Tampa, Florida

Tampa is the largest city in Hillsborough County. It is also known as the county seat and the third most populous city in Florida. Tampa is on the West Coast of Florida which is about 200 miles northwest of Miami. Tampa is based on tourism, agriculture, construction, finance, health care, government, technology, and a port of Tampa. It was a Spanish explorer by the name of Ponce de Leon that first arrived in Tampa in the year of 1513. The first American Settler arrived in Tampa in 1824, and it was the U.S. Army that established Fort Brooke to protect the harbor at Tampa Bay. Today, Tampa has many featured events that is held every year according to the season and holiday, there is always something going on in the city of Tampa.

Attractions in Tampa

There are many attractions to keep visitors busy while on vacation here. Some of the most popular attractions are American Victory which is a Mariners Memorial & Museum Ship. This ship was used in World War II as a merchant ship called the SS American Victory. They also have Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, the Henry B Plant Museum, Lowry Park Zoo, Museum of Science and Industry, Performing Arts Center, Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa Theatre, and Ybor City. There is never a dull moment while vacationing here in Tampa Bay. 

Lowry Park Zoo located in Tampa is ranked as the number one family friendly zoo in the United States. The zoo has been at it's current location since 1988 but was first established in the 1930's. This zoo is a natural outdoor exhibit and has over 2,000 animals from Florida and similar habitats which include a Native Florida  Wildlife Center and manatee hospital, Asian Gardens, Primate World, Free-Flight Aviaries, Wallaroo Station children's zoo, and Safari Africa. Not only does this show have exhibits of animals but also includes rides, shows and hands-on interactive exhibits that were designed to give their visitors a wild experience.

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The Henry B. Plant Museum is held in the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. It is now a National Historic Landmark as well as home to The University of Tampa. This museum is very unique as it interprets the turn-of-the-century Tampa Bay Hotel and the lifestyles of America's Gilded Age. There are many different rooms in this museum such as the Grand Hall, Writing and Reading Room, The Garden Room, Women and Their Pastimes, The Parlor Suite, and The Spinning Girl. The style of this museum/hotel is a Victorian-era that was inspired by the Alhambra. The museum has special exhibits which show the city's role in the Spanish-American War and charts the progression from resort town to modern day metropolis. Some of the other features of the museum are the European and Asian artwork and the furnishings from the hotel's heyday.

The Ybor City Walking Tour is sponsored by the Ybor City State Museum Society and the Chamber of Commerce. The tour takes visitors through one of Tampa's most historic districts. These tours are led by a local resident and are about an hour and a half long. The tour starts at the museum and goes through gardens and then moves out into Ybor City itself. The guides that lead tours tell all about the history of the area as well as give details about particular buildings and current developments. Visitors taking this tour should wear very comfortable clothes and shoes. The tour price also includes the admission to the Ybor City Museum and Casita.

The Canoe Escape is located in Thonotosassa on the Hillsborough River. These canoe tours can with or without a guide and visitors can choose the length of their ride, some of them are two hours but some are a whole day. Visitors can also try a kayak if those are available. Not only can visitors see the many plants and vegetation but they can see herons, alligators, deer, wild pigs, otters, and many other animals. These tours also give an unparalleled view of nature as well as tread very lightly on the habitats of riverside residents. This is a very exciting but relaxing adventure.

April 23, 2009