THREE DAYS IN TAMPA IN NOVEMBER
 

I will be in Tampa in the middle of November for a convention--won't have lots of time to explore, so would enjoy some suggestions of things to do, places to eat, etc. If we rent a car, how long would it take to get to the Gulf? Can you suggest any beaches in that area? What will the temps be at this time of year. I'm pretty clueless since I've only been to Orlando and the Atlantic coast. Thanks much!

Hi there! <BR>The Florida Aquarium downtown is one of my favorite places. There are restaurants/bars nearby. They are negotiating at having an aircraft carrier or a battleship (I think) docked next to the Aquarium for the next few months. That should be cool. It takes about 11/2-2 hours to go through the Aquarium. <BR>Ybor City (downtown) is the night-spot. Lots of bars, great restaurants (like the original Columbia restaurant with flamenco dancers and cuban food) and places for dancing. <BR>Clearwater Beach is THE popular beach. Just take the Courtney Campbell Causeway (HWY 60) straight there. I also like Treasure Island and Mediera beaches. John's Pass is near both of those beaches. It has shops, fishing trips, and gambling cruises. At the southern tip of Pinellas county is Desoto park. It has great beaches and picnic areas. <BR>The St. Pete Pier is fun. There are some shops, an aquarium (small), and the Columbia restaurant is there also. <BR>You said that you didn't have alot of time to do things, but if you can find a whole day then Busch Gardens is a great place to spend it. <BR>It is usually in the high 70's and sometimes the low 80's during the day and the 60's at night. I don't know where you live, but remember the humidity in Florida! <BR>Sea food is the specialty...Shells, Leverocks, Crabby Bill's, The Columbia (mentioned above) and The Colonnade (on Bayshore). Some advise about Shells...the ones inland cost a little less than the ones on the beach. All are very casual except the original Columbia in Ybor City. At that Columbia you will feel out of place if you wear shorts or jeans at night. <BR>Well, that's the tip of the iceberg...<g> <BR>Fee lfree to email me with any questions! <BR>Kitty <BR>

By the way it should take about 30-45 minutes to get to the beaches from Tampa. <BR>Kitty <BR>

By the way it should take about 30-45 minutes to get to the beaches from Tampa and take chamge for the parking meters! <BR>Kitty <BR>

November is a great time for Busch Gardens as the weather is much more comfortable, although I would not recommend you stay in that area. Anywhere along the Bay, Westshore Boulevard or Downtown area is safe and reasonable. If you are near downtown and can afford it (pricey, but well worth it!), Burns Steakhouse is a real dining experience. They have the largest wine cellar I have ever seen and the "Dessert Room" is an experience all its own! If you are a sports fan, the new Tampa Bay Buccaneer stadium will be finished and should be worth the visit (your hotel should be able to tell you the schedule). Harbor Island (for the view) and Davis Island (for the history and the view) are a fun morning/afternoon drive if you have a rental car. If you are really pressed for time, just take a drive over the Courtney-Cambell Bridge (Hwy 60) and pull over for great picture taking and the occasional dolphin or manatee. Enjoy! <BR>