72 Hours in Tampa Bay

If you arrive in Tampa Bay, Florida in late January, you may find yourself in the company of pirates. Yes, pirates. Every January the majestic pirate ship Jose Gasparilla sails into Tampa Bay and over 750 swashbucklers invade the city. Named for the notorious Jose Gaspar who terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida during the late 18^th & 19^th centuries, the invasion has evolved into a friendly one, albeit rowdy! The takeover begins with a four-mile-long Parade of Pirates—the third-largest parade in the country—and kicks off eight weeks of festivals featuring food, art, music and more.

Even if the pirates aren’t in town during your time in Tampa Bay, the wealth of attractions on hand provide something for all the “mateys” in your crew. With 10 districts to explore you could easily spend a week here. We’re showcasing three of those districts for our 72-hours of Tampa Bay fun.

Day One: Downtown District

Tampa Bay’s picturesque downtown offers a plethora of culturally rich attractions. Stretching 2.4 miles through the downtown district, the Riverwalk winds alongside the Hillsborough River connecting parks, eateries, hotels and museums. If the kids are in tow, be sure to visit the Glazer Children’s Museum. Over 170 interactive exhibits spread across 20 themed areas will ignite the imagination of your little ones.

On the campus of the University of Tampa, the grand Victorian 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel houses the Henry B. Plant Museum. A tribute to a true American transportation pioneer, the museum exhibits turn of the century furnishings alongside others showcasing tourism through the eyes of early 20^th century travelers.

Have a look at Tampa Bay from a new perspective by getting out on the water in an eBoat. A quick lesson will have you setting off on your own water tour. If you’d rather pedal, check out Kraken Cycleboats. Accommodating up to 15 passengers, these boats combine pedal power and a motor for your time on the water. Bring your own food, drinks and music and throw your group a pedal party.

The Riverwalk provides a front row seat to Tampa Bay’s spectacular sunsets, so be sure to plan your happy hour accordingly.

Day Two: Ybor City

One of Tampa Bay’s most intriguing districts, Ybor City brings Cuba stateside. In 1886, Don Vicente Martinez Ybor built a cigar factory just east of downtown Tampa and began to organize a Cuban community whose flavor still permeates this Tampa neighborhood. The Ybor Museum State Park, a one-acre urban state park housed in the former Ferlita Bakery, offers a glimpse into the history of the neighborhood and its people. Museum displays include original cigar box cover labels, cigar-rolling demonstrations and restored casitas, which were once the homes of cigar factory workers.

Take a step in Jose Marti Park and you’ll set foot on Cuban soil. A tribute to the Cuban national hero, this little park has been owned by Cuba since 1956. For more authentic Cuba, check out Tampa Sweethearts Cigars which is owned and operate by descendants of the legendary Arturo Fuente.

Don’t miss dinner at the Columbia Restaurant—Florida’s oldest restaurant and the gem of Ybor City. The 52,000-square-foot restaurant encompasses an entire block and offers enough artifacts to rival a museum. Flamenco dancers perform most nights, providing an exciting Latin entertainment experience.

Day Three: Hyde Park

Recognized by its tree-lined streets and brick walkways, historic Hyde Park continues to be a favorite Tampa Bay neighborhood. Within it you’ll find Hyde Park Village—an open-air shopping and entertainment district brimming with indie shops and an excellent variety of restaurants.

A great place to refuel for your shopping spree, the iconic Goody Goody™,  serves up tasty burgers, pies, all-day breakfasts, short-order diner plates and milkshakes in a classic American diner atmosphere. Another Hyde Park classic, Bern’s Steak House specializes in perfectly dry-aged steaks. Opened since 1956, this Tampa institution has an incredibly long wine list ensuring you’ll find the perfect pairing for your meal.

For nightlife you can’t beat the old-school charm of Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club. A Prohibition-style speakeasy is password protected so be sure to call ahead, so you’ll be in the know.

The Perfect Daytrip from Tampa: The Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg

By Thom Meintel

One thing is certain about spending a little time in the Tampa Bay / St. Pete area. After a few days in the boiling hot sun, you’re not only going to need a whopping dose of “cool” (as in a.c.) you’ll also need a strong shot of culture. St. Petersburg’s Dalí Museum provides both but infinitely more!  Voted a Top U.S. Museum on TripAdvisor and an absolute must-see, the Dalí Museum is an unrivaled experience that literally puts St. Petersburg on the map.

A mere 35 minutes in your car from Tampa will take you on a fantastic journey to the brink of the unknown as the artist Salvador Dalí was an outrageous and strikingly bizarre personality who often indulged in unusual and grandiose behavior.  Practically considered the Father of Surrealism, the eccentric artist’s flights of fancy were well documented and the art movement that he popularized changed the history of art, film and culture. Here displayed in a dazzling architectural wonder of a building is a vast collection of work that is as shocking as it is brilliant.

One of the more authoritative and convincing docents leading the 1-hour tour here is Janice Embrey Brown whose manner, wit and Dalí style will have you in stitches. Having worked at the museum for 23 years, she knows the who, what, where and why of not only Dalí’s life and loves but also his expansive repertoire which, along with painting and drawing, included sculpture, photography and film.

Additionally, and what is a major draw for the crowds that flock to the museum, is their unique augmented reality experience, technology designed to work while viewing paintings in the galleries. Eight Dalí Masterworks (exceeding 5 ft. in height or width) are brought to life on your smart device allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning behind them. Dalí himself constantly challenged reality in his work and life and the museum is committed to embracing new methods to delight guests and educated them on his brilliance. The day I visited it was a hands-down hit.

www.visittampabay.com