Writer Amelia Mularz uncovers an authentic two-step hidden in the heart of Tampa.
I never thought a trip to Florida would be an opportunity to revel in a bit of authentic Americana. Growing up, there was always time reserved for trips through the Midwest, driving on the quiet back roads of Illinois up to Door County, Wisconsin, for a weekend. As kids, the big excitement was visiting a small shop in Fish Creek where we’d each get to pick out an animal chiseled out of rock. Florida, on the other hand, seemed so shiny and new, with Orlando and its many major theme parks. Now I imagine the kids at Disney World, with their Hannah Montana souvenir MP3 players, would scoff at the pet rocks of my youth. Then they'd run away laughing, on their way to some virtual reality space shuttle ride.
On a recent trip to Tampa, however, I was surprised to find a bit of old-time charm when I happened upon the coolest country line dancing bar this side of Nashville. Tampa, known as the "unofficial birthplace of Death Metal," doesn’t seem a likely place for a honky tonk. Yet, the Round Up (13918 W Hillsborough Ave, +1 813 855 1464) and the hundreds of cowboy boot-clad patrons who flock there every weekend prove otherwise. Situated in between a store called "Guns" and another simply named establishment, "Parrot Stuff," Round Up is a country music lover’s dream. The dance floor is constantly packed, and everyone keeps to the designated choreography. Not only is it surprising that people still country line dance, but the moves have been updated and are actually really cool. These aren’t the same dances taught in junior high gym classes. There’s no “Achy Breaky Heart” here (meaning at least one Cyrus has loosened his grip on Florida). Many of the dances are set to country/hip-hop remixes, and there’s one dance in particular with moves so scandalous it’d make an MTV spring breaker blush. On Saturdays, the bar even treats guests to free pizza. How’s that for old-time hospitality?
The morning after my visit to Round Up, a friend and I headed just down the block to the weekly flea market in Oldsmar. Apparently hung up on the whole idea of Americana, I purchased a switchblade with a sketch of Ronald Reagan on the handle, and my friend snatched up some old Nintendo games circa 1987. Yes, we’ve moved on from the days of pet rocks as souvenirs, but we still went with classics.
Finally Florida gets its due. We never make the news anymore!
Posted by: Pan Handle | June 06, 2008 at 09:10 PM