24 Hours in Tampa — A Toast, A Farewell & The Sweet Spot
We checked into The Epicurean Hotel on South Howard — our go-to whenever Scott has a board meeting with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. If you haven't stayed here, put it on the list. Built in partnership with the legendary Bern's Steak House right across the street, the Epicurean is a love letter to food, wine and the art of savoring things. The lobby alone sets the tone — an in-house wine shop curated by Bern's Fine Wines, a spirits collection that could make a sommelier weep, an "On The Rocks" cocktail kit waiting in your room for $25 (just add ice), and oversized Shun chef's knives mounted on the wall like fine art. Because at The Epicurean, they are.
The moment we stepped into the elevator — wine glasses already in hand — we knew we were home.
The Farewell - https://specialops.org Please check out ways to donate to this great cause!
That evening we headed to the Tampa Yacht and Country Club for the SOWF annual social. The night belonged to Clay Hutmacher — retired Major General, President and CEO of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and a longtime friend of Scott's. Clay is stepping down after years of leading SOWF, an organization that provides full scholarship grants and educational counseling to the surviving children of fallen special operations personnel. His leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary, and the evening was a fitting tribute — full of people who understand what service means and how rare it is to find someone who leads with that kind of heart.
Clay Hutmacher at the podium and incoming CEO Jamie Sands in the background
The current SOCOM commander Admiral Mitch Bradley was in attendance, along with many others who have dedicated their lives to the special operations community. It was the kind of room where the stories matter more than the titles.
The Bar, The Cab & The Cardinals Connection
After the event, we settled into the Epicurean lounge for a nightcap. Scott ordered a glass of Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon — one of our favorite Napa wineries. Mike Grgich famously crafted the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the 1976 Paris Tasting and beat the best of France, putting Napa Valley on the world wine map. We never pass up a Grgich cab when we see one. https://grgich.com
Glass in hand, Scott pulled up the Cardinals game on his phone. The gentleman next to us at the bar overheard and leaned in.
"Y'all Cardinals fans?"
Scott, never one for a quiet response: "Hell yeah we are!"
And just like that, we met Mike from St. Simons Island, Georgia. Turns out Mike's daughter's softball coach is none other than Adam Wainwright — the Adam Wainwright. Longtime Cardinals pitching legend, World Series champion, three-time All-Star, 200-game winner, and the man who sits second only to Bob Gibson in Cardinals career strikeouts with 2,202. Wainwright and Yadier Molina are the most successful battery in Major League history.
The coincidence was almost too perfect. We had just come from St. Louis — and Clay had been with us for one of the games. You can’t make this stuff up. Scott and Mike hit it off immediately, and I have a feeling this won't be the last time we hear from our new friend from the Golden Isles.
I had to throw in some pictures of Clay from the St. Louis trip below!
Hyde Park Village & Lady and the Mug
The next morning, while Scott was in his board meeting, I had a couple of hours to explore. I wandered over to Hyde Park Village — a charming open-air shopping district just a short walk from The Epicurean, full of tree-lined courtyards, colorful murals, and that effortless Tampa energy where everything feels warm and unhurried.
My first stop was Lady and the Mug — and if you are a coffee lover, you need to know about this place. As you walk in, there is a loveseat shaped like two cupped hands woven from rattan with a throw pillow that reads "Bring me coffee and tell me I'm pretty." Further inside, there is a table surrounded by six swings in lieu of chairs — presumably for those who have been over-caffeinated and need somewhere to channel that energy. I ordered an iced green tea chai latte, grabbed a seat outside in the sun, and took my sweet time with it. The wall behind the counter reads "Hello. You're looking absolutely stunning today." And honestly? I needed that.
From there I headed to The Pirate Candy Shop — a Swedish candy store that also carries Dubai Chocolate, which is apparently a thing now. I don't eat a lot of sweets, but the rainbow wall of Marabou bars, gummy everything, and bins of imported treats was genuinely irresistible. I picked out an assortment to bring home and share with all the "kids." Sometimes being the cool aunt means showing up with a bag full of Swedish candy nobody has ever heard of.
The Capital Grille & A Sweet Reward
Susan and David!
After the board meeting wrapped, we headed to International Mall — one of our favorite shopping destinations in Tampa — to meet my cousins Susan and David for lunch at The Capital Grille. There is something about a meal at The Capital Grille that always feels like a celebration even when there is nothing specific to celebrate. White tablecloths, great wine, and the kind of conversation that makes you wish you lived closer to the people you love. Susan and David — you two are the best. Let's not wait so long next time.
Before heading to the airport, we ducked into the Swatch store. My nieces Avery and Margot both recently made the honor roll, and that deserves more than a text message. We picked out two watches — one from the Swatch x Guggenheim collection and one from the Swatch x Tate Gallery collection — colorful, fun, and just the right kind of reward for two girls who put in the work. Way to go, Avery and Margot. Your Aunt Susan and Uncle Scott are proud of you.
Twenty-four hours. A farewell toast to a man who gave everything to the families of our fallen. A Grgich cab that led to an Adam Wainwright story we will never stop telling. A coffee shop that told me I looked stunning. A candy store that made me feel like a kid. A lunch with family that felt like home. And two little Swatches to remind two smart girls that hard work is always worth celebrating.
Short and sweet — just like Tampa.
Now back to Nashville.
