What To Do On A Rainy Day in Tampa

What type of recreational activities can people take advantage of in the Tampa area on a rainy day?

There is no need for disappointment; it is still a great city, even in wet weather. Tampa provides dozens of indoor activities and entertainment options. The following is a list of suggestions of what to do in Tampa on rainy days.

On one rainy day I had my house treated by Tampa Pest Control. If you want the best Tamp Pest Control Company give them a call. The Florida Aquarium is a spectacular structure inside which over twenty thousand different types of aquatic life can be admired. If you are interested in history, don’t forget to check out the SS American Victory, a World War II victory ship that was transformed into a museum inside a ship. It is located right next to the Aquarium.

The Tampa Museum of Science, The Florida Holocaust Museum, the Ybor City Museum, the Salvador Dali Museum, and the newest one, the Bay History Center are just mentioning a few of the most popular museums. Here, adults and children can learn about Tampa’s history, appreciate some artwork, or be flabbergasted by a butterfly garden, amongst other things.

It is always a good idea to watch a movie while is raining outside and Tampa has great theaters to entertain you. A popular and extravagant movie theater is CineBistro: Hyde Park, which offers a full bar where martinis, mojitos, and a selection of draft beer can be ordered. A hostess will accompany you to your seats and a waiter serves you meals, such as flatbreads, burgers, ahi- tuna, pasta, and desserts. If you wish, you are served drinks from the bar during the movie.

Inside sporting events will make you forget that it is raining outside and Tampa offers good places, such as the USF Sun Dome. In the USF arena, not only sporting events take place every year but also trade shows, ethnic festivals, rodeos, and concerts.

A nice evening can be spent in the St. Petersburg’s Mahaffey Theatre, in the Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall, or the Tampa’s TBPAC. With such a great variety of plays, there will always be one that pleases your taste.

A fun way of ending your night is the perfect combination of food and theater. In a dinner theater, you can spend a romantic time with your partner or have a fun time with your family or friends. Among your options, you will find places like Bollywood Café, Detective Dinner Theater, Angel Cabaret Theater, Early Bird Dinner Theatre, Show Palace Dinner Theatre, and hundreds more.

Go shopping. If you are running out of places to go on rainy days, check out the International Plaza; it is a charming and entertaining shopping and dining destination where you can find trendy stores and an open-air village with nice restaurants.

If you follow these suggestions, you will discover another side of Tampa and discover that it is a place where even on rainy days there is no reason to stay at home.

Tampa Bay Festivals and Attractions

Dozens of festivals and events take place in Tampa Bay every year and all year long. The biggest and most famous one is the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. It is a mock pirate invasion and an enormous celebration with four hundred thousand participants.

It has been a major event since 1904 and is organized between January and February. Other Gasparilla festivities are celebrated until the month of March, such as the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, the Sant’Yago Knight Parade and the Gasparilla Children’s Parade, the Gasparilla Distance Classic and the Gasparilla International Film Festival.

All of these festivals as well as the Clearwater Jazz Festival, where different musicians perform every year, can be enjoyed for free. People bring lawn chairs and watch celebrities like Richie Cole and Dave Brubeck in an open area.

Not every event is free, however, but there are tons of very cheap events going on in Tampa. Last year, fans went crazy when USF football season tickets were sold for super low prices such as $ 6.50. People had their dreams come true watching Tampa Bay Rays games for cheaper than a hamburger.

Tampa hosts many other events during the year, such as the annual Florida State Fair. This Fair lasts for eleven days and people can participate in competitions and try fun food. The Florida Strawberry Festival is a very traditional festival with a parade and takes place in late spring around the time of the strawberry harvest.

Tampa also offers attractions that can be visited all year long, such as the Lowry Park Zoo, a unique zoo for its interactive exhibits. At the interactive discovery center, visitors can ride camels, pet and feed animals and enjoy activities such as the river eco-tour and encounters with West Indian Manatees. As a nonprofit organization, the Lowry Park Zoo can be visited free.

Tampa has beautiful beaches that are visited by people from all over the world. The North Beach at Fort De Soto Park is the most famous one in the area and in the United States, it is considered to be one of the best beaches in the country. It is always full of residents and tourists enjoying amazing beach breaks.

However, Tampa also has beaches for people who are looking for different ways of enjoying a sunny day. Caladesi Island State Park is an island with beautiful and calm beaches and mangroves that can be visited by kayak. Thus, it is not too frequented and a perfect place to relax.

Siesta Key Beach, which is famous for having the whitest sand in the world, is another gorgeous beach while the Blind Pass Beach with dunes can offer lots of fun. There is a beach for all tastes and ages in Tampa but in any case, one is going to be astonished by their natural beauty.

With all of these entertainment options, there will not be enough time to enjoy all of it and there is no doubt about it that many tourists decide to come back to appreciate all the other attractions that were missed out on.

Things to Do in Tampa FL for Sports Fans

Tampa can be a great travel destination for people who like sports, as the city offers a wide range of sports events all year long. There are sports events for every taste, from football, baseball, and roller derby games to dog races, bull riding, and kickball for kids and adults. Successful local teams can be watched and cheered on, such as the NHL Lightning Hockey Team, the MLB Devil Ray Baseball Team, and the NFL Buccaneers Football Team.

There are many well-equipped places to offer you great games, such as the St. Pete Times Forum, the USF Sun Dome, the Tampa Bay Times Forum, the Raymond James Stadium, the Tampa Greyhound Track, and the Sun Dome. The latter one is a multi-purpose facility where hundreds of events are organized, making it busy almost every day of the year.

Sporting events such as taekwondo tournaments, wrestling, gymnastics and cheerleading competitions, boxing, rodeos, youth sports camps, home and garden shows, ethnic festivals, concerts, bull riding competitions, trade shows, religious services and conventions, community and university events, and commencement ceremonies as well as lectures and political rallies entertain every taste.

Tampa occasionally hosts professional boxing matches with famous boxers such as Antonio Tarver, Winky Wright, and Jeff Lacy. Ice hockey fans will not be disappointed when watching the Florida Panthers and it is interesting to see how even in a warm state, teams can be successful.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers amaze people with their quality football which brought them a title in 2003. At the University of South Florida Bulls, games take place all year round and with a variety of almost twenty different sports, individuals and families of different sports preferences and ages can find what they are looking for.

Located less than 10 miles from Downtown Tampa, golf lovers can play at high-carat clubs such as Westchase Golf Course, Old Memorial Golf Club, Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, and Pebble Creek Golf Club. Tennis can also be played not far from downtown, such as at Carrollwood Village Golf & Tennis Club-Meadows/ Pines Course.

Horseback riding can be enjoyed at The Breeze Horse Ranch which offers pony rides, children’s birthday parties and nature trail rides for beginners and amateur riders. People who like bowling will find great opportunities at places like Pin Chasers and Panorama. At the bowling center Splitsville, it is possible to play a game for only $2 every Tuesday, which means maximum entertainment for a minimum price.

Tampa possesses some of the most famous beaches in the United States as people from all over the world travel to the U.S. in the winter to soak up the sun’s rays. Sports fans can also find what they are looking for at the beaches where they are surrounded by fun recreational opportunities.

Clearwater Beach is one of the best destinations for the ones who like sports; people go jet skiing, fishing, parasailing, playing volleyball, and practicing many other kinds of beach sports.

Tampa is an awesome destination for sports fans, no matter at what time of the year, with a multitude of indoor as well as outdoor sporting events.

Best Places Not To Be Missed During Your Travel to Orlando

Orlando is a highly urbanized city in the heart of the United States. But even though, modernization has been inevitable, it managed to preserve most of its natural scenic beauties. Orlando is just a good place to travel to and still it is one of the most visited cities in Florida. So, whenever you want to go down there and spend the rest of your vacation or holidays, here are the four places you may want to hang out with;

Clermont

It is known to be the Home of the Florida Citrus Tower which is just a short drive west of Orlando. Modernization cannot be stopped, the natural citrus groves have been destroyed to give way to the business establishments. But, its proximity to Disney World gave a good start for progress and business which changed the place forever.

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

You must have been wondering where all the premium wines in Florida come from. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards has all the authority to own the famous premium winemaker in Florida, in the U.S., and even export to other countries. It is conveniently set in Clermont which started to operate in 1989. A lot of people then objected and surprised having been able to see a vineyard in the heart of citrus groves; they said that this establishment will never last long. But they were proven wrong because the winery just became popular and most visited in Orlando.

Scott’s Corn Maze

In every fall season, each year, if you will take a little time traveling 30 miles northwest of Orlando. A corn maze may not be the first thing that you can think of whenever you are in Florida, however, the one which exists has become one of the most visited tourist destinations. They have the best Orlando Pest Control so you won’t be seeing any pests in the corn maze. Even though the old form of the art game, maze, have already or just almost been forgotten, Mount Dora has its way of reincarnating it so that travelers and tourists can enjoy it. It is just a 6.5-acre cornfield well-maintained and well-planned to provide a unique experience for tourists, travelers, and vacationers while they are at the peak of happy times.

Cassadaga

If you haven’t heard it yet, Cassadaga is home to the spiritualists, healers, and psychics in the southeastern part of the United States. The people have their talent of healing the sickness in which medical science finds impossible to heal plus, they even claim that they can communicate with the dead. With their claims, they became so famous in the United States and a lot of tourists find time to experience the “unusual or unnatural”.” But there is nothing to be scared about although, the place is spooky and scary because these people know what you are up to in going to the place. Thus, if you are looking for a few extraordinary experiences just before you go home from your vacation, maybe Cassadaga can offer you the things you are looking for.

Five Uncommon Destinations In Orlando

Orlando is one of the places in Florida to offer world-class attractions and sceneries. But there are also places in which only a few people have explored because these places are not so popular, still, you have to expect that you surely would enjoy your stay. Here is a list of five unexplored places in Orlando, Florida;

Holy Land Experience

This place is not only for religious people but for everybody who wants to experience being in the Holy Land. There are lifelike reenactments of the important happenings in the bible. So, if you have so much to learn about the biblical past, this place can help you understand. It will bring you back to the time when Christians are persecuted and the times when religion does not exist.

The Gatorland

If you wanted to meet with really toothy creatures, then Gatorland would be a perfect spot for you. Here, you will be able to witness different species of crocodiles and alligators. There are educational shows every day as well as wrestling shows to see how these species fight. Above all, this place also serves as their breeding marsh.

Bok Tower Gardens

It is located near Lake Wales and is home to thousand of species of botanical plants. Bok tower garden is where people who are looking for a serene and clean place go. It could be a perfect getaway for families or even friends. Only a few take time to reminisce the legacy of Edward Bok, builder of the tower while having a quiet stay in the garden.

Medieval Times

The reenactment of medieval times is one of America’s traditions. Thus, a lot of travelers wanted to experience and witness how things happened in medieval times. Medieval Times, however, is not a popular tourist destination, it’s one of the Dinner Shows in the area that offers a unique experience when you eat.

SAK Comedy Lab

If you are one of the comedy fans who always look for a good laugh, SAK Comedy Lab is just a perfect place to stay. It is famed for its improvisational shows and comedies which will make you laugh your heart out. This has been one of the most popular comedy bars in central Orlando. Up until now, the place still offers improvisational shows, games shows, and Broadway comedies.

These places may not be the best in their category but sure enough, you will enjoy your stay. Being not so popular, they remain to be some of the places in Orlando that only a few have explored.

The Ten Thousand Islands

So you think you have arrived when you get to Captiva Island? Don’t be too sure. It is true that everything that you could possibly desire in a tropical island vacation can be found right on Captiva Island, Florida. There are some of the best and most luxurious hotel facilities in the world and restaurants that will make you forget all about any healthy eating plan that you were trying to follow before you arrived. There are white sandy beaches and all that fresh salt air and abundant sunshine that make a tropical island…well….a tropical island paradise.

Captiva Island simply overflows with opportunities to engage in all of the tropical island activities…fishing, swimming, boating, scuba diving, etc. There are so many wonderful and entertaining activities that one could see themselves simply living forever in this paradise but there is even more than meets the eye.

Just because you have arrived in what is apparently a tropical paradise doesn’t mean that there is not more of paradise to see. Think cruise!

There are many opportunities for cruises available on Captiva Island. One of the better known cruise lines is Captiva Cruises….that is the name of the company and a very fitting name it is. The line was founded in 1986 and is an excursion boat company. Cruises are available that last from only one hour up to half a day. Some of the most popular cruises that Captiva Cruises offer are:

The Dolphin Watch and Wildlife Cruise:

The Dolphin Watch and Wildlife Cruise last about an hour and a half. There are dolphins seen on about 95% of the cruises so the odds are very good that you will have to pleasure of seeing these magnificent creatures as you enjoy the sight from a comfortable and safe setting. There is narration provided on the Dolphin Watch and Wildlife Cruise by knowledgeable volunteers from the Sanibel and Captiva Conservation Foundation.

The Sunset Serenade Cruise:

This cruise features live music most often performed by Danny Morgan who is an island music legend. The Sunset Serenade Cruise lasts about one hour. There is always an open cash bar. Seeing the sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico while Island music is being played and a wonderful island drink is being enjoyed is a very romantic experience that won’t be soon forgotten.

The Coya Costa Beach and Shelling Cruise:

This cruise is scheduled to last about three hours. It takes you to Florida State Park beaches that are undeveloped and are accessible only by boat. You are allowed from two to four hours to explore these undeveloped beaches, swim, in the clear warm water, bird watch or look for shells.

The Cabbage Key Cruise:

This one might be the most fascinating of all. It lasts a full half-day and it will take you to the famous Cabbage Island…the place that inspired Jimmy Buffet to write “Hamburger in Paradise”. You will see a room in what is now the Inn that is papered in autographed dollar bills. The house that is now the Inn was built in 1938 by the famous novelist, Mary Roberts Rinehart.