70).

-- Terry Ward

For more information, visit SoHoTampa.com (http://www.sohotampa.com)or contact the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce (813-637-0156,http://www.southtampachamber.org) and the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau (813-223-1111,http://www.visittampabay.com).