Tampa convention
Dec 5th, 2007, 02:10 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tampa convention
Help! I will be attending a convention in Tampa in late Spring and I'm supposed to help inspire others to attend the convention by a list of 50 things to see and do in Tampa. Of course, I have the standard tourist info but I'm hopeful Florida locals will help me uncover some little known secrets. I'm especially looking for spots that would appeal to artsy people like murals painted on buildings, interesting architectural features, great art gallery, funky clothing shop. And, my fav, great restaurant for food I'm not going to find at home.
Dec 5th, 2007, 02:52 AM
#2
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Columbia has excellent Cuban food. The bar is beautifully tiled with an historic bar. The dining room has a fountain and flamengo dancing. Set in Ybor City which has great character, a cuban bakery and other good restaurants. The Columbia sells hand rolled cigars as does another cigar shop cattercorner.
Dec 5th, 2007, 05:51 AM
#3
Cool clothing shop (women), M's, on S Dale Mabry--of course, if someone is coming from San Francisco or NYC, they might not think it's cool at all. 
I loved it...always found some really terrific things.
Interesting architecture....University of Tampa, especially the main building, Plant Hall, with its Moorish architecture. It's just across the bridge from downtown.
Another Cuban restaurant: La Teresita.
I loved it...always found some really terrific things.Interesting architecture....University of Tampa, especially the main building, Plant Hall, with its Moorish architecture. It's just across the bridge from downtown.
Another Cuban restaurant: La Teresita.
Dec 5th, 2007, 06:08 AM
#4
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All of Ybor City (old Latin section) of Tampa has been renovated and there you will find some interesting clothing stores, galleries and restaurants. The Columbia as mentioned before is one of the oldest and historic ones in the city. It is a bit touristy...takes up an entire city block and then some.
You might also enjoy going to see the University of Tampa, a small private college downtown on the Hillsborough River. It's architecture is very unique (Turkish minarets). It was were Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders camped out in transit to the Spanish/American war. It was also an oppulent hotel at one time, built by Henry Plant, if memory serves me.
Bayshore Blvd is also a section of town that I love. It has wonderful restaurants and beautiful homes. One of my favorites is the Seabreeze; an old Tampa institution that has been around forever. It is great fun to get a window seat and enjoy a pitcher of the wonderful sangria with friends. Bayshore Blvd. has the longest continuous sidewalk in the U.S. (I don't think that record has been broken). Around the corner from Bayshore is Harbor Island...it is very trendy and fun with lots of entertainment. Also check out Alessi's bakery for great pastries and Cuban Sandwiches. Get a deviled crab too, the ones made in Tampa are unique to the area. They are also served in most of the bars in Ybor. Word of caution...Ybor can get a bit rough on weekend nights (a little like bourbon street,) stay in groups.
A truly one-of-a-kind steakhouse that must not be missed is Berns. Another Tampa institution that ranks as one of the top steakhouses in the world. The decor is very unique, kind of baroque and campy. It used to be a formal restaurant back in the 60's when I was a child. Now, sadly, I have seen people show up in jeans. I would go with dressy casual. The wine list is also one of the most extensive in the world...if you are a foodie, it should not be missed!
There is just so much to do and see...I know I must sound like an ambassador (it is my home town). You didn't say when in the spring you will be going. In Feb. the city celebrates Gasparilla...sort of like Mardi Gras. The bay is afloat with all kinds of water craft including the Jose Gaspar pirate ship. All of the local big wigs dress up as pirates, get fairly drunk and throw a parade. It is great fun!
I'm getting homesick...thank goodness I'm going home the week before Christmas. I'll let you know of more things to do and see if you like. Tampa has gone through such a huge metamorphisis over the last 20 years. It is truly a wonderful city to visit...you will have a great time. The weather is usually "chamber of commerce perfect" in the spring!
You might also enjoy going to see the University of Tampa, a small private college downtown on the Hillsborough River. It's architecture is very unique (Turkish minarets). It was were Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders camped out in transit to the Spanish/American war. It was also an oppulent hotel at one time, built by Henry Plant, if memory serves me.
Bayshore Blvd is also a section of town that I love. It has wonderful restaurants and beautiful homes. One of my favorites is the Seabreeze; an old Tampa institution that has been around forever. It is great fun to get a window seat and enjoy a pitcher of the wonderful sangria with friends. Bayshore Blvd. has the longest continuous sidewalk in the U.S. (I don't think that record has been broken). Around the corner from Bayshore is Harbor Island...it is very trendy and fun with lots of entertainment. Also check out Alessi's bakery for great pastries and Cuban Sandwiches. Get a deviled crab too, the ones made in Tampa are unique to the area. They are also served in most of the bars in Ybor. Word of caution...Ybor can get a bit rough on weekend nights (a little like bourbon street,) stay in groups.
A truly one-of-a-kind steakhouse that must not be missed is Berns. Another Tampa institution that ranks as one of the top steakhouses in the world. The decor is very unique, kind of baroque and campy. It used to be a formal restaurant back in the 60's when I was a child. Now, sadly, I have seen people show up in jeans. I would go with dressy casual. The wine list is also one of the most extensive in the world...if you are a foodie, it should not be missed!
There is just so much to do and see...I know I must sound like an ambassador (it is my home town). You didn't say when in the spring you will be going. In Feb. the city celebrates Gasparilla...sort of like Mardi Gras. The bay is afloat with all kinds of water craft including the Jose Gaspar pirate ship. All of the local big wigs dress up as pirates, get fairly drunk and throw a parade. It is great fun!
I'm getting homesick...thank goodness I'm going home the week before Christmas. I'll let you know of more things to do and see if you like. Tampa has gone through such a huge metamorphisis over the last 20 years. It is truly a wonderful city to visit...you will have a great time. The weather is usually "chamber of commerce perfect" in the spring!
Dec 5th, 2007, 08:11 AM
#5
More thoughts...don't know how long you are staying, or how far afield you would like to go, (is any trip to FL complete without a trip out to the beach?), but you might also want to take a drive over to St Petersburg and visit the Dali museum....perhaps take a look at 2 beautiful old restored hotels, the Vinoy in downtown St Pete, and the Don Cesar at St Pete Beach. They both have interesting histories, both have had their heydays in the 20's, both been boarded up and almost demolished, and both now saved and beautifully restored once again.
Dec 5th, 2007, 11:31 AM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone, this is exactly the kind of information I need! The convention is late May and we are supposed to encourage people to add a couple of days just to visit around the Tampa area.
