I will be in the Tampa area in January. Any suggestions?

Are there any springs in the area?

There are indeed springs in the area but you will have to do some work to get to them. As you probably know, the springs maintain the same water temperature all year round, but it will be VERY COLD when you get in, even colder when you get out. I suggest you think about a wet suit.

I don't know whether or not some of these will be open but here's a few. There is Lithia Springs which is east of Tampa on Lithia Springs Rd. in Brandon. There is Rainbow Springs which is in Zephyrhills (I think it is closed now, it is a private spring but it may have re-opened; they were concerned about liability). Homosassa Springs State Park will be your best bet for seeing a spring -- it has a submerged fishbowl structure that allows you to go underwater and see the inside of the spring, along with the many fish and diving birds, and an occasional manatee (especially the winter months). It is located north of Tampa about an hours drive, in the city of Homosassa. There is an expressway that was built a few years ago that bee-lines you to this Gulf area. Further north of Homosassa is the city Crystal Spring, another spot where people snorkle side by side manatees.

As for your question, "any suggestions" -- suggestions for what?

Things we should do or see while we are there, anything that is a must see?

We like being outdoors, visiting microbreweries and brewpubs and experiencing local culture.

Ybor City is the old Spanish section of town. There is a microbrewery/restaurant in Ybor City. I forget the name but head to Ybor, park in any of the city parking garages (cheap & safe), then get out and ask someone (It's next to the Laughing Cat restaurant). You'll enjoy walking around Ybor. Also there is a local brewery in Ybor that brews Ybor Gold beer, but I don't think the tours are much to talk about. Ybor also has a museum that relates the story of the Tampa cigar industry, this would give you a feel for the local history. From Ybor, take the trolley to downtown to get the lay of the land without driving. Take a drive down Bayshore Blvd. to see Tampa's oldest (and priciest) homes. Go all the way to the end and find the Ballast Point Pier, get out and walk to the end and take in the sight.

For local culture I'd go to La Ideal and have a Cuban sandwich, black bean soup, and cafe con leche (lunch only). Thick with latin atmosphere. For dinner, try La Teresita on Columbus Blvd. Or cruise down Armenia where you will find many ethnic restaurants, mostly Latin, but one China Yuan that is very good, all very reasonable. For high end, try Berns Steak House (Tampa tradition) or its nouveau cuisine restaurant, SideBerns. These are on Tampa's "restaurant row" Howard Avenue.

Drive to St. Pete and explore their downtown. The Salvador Dali Museum is really extraordinary. Have a burger outdoors at the Chattaway. Or a hot dog at the retro Coney Island Hot Dog. Visit the thrift shops on Central Avenue. Then head to the beach. Take Central Avenue all the way to Treasure Island to see the tacky ratpack architecture. Or to St. Pete to see the classy 1920's Don CeSar Hotel. For natural beach, go to Ft. DeSoto St. Park (be sure to visit the old fort).

For an outdoors adventure, consider taking a canoe trip (canoeescape.com). Or a day trip to Homossassa Springs would really be a great way to explore the outdoors. Take the pontoon boat ride up the river to the Gulf at sunset. Some recommended parks in Tampa are Hillsborough River St. Park, Lettuce Leaf Park, and Upper Tampa Bay Park. All have paths and observation decks. The migratory birds will be here in January.

And so will the snowbirds -- so drive carefully or they'll run you off the road!

http://www.floridavacations.com/fv/H...s-Florida.html

try warmmnineralsprings.com in North Port.....loved it....but don't drink the water...and don't wear cheap jewelry...