Tampa Florida Attractions

Hi everyone. We're excited to have a guest blog today by Joe Laing with El Monte RV Rentals!  Here you go:

Whether you are planning a family RV vacation to Tampa Bay or have Tampa on your Florida itinerary and plan to fly in to take in the sights, there is high adventure waiting for you in this exciting city. Sometimes even Tampa residents get so involved in their workaday world, they forget there are so many things for the whole family to do right at home.

Of course, you can't neglect the most important attractions in town. The first family adventure should be the famous Busch Gardens. This theme park has rides, shows and plenty of animal exhibits. Take the sky lift ride and get a unique view of the wildlife. Another must-see is Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens, an unforgettable trip of over 65 acres of African Plain where you'll enjoy getting up close and personal with zebras, ostriches and much more.
 
When you love animals and sea life, Tampa Bay is the place to come. The Florida Aquarium offers an educational and interactive experience with touch tanks that allow kids to get "hands-on" with fascinating creatures. They also provide a Wild Dolphin Cruise so you can see some amazing dolphins in their natural habitat – Tampa Bay.

Something tells me it's all happening at the zoo, and Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is no exception. Visit this highly rated zoo! The animals will love it if you do. The Big Cat Rescue is worth a visit, too. This is a large sanctuary dedicated to big cats, with over 100 lions, cougars and more.

Be sure to take the family to see the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center just south of Tampa. If visiting from November through April, you'll see manatees, an endangered species that finds love and attention here. Other times of the year, you can play games, see the butterfly gardens and experience a hurricane simulator. Best of all is the free admission.

Adventure Island has 30 acres of water rides, and if you desire a day of swimming in a giant wave pool, playing in waterfalls or rushing down a corkscrew slide, you'll love it here. The Florida sun isn't quite as ferocious when you visit this theme park.

The historic neighborhood of Ybor City is a wonderful place to soak up some interesting history. One of the best ways to absorb that history is to engage in the Secret City Walks, where you stick those headphones on your head and get a self-guided audio tour. This experience really brings the ghosts of Ybor City to life for the whole family.

No matter if you have an RV camper or car, you will find it extremely rewarding to drive over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, keeping an eye out for the dolphins that often appear in the water below. Great views are yours to behold from this marvelous bridge. You can also fit in some fishing from the nearby pier. Make it a point to stop at Bayshore Boulevard, a sidewalk that has the claim to fame of being the longest sidewalk in the world. Winding along the bay, you will truly enjoy the 4.5-mile stroll.

Love to visit parks and take part in many different outdoor activities? Lettuce Lake Park offers canoe rentals, fishing, hiking and a lovely path to take a bicycle. Another popular park to take a nice little trek through the woods is Al Lopez Park, 132 acres of great wildlife and a pond where you can throw in a line.

Speaking of canoeing, the perfect place to get away from the crowds is Hillsborough River State Park. Once you move away from the main picnic area, you will get some solitude and relaxation in the fragrant woods. This state park has an RV campground as well as tent camping. Hiking is great here too. Of course, if you prefer the beach you can take the Courtney Campbell Causeway over to Clearwater, and make your way right to Clearwater Beach. Walk out on the pier and enjoy the fresh salt air. The sand is clean and white.

Once back in Tampa, you may wish to see some of the museums in the city. There are many, but you can get a unique view of some of Tampa history at the Henry B. Plant Museum, once an opulent hotel where Teddy Roosevelt and Babe Ruth stayed. Another site you shouldn't miss if the Museum of Science and Industry, with over 450 hands-on activities that the kids will love.

Yes, Tampa offers much adventure for any family, whether exploring on an RV vacation or touring by car.

About the Author
Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. You can see more great RV vacation ideas in their Monty's Musings RV Travel Blog. Be sure to check their Florida Rentals page for a luxury motorhome for a Florida vacation adventure.

Hey there folks! Jerm here with some pretty awesome news to share!

Hotwire.com® announced the results of its seventh annual Hotwire® Travel Value Index study, and Tampa ranked as one of the Top 10 destinations where travelers can get the most vacation for their money. Just in time for spring break and the summer travel season, the Hotwire Travel Value Index showcases the top 10 cities where consumers planning their next trip can find the best combination of value, entertainment options and attractions throughout 2012.
 
The Hotwire Travel Value Index is based on a statistical model combining both in-house and third-party research. Hotwire evaluates the top 75 U.S. leisure markets, rating them across three individual categories to generate an overall ranking for consumer vacation value. The formula includes: (1) low prices on air, rental car and hotel (50 percent of overall score), (2) discounts on air, rental car and hotel (25 percent of overall score), and (3) affordable entertainment (25 percent of overall score).  
 
The majority of the cities on this year’s list were found to be value destinations in 2011 as well. This year’s index is dominated by Florida cities with Orlando topping the list and Miami coming in 10th, making it an overall value.  According to the Hotwire Travel Value Index, the top 10 U.S. destinations for value vacations in 2012 include:
 
1. Orlando, FL
2. Atlanta, GA
3. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
4. Houston, TX
5.  Phoenix, AZ
6.  Tampa, FL
7. Denver, CO
8. Charlotte, NC
9. Albuquerque, NM
10. Miami, FL
 

This is pretty awesome news in some elite company from around the state as well as other parts of the country! Be sure to get the word out folks and  tell all your friends and family! We'll be checking back in shortly with more Tampa Bay news and updates!

Greetings Tampa!

The Plant City Strawberry Festival is upon us … and last week we had an opportunity to visit a hotel property that would be perfect to stay at during the festival.

The Holiday Inn Express Plant City, just minutes away from downtown Tampa is close to not only the strawberry festival but also LEGOLAND, and Dinosaur World, Florida State Fairgrounds and many other attractions.  Their location is perfect for those attending sporting events held at either of the nearby International Softball Federation, Mike Sansone, or the Randy Larson Four Plex sporting fields too!

Surrounded  by verdant tropical foliage, this four story all inclusive 70 room hotel accommodations includes 16 suites and 54 standard rooms, meeting space for up to 60 people has also just completed its beautiful million dollar renovation, that sets a relaxing tone for vacations and business trips alike.

Guests will enjoy the fantastic amenities including free hot breakfasts, and one really cool aspect to their hot free breakfast is the pancake machine that will get you geared up for the day, and the beautiful outdoor pool offers a place to relax once work is done.

Again conveniently located minutes from downtown Tampa, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wanted a great property and a great price!

A great big kudos to Charles Harris, VP and his wonderful staff, for having us visit!

Until the next time ... THINK TAMPA and stay tuned in for more updates, places to stay in Tampa Bay!

Hi Tampa Bay! Alex here to let you about our team’s recent visit to the other side of the bay.

We took a trip to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for a tour of the wonderful facility and of course to meet the movie star, Winter!

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium specializes in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick or injured marine animals.

All the animals that come through the doors arrive because they were suffering from an illness or severe injury in the wild. We had the chance to see some of the wonderful animals-dolphins, turtles, otters, that have been rescued and are currently living at the aquarium.
 

 If you are looking for a great way to spend an afternoon with your children, The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is just the place for you!
 

We want to send a thank you to John, our excellent tour guide, and Rosemarie Rayne and Michelle Poyet with Visit St.Pete Clearwater.
 

Check back often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay and for information on Tampa Bay Attractions!
 

Hey everyone! I know Christmas may seem far away, but you know how fast time flies and the holiday season will be back before we know it! I wanted to tell you about Busch Gardens Tampa’s Christmas Celebration, Christmas Town. The park will be turned into a winter wonderland with seasonal sights and sounds for everyone to enjoy.

Christmas Town will consist of all new attractions, special entertainment, live music, festive food, and shopping for all. The park will transform into this special holiday event every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Nov. 30 through Dec. 23.

Christmas Town will be similar to Busch Gardens Halloween event, it will be a separate- ticket night event, with regular Busch Gardens daytime admission not required or included. Discounts will be available for annual pass members, and families with children ages three to nine will be granted special ticket prices.

This festive Holiday event should bring a new holiday tradition to Tampa. Keep your eyes out for more information when the holiday season approaches. That's all for now but check back for more info on Tampa Florida attractions!
 

Hello everyone! We wanted to drop by and tell you all about a recent group outing to one of Florida's newest attractions!

LEGOLAND® Florida is a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun.

Located in Winter Haven, FL and just 45 minutes from the Orlando theme parks and downtown Tampa. LEGOLAND is a brand of interactive theme parks dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12.

Each Park features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions geared towards interactive family fun. There are four other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London, LEGOLAND California in the U.S. and LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Bavaria Germany.

Legoland Florida provides education, adventure and in this second park of its kind in the United States. Kim Iseman, Director of Sales & Marketing and Todd Andrus, Sales Manager with Legoland gave us a in-depth tour of the park’s newest addition opening in late May.  It is Legoland Water Park.  It will be a waterpark for both children and adults to enjoy.

There will be an additional $15 added to the admission price of the Theme Park to be able to enter this section of Legoland.  People can stroll through the exhibits and hands on experiences of Legoland and walk to the water park to cool off and enjoy the rest of the afternoon.  They will have cabanas to rent, beach chairs, restaurant on site, lockers all with the Legoland theme.

Legoland is a fun place to spend the entire day.  The activities are limitless and it is a place where children can have their imaginations soar. That's all for now folks, but stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here with some great news for local business owners.

With 52,062 small businesses in the area, Tampa Bay was named one of the 10 Great Cities for Starting a Business by Kiplinger.com.

Who wouldn’t want to start a business in a location filled with wonderful attractions, arts & culture, sports, parks, beaches and so much more? It’s like working in paradise!

The local government is business-friendly, promising tax credits to businesses that locate in certain areas or work in one of a number of high-demand industries, including life sciences and sustainable energy.
 
Tampa’s small-business owners also benefit from the state’s lack of personal income tax and 5.5% corporate income tax. The city is a key player in the Startup America Partnership, a national initiative that has funneled more than $730 million to new businesses in Florida and six other states.

To check out this article for yourself go to, http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/10-great-cities-for-starting-a-business/11.html.

Have a wonderful evening! Check back with us throughout the week for more information on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Happy Friday Tampa Bay, Alex here with some great news for all of the parents around the area. 

Children, ages five and younger, can now explore the wonders of Africa FREE with the new Busch Gardens Preschool Pass.

Little ones can experience kid-size thrills at Busch Gardens' Sesame Street Safari of Fun and SeaWorld's Shamu’s Happy Harbor play areas, get up close to their favorite furry and feathered friends, and see new shows brought to life.

Some of the wonderful preschool attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are Sesame Street Safari of Fun, Dine with Elmo and Friends, and the Family Fun Buffet. They will also like the wonderful shows, Iceploration and Critter Castaways, along the many animal encounters and pint-sized rides, which include Jungala, Jambo, Timbuktu and Serengeti Express.

Kids are also welcome to experience seasonal events, such as Summer Nights, at Busch Gardens and festive holiday events.

Sign up today! The Free Busch Gardens Preschool Pass is an online-only offer, available at BuschGardensTampaBay.com 

It is exclusively for Florida residents ages 5 and younger and is valid for unlimited admission – with no blackout dates – through Dec. 31, 2012 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

For more information on the Free Busch Gardens Preschool Pass, visit BuschGardensTampaBay.com.

Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do in Tampa Bay!

Hi everyone.  Travis back with another update about one of the best Tampa Bay attractions - Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo.  Now, they have had some great babies born over the years, but this one is pretty cute, AND, it's the first one of the new year! 

In the quiet hours that followed the Zoo's New Year's Eve celebrations, an endangered Malayan tapir gave birth to a female calf before sunrise on New Year’s Day, making it the first Zoo baby of the New Year!!!

Upon arriving at the Zoo at 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve for their first nightly check of the expectant animal, zookeepers found all to be quiet in the tapir building. Then following the 2 a.m. check on New Year’s Day, keepers were greeted by the tiny tapir who was already clean and dry ( which is a sign that the birth had occurred with enough time for the mother to clean the newborn).  And, the spotted newborn is alert and nursing routinely, both positive signs of health and strength.

For her safety and bonding with mother “Umi,” she will remain inside the tapir building under the watchful eye of animal care staff for the time being, and the pair is not expected to be on exhibit for about a month.

Tapir calves are born covered in spots which fade to a solid black and white pattern within six months...take a look at the photo.  This is one cute baby folks!  Infants resemble a watermelon in size and shape. The newborn received her first check up by the Zoo’s veterinarian this week where she was discovered to be a female weighing approximately 15 pounds, and is expected to gain about a pound a day (Thank goodness humans don't do that consistently).

Here's a little bit about these animals - The Malayan tapir is among the most primitive herbivores, dating back 20 million years. Closely related to the horse and rhinoceros more than any other species, the tapir has a unique, short trunk, formed by its upper lip and nose to help eat leaves, fruits, and aquatic vegetation. In the wild, tapirs are found in Burma and Thailand within dense forests, usually near water.  There are four species of tapir native to Southeast Asia and in Central and South America, all of which are classified as endangered due to ongoing decline. The Zoo’s Malayan tapirs are members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Tapir Species Survival Plan (SSP). 

So, if you are making plans to visit the zoo in February or March (or beyond), make sure you stop by and say hi to the new addition.  And of course let us know how it was.  We'll see you back here for more Tampa Bay attractions updates, info on great Tampa Bay area events and much more about great things to do in Tampa Bay. 

With major conventions and events such as the Republican National Convention and NCAA Frozen Four coming to the destination, Tampa Bay is slated to be in the national and international spotlight throughout 2012. 

Here’s a look at some of the other “Million Dollar Meetings” that Tampa will host in 2012:

Tampa will play host to the Moose Annual Convention 2012 for Moose International, Inc.  Moose is an international organization of men and women who are dedicated to caring for young and old, brining communities closer together and celebrating life.  More than 3,000 delegates will attend the international convention, which will produce nearly 17,500 hotel room nights and create $2.5 million in delegate spending.

The American Trucking Associations will bring its Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Expo to Tampa in February 2012.  Approximately 3,000 delegates will attend the Annual Meeting, which will produce more than 7,400 hotel room nights and create $2.2 million in delegate spending.  

The area will also welcome the Philadelphia Church of God for its Feast of Tabernacles for three consecutive years beginning in 2012.  Combined, the conventions will welcome 6,600 delegates to Tampa Bay, producing over 7,000 hotel room nights and creating $1.8 million in delegate spending.  

In March 2012, the National Association of Secondary School Principals will bring its Annual Convention & Exposition to the Tampa Bay area.  Approximately 4,000 delegates are expected to attend the convention, production over 5,300 hotel room nights and $4.6 million in delegate spending.  

Also in March, Tampa will host the International Association of Dental Research’s AADR/CADR Annual Meeting.  The area will welcome 4,000 delegates who will produce an estimated 10,000 hotel room nights and $4.6 million in delegate spending.

With deep roots in the Tampa Bay community through the Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research, we are excited to welcome Lions Club International for its USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum 2012.  Approximately 2,500 Lions will attend the Leadership Forum, producing over 6,600 hotel room nights and $3.1 million in delegate spending.  

In June 2012, Tampa will host the American Physical Therapy Association’s Annual Conference and Exposition.  The conference will welcome 2,200 attendees who are expected to produce over 6,300 hotel room nights and over $2.4 million in delegate spending.  

Tampa will also welcome the Florida Board of Bar Examiners back in 2012 for its Winter State Exams, taking place at the Tampa Convention Center from Feb. 28-29, 2012.  Additionally, the organization’s Summer State Exams will take place July 24-25 at the Tampa Convention Center.  The Summer State Exams will welcome over 3,200 applicants to Tampa, producing over 7,700 hotel room nights and creating $3.3 million in delegate spending.   

Attracting these premier meetings and conventions to our destination would be not be possible without the support and assistance of Tampa Bay & Company partners.  To learn more about getting involved, log on to www.VisitTampaBay.com or contact Director of Convention Sales Alex Kaptzan at AKaptzan@VisitTampaBay.com.  

Please join us in welcoming these group, as well as all meetings and conventions, to the Tampa Bay area! 

Well, that’s all for now, but be sure to tune in for more exciting Tampa Bay meetings and updates!

Until then … Think Tampa!

1. In addition to Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason, name two of the other six acts playing through the Zoo?
2. True or False: Dave Mason was a friend of legendary guitarist and they record Hendrix's version of "All Along the Watchtower" together?
3. True or False: Today is the last day to purchase $75 tickets on-line?

Hello Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you now that the Annual Bicycle Bash Festival is taking place at Flatwoods Park on November 6, 2011.

Hillsborough County and the South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers (SWFBUD) are proud to announce that the 2011 Bicycle Bash Festival will he held on Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at Flatwoods Park, 14302 Morris Bridge Road in Thonotosassa.

The Bicycle Bash Festival celebrates bicycling in the Tampa Bay area and works to advance this sport as a healthy activity, an effective transportation mode, and a community asset.

This is a fun day to celebrate bicycling, enjoy music, and eat food at the beautful Flatwoods Park, where both road bicyclists and mountain bikers enjoy riding. Throughout the event, a swap meet, activities for kids and fun bike activities will be taking place.

This is the fifth year for this event, which attracts bicyclists of all kinds of backgrounds: casual neighborhood bicyclists, roadies, mountain bikers, urban cyclists, BMX enthusiasts and bike commuters. So, if you enjoy biking, make sure you head on over to The 2011 Bicycle Bash Festival.

If you are interested in participating in a fundraiser bike ride, The Cure on Wheels ride will be held on Nov. 5, also at Flatwoods Park. This ride raises money for local cancer causes.

Check out this video on the event, <http://bit.ly/rkEOaU>.

For more information on the 2011 Bicycle Bash or to participate as a vendor, visit www.bicyclebash.com<http://www.bicyclebash.com/>, or contact Alan Snel, at alansnel@yahoo.com or (813) 468-0064.
 
Have fun at this festival and enjoy Tampa Bay's beautiful weather.

Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do in Tampa Bay!

• Front-of-the-line "BooPasses" are also available for purchase at the ticket windows.
• Admission includes FREE unlimited rides.
• For the comfort and safety of all guests, adults (ages 12 and older) are prohibited from wearing masks, wigs, face paint or costumes of any time.
• Little boys and "ghouls" (ages 11 and under) are invited to come in their most spooktacular attire.
• Toy weapons of any sort are not allowed in the Zoo.
  

Hey everyone, Alex here to let you know what is happening at MOSI this September.

MOSI has a lot of great events happening this month, check out a list below:

Labor Day weekend
September 3 – 5, 2011

BOGO on general admission.
Free ticket must be of equal or lesser value. May not be combined with any other offers or discounts. Excludes special engagement exhibitions, films, events and ropes course.

Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause

Opens at MOSI, September 16, 2011 and will be on display for one full year.
An Interactive Exhibit on the Costs & Consequences of Illegal Drugs, Target America offers students a dynamic journey exploring the origins of drug production, international distribution of narcotics, the negative impact drugs have on communities, damaging costs to the en¬vironment, physiological effects caused by drugs, and current practices in prevention and treatment. The Target America exhibit provides a teacher resource guide which includes pre-visit/post-visit materials that incorporate Sunshine State Standards within Target America’s themat¬ic content, classroom exercises, gallery activities, and information for booking school tours. Target America’s exhibit content and the educa-tional materials will enhance the drug prevention programs occurring in your schools and provide a safe environment to create awareness about the damages drugs cause in our communities and ultimately on our children.

Please visit www.targetamerica.org for more information.

Harvest Moon Night
Saturday, September 10
7 – 10 p.m.

Join us in celebrating the upcoming Harvest Moon. This full moon is closest to the September Equinox and was a sign to Native Americans to begin harvesting their crops. Explore the harvest with a Native American style meal, create authentic feather jewelry and learn a harvest celebration dance. In the Saunders Planetarium tour the night sky to learn the science behind the seasons and how the sky shows us when to plant and harvest crops. End the evening with a trip to the highest point at MOSI to peer at the full moon through telescopes.

Program fee: $40 per adult; $20 per child  
MOSI member: $30 per adult; $15 per child

For more information on any of these events, visit www.mosi.org or call 813-987-6000.