I have a friend visiting soon who loves history, and I would like to take her to historical sites in the Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater area, but I don't know if there are any. Does anybody know of any historical sites or landmarks nearby? Thanks!

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Okay, since no one else has repsonded let me, but keep in mind this doesn't really answer your question: Cassadaga. It's a small town about 20 or so miles east of Orlando. It's not historical in the classic sense of the world. But it is the home of numerous spiritualists. You know, palm readers, tarot card readers, etc. It's a spooky, but lovely little town, with giant moss strewn oak trees. There is a great old hotel in the center of town that's open for lunch. Kind of neat place to visit, in a bizarro sort of way.

What about Tarpon Springs? It's interesting to hear why and how Greek families settled in that part of Florida. Dinner there is great.

In the St. Pete area, Fort Desota Park (fortdesoto.com)- a Pinellas County Park, which has interesting battlements & old weaponry. Not DeSoto National Monument, which is further south, and really not nearly as memorable or interesing.

Spanish Point (a little bit further south; actually, south of Sarasota) is quite interesting, and I recommend it - www.historicspanishpoint.org. Focuses on the lives of the early Florida settlers.

Ringling Museum & Ringling Mansion in Sarasota - historic mansion belonging to John Ringling, plus circus history & his art collection.

I think there is also a settler's village of some sort in Bradenton, but I've never been there. It's called Manatee Village Historical Park. There's also the Gamble Plantation in Bradenton, which I have been too, but it is really not much to see - just a house, basically, and not an impressive one at that.

Sorry if those are a bit on the south side of your target area, but that happens to be the part of Florida I'm familiar with!

Thanks so much for all the suggestions. I've lived in FL all my life but never would have thought of those places. Thanks!!!

The Ringling Mansion would make a nice outing for a history buff.

Also, a visit to downtown St. Petersburg might interest you. Check out the St. Pete Museum of History, http://www.stpetemuseumofhistory.org/, which is located right on the waterfront near the Pier. Also, I know the Renaissance Vinoy down the street from the museum holds guided history tours at certain times during the week as well.

Have fun!