jorda

We are visiting the Tampa area next week. Thurs. and Fri. my husband has conferences, so the boys (9 & 12) and I are on our own. We are staying at the Radisson Riverwalk. Here's our plan:

Visit the Science Museum on Th.

On Friday we'll visit the aquarium. We'd like to take the dolphin tour on the catamaran. The website says we can only get tickets for the dolphin tour the same day. My question is- do we need to show up early in order to get the tickets- the tour doesn't leave until 2pm, but I'm wondering if they sell out early in the day?

What is the best transportation method for us to get to these two places from our hotel?

On Sat. we want to go to Canoe Escape- I would appreciate comments from anyone who has gone, and if so, which specific trip is best?

That leaves Sunday for a beach day- I'm debating between Caladesi Island St. Park, and Fe. DeSoto park. Which would be the best? We's like to avoid hoardes of people!

Suggestions on restaurants in the following locations: Ybor; St. Petes on the beach somewhere; and near our hotel- Radisson Riverwalk.

Any comments will be greatly appreciated- we want to make the most of our short time in the area!
Thanks

Tandoori_Girl

jorda, you will drive to MOSI and Canoe Escape, both of which are north of downtown via I-275. It's a 15 minute walk to the Aquarium, they charge for parking. There is a free people mover in downtown, ask your hotel where it goes.

I've canoed with Canoe Escape and you pick your trip by the amount of time you have to spend canoeing. Bring a cheap cooler with drinks & ice, lunch, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, BUGSPRAY!!!, and be sure to check weather report. Don't forget that the only thing between the alligator and lunch is that canoe -- stay in it and don't rock the boat.

Ft. DeSoto is bigger so less people. But I don't think you'll be overtaken by hordes of people at either. Caladesi would be more of an adventure, riding the ferry to the island. Remember neither park has any food so you'll have to bring your own.

For dining on the beach in St. Pete, go to Sunset Beach at the southern end of Treasure Island to Caddy's, now serving breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Downtown food is dismal. Take the boys to Cappys Pizza in nearby Hyde Park. Or to Kojak's BarBQ south on Bayshore at Gandy (before dinner take the boys to the pier at Ballast Point Park, beautiful spot). Carmine's or Tropicana in Ybor for cuban sandwiches. Both Westshore Mall and International Plaza have nice food courts. The boys will love gameworks in Ybor, which has a bar and restaurant where you can escape within view of the single door out. Take the trolley to Ybor.

I don't know about the dophin tour at the Aquarium. To see manatees, go to Lowry Park zoo, it's really great.

Have fun.

MelG

Wow, I cannot believe you suggested Caddy's - the food is awful, this is a place to drink and watch sunsets, not to dine. And the average age is under 25. Give her some better names in St. Pete, there are many.

Tandoori_Girl

MelG, I like their shrimp. And I like their grouper.

Do you have any suggestions or just complaints? What are your favorites? Remember she has a 9 & 12 year old.

jorda

Thank you tandoori girl- you did a thorough job in answering my questions, it will really help- I appreciate your time!

Anyone else have suggestions?

MelG

I'd suggest she get advice from some who actually live at the beach and see where they eat, and discover what's available. So, what complainst are you talking about. Sunset Beach has two places, neither of which serves decent food. Nick's moved to 107th Av, and he is okay, but barely. We drive by every day and he has no customers. I'd suggest she try Johns Pass and Gulf Blvd., down to the Don.

Tandoori_Girl

ho-hum.

MelG

I take it you're the local expert, please pardon me for my observations. I'm sure you must be right.

enjoylife

You may want to go to Homasassa Springs where they have a Manatee Rescue location.

Also, you may want to check out Tarpon Springs. It is a greek community where you can get some great food.

Wednesday

This may sound dumb, but from where I grew up, St. Pete was the "big city" and for over 20 years I have always marveled at and enjoyed driving over the Sunshine Skyway bridge. Depending on where you are from it may or may not impress you. I just thought it was really cool, especially when they built the new one.

jorda

Thank you to Enjoy Life and Wednesday- Tarpon Springs and Greek food sound wonderful- any specific restaurant?

We had planned on driving over the Sunset Skyway Bridge- we're sort of bridge nuts!

Tandoori_Girl

In case they don't have suggestions, when in Tarpon, I go to Mikonos Restaurant. Reasonable, great food, casual. I've also heard that Mr. Souvlaki is good, though it's outside of the commercial area (you'll pass it on your way in).

Drelet

Hi -- my family is from Tarpon Springs. the most fancy and touristy restaurant is called Pappas' -- it's great to have a drink and sit and watch the boats come in and out. (Tarpon was a Greek fishing village where sponge diving boats would dock). We tend to eat at Plaka's but there is not a lot of charm or ambiance to it. Just stroll along the docks (about 15 minutes from end to end) and see what strikes your fancy. If the weather is nice they do little boat trips which might be a fun activity for your children.

Have fun if you decide to check it out. If the weather isn't good, though, I'd pass on tarpon, it is really meant for an afternoon of lunch and a stroll.

adeewebstr

If you deicde to drive over the Skyway, plan it around lunch or dinner time. The Crab Trap, on the Manatee County side, is one of our favorite seafood restaurants. They have a big menu - lots of local seafood, plus fun/wierd things your kids might enjoy saying they tried (alligator is one). They have a wonderful 3 crab soup...

Tandoori_Girl

Pappas has a beautiful view of the sponge ships. And a great Greek salad, Tarpon Springs style -- with a scoop of potatoe salad in the middle. Don't ask why, it just is...and very good!