Destination: Tampa, FL

My Trip:

Lot's of people have been to Tampa. Sadly, most of them just come to board one of the many cruise ships that push off from Tampa's docks. And the other tourists while-away all of their time at Busch Gardens, never experiencing everything that Tampa has to offer. During my trip, I only watched the cruise ships head out into the Gulf of Mexico, and actually drove right past the Busch Gardens entrance. And still, I was able to keep myself busy for four exhausting days. There is a ton of history in this relatively small city - with Native American, Spanish, French and English influences all around. One of my favorite spots was Ybor City, Tampa's own Little Havana. It's a National Historic District with charming wrought iron fences and cobblestone streets. It's easy and fun to just wander the streets and visit all of the shops and galleries.

Ybor City also houses some of Tampa's best restaurants and most-popular nightclubs. One place in Ybor to mark as 'definite' in your guidebook is the Cigar Museum, where you can take part in a stogie rollin' demonstration. Another great spot to check out the history of Tampa is the Plant Museum, originally built in 1891 as the Tampa Bay Hotel. I know you're thinking I must be a real smarty-pants with all my history outings, but fact is I went to Tampa to watch the New York Yankees. I know it sounds strange that a New Yorker would travel to Florida to see his home team, but Tampa's Legend's Field is where Spring Training takes place. And there's nothing like catching a few Spring Training games for a baseball fan! Actually, Tampa's quite the sporty little burg, home of the 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lighting and dozens of incredible world-class golf courses. And, if you're the real outdoorsy-type, there are plenty of activities along the Hillsborough River, including guided canoe tours, fishing trips and nature hikes.

And, of course if you just demand on spending all your time at Busch Gardens, don't forget to check out their Wildlife Park. If you'd like to see more, click on the video link and see first-hand my adventures in Tampa!

Erik Hastings

©2007 Scripted Improv Media Inc