Bay Magazine December 2025

DESTINATION VACATION FROM THE EDITOR

Hby Kathy Saunders

▲ 14 TENNESSEE

olidays give us time to reflect on the past year, and for me, 2025 was a season of travel. I crossed a couple of destinations off my bucket list, and I spent some cherished time with family and friends. In this issue of Bay, I share the stories of my adventures in the Yorkshire Dales, a first-class cruise through the glaciers of Alaska and a bougie trip to Blackberry Farm, a mountain resort and spa in East Tennessee.

While I have spent time in Durham, England, where my mother was raised as a coal miner’s daughter, I had never visited the enchanted Yorkshire Dales. In the same way, I had always wanted to explore Alaska, but not like the original pioneers. And my trip to Blackberry Farm was a relaxing gift to myself that I will cherish, especially during this busy holiday season.

Traveling gave me some good insights into which excursion-worthy accessories really do their jobs. I share a few of my go-to finds in the Found It column this month.

And we haven’t forgotten about gifts. Our Books Scene expert, Colette Bancroft, offers some suggestions from this year’s releases that she believes would make great presents.

Whether you are traveling like us by plane, ship or car or wandering through the pages of the latest book you are reading, our wish is that you enjoy the journey just as much as we have.

Tennessee’s Blackberry Farm resort offers an idyllic, pastoral getaway apart from all the hustle and bustle.

▲ 24 ALASKA

When it comes to elegance, Cunard’s luxurious voyage to Alaska aboard the Queen Elizabeth takes the cake.

▲ 36 ENGLAND

Historical sites and filming locations for the series “All Creatures Great and Small” await in the Yorkshire Dales.

▲ 10 FOUND IT

Minimalist traveling gets a makeover with these posh yet practical accessories, including this luxurious Tiffany leather passport cover.

20 BOOKS SCENE

These five book ideas are perfect for the readers on your holiday list.

30 ARTS SCENE

Artfully festive events abound this month, with holiday boutiques in galleries, heartwarming theater performances and seasonal concerts.

42 SOCIAL SCENE

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A

MAGAZINE OF THE TAMPA BAY TIMES

Bay is published monthly by Times Publishing Co. and delivered to Tampa Bay Times subscribers in select neighborhoods in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

DECEMBER 2025

Copyright 2025. Vol. 18, No. 11

EDITOR KATHY SAUNDERS | ksaunders@tampabay.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR NIKKI LIFE | nlife@tampabay.com

Photographer BRIAN JAMES | brian@brianjamesgallery.com

Copy Editor Erin Murphy Imaging & Production Brian Baracani

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Travel light

One advantage of being raised in a military family is knowing how to pack for travel. Having to move every few years made planning ahead and prioritizing outfits a must. I can travel internationally with a carry-on and a large personal bag that fits under the airline seat in front of me. Instead of packing everything I have and checking bags, I like to splurge on the few items I do carry, and I have no problem paying to ship home the items I purchase for myself or as gifts on my trips. Here are a few of the items that make minimalist traveling a bit more fun and manageable. — Kathy Saunders

Aspen travel set

While I believe in wearing comfortable clothes to travel, there’s a fine line between casual wear and pajamas. One of my favorite go-to shops for a fresh travel set is Frank & Eileen. I first discovered the shop online; it caught my attention because Frank and Eileen are the names of my parents. Their travel sets have a great fit and fabric. My favorite is the Aspen travel set, a 100% cotton long-sleeve top and cropped sweatpants with a drawstring waistband, available in several colors. The business, which opened in 2009 and is headquartered in California, is woman-owned and -operated and uses sustainable clothing manufacturers. $398. frankandeileen.com.

TUMI Valetta large tote

The TUMI Valetta large tote is my favorite travel bag. I have it in navy blue to match my carry-on bag. It conveniently attaches to that bag (which fits in the overhead storage bin) while I am wheeling through airports. And I can fill it with everything I need at my fingertips for the journey, including my computer, phone, snacks, books and a change of clothes or shoes, plus my makeup and even my toiletry bag. $495. tumi.com.

Skechers Slip-ins

My go-to footwear for travel these days is a pair of Skechers Slip-ins. I love them for their comfort, ease of wear, Air-Cooled Memory Foam insoles and looks. They aren’t too bulky, and they are machine washable. The Summits — Night Chic shoe is my current wear-everywhere pick, but the Skechers website offers a variety of slip-on shoes for men and women in many colors, styles and widths. They are flexible, so easy to pack and they are nice enough to wear for casual sightseeing or to dress up for a dinner out. $90. skechers.com.

Tiffany leather passport cover

This swanky Tiffany leather passport cover is on my Christmas wish list. It’s not a necessity by any means, but it’s luxurious. I won’t be tempted to leave my passport unattended because of its value, and its unmistakable Tiffany Blue will make it easy to locate in my purse or personal bag. $350. tiffany.com.

Hanging toiletry bag

A hanging toiletry/cosmetics bag is a must for convenient travel. I prefer a soft-sided bag because it’s easiest to fit in a small suitcase or an oversized purse. Water-resistant materials are best for me because I like to open the bag and hang it in the hotel bathroom as soon as I arrive at my destination. For the past few years, I have loved the TUMI Madeline cosmetic bag with a detachable pouch and a hook that fits a door hanger or towel bar. I would also try Oprah Winfrey’s recommendation of the BAGSMART travel bag (shown above), available in lots of colors on Amazon. $275 at tumi.com or $22.99 at amazon.com.

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Pastoral retreat

Reservations are open to guests at a variety of locations, including The

Tennessee’s Blackberry Farm resort offers an idyllic, pastoral getaway apart from all the hustle and bustle.

BY KATHY SAUNDERS

Great food, gorgeous views and gracious accommodations make Blackberry Farm a glorious getaway in East Tennessee. After years of trying to coordinate our schedules with the limited availability at the resort, I finally joined a girlfriend from high school on a three-day visit to the luxurious location in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Our visit in early October gave us an opportunity to appreciate the fall scenery while enjoying crisp morning temperatures, mild afternoon sunshine and magnificent sunsets over the mountains.

Sandy Beall, one of the founders of the Ruby Tuesday restaurant chain, bought the 4,200-acre Blackberry Farm as a family home in 1976. His son, Sam, attended culinary school and returned to the farm he grew up on to create the vision that has now become a Relais &

Châteaux resort. Sam Beall died in a ski accident in 2016, and today his wife, Mary Celeste Beall, is the proprietor of the resort.

Guests, including the many celebrities, authors, professional athletes, chefs and winemakers who have stayed at the property, can do as little or as much as they’d like while visiting the farm. Outdoor adventures include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and fly-fishing. The Wellhouse on-site offers daily yoga and fitness classes and spa services, including a nail and hair salon and a heated pool and hot tub. Wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and farm tours are regular offerings as well.

The highlights of the visit for me were the delicious meals at The Barn, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant, and the cozy Main House dining room, where we had breakfast and lunch. In the evenings, The Main House restaurant is transformed into The Dogwood for elegant

dining both inside and outside.

We also enjoyed a guided tour of the farm, where fruits and vegetables for the restaurants are grown, and cheese comes from the sheep that roam the hillside. I was thrilled to buy some of the farmmade blackberry jam and brebis sheep’s milk cheese (similar to chèvre) to send home.

One of our lunches was a three-course meal prepared during a cooking demonstration with Skylar Stout, sous chef at The Barn. He walked us through the process of making seared duck breasts with fennel cauliflower purée. The meal started with a roasted vegetable salad with whipped brebis cheese, smoked onion jam vinaigrette and homemade celery root chips. The final course was panna cotta with whiskey-glazed peaches and hazelnut brittle.

The farm tour included a stop at the dog kennel located on the property. Blackber-

ry farmers are cultivating an orchard on-site where they hope to begin sourcing Périgord black truffles in the next few years with the help of Tennessee truffle grower Tom Michaels, who developed a technique for inoculating the roots of trees with truffle spores.

Farm operators sent employee Jim Sanford to Italy to bring back a couple of Lagotto Romagnolo dogs known for their truffle-hunting skills. The farm breeds the dogs now and keeps a few for Sanford to train for the future hunts. The other puppies are available for Blackberry Farm guests to purchase for $10,000, but the waitlist is about seven years.

Each year the farm hosts special events with entertainers or speakers. In January

2026, Jenna Bush Hager and her sister, Barbara Bush, will host the Sisterhood Summit at the farm. Tickets cost $1,300. In February 2026, the resort will hold a Design Summit with designers Dara Caponigro, Rita Konig, Nathan Turner, Elizabeth Blitzer and the Blackberry Farm design team for $1,200 per ticket.

In March 2026, Sanford will host a special gathering for owners of the Lagotto Romagnolo truffle dogs born on the farm. The event will include training sessions and costs $900 to attend.

While the property offers several types of accommodations, including family cottages that are available to rent for larger groups, we had single rooms across the hall from each other in The Main House. They cost $1,095 per night, including meals but minus alcohol. The farm tour cost an extra $150, and the cooking demonstration cost $250. Spa services cost extra as well.

For more information, visit blackberryfarm. com.

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BOOKS

SCENE by Colette Bancroft

THE GIFT OF WORDS

Every fall, publishers shower us with a new crop of books — just in time for holiday shopping. Here are a few highlights from this year’s shelf that might be just right for the readers on your list.

“The Impossible Fortune” by Richard Osman

If someone you know loves the “Thursday Murder Club” books (and the Netflix movie based on them), this one’s easy. Richard Osman has published “The Impossible Fortune,” fifth in the book series set in a British retirement community, just in time for gifting. Joyce’s daughter, Joanna, gets married, and the gang’s all there: Elizabeth, Ron and Ibrahim. Elizabeth is grieving, but when a friend of Joanna’s asks for her help during the wedding reception, then disappears, everyone jumps into action. The ripped-from-the-headlines plot revolves around bitcoin, and the banter is as fresh as ever.

“The Wilderness” by Angela Flournoy

One of the most anticipated novels of the fall season is Angela Flournoy’s big-hearted saga of female friendship, “The Wilderness.” It follows five Black women over 20 years of their friendship in the first decades of the 21st century. As their personal lives change with careers, marriages, motherhood and more, Flournoy weaves in the larger social and political changes going on around them. She traces the complexities of her characters and of the bonds between them with warmth and wit. For the book club enthusiast on your list, this is a great choice.

“The Land of Sweet Forever” by Harper Lee

For countless readers, Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” was a life-changing book. Lee died in 2016, but her estate has now released “The Land of Sweet Forever.” This collection of eight never-before-published short stories, written in the years before Lee published “To Kill a Mockingbird,” explores some of the same themes. The book also includes eight of her nonfiction pieces published between 1961 and 2006, including a letter to Oprah Winfrey and a profile of Lee’s friend and fellow author Truman Capote. The book’s introduction is by Lee’s authorized biographer, Casey Cep.

“The Wayfinder” by Adam Johnson

For fans of sweeping historical novels that take the reader away to a different time and place, you can’t go wrong with Pulitzer Prize winner Adam Johnson’s “The Wayfinder.” Based on Polynesian oral traditions and the history of cultures across the vast Pacific, the book follows a young girl, Ko–rero, whose isolated island is suffering from famine. When a mysterious stranger shows up, promising rescue for her people, she sets off on an epic voyage that involves wars, royal feuds, poetic parrots and much more.

“We

the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution” by Jill Lepore

For a document signed more than two centuries ago, the U.S. Constitution is in the news a lot lately. If you know someone who’d like to understand its often surprising history — and what role we might all play in its future — wrap up a copy of Jill Lepore’s “We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution.” The latest book by the Harvard professor of American history and law and frequent contributor to The New Yorker displays both her deep knowledge of the subject and her lively, accessible style. Her analysis of how changing attitudes toward the Constitution might threaten its survival may be a wake-up call.

Luxury

ALASKA

STATELY SPLENDOR

When it comes to elegance, Cunard’s luxurious voyage to Alaska aboard the Queen Elizabeth takes the cake.

BY KATHY SAUNDERS

Two butlers, personalized stationery for the journey and private dining for every meal — these are some of the reasons I recommend seeing Alaska from a stateroom aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth.

Twenty years ago, my family took one of the maiden trans-Atlantic voyages on the line’s Queen Mary 2 from New York to Southampton, England. The best way to describe that trip was as a voyage, rather than a cruise.

After spending seven nights as a Queen Elizabeth passenger in Alaska, I would say

the same for this most recent journey.

I traveled with my husband, daughter and her boyfriend, arriving and departing from Seattle, Washington, during a very warm week in August. Warm to Northwesterners, that is, but perfectly cool for Floridians. We loved the crisp mornings and sunny afternoons for enjoying the

pools, outdoor bars and full-service lounging decks. We saw glaciers, eagles’ nests and humpback whales as well.

But we especially appreciated the ideal weather — not one day of rain — during excursions to Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia. Cunard offered trips for everything from salmon fishing and seafood campfires to lumberjack shows and hiking.

In Sitka, home to the Indigenous Tlingit tribe of Baranof Island, we took a historical tour of St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Totem Hall, where the folklore of the Native cultures was on full display. We also enjoyed a bike tour of the Silver Bay fjord and a hike to a freshwater lake and waterfall. I opted for a small boat trip to get a closer look at the humpback whales that feed in Alaska in the summer

brought canapés and Champagne every afternoon.

before returning to the warm waters of Hawaii to birth their calves.

One treat aboard the Queen Elizabeth was the opportunity to hear from conservation biologist Dr. Rachel Cartwright, who travels between Alaska’s Inside Passage and Maui studying the migration of the humpback whales and their calves. She shared her decades of experiences viewing orcas, black and brown bears, bald eagles, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals and puffins in Alaska. I loved the idea that some of the whales I photographed in the Inside Passage might be in some of my pictures from my last visit to Maui.

In Ketchikan, I experienced the highlight of my trip — watching black bears catch salmon from just feet away. I was mesmerized by the beautiful bears that looked fuzzy enough to snuggle but had the sense to enjoy their meals from a safe enough distance away.

My husband opted for a seaplane adventure that day, enjoying a flight through the Misty Fjords wilderness area

of fjords, waterfalls and the Tongass National Forest. The “flightseeing” tour included a few bear sightings as well.

Back in our staterooms on the upper deck of the ship’s stern, we had a panoramic view of several glaciers in Glacier Bay, including Margerie and Johns Hopkins. The balconies were perfect for stargazing, reading or simply taking in the scenery.

Our final stop was in Victoria, where the flowers and flavors left a lasting impression. We thoroughly enjoyed tea at the Fairmont Empress hotel, where we sipped orange citrus and rose-infused blends. We sampled cucumber and dill sandwiches, smoked salmon mousse pastries, raisin scones and desserts, including raspberry foam chocolates and cherry hibiscus macarons.

Our final day at sea was spent relaxing at the ship’s spa with massages, manicures and pedicures. Our staterooms were cleaned several times a day with both turndown service and 24-hour room service. Our butlers, Ronald and Mileton,

The most memorable moments on the ship, though, were the evening meals. We had the same table in the intimate Queens Grill dining room, where our servers, Dom Nopal from the Philippines and Jimmy Nkhoma from Malawi, shared their experiences traveling the world aboard the ship. The menus changed daily, from local seafood to British specialties befitting of the late queen herself. After the first day aboard the ship, Nopal and Nkhoma knew our drink preferences and had the glasses poured as soon as we arrived.

One morning I decided to sleep in and skip breakfast, but I asked my husband to bring me back a glass of iced tea. When he returned, he was accompanied by Nopal, who was holding a silver platter with a tall glass of iced tea and lemon wedges, which he had carried down three flights of stairs from the dining room. That’s the difference between the Queen Elizabeth and any old cruise ship.

The seven-night Alaskan excursion aboard the Queen Elizabeth cost about $7,000 per person, which included some onboard credit. For more information, visit cunard.com.

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DECK

THE HALLS

The holidays are here, and artfully festive events abound this month. With holiday boutiques in galleries, heartwarming theater performances and seasonal concerts from classical to country, it’s easy to get into the spirit.

GALLERIES

Procrastinator’s Ball: Find a last-minute holiday gift during the Craftsman House Gallery’s annual Procrastinator’s Ball. (The historic 1918 Arts and Crafts bungalow in St. Petersburg also has a pottery studio inside its carriage house.) Find specials on holiday and select items throughout the gallery and enjoy in-store appearances by local artists. Dec. 20. 2955 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-323-2787. craftsmanhousegallery.com.

“Deck the Halls & Walls”: The Dunedin Fine Art Center’s annual holiday invitational features a combination of fine art, craft and design with a gallery show, along with affordable handmade goods. It runs through Dec. 24. 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. 727-298-3323. dfac.org.

“Unwrapped: Handmade Holidays”: Florida CraftArt’s juried members’ holiday exhibition showcases the work of Florida-based fine craft artists at its downtown St. Petersburg gallery. It runs through Dec. 31. 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-821-7391. floridacraftart.org.

“Gifted”: The Gallery Store at Creative Pinellas is brimming with holiday-themed work and gifts from local artists and is open to coincide with the Florida Botanical Gardens’ holiday light display on the same campus. It runs through Dec. 31. 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo. 727-582-2172. creativepinellas.org.

Two exhibits at the Morean Arts Center: St. Petersburg’s oldest arts organization has two holiday offerings this year. “Heaven and Nature Sing,” the center’s 2025 holiday show and sale, is heavy on gifts, especially affordable ones (all items are under $400, with most under $100). “Cheap Cheep Cheeps” is an exhibition of bird-themed works, also priced affordably, imagined and inspired by artist Ales “BASK” Hostomsky. Both run through Dec. 31. 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-822-7872. moreanartscenter.org.

THEATER

“A Christmas Carol: In Concert”: FreeFall Theatre’s production of the musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic is performed by a cast of live singers, with multimedia and narration from the original story. It runs Dec. 12-24. 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205. freefalltheatre.com.

“A Very Broadway Christmas”: This celebration features the stars of iconic Broadway shows, including “Wicked” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” performing Christmas songs “from Broadway and beyond.” They will be accompanied by a live band and an ensemble of dancers. Dec. 21. 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767. themahaffey.com.

“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet”: Christmas wouldn’t be the same without Tchaikovsky’s timeless tradition. Dec. 28. 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767. themahaffey.com.

CONCERTS

“Christmas Symphony”: Trisha Yearwood, a Grammy Award-winning country singer, performs holiday favorites with a live orchestra. Dec. 11. 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400. rutheckerdhall. com.

“A Winter Symphony”: Sarah Brightman, a soprano known for originating the role of Christine Daaé in “The Phantom of the Opera,” performs with an orchestra, choir and special guests. Dec. 12. 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400. rutheckerdhall.com.

“Holiday Pops”: The Florida Orchestra celebrates the holidays with classic songs conducted by Chelsea Gallo. Dec. 19-21. Various locations. 727-892-3331. floridaorchestra.org.

“Holiday Sparkle”: St. Pete Opera’s annual event enchants with a 40-piece orchestra accompanying choral and solo singers as they perform popular sacred and secular songs. Dec. 19-21. 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-823-2040. stpeteopera.org.

“Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol”: This unique take on the Dickens classic is set in 1930s Tennessee. Dec 22-23. 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400. rutheckerdhall.com.

ENGLAND

HILLS DALES

Historical sites and filming locations for the PBS series “All Creatures Great and Small” await in the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales.

BY KATHY SAUNDERS

My original plan in traveling to Yorkshire, England, was to visit some of the filming locations of my favorite PBS television series, “All Creatures Great and Small.” While the tiny villages and miles of farmland in the Yorkshire Dales did not disappoint, I stumbled on historical landmarks that made the trip even more memorable.

Driving to Orlando International Airport to take a direct flight to Manchester, England, was worth the effort, avoiding a plane change from Tampa or London. I prebooked a parking space at the airport, another convenience I would recommend, as the reserved parking lot is a quick walk to the international terminal.

My good friend and personal tour guide, Janet Peterson, has a home in Bradford, about an hour from Manchester. She met

me at the airport, and we began a weeklong adventure to trace the real-life journey of British veterinarian James Alfred “Alf” Wight, who practiced as a country vet for approximately 50 years. He used the pen name James Herriot to write a book series about his experiences, which inspired the “All Creatures Great and Small” television show.

We reached the dales, the Norse word for “valleys,” in about a half hour on narrow roads through magnificent rolling hills, driving past miles of hand-built stone walls and acres of grazing sheep. The British use the term “two-lane road” way too liberally. We often had to stop, back up and allow another car to pass, just like the characters in “All Creatures Great and Small.”

Even for travelers who are not familiar with the series, the Yorkshire Dales are part of a national park that is worth a visit solely for its history and picturesque landscapes.

One of our first stops was the town of Grassington in Wharfedale in the heart of the dales. The Yorkshire stone buildings, cobbled streets, cozy bars and quaint shops serve as the backdrop for the make-believe town of Darrowby and Skeldale House, the fictional home of the Farnon brothers and Herriot in the series. Nearby is The Devonshire, the exterior for the show’s fictional pub, The Drovers Arms.

A short drive away, we found Yockenthwaite Farm, known as Heston Grange in the PBS series, where the character

Herriot’s on-camera wife, Helen Alderson, was raised in the series. The stone bridge and red postal box at the entrance to the farm are featured in many episodes. We knew we were at the right place.

We also found the stately home of the fictional Mrs. Pumphrey and her spoiled Pekingese, Tricki Woo. The 3,000-acre manor is in Broughton Hall near Skipton. We were content to view the estate from the roadside, but guests can access the grounds by renting one of the smaller homes on the property. The main house is also available to rent as an event venue.

On the return trip, we traveled through Malham and took a hike along the limestone-cobbled top of Malham Cove, another popular film location where some of the “Harry Potter” scenes were filmed.

Headed back to Bradford, named a UK City of Culture earlier this year, we visited the Victorian streets of Haworth and the Brontë Parsonage Museum, where the literary family lived in the 1800s. We also went to the Brontë Birthplace in Thornton, the family’s original home on the outskirts of Bradford, where Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne Brontë were born. Local shopkeepers were still talking about Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s visit to the tiny home on May 15 to commemorate 210 years since the family moved to

Thornton in May 1815.

Bradford, once known as the “wool capital of the world,” is also home to Salts Mill, a former textile mill-turned-museum with art galleries, shops and restaurants. We enjoyed a traditional English breakfast in the mill (Cumberland sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, baked beans and toast) and toured the surrounding village, which industrialist Sir Titus Salt built for the well-being of his employees when he opened the mill in 1853. Stopping at the neighborhood’s Tambourine Coffee for a huge cup of marshmallow-topped hot chocolate was a perfect decision on a chilly Yorkshire afternoon.

As a native of England, I’ll allow that food isn’t always the most remarkable part of a British vacation. But Bradford offered unexpected culinary treats. A stone’s throw from Peterson’s house was Robertshaw’s Farm Shop, nestled on a working sheep farm, where we frequently grabbed fresh vegetables, meats, homemade Yorkshire cheeses, puddings and pies. My new favorite fish-and-chips spot is Murgatroyds Fish & Chip Restaurant & Takeaway near the Leeds Bradford Airport. I can still taste the mushy peas and the light, crispy batter on the fried haddock.

For more information, visit visitthe yorkshiredales.co.uk.

YORKSHIRE SWEETNESS

While shopping in Grassington, the town that doubles as the village of Darrowby in the PBS series “All Creatures Great and Small,” I stopped in The Cake House tearoom and grabbed a copy of its recipe book, “All Cakes Great and Small.” Here’s a recipe for a Yorkshire favorite that reminds me of holidays and warm fires in the cold countryside of northern England. — Kathy Saunders

TRADITIONAL YORKSHIRE PARKIN

“Parkin is a traditional ginger cake from Yorkshire, flavored with dark treacle, oatmeal and warm spices,” according to “All Cakes Great and Small.”

150 grams treacle or molasses

135 grams golden syrup

85 grams light brown sugar

200 grams salted butter

100 grams oatmeal

250 grams self-rising flour

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 large free-range egg

4 tablespoons whole milk

• Preheat the oven to 350 F.

• Line an 8-inch square tin.

• In a microwavable bowl, gently melt the treacle or molasses, syrup, sugar and butter, stirring frequently until the sugar has melted. (I ordered a bundle of two 11-ounce tins of Lyle’s golden syrup and

Lyle’s black treacle on Amazon for $32.99.) Allow to cool slightly.

• In a separate bowl, mix together the oatmeal, flour, salt and spices and stir into the wet mixture using a spatula. Add the whisked egg and milk and stir together until fully combined.

• Pour into the lined tin. Bake for 50 minutes to an hour or until the cake feels firm and a little crusty on the top.

• Cool in the tin, then wrap in parchment paper and foil.

• It’s best left for five days to mature and go sticky. (Patience is key.) It will keep for 2 to 2½ weeks. It’s delicious served sliced with some butter.

For more information, visit thecakehouse grassington.com.

Mon - S 8:30am-5:30pm

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Humane Society of Tampa Bay Tuxes & Tails: “Bollywood”

Tuxes & Tails co-chairs Kurt and Kara Schafer brought a vibrant Bollywood scene to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s annual gala and lively Riverwalk after-party, with colorful dancers, cardamom rosé cocktails, beer tastings and Indian-inspired cuisine. WTVT-Ch. 13 anchors Russell Rhodes, Walter Allen and Jen Epstein emceed for over 1,100 guests at the Tampa Convention Center on Oct. 18. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor joined fellow dog lovers on the runway with some of the 38 adorable animals adopted that night. Bidding went off the leash for a London getaway donated by actor Dave Bautista, who was filming “Highlander” there. Unable to attend, Bautista contributed airfare, a hotel stay and a visit to the movie set. The trip fetched a howling $120,000 to help rescue, heal and rehome animals in need. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Joe Photo Tampa.

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Tampa General Hospital Foundation TGH Gala: “Elevating Excellence”

Tampa General Hospital Foundation President Frann Leppla stole the mic drop moment at the annual black-tie thank-you gala, announcing raising $175.7 million towards the $200 million Elevating Excellence: Innovating Tomorrow’s TGH campaign goal. Praising the TGH-USF Health partnership, hospital President and CEO John Couris credited “thousands of people working together as one,” including 15,000 employees and 1,480 affiliated physicians in the hospital system. The 700 guests soon swapped elegance for exuberance, joining a lively conga line into an adjoining ballroom for desserts and dancing to the sounds of Party Nation. The Taneja family, benefactors of the Taneja Surgical, Neuroscience and Transplant Tower rising on the Davis Islands campus, sponsored the Oct. 25 gala at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.

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Straz Center for the Performing Arts Gala for Straz Center

Broadway and opera came home to Tampa as Kissy Simmons, Blaine Krauss, José Rosario Jr. and other homegrown talents, now stars of “The Lion King,” “Hamilton” and other hit musicals, returned for the Gala for Straz Center, performing right where they launched their careers. Hosted by Straz CEO Greg Holland and chaired by Keebler Straz, the mystique-themed gala opened with extravagant hors d’oeuvre buffets in the Morsani Hall lobby before dinner and a live auction on the stage on Oct. 25. The top bid was $20,500 to visit Budapest, Vienna and Prague, with opera tickets in each city, donated by Exeter International. The item that received the most bids was a northern Italy trip that sold 31 times. The 400 guests, plus 150 more joining the After Dark dessert dance party, raised more than $650,000 to support the Straz Center’s programming and outreach. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.

The Pointe on Boca Ciega at Marina Bay

Waterfront pent house condom in iums

With only three units per building – each commanding an entire floor – The Pointe Condominiums ensure the ultimate luxury – privacy The penthouse-style, 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom residence offers over 3,800 sq. ft. of living space, and nearly 1,000 sq. ft. of wrap-around terrace overlooking breathtaking panoramic views of Boca Ciega Bay and the Skyway Bridge Featuring dual master baths, a whole-building gas generator, and a private, oversized 2-car garage for each unit.

Discover Marina Bay in St. Petersburg, a hidden gem tucked away on Boca Ciega Bay, where 60 acres of lush tropical landscaping, lakes with dramatic water features and abundant wildlife blend to form this vibrant community Just six minutes to downtown St Petersburg and St. Pete Beach, the new Villas, Estate Homes and Pointe Condominiums on Boca Ciega redefine both luxury and resilience by building to FORTIFIEDTM - Gold standards. Visit Marina Bay, next to Eckerd College, to tour our new models.

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Tampa Museum of Art Pavilion XXXIX

Pavilion XXXIX co-chairs Sandra and Walt Chancey and Christine and John Phillips embraced the bold, geometric Bauhaus movement to create “Foundations: Building Connections,” the Tampa Museum of Art’s 39th formal gala. Blocks of primary colors brightened tables, florals and lounges — even the University of Tampa dance students’ leotards. Board of trustees Chairman Ron Christaldi and Executive Director Dr. Michael Tomor thanked the 360 guests during the elegant Nov. 1 terrace dinner for investing in the $110 million Centennial Expansion. Honorees Hal and Marian Flowers were recognized for decades of dedication to the museum. Auction packages were packed with perks — from a trip to Art Basel Paris and a private museum dinner with “The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs” winner Geoffrey Zakarian to two Alys Beach vacations with dinners at O-Ku and private flights on Will Smith Aviation. The vital funds raised at the event will support educational programs and inspire art lovers for generations to come. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.

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The Dalí Museum

Sueños de Dalí

What a dreamy night it was at The Dalí Museum’s signature fundraiser, Sueños de Dalí. This year’s theme, “Olympus Reimagined: A Night of Surreal Myths,” paid tribute to the artist’s fantastical mythological interpretations. The 670 guests wandered through the St. Petersburg museum galleries and moonlit Avant-Garden on Oct. 25, enjoying music, sampling restaurant bites and eyeing imaginative Dalí-esque costumes — Minotaurs, Medusas, melting clocks and more. An online auction of framed pieces from the “Outside In: New Murals Inspired by Dalí” exhibition added to the funds raised to support educational programming and exhibitions. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by The Dalí Museum.

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Red Cross Angels Silver Coffee

It’s been 43 years since Red Cross Angels founder Beverly Austin hosted the Tampa Bay chapter’s very first Silver Coffee, and once again she dressed in red and greeted more than 100 guests at the annual fundraiser, this year at the elegant home of Dr. Nick and Edith Kavouklis. Red Cross Angels President Leslie Jennewein carried on the delicious tradition of past presidents serving coffee and brunch treats as a thank-you for supporting those who serve our nation. Red Cross staff announced that the $63,000 raised on Oct. 29 will extend the Service to the Armed Forces program, helping thousands of active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families across North and Central Florida. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Lenora Lake.

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Metropolitan Ministries and Joshua House

LAMPLighters Fall into Fashion

Dillard’s dazzled and LAMPLighter vocalist Elena Marrero sparkled on a runway of holiday sequins and spangles at the annual Fall into Fashion luncheon on Oct. 22, continuing the LAMPLighters’ nearly four decades of supporting families served by Metropolitan Ministries and foster youth sheltered at Joshua House. Dillard’s delivered three truckloads of clothing, handbags, perfume and accessories to a pop-up shop at the Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC, pledging 10% of sales back to the LAMPLighters, “a significant giveback,” said President Debra Palmer. She joined event co-chairs Hilary Munson and Dina Busciglio Sheridan, along with emcee Allie Corey of WTVT-Ch. 13, in thanking 250 guests for “coming out to add to the $3.5 million raised since 1986.” Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.

Dec. 11: The Florida Orchestra Guild’s Ring in the Holidays, which benefits The Florida Orchestra. $150. 6:30-9 p.m. Private St. Petersburg residence. fogsp.org.

Dec. 18: Great Futures Breakfast, which benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay. Features keynote speaker Mario Lopez. 6:45 a.m. TPepin’s Hospitality Centre. bgctampa. org/great-futures-breakfast.

Dec. 18: 17th annual Power of Giving Holiday Party, which benefits the Ryan Nece Foundation. $250. 6-10 p.m. Tampa Garden Club. ryannecefoundation.org.

Dec. 18: Tampa Bay Wave’s Hall of Fame Celebration. 6-9 p.m. The Florida Aquarium. tampabaywave.org/hall-of-fame.

Jan. 16: Our Table, which benefits Feeding Tampa Bay. 6-9 p.m. Feeding Tampa Bay’s Causeway Center. 813-254-1190. feedingtampabay.org/ourtable.

Contact Amy Scherzer at amyscherzersdiary@gmail.com to have your event listed on the calendar. SOCIAL SCENE CALENDAR by Amy Scherzer

Jan. 24: Martinis + Matisse, which benefits the Clearwater Free Clinic. 7-10 p.m. FrankCrum. clearwaterfreeclinic.org/mm-artists.

Jan. 24: Port Tampa Bay Anchor Ball, which benefits the Tampa Bay Maritime Scholarship Foundation. TPepin’s Hospitality Centre. tbmsf.org/events.

Jan. 24: Lives Uplifted Gala, which benefits Gulf Coast JFCS. 6-10 p.m. The Floridan Social. jewishgulfcoast.org.

Jan. 31: Art Festival Beth-El Purchase Award Patrons’ Reception, exclusively for patrons who have pre-pledged a minimum of $500 (applicable toward the purchase of art). 1-4 p.m. Opening cocktail reception, exclusively for patrons who have pre-pledged $200 or more (applicable toward the purchase of art). 6-10 p.m. artfestivalbethel.com.

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