2/15/2026
On Friday the 13th I went over to Ybor City and Tampa to bum around and grab a few drinks. After walking around Ybor I took the trolley to Tampa to walk the riverwalk. I walked over to Harbour Island to go to Motorworks Brewing and to watch TGL golf. I ended up bouncing to three different tables in the bar because different groups came in and I was by myself. After Motorworks I walked the shore and got some nice pics of the Tampa skyline.
Tonight I was just hanging out and Chris, my new buddy here, got a hold of me asking if I wanted to go to a brewery with them. By the time I got back to them, they were done at the brewery and were about to head over to Ybor. I said I’d go with and went to meet him at his house. I was expecting his wife to join us, but she was done for the night. It turned into a boys night out.
We started the night at Ybor City Tap House before going to James Joyce Irish Pub. Pretty much immediately after we got to the pub it started pouring out. We hung out there for a few drinks and the bartender suggested that we check out The Castle. I was down for anything and once they opened up and the rain slowed we walked over. I didn’t know what to expect and I’m happy that we went.
Walking into The Castle was like walking into a Blade movie, a goth dance club. There was a DJ playing Goth, Electronic, and Industrial music. They had a whipping cage, a dance floor, couches and chairs, and a full bar. There is supposedly multiple levels with different music, but they only had the one open tonight. Lots of people were all dressed up. My clothes were a little out of place, but oh well. We both had a blast.
Chris doesn’t get out much and was getting pretty drunk after a couple hours and I wasn’t recognizing any of the music anymore so I suggested we leave. I hadn’t been drinking at the club since I was pretty sure I was going to have to drive Chris home. He was still having fun and didn’t want to leave so i text his wife and told her what was up before I left.
On my way back to the van she text me back and I confirmed with her the situation and what she wanted to do with Chris. She didn’t want to worry about him finding a way home with how much he had to drink and asked me to bring him home. I still had my wristband on so I went back to the club, told him that “Willow wants me to bring you home”, and convinced him to come with.
Chris stumbled into some free standing decorations on his way to the bathroom, I steadied them, and some random lady (maybe she worked there) yelled at me to keep my hand off. He came out and we headed to the van. I delivered him to his wife safely and then went to park for the night.
