How to Enjoy Winter in Tampa, Florida
- 1). Take a tour of the Tampa Bay area where you’ll learn its history forged by the Seminole Tribe, the early white settlers, the soldiers at Fort Brooke, the cigar rollers of Ybor City, and a myriad of other historical groups. Sign up for a Tampa Duck Adventure by calling (813) 341-3825 or visit their website (see Resources below) . The guide will give you a good account of Tampa history.
- 2). Visit Ybor City, a thriving community with a great Cuban scene. It sits about 2 miles from the central downtown area, but it’s just a short ride on the streetcar. Loaded with glitz and glamour, you’ll enjoy wandering Seventh Avenue where generations of Cubans have opened cafes and cigar shops.
- 3). Head to the Florida Aquarium. It features a fascinating array of animals, and birds found along Florida’s waterways, and is a great place to view marine life. Kids will enjoy the Coral Reef Dive show, and the Sea Dragon exhibit. There's a water play ground outside for the kids, so bring a bathing suit. Next door to the aquarium you’ll find several restaurants, shops and movie theaters. Amid this is the Port of Tampa, the largest in Florida.
- 4). View the Hillsborough River from the Terrace Gallery in the Tampa Museum of Art. Exhibits feature African American quilts and art related to the New York Yankees, who practice in Tampa every spring. This is also a great place to view the striking former Tampa Bay Hotel, now the University of Tampa with Moorish minarets, domes and decorative arches.
- 5). Don’t miss a chance to dine in the popular Columbia Restaurant. It’s located in Ybor City, and known as the largest Spanish food restaurant in the United States. Go on a Saturday night when you’ll see flamenco dancing.
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