13 Facts About Tampa Bay, Florida

Living here, I chose these facts to improve your stay, in the Tampa area.

1. Sir John Chestnut is one of the prettiest and largest in the Tampa Bay area. It has a five-mile wide lake, as it’s main feature. All day long people would drive their boats on Lake Tarpon. We used this regularly before we purchased our restaurant. Then our boat got sold. They have wonderful hiking trails, kid’s areas, and so much more. It is certainly worth a visit. Take the family to one of the picnic areas. You will love it.

2. Busch Gardens. This is their main reason for visiting this city, but Tampa has so much more to offer.

3. Lowery Park Zoo is about 10 minutes from Busch Gardens, just off Busch Blvd. Not only is this a wonderful zoo, but it has rides for the small children too. Here you pay for each ride, so you can budget how much you spend.

4. Shopping malls. Near the airport are Westshore and International Plaza. This is like having the New York stores, in your back yard. Also next to the shops is a great restaurant and nightclub area. There are both indoor and outdoor eating areas including a large movie complex too. By Busch Gardens in ‘University Square Mall’. This is close to the University of South Florida campus. It is also an area that has had problems with car theft, and cars being broken into. Please put your alarm on if you decide to go to this mall. A close one to us is Citrus Park mall. This one is really pretty, and has lots of individual shops to browse in. Even if you are not interested in buying, you may just want to take a walk through it.

5. There are every kind of restaurant you can think of and more in Tampa. Basically every chain restaurant is situated in the area. From Burger King, to T.G.I. Fridays. There are different ethnic places to eat. What I would do is suggest that you check out the yellow pages, in your hotel, for your preference.

6. The nightclubs are numerous and for all ages. Many are situated on Dale Mabry, one of the busiest roads in Tampa.

7. There is a Marriott hotel in the airport, hotels and motels by the dozen but do your homework before you go onto the Internet and book just because it looks nice. Tampa does have some bad areas like all major cities.

8. Downtown Tampa has a few tall building, but nothing like the skyscrapers of other cities. There is a one-way system that can be very frustrating. You will need to go through this area to go to the Florida Aquarium. I have always been disappointed with this attraction, but mainly because of the school children, attending in large groups. This area is also where our Cruise ships dock and is called Channelside. It can get very congested in this area.

9. We also have MacDill in Tampa. This is one of the most important military airbases. Here the guys leave for all over the world.

10. We have the Tampa Downs racetrack on Racetrack Road. . I was so surprised to see that the horses run on dirt, not grass, as they do in England. Also Tampa Greyhound Track which is situated on Bird Street, close to the I 4 and I 275 exits.

11. There are three bridges that span the water between Tampa and St. Petersburg. You will need to travel on one of these if you want to go to our white sandy beaches. This area is just breathtaking.

12. I am not a football fan but I have to mention the Buc’s. After all they won the championship a few years back.

13. If you are in the Tampa area buy the county map, it is of Hillsborough County. This will save you so much time and frustration.