Tampa Bay Treasures

Tampa is more than Busch Gardens and palm trees - it's Cuban heritage, great dining spots like world-renowned Bern's Steak House and Columbia Restaurant, and hotels that have been here since man began to conquer 'wild untamed Florida' during the great railroad era.

Quick Tips:

Bring sun screen if you are a pale-face! Seriously, the weather is great, but hot and humid most of the year, definite beach weather. But be prepared with an umbrella for those unexpected (& sometimes violent) summer downpours. And take cover if there's lightning!

Best Way To Get Around:

Tampa Bay covers a wide area from Tarpon Springs Greek community to Ybor city rich with Cuban history and club night life. Definitely need to rent a car (or borrow from a local friend!).

Experience the luxury heavy on 1920's influence at this 4-star/4-Diamond Marriott/Renaissance property. This Mediterrean Revivial gem opened on New Year's Eve, 1925 with 375 rooms and was the center of Tampa Bay society. After the grandeur of that period, the hotel struggled, changing hands a couple of times before it closed. Saved from the wrecking ball due to a community campaign, it was reopened in 1992 after a $93 million restoration.

Guests today enjoy 360 rooms, 20 suites, and amenities such as 2 heated outdoor pools (one with waterfalls), spa, 12 tennis courts, a 74-slip marina, 18-hole golf course and dining in restaurants (Alfresco, Fred's. Marchand's Grill and the Terrace Room.) Relax in dark green wicker rockers and furniture on the verandah straight out of the Great Gatsby.

The room I was in was decorated in cool, pleasant, soft greens and creams, and shaded by tropical foliage. While not large (there are larger rooms), it was ample and nicely furnished. Special treat was the mini-tv in the bathroom. All rooms are currently being renovated with new drapes and carpet. I was told several completed rooms in the Tower are sumptuous.)

The hotel is a very popular site for conventions and meetings as well as parties and weddings.

We put our officials for a local skating competition up in this resort every August and they rave about it! Why? This lovely spa is tucked away in quiet Safety Harbor and offers luxury pampering via health treatments as well as lovely views of upper (Old) Tampa Bay.

In 1539, Hernando de Soto believed he had discovered the Fountain of Youth. De Soto named his new discovery Espiritu Santo Springs, or "Springs of the Holy Spirit." By 1936, the five springs were becoming famous for their healing powers. Dr. and Mrs. Alben Jansik bought the springs and rebuilt the facilities. In 1945, the Jansiks sold the springs and sanatorium to Dr. Salem H. Baranoff, who opened the area to overnight visitors and turned it into a health spa called Safety Harbor Spa.

The spa was recognized as a historical landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior in 1964 and a Florida Heritage landmark in 1997. Except for the Tower, the majority of the spa's buildings reflect 1930's Spanish style stucco and red tile roof architecture. Interior touches reflect that period as well, such as a card room hidden down a flight of stairs.

Once the rooms were old-fashioned and in some cases in need of repair (at least one I visited was furnished with stuff from the 1950's). Recent renovation has been completed on all 193 superior and deluxe rooms. (My favorite rooms are in the Tower wing.) Rates run from $139 to $229 depending on location and season. Packages to fit a variety of needs are available. Check their web site at http://www.safetyharborspa.com

Besides the many spa treatments available (favorite is the massage therapy!), guests have use of three pools (two indoors & one outdoor) - filled with water from the mineral springs and treated with ozone purifiers, cutting chemical usage by 80 percent. Want more action? Try the tennis courts and academy, golf academy & driving range, and a near by exercise trail.

Spa meals are available with packages or dine at the Cafe which features American fusion style cooking. Tip: During the winter season, they have a divine Sunday brunch.

I have been lucky enough to have stayed at this resort twice before moving to the area. Each time, I felt I was stepping back in time to a historical period of old-fashioned grace and elegance. The setting is perfect for pampering and romance.

Since 1897, guests have enjoyed the Belleview Biltmore's Victorian elegance. Built atop the white bluffs of Clearwater by railroad baron Henry Plant during the Florida railroad boom, the country's wealthy elite and celebrities of the day often wintered here, arriving in their private railcars.

The hotel is listed on the "National Registry of Historic Places," and is believed to be the largest occupied wooden structure in the World. Walk it's many winding halls and you'll know why. After being used as a military barracks by the U.S. Air Force on the 1940s, the hotel was restored, uncovering such architectural features as period brass lighting fixtures, heavy polished wood, grand staircases with bannisters wide enought for sliding down, and Tiffany stained glass ceilings in the ballroom.

Select from 244 tastefully appointed accommodations - romantic one-bedroom suites, spacious Victorian rooms (furnished with antique Queen Anne-style reproduction furniture including a poster bed), balcony suites (also highly desirable), sun parlors, and the stately 3,400-square-foot Presidential Suite. Room rates depend on size and season, starting as low as $89 per night for a standard queen. Mid-price rooms are $119-$159. Suites are $149 to $229.

There is a large pool on the South Lawn with its cascading waterfall, elevated whirlpool and tanning island. The 14,000-square-foot luxury Spa and Fitness Center offers special packages to suit every need. Even in imclement weather, there is an indoor spa pool in a glassed-in solarium-type setting to enjoy.

Outdoor Activities - The Donald Ross-designed golf course has been a local favorite since 1925. Red clay tennis courts are available. The resort maintains a cabana and a private strip of beach on the Gulf for the use of it's guests.

Historic tours of the building are given seven days a week at 11:00 A.M. Tour includes a complimentary copy of the hotel's historical brochure.

COST: $5.OO ADULTS
$15.00 INCLUDES LUNCHEON
$3.00 CHILDREN (12-17)
CHILDREN UNDER 12 FREE

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR PARTIES OF TEN OR MORE.

Come savor the Spanish-Cuban flavor at this original Ybor City location open since 1905 at a time when the area was the center for cigar making. Walk into the cool turn-of-the century building decorated in Spanish Colonial style. Beautiful tile work graces walls and floors and a fountain bubbles in one of the dining rooms. Enjoy the excellent selection of Spanish and Cuban dishes - notable are paella, 1905 salad and fresh-made sangria of imported Spanish wines and brandy. The star is the Cuban coffee - the best you will drink anywhere! There is also a Flamenco show for which reservations are required and requires a slight cover charge. The dancers are classically trained here (but the music is not always accurate). TIP - each year for one Sunday in September, menu prices return to those in 1905. This is the only night reservations are NOT accepted - first come, first served - but worth the wait!

Make reservations, dress your best and prepare to enjoy a great meal! Opened in 1957 by Bern Laxer, this restaurant serves as the place to entertain business clients, for special occasions including the romantic setting for many marriage proposals (including mine), and as a tourist attraction. My husband refers to his favorite restaurant as a 'temple to wine'. It is that as well as to good food and superior service.

On my first visit I remarked that the lobby looked like a cross between the Haunted Mansion and a bordello (as did St. Pete Times food critic Chris Sherman). Except for that, everything is first class! Wine is the star and well worth the extra bucks to order some of their premier vintages. Winner of many Wine Spectator Grand Awards, Bern's has 90,000 bottles in the main cellar. That's only 15% of the restaurant's entire collection. Only Tour d'Argent in Paris runs a close second with more labels.

The cheese topped crackers served with wine are divine! While the food prices seem high, they include soup, salad, entree, potato and vegetables which are grown on their own organic farm, and fresh baked micro breads. Bern’s onion soup is better than any I've had in France. The secret - the stock is made with veal bones. There are 62 steak cut choices and steaks are cut, weighed and trimmed only upon ordering. There are three 1200-gallon tanks to hold the fish and you can pick your 'catch'. There are several entrees of chicken, veal, lamb, lobster and even buffalo to choose from. After dinner, don't miss the amazing must-see kitchen and wine cellar tour to see the huge operation and all those wine bottles.

Then it's upstairs to the Harry Waugh Dessert Room, named for a long time friend of Bern Laxer. Dinner at the Waugh's home, where dessert, coffee and after dinner drinks were served in the 'drawing room', was the inspiration for the creation of the dessert room. Each of the private 'rooms' is encased in walls made from oak wine casks (casks also serve as doors on the restroom stalls). All desserts are made on premises - ice cream, sorbets, pies, pastries, fresh-ground coffees. The Brazilian Frost is a personal favorite. There is a large selection of Madeiras, ports, sherries, brandies, cognacs, scotch and other liquors; some dating back to the 1800s. Web site: link.

I went to the original Side Bern's when it first opened (we have our receipt with customer #001 to prove it). Back then it was a casual bistro featuring light fare & some of Bern's famous desserts. It's a whole new world now - One World Under Food to be exact!

Chef Jeannie Pierola (who also serves as Culinary Director/Executive Chef of Bern's) has created another masterpiece! The decor is modern with geometric shapes in light aqua, pale yellow & olive with red brick floors. The food is an international blend of fusion cooking, Thai, Indian, Asian, Pacific Rim. While I haven't eaten there yet, menu items of Coconut Chicken Soup & Wok Seared Tuna Mignon have my mouth watering. The entree "Homage to a Steakhouse" filet mignon, wild mushrooms, maitre'd montpellier butter, Bordeaux essence, truffle scented triple baked yukon gold, a trilogy of onion rings - honors the mother restaurant. Seats 150 inside plus 6 tables on the patio when the weather is nice. My bet is this is the proud offspring of its parent in both quality service & great dining experience.
NOTE: Jeanne Pierola has left Side Bern's. Check my new Side Bern's entry for an update on this restaurant.

This restaurant bills itself as serving 'New American Food". It's difficult to peg what the cuisine is. I can only describe it as a mix of American, Florida, Mediterrean, Carribbean, California - an unexpected and unusual combination of ingredients. The menu changes every week. Some examples of appetizers/entrees are:

Alligator Scallopine (Is this where the meat from those alligator attacks might be going?!)

Marty's Wild Game Plate - ostrich, boar, shrimp andouille & rabbit Roasted Pork Guava sushi roll

Soft shell crab with banana lime viniagrette

My advice is be adventurous and you can experience something new. The night we dined, it was a light mid-week crowd, except for a large and rather noisy group in the level below us who were having a business dinner. We were asked if we would be attending a show (this is near the Performing Arts Center) or not.

The wine list is small, mostly Californian. This was the big faux paus of the night! We ordered a DuPeubles Beaujolais- 97/98. The waiter took a very big chance and brought out was a 2000 Beaujolais Nouveau! (Keep in mind the Beaujolais Nouveau comes out in November of each year and should be consumed by Easter.) My husband was not happy! He had him open it anyway and it was ok/soft if you like that sort of wine.

While waiting to order, we were brought the bread basket consisting of baked-on-the-premise baguette and a whole wheat bread, the latter I found delicious and still warm from the oven, served with yummy roasted garlic - no butter in sight! Appetizers: Mediterrean cheese plate with foccacia & olives which in my opinion did not consist of Mediterrean cheeses but Brie, Havarti, etc. I was intrigued by the pecan-crusted quail with peach chow-chow and avocado-buttermilk drizzle. This was an excellent choice. (BTW - chow chow is a relish of peaches, pickled cabbage, etc).

Salads: I had my personal favorite - mixed greens with creamy maytag bleu hazelnut vinaigrette, green apples,and grape tomatoes. My husband had cous cous salade with olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, mixed greens and radishes.

Entrees: I was less brave here due to some of the spice combinations and that I don't eat beef & so I selected pasta with grilled chicken, asparagus pesto, goat cheese and roasted tomato - very good combination of flavors. I recommend a bit more grilled chicken. My husband had the roasted duck with fig orange balsamic sauce, fennel salsify oyster mushroom sauté and uinoa lentil brown rice pilaf - my taste of the duck proved tender.

The crowning glory was dessert! I had a hard time chosing as the majority of the selections sounded wonderful. I settled for a sliver of chocolate pecan tart with creme anglais substitued for the chocolate sauce while my husband had the apple-pistachio bread pudding (two of his favorite flavors!)

Their motto: "A whole NEW way to experience ice cream!" Worth going off a diet for, as this is the premium stuff, freshly made in each store. It's full of fat, but decadently rich and delicious!

The name is derived from the cold marble slab on which the flavor (or flavors) of ice cream you select are placed, then have mix-ins (nuts, fruit, candy, cookies, etc) kneaded in. Servings are generous.

Since the ice cream is made fresh in each store (as well as making their own cones), they experiment with creating new flavors. Try the pumpkin from Halloween through Thanksgiving, eggnog in December, and peach during the summer. I highly recommend the French Vanilla - a perfection of custardy goodness!

Also available - ice cream cakes & pies, frozen yogurts, sundaes, shakes, smoothies, just about any concoction made of ice cream.

In addition to their locations in Countryside and Largo, a new location will open soon at Centro Ybor in Ybor City.

If long lines & even longer waits are any indication of a restaurant's popularity, then Cheesecake Factory is right up there with Outback Steakhouse and Carraba's. Seems like no matter what time you go, you will wait. You are given a pager which has a pretty good range (you can browse through the nearby shops). Stranger still, is when the thing vibrates, after you give the thing to the hostess, there is another wait for a seater to seat you.

The place is busy and noisy! (I think it could definitely do without the muzak.) Drink orders are taken quickly, but then there is sometimes a long delay before your order is taken. Once taken, the food isn't long in arriving.

The menu is 20 pages and choices are hard to make - from Asian and Pacific flavored dishes to comfort foods like meatloaf, burgers, pasta, and sandwiches. Beware of size huge portion! (I see a lot of wasted food every time I eat here.) Even salads are entree size. (When will a restaurant wake up and make the portion size & price smaller so diners can sample more of the menu?! Gee, what a concept!) So order wisely and sparingly. Share appetizers if you must have one.

On previous visits I had the open-faced hot turkey sandwich. It was a pleasant memory of my childhood - real roasted turkey, not the cheap deli kind, heaped on white bread and smothered in gravy, with a side of mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. There was enough on my plate for a take-home portion to have for lunch the next day. I got my leftover Thanksgiving turkey fix from this meal. Hubby had Straw and Hay, a Thai-based pasta entree, which he pronounced good. (He's a big eater and cleaned his plate!) Next time I had a chicken breast sandwich - so thick with tomato slices and real lettuce, that it was almost impossible to get a bite in a lady-like manner.

After all this main course indulgence, you're supposed to save room for the cheesecake! I have yet to consume a piece on the premises. Suggestion is that if you are not shopping, take a slice or two of your fav flavor home with you. Speaking of flavors - there is something for every taste.

If you don't have one of these in your town, it may be worth the wait to experience it. However, if you're already hungry, try to eat somewhere else.

For the best views of Tampa Bay, take a leisurely spin in this revolving restaurant formerly called CK's, while enjoying fine Continental dining. A little pricey, but worth the trip. The restaurant has been recently refurbished and sports new light wood laminate flooring and carpet so decor is fresh.

Open only for dinner. Dinner features entrées starring Florida seafood prepared with a Caribbean or Asian touch, as well as beef, lamb, and veal prepared is fresh new ways. The View has some of the best coffee on the planet as well awarding winning key lime pie and other desserts to finish your meal.

Holiday buffets at Thanksgiving and Easter are popular and reservations are required (secured with a credit card). This will have the cook in your family thanking you, especially if you have a houseful of out-of-town guests. For one price, you get a large offering of traditional and speciality entrées with all the trimmings and desserts. Wine is available for an extra charge.

Let First Watch be the first place you go in the morning. This is my kind of restaurant - all non-smoking and healthy but hearty breakfast fare. Be prepared for a wait, especially on Sunday mornings, as this is a popular place.

Don't let the healthy tag scare you off. This is not a 'tufu & sprouts' place. Just good food made fresh with less fat. You can get eggs and breakfast meat, but you can also dig into the daily fresh made muffins, omelets, egg crepes, waffles, pancakes, granola and skillets. Try their own version of Eggs Benedict with turkey, avocado, and Hollandaise light (as it should be). Service is fast & friendly.

Lunch is also served. Menu items include creative sandwichs of health ingredients, homemade soups, and salads. What a change from the average burger joint!

Open until 2pm, 7 days a week. Look for the restaurant tucked in the back part of Countryside Square, across from Countryside Mall.

Funky, chunky, modern decor is home 'creations-type' meals. You visit 'the Market' - stations set up with selections of veggies, meat, pasta, and sauces. Each day 14 of 40 possible sauces are offered ranging in taste from plain to spicy (4 flames!). You then take your selections to the 10-foot circular grill to be cooked. There are as many as 7 cooks during peak meal times. If you play your cards right, you can end up creating a healthy, hearty, delicious meal. Everything is incredibly fresh and clean.

Lunch is a tiered pricing structure - one trip, with or without salad, or all-you-can-eat. Dinner is all-you-can eat for $14.95 as is the Sunday brunch from 10:30am-1pm.<.p>

Open for lunch 11:30am-4pm; dinner until 11:30pm. Reservations recommended during peak meal times; easy to walk in during off peak.

This is the first in several installments about restaurants at the International Plaza - the newest and most upscale mall in Tampa. The BayStreet complex is attached to the mall and open long after the mall closes at 9pm. Many of the eateries are not your run-of-the-mill fast food places, so they are worth checking out.

Eclectic is the right word for the decor of this place - part art gallery with modern paintings and sculptures that are acutally for sale; part warehouse look with girder ceiling, air ducts, steel, wood and tile. My personal favorite - the real leather booth seats. Comfy!

Despite losing our reservation, the place wasn't busy due to the early hour so we were able to get a table with no trouble. One con (a big one for me) was the openess of the restaurant - while we were supposedly in the non-smoking section, there was nothing (walls, screens) to separate us from the bar that dominates the center of the restaurant and its pervasive smoke.

Fortunately, this was made up for by the friendly, efficient service and excellent food.

There is the usual house Caesar ($2.95), but for something different try the field greens with candied pecans, crumbled bacon, and citrus balsamic dressing. Yum! Accompanied by homemade rolls with cinnamon butter.

Entrees fit into the nouvelle cuisine category - 'outside-the-box' combinations of ingredients for unique tasting dishes. Duck breast with Chambord-balsamic sauce bore a distinct, but not overpowering raspberry flavor. Perfectly cooked duck sat atop creamy REAL mashed potatoes, and was topped with sauteed spinach with fresh diced raw tomatoes and a scoop of goat cheese. An excellent mix of flavors! (I was so impressed, I have cooked the sauted spinach/tomato combo at home.)

(A word about the duck - I found it interesting that the server did not ask me how I preferred it cooked. Turns out she knew the chef on duty that night tended to undercook all meats and told the chef what she knew would be correct doneness. Gotta love a smart on-top-of-it server!)

My partner had the Chicken Florentine with black beans and rice in a tomato cream sauce. Different combo - good taste!

Finish the meal with good coffee and cappuccino. We passed up the desserts due to size - huge slices of carrot cake, chocolate cake, cheesecake, key lime pie. They also offer Bananas Foster and a sweet wonton filled with banana or cheesecake filling, rolled in cinnamon sugar.

This is a great casual dining experience, especially if you like to try new dishes and get good service and prices in the bargain.

My own neighborhood Italian restaurant. Recommended by a friend, who was a friend indeed to tell us about this little gem of "honest to God" Italian cuisine run by real Italian Vincenzo Longo.

The dining area is dimly (romantically?) lit with a decor accented by grapevines hanging from a trellis overhead creating an outdoor like setting. There is a large Italian themed mural painted on one wall.

The real draw is the food. There are so many tantalizing choices on the menu, it will take many trips to try them all. Each dish is made fresh to order. Choices range from various pastas to grilled entrées. Try the Pollo alla Za Za (in white wine sauce with goat cheese, sundried tomatoes and spinach). Yum! Visit their web site at www.vincenzos.us to see a sample of their menu.

If you are in the mood for pizza, I highly recommend it. They are baked in an authentic wood-burning pizza oven which was shipped from Modena, Italy. On a cold night, the oven lends its welcoming warmth to the bar area. The pizzas are ultra thin with interesting choices of toppings. My personal favorite - the Sorrento with prosciutto, mushrooms and Roma tomatoes. Also try the Rustica (fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, chicken, sundried tomatoes and basil) or the San Giovanese (no sauce, gorganzola, artichokes, mozzarella and tomatoes). For the purist, they have the Margherita (sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil). Pay the extra dollar or so for the fresh buffalo mozzarella. It's well worth it. Whole wheat crust is available upon request.

If by now you are still not believing how authentic this restaurant is, I'll share a secret with you. One evening I saw a grandmotherly Italian lady leaving the kitchen entrance. I suspected something and asked our waiter who she was. She is Vincenzo's mother and she had just dropped off a freshly baked ricotta cheesecake she had made. That is reason enough to save room for dessert or at least to take a slice home. It is simple homemade Italian goodness at its best.

Vincenzo's is closed on Sundays. Reservations highly recommended on Fridays and Saturdays and any day during the Christmas/New Year's holiday period.

In the land of buccaneers, there is a hidden culinary treasure waiting to be discovered in the most unlikely place—a strip mall in Oldsmar—Restaurant Hapa.

‘Hapa’ means ‘harmonious blend’; an appropriate name. Blending comes in many forms, starting with some of the tableware-a mix of antique treasures including salt cellars with tiny serving spoons, china sugar and creamers, and other items. This mix-and-match approach is tasteful, not kitschy.

The menu is an artful blending of French and Asian cuisine, creating intriguing tastes. The selection is brief, a few starters and salads, then three or four entrées under the two headings ‘Things That Change with the Seasons’ and ‘Things the Seasons can not change’. Each offering is a showcase of the talents of Executive Chef Brett Gardiner, formerly of Six Tables in Dunedin.

Irish Soda bread is served fresh and hot from the oven, moist and generously studded with currents and caraway seeds. The caraway seemed too peppery.

The salad of the evening, a green papaya and Asian pear slaw with a Thai Basil, lime, and peanut dressing, was tempting but I chose the house salad. This was no ordinary salad but a small work of art. Lightly dressed organic baby greens were arranged in the center of a ring of sliced Roma tomatoes that had been placed on their sides and spiraled around to resemble a blossom. After a couple of forkfuls, the ‘blossom’ opened up, but did not collapse. A tiny bunch of Enoki mushrooms and spun carrots topped the salad while chunks of creamy blue cheese and a drizzle of herb vinaigrette dressing gave the dish its finishing touch.

The Caesar salad had a surprisingly difference twist. Long leaves of romaine are lightly coated with Caesar dressing than artfully presented inserted in a cylinder of roasted garlic Parmesan crostini I could not keep my hands off of. I felt the crostini would make a better or alternate bread offering to the Irish soda bread.

The seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast with dried fruit and almond stuffing and Chambord butter sauce was moist and flavorful. The duck was piled on a mashed vegetable which turned out to be mashed taro root. It was definitely not the wallpaper paste poi from my childhood in Hawaii, but smooth and creamy with a slightly sweet taste.

The Filet Mignon with a Pinot Noir demi-glace came with incredibly creamy and flavorful Stilton mashed potatoes that were enough to make me forget my low-carb diet.

Save room for dessert. Chocoholics, go for the Godiva Chocolate: dense whipped chocolate center encased in dark chocolate grenache accompanied by a dollop of lightly flavored raspberry whipped cream. Another good choice is the "semi-freddo” (half-frozen in Italian) pistachio cream, served on an delicate homemade almond cookie. The cookie is so good, the restaurant really ought to sell take-home boxes of them.

Hours – Dinner Only - Starting at 6pm Tuesday - Saturday.

This factory outlet mall is located off I-75 (exit 43), approx. 30 miles south of Tampa. Well worth the drive for the true shopaholic with big names like Ann Taylor, Nike, Reebok, Vanity Fair, Danskin, Liz Claiborne, Jones New York, Aigner, Ralph Lauren, & more. Bargains for those who know their merchandise and pricing. Example: a $60 Ann Taylor silk wrap blouse for $25!). Housewares bargains are featured at Corning, Royal Doulton, Black & Decker, etc.

TIP: Check at the information booth for a booklet of money saving coupons.

Web site: Prime Outlets.com has special discount offers.

Large expanses of white sand beach and warm Gulf water make this one of the most popular and crowded beaches in Tampa Bay! Definitely a big hit with the college crowd, (Try to avoid this beach during Spring Break!) but lots of families come here too.

Traffic to the beach is very slow going. Traffic funnels down Hwy 60 west (Gulf-to-Bay, narrowing through downtown Clearwater, and then onto a bridge, the only way to the beach, which is actually on a key. Not so fun on a hot day with whiny kids in the car!

Parking is an additional headache, limited to metered city lots. Don't park just anywhere (or in hotel lots where you are not a guest) as parking restrictions is strictly enforced.

Once you've made it to the beach, it's time to relax, work on your tan, or splash in the warm water. Wave motion is gentle compared to the Atlantic.

For the more adventurous, there are jet skis and other watercraft rentals available.

Pier 60 juts out into the water for fishing and features a family recreation complex. The Sunsets at Pier 60 festival features music and entertainment approximately 2 hours preceeding sunset.

Recommended activity for Romantics - Dinner at one of the several hotel restaurants with beach views. Many serve fish specialties from the local waters. Follow with a walk on the beach - long, but enjoyable exercise, with the bonus of enjoying beautiful sunsets. Ahhhhh!

Eyes are drawn to this modern structure with sections of the glass-domed roof (that resemble shells) reflecting in the waters off Downtown Tampa. It should be no surprise that a building with such visual impact should house the beauty of over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals that live in and around the sea.

There is so much to see. The aquarium (which has been open since March 1995) is very well laid out for easy walking and is divided into several areas:
Wetlands - See a natural spring, mangroves, marsh grass and cypress swamp habitats, stringrays, and even a shaky bridge over a gator hole. If you don't like creepy things avoid the Frights of the Forest which includes snakes!
Bays & Beaches - features bonnethead shark, mullet, and other sea life. Coral Reefs - View life that inhabits this fragile eco-system including green moray eel, Queen angelfish, parrot fish, and more.
Offshore - Includes Awes and Jaws featuring sharks and a diving show.

This is a great place for the whole family to visit, but especially on those rare rainy days in Florida.

The aquarium hosts special events (like dances or music fests) and is available for private parties, fundraisers, and even sleepovers (any kid would like sleeping with the fishes!).

For an additional cost, you can go on a Dolphinquest cruise. See Florida's wildlife in its natural setting, aboard a 64-foot, 45-passenger catamaran. Beside birds and turtles, you may get to see manatees (they like to congregate near the warm water outlets of power plants) or some of the 400 Atlantic bottlenose dolpin who live in Tampa Bay. This tour is also available for private charter.

Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Parking is $4.

Call (813)273-4000 or visit their web site for general information and about upcoming events: http://www.flaquarium.net/. You can print out coupons for $2 off admission or book tickets online for a $3 discount.

Tampa's newest mall brings long awaited upscale retailers and fashion sense to our city. Not since Sak's has there been a place a gal can actual buy a real ball gown or super chic clothes at. (Hey, I admit it - I'm a material girl!) I swear you can smell the 'money' just mingling with the clientele. This mall is so popular, they even run shuttle busses to and from the nearby Tampa International Airport.

Anchor department stores are Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, & Lord & Taylor (yea!) as well as local favorite Dillards. Many of the 100 swank speciality boutiques are not included in other area malls - Tiffany & Co. (of the little blue box fame), Louis Vuitton, Nicole Miller, Agatha Paris, Christian Dior, Lucky Brand, L'Occutane, Betsey Johnson, Tommy Hilfiger, Stuart Weitzman (shoes), Talbot Woman, Talbot Shoes, and the list goes on! My personal favorite - Build-A-Bear - where you can choose your own bear (or other stuffed animal), watch it being stuffed, brush it's coat out, get a certificate, and chose from a wide selection of clothes for the best dressed bear. There's always a line at this shop!

There are lots of places for hungry & weary shoppers to take a break. There is the huge food court including a small version of Friday's, as well as BayStreet, a complex attached to the mall with a wide variety of restaurants including the ever popular Cheesecake Factory. (Read individual entries for detailed descriptions of these eateries.)

All in all, a great site for over indulgence and the pure joy of shopping. OK, you have orders to get out there & help the economy! If you're male, there are comfy living room type areas for just hanging out and people watching. Check out their website which includes sections for out-of-state visitors and weekly specials - http://www.shopinternationalplaza.com

Their slogan says it all: "Over 35,000 sqft of Everything For Christmas." If you love Christmas, you shouldn't miss this.

The height of the season for best selection starts as early as September. There are ornaments on almost every theme imaginable and the tree room featuring 100 artifical trees is incredible. This room also includes animated figurines - Santas, elves, animals, snowmen. (TIP: Go before Halloween, especially if you want the best selection and prices on artifical trees.)

For collectors, they have items from Dept. 56, Hallmark, Disney, Annalee, Precious Moments, Radko & more. These are available year-round. Be sure to check out the case of second-market collectibles for sale.

Year-round they carry a large selection of Christmas cards, wrapping paper, and gorgeous ribbons as well as items for other holidays and even bridal items.

Looking for a quiet, pristine beach on with sugar fine sand? Pass up the crowded beaches for Honeymoon Island State Park & Caladesi Island, voted one of the top 10 U.S. beaches by "Dr. Beach".

Honeymoon Island was a link in the chain of barrier islands that extends from Anclote Key south to Cape Romano. In 1921, a hurricane split the island, forming Hurricane Pass and Caladesi Island to the south.

Americans got their first glimpse of Honeymoon Island in the early 1940's through newsreels and magazine ads which promised undiscovered pleasures for newlyweds. The palm-thatched bungalows, or cottages, sub-tropic climate and balmy breezes seemed perfect.

Visitors can observe one of the few remaining Florida virgin slash pine stands along the island's northern loop trail. These large trees serve as important nesting sites for the osprey. Other important coastal plant communities include mangrove swamps, seagrass beds, salt marshes, tidal flats, and sand dunes. Honeymoon Island has more than 208 species of plants and a variety of shore birds, including several threatened and endangered species.

Visitors can enjoy sunbathing or swimming in the warm Gulf waters, and pass fish.

The park boasts several nature trails, and bird observation areas. It also boasts the only "pet beach" in the state, so bring your furry, water loving friend.

For more information contact:
Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area
c/o Gulf Islands Geopark
# 1 Causeway Blvd
Dunedin, Florida 34698
(727) 469-5942.

Since this is a state park, there is a small admission fee and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

CALADESI ISLAND STATE PARK

For serenity and seclusion, Caladesi Island State Park is ideal. One of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in the state, shore birds and sea turtles build their nests undisturbed among the dunes. Accessible by ferry from Honeymoon Island, weather permitting. The ferry departs hourly. For additional ferry information call (727) 734-5263.

Fishing, shelling and nature studies are ways to enjoy a visit to Caladesi. Boaters can enjoy the 99 slip bayside marina. Some facilities and activities are accessible to the handicapped.

Since World War I, Florida in March has meant Major League Baseball spring training – the "Grapefruit League". Two Florida localities, Tampa Bay and greater Miami, now boast Major League teams of their own, playing during the six-month regular year. However, both of these clubs train in tiny outdoor parks like their brethren, preserving the pleasant tradition of (mostly) day games before small crowds. The atmosphere is distinctly minor league – the summertime role of many Grapefruit League stadiums — mixed with spring break high spirits. It is a rite of passage for many baseball fans/grandparents who introduce their children/grandchild to this all-American past time.

Four Tampa Bay venues present exhibition games throughout the month of March, following several weeks of practices (free and open to the public). The Tampa Bay Devil Rays of the American League play on the St. Petersburg waterfront at Florida Power Park, the 1970s successor to an older facility once used by Babe Ruth’s Yankees. About 5,000 fans pay $4 to $15 to watch baseball hopefuls in the foreground and sailboats beyond the leftfield fence. Less than two miles away looms Tropicana Field, the distinctly un-atmospheric dome where the Devil Rays play regular-season games from April to September, charging five times as much for most tickets.

The Toronto Blue Jays, before occupying their futuristic Sky Dome, play spring games in newly-renovated Dunedin Stadium. The audience, many of whom are Canadian "snowbirds" wintering in Florida, pays $12.50 to $15 for reserved seating.

The Philadelphia Phillies, whose regular home, Veterans Stadium, is a dreary 1970s relic, host Grapefruit League contests in Clearwater at Jack Russell Stadium, one of the older springtime parks. Like Dunedin and Tampa, Clearwater’s major leaguers are followed during the summer by Class A minor leaguers under contract to the same organizations. Phillie fans pay $11 to $15 to watch major league exhibitions.

The World Series champs New York Yankees have a long attachment to Florida. From the 1920s to 1960s they trained in St. Petersburg. After some years in Ft. Lauderdale, the Bronx Bombers are back! The Yankees’ modestly-named Legends Field is a small-scale replica of Yankee Stadium, surely the most unusual stadium in the spring training state. Like the Devil Rays’ Vince Naimoli, Yankee owner George Steinbrenner is a resident of Tampa. The team’s spring fans pay $10 to $16 for reserved seating, far less than during regular season games in the Big Apple.

Operated by the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce and Ybor City Museum Society. Presents the history of cigar making in Ybor City. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun Noon-6pm.

A good museum, housed in a century-old former bakery building, that promotes the history of this area of Tampa. Open daily 9am-5pm Cigar rolling demonstrations on Friday & Saturday from 10am-1pm.

Walking Tour on Saturday at 10:30am to view historical aspects and houses of area.
Cost: $4.
Ybor City Stroll - Fridays at 11am
La Casita Tours - Cigar Maker's House. Daily from 11am-3pm on the hour.

Just about everyone (myself included), when first catching a glimpse of the shiny silver minarets amid the office buildings of Downtown Tampa, incorrecty guesses this is a mosque. Not even close. Once the grand Victorian era Tampa Bay Hotel, the museum and National Historic landmark offers a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle during the Victorian era. The hotel, designed in quirky Oriental/Moorish style, was the creation of Henry Plant, who developed the the Port of Tampa with his railroad and steam ship line. He hoped to bring the elite to vacation to experience the 'real Florida'. The hotel with 500 rooms on 6 acres opened in 1891 as the first hotel in Florida with electric lights, steam heat, and fire proofing.

Now part of the University of Tampa (since 1933), it still embodies the Victorian era with it's large decorative verandah. You can just image the fine ladies & gents who once occupied wicker rockers and chairs out there. Inside the museum is a cool respite from the Florida heat which is certainly wasn't in it's heyday. Start with the 13 minute video and then follow the map around the rooms for a trip back in time. There is a large collection of period furniture, paintings, bronzes, sculptures, and other art objects that are what remain of the 41 boxcars of items that the Plants collected in Europe and Asia for the hotel.

Of interest to war buffs is the room devoted to the Spanish American War. Plant used the hotel and Tampa as a point for departing troops during the war. Teddy Roosevelt camped with his Rough Riders in a field nearby while his wife stayed in the hotel.

Don't miss walking through the part of the hotel that is now occupied by university offices. Except for some modern amenities, the original architecture still remains.

Guided tours are offered Tuesday & Thursday at 1:30pm or you can self-guide yourself through this wonderful piece of history. Parking is free in designated spots.

Jutting out into Tampa Bay, this 5-tiered structure offers spectacular views of sparkling blue waters of Tampa Bay. On a clear day, you can see the skyscrapers of downtown Tampa to the north, as well as sailboats dotting the water in good weather. Other than that, this local found the Pier boring. It's main appeal must be to tourists.

Housed in the complex are several restaurants (a branch of Ybor's Columbia, Cha Cha Coconuts, and Cafe Lido Italian). On the second level is a small aquarium with tanks not much larger than much larger than some home wall tanks I've seen. Kids and out of staters might be fascinated with the few examples of native Florida marine life, but the only thing I found interesting where the Amazon seahorse (newly arrived) and the horseshoe crabs. There is a wall with information to the endangered sea turtle. Turtle tours are offered Saturday mornings 10am-Noon. On the third level is the soon-to-be-relocated Great Explorations hands-on Childrens Museum. Admission is $4.

On the ground floor are many touristy gift shops. Funny souvenir pick - Piece of Florida beach property - small bags of sand and a tiny seashell, personalized with common first names.

Out front off to the right is a real Florida photo opp - Pelican Feeding. The formation of hungary pelicans queue up for feeding whenever a paying tourist mounted the feeding platform makes you smile.

Free on-street parking (for 90 minutes) is hard to come by on busy days. Lot parking is $3 and there is a free trolley to take you to the main entrance of the pier.

The Pier and surrounding park are often site of many local activities/festivals. Others while away the hours fishing, or sunning and swimming on the small Spa beach.

A blend of thrilling rides, one of the country’s premier zoos featuring more than 2,700 animals, live shows, restaurants, and shops provides fun for every member of the family. So much to do and see. Guaranteed to tire the kids out.

Favorite Rides
Sharp a large spinning raft with 11 other adventurers as you navigate swift-flowing white water obstacle course. You will get wet, but it feels great on those scorching Florida days!
Thrilling Roller coasters - Not for the faint hearted! Pick from Gwazi (the Southeast’s largest and fastest double wooden roller coaster, with almost 7,000 feet of track. Racwe through six "flyby" maneuvers in which trains pass within feet of each other at crossing speeds of 100 mph.), Kumba (blood-curling thrill of an initial 135 foot drop, plunging from 110 feet into a diving loop, feel a full 3 seconds of absolute weightlessness while spiraling 360 degrees, and tear through one of the world's largest vertical loops), Mondu (an inverse diving loop coaster with a 60-foot vertical loop while enduring speeds of over 60 miles per hour and a G-force of 3.85!), Python (double spiraling corkscrew, intense 70-foot plunge, and more will put the 'squeeze' on riders), Scorpion terrifying 60-foot drop and 360 degree loop at incredible speeds). Don't do these on a full stomach! (Makes me nauseous just watching 'em!)
Stanley Falls log flume - another 'cool, wet' ride for hot days.

The rides are awesome, but the animals are still the center piece. Experience Edge of Afica, Serengeti Plain, and Rhino Ralley (top pick)for the really big game, and several exotic bird shows.

Bern's Fine Wine & Spirits is located just up the street from Bern's Steakhouse on the corner of South Howard & W. Morrison Avenues, Tampa. Opened in 1996 as an offshoot of the famous steakhouse to sell some of the wines that patrons have enjoyed in the restaurant. Beautiful wood floors and racks show off the large selection from the major wine producing countries of the world (displayed in the store by type & country) as well as champagnes and a small selection of cognacs & brandy. Great place to buy gifts for the wine-lover on your list. There are small wine tastings held throughout the year and a charity Wine Fest every spring. Cigar aficionados will appreciate the climate controlled cigar room.

Ybor City is the Latin section of Tampa made famous by it's once prosperous cigar factories. Now it is being slowly revitalized with shops, night clubs, and restaurants, while preserving as much of the original architecture as possible.

Even so, I still find this place somewhat depressing due to the many closed storefronts, tattoo and body piercing parlors, and general rundown appearance that is prevalent here. It may be worth a look to adults interested in the Cuban history and architecture, but there is nothing here to appeal to young children. The area is popular with the young adult clubbing crowd, who fill the night clubs and bars and cruise 7th Avenue.

Points of Interest -
Ybor City Cigar Museum and Visitor Center (see separate journal entry.)
Ybor City State Museum (see separate journal entry.)
Columbia Restaurant - open since 1905. Cuban/Spanish food. (see separate journal entry)
La Tropicana (1822 E 7th Ave) - Open for breakfast and lunch. Where the old guard Cuban community hangs out. Good, authentic food.
Centro Ybor - a collection of shops, restaurants, clubs, Muvico movie theaters, and Gameworks area. The Dish restaurant is worth visiting (see separate journal entry).
La France - Vintage clothing store. A blast from the past jammed with tons of real vintage clothes, shoes, & jewelry. Fun afternoon for playing dress up and finding bargains or cherished memories.

Lots of walking involved to see the district. A new Teco Line electric street car system is under construction. Running along 8th Ave will make covering the area easier on the feet.