Thursday, May 17, 2012

Tampa, Florida

 


Tampa, Florida –

Date of trip May, 2012. 

Overall Notes:  Tampa, Florida is a must visit.  The entire bay area, which includes cities like Clearwater, Brandon, Bradenton, St. Petersburg , is incredible.   Be sure to visit Busch Gardens, a unique blend of zoo habitat, and thrill rides.  There is always something to do in the bay area, from indoor and outdoor concerts, to professional baseball, football, arena football and hockey.  And for you gamblers, yes there is even a Hard Rock Casino, and a dog track in the area.  Tampa bay is amazing for the young and the young at heart.  From Skate board parks to golf courses – Tampa Bay has it all.

Beach Area:  The best beach area has to be Clearwater Beach, FL.  Public parking is available just steps from the beach.  They have activities all year round, with giant blow up slides for young kids to FREE movie night in the park (every Friday).  You can parasail, ride jet skiis and do normal things found on a lot of beaches; however, at Clearwater beach you can also ride on a pirate ship, go deep sea fishing for a day or a half a day.  Ride on a jet boat, go on a dinner cruise.  All from within walking distance from the beach.  There are also multiple bars and restaurants within walking distance and some right on the beach.  Chairs and cabanas are available to rent, or you can even bring your own.   The white sand is always clean and well kept. 

Hotels:  There are several really nice hotels in the TB area.  Choose a hotel  close to your activity, you do not want to spend your time in sunny Florida on the highway in traffic.  Dale Mayberry near the baseball and football arena is always jammed with traffic and accidents.  This is also the strip club area, and one I choose to stay away from!!  If you want a luxurious experience while in Tampa Bay, rent a house on the bay or beach!  There are several mansions available for weekly rental at very reasonable rates. 

Entertainment:  Too much to do to list it all. The beach, as mentioned above is amazing.  Tampa’s Ybor city is a fun place to see.  Stop by during the day and visit all the shops, restaurants, cigar factories, incredible movie theater, and so much more.  At night be sure to visit the comedy club, where some big names tend to stop by and do a show. 

Downtown Tampa near the forum is nice as well – great food, and if you like bowling, an alley like no other.  The trolley will take you from Ybor to Downtown, as well as to the forum and the aquarium.

Orlando is about an hour drive, but if you only have a week or two – stay around Tampa Bay – you will not get bored.  Orlando is another trip, another week!

Sports:  Baseball – Tampa Bay Rays and spring training for the Yankee and Phillies.  Hockey – Tampa Bay Lightning!  Football – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Arena Hockey – Tampa Bay Storm. 

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