TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

When Girls Just Want To Have Fun In Pasco

ADVERTISEMENT

By JEN HOWELL

Special to the Tribune

Published: August 13, 2008

Let's say you've got the whole day to yourself and you want to spend it with a few of your girlfriends - shopping, pampering, indulging yourself and catching up on all the latest.

You might be tempted to head south to the haute shops and spas of South Tampa and St. Petersburg.

But you don't have to. Pasco County offers plenty of places for you and the girls to have fun.

And with all the gas money you'll save, you can order another Cosmo!

All About The Shopping

The Green Room

5526 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills, (813) 788-2050

You might not see celebrities in The Green Room, but you might walk out looking like one.

The consignment store caters to teens and young adults by "recycling" big name brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister and American Eagle.

Owners Leanne Marley and Kimberly Woods are picky when it comes to stocking their shelves. They pay cash for popular, mall-brand clothes in good condition and offer 20 percent more for people who take store credit.

Pump up the music and mix in a high energy atmosphere and you have The Green Room's formula for success.

Nabers Jewelers

7343 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills, (813) 788-6661, www.nabers jewelers.com

If diamonds are a girl's best friend, then Nabers has made many a woman happy in the 75 years it has been in business.

With a custom jeweler and graduate gemologist on site, owner Tom Vanater can help create one-of-a-kind pieces or reinvent customers' gold and gems into modern designs.

"One of the things that is hot right now - and has always been strong - is the custom work we do when customers bring in their gems and gold," Vanater says.

Nabers also offers a master watchmaker to get those old but cherished timepieces working again.

While dropping a watch off for repair, grab a business card to give a not-so-subtle hint to your significant other.

Feeding the Soul

Christo's

3136 Little Road, New Port Richey, (727) 376-4082

7408 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O' Lakes, (813) 235-9111

www.christosfamily restaurant.com

Greek hospitality knows no limits at Christo's. For a day out, grab lunch and take in the family-oriented atmosphere at the front of the restaurant. Or ask for a tour of the kitchen and talk with chefs Erik and Chris Papapanos.

Christo's uses fresh ingredients to create signature soups made from scratch and the freshest Greek salads.

Wraps, salads, and hot and cold sandwiches are popular for lunch, but the restaurant also serves breakfast daily and dinner Monday through Saturday.

The hospitality here sometimes means bending the 9 p.m. closing time.

"If we see people come after 9 p.m., we let them in," says owner Roula Papapanos. "I feel bad. They're hungry."

Bonsai

1652 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel, (813) 994-7333

www.tampasushi.com

If it's a taste of the East you are looking for, try Bonsai in Wesley Chapel.

Known for its sushi rolls, the restaurant also touts its bonsai tree - and we're not talking about those cute little trees. This bonsai tree is made of smoked salmon, avocado, cream cheese, a crab stick and Masago caviar, all wrapped with paper-thin cucumber and served with ginger-tomato vinaigrette.

While getting a dose of Omega-3, you won't have to worry about this sushi being fresh. Owner Jung Patton says the Bonsai staff is strict when it comes to quality control of the raw fish it serves.

Time for A Little Pampering

Tan Quest

6305 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills, (813) 782-4141

www.tanquest.net

A sun-kissed glow and relaxed muscles can be quick and easy if Tan Quest is on your list.

When a vacation is out of the question, make an appointment for a tanning bed and a spa capsule hydro massage. While you're at it, order a smoothie or coffee and lunch from the Cafe Soleil next door.

Tanning sessions can last as long as 20 minutes or as little as eight and run between $8 and $16 per session.

Friendly faces are free perks at the salon.

"We make a point to make everyone feel important," owner Melissa Mann says.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT