In 1886, Vicente Martinez Ybor...
by Tolik
In 1886, Vicente Martinez Ybor (pronounced EE-bore) established a cigar factory in this area. Here, Cuban immigrants from Key West settled to make a name for Tampa in the cigar industry. In its heyday, local cigar industry employed 12,000 tabaqueros (cigar-makers) in 200 factories and produced 700 million cigars a year.
This isn't really a cultural...
by ldahl
This isn't really a cultural tip...just a tip in general. If you want to visit the theme parks in the Orlando area and want to avoid the crowds January is a great month to visit. All of the locals are at work and there are few tourists as kids are back at school and the christmas season is over.
Lettuce Lake Park
by sumit_b
This is a little-known, secluded park in North Tampa. There is a boardwalk and a lake. Nice place to stroll or skate. You can also host parties/barbeques. Look at the website for photos from this place.
Located on Fletcher Ave, close to I-75.
Florida Railroad Museum
by tampa_shawn
A fun side trip especially for the kids
Located about 30 miles south of Tampa - good to combine with a trip to Ellenton outlet or Sarasota.
See their website for special events - it is fun to go during these events - for example in Feb 2007 their are hayrides, live train robbery performances etc...
Be sure to get their for the train ride.
Train Schedule
Trains depart from the Parrish station at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM every Saturday and Sunday. The 1.5 hour trip runs rain or shine.
2006 Fares
Adults $10.00 Ages 12 & Up
Children $6.00 Ages 3-11
Located about 30 miles south of Tampa
o Take Interstate 75 South
o Exit I-75 at Exit 229 - Parrish (approx 11 miles south)
o Turn Left onto Moccasin Wallow Road
o At the dead-end into US 301, turn Right (approx. 16 miles south)
o Take the next left turn onto 83rd Street
o Museum grounds are behind the post office
Experience Zero Gravity
by tampa_shawn
The Zero Gravity experience can be had from the Orlando Airport or The Kennedy Space Center in Titusville. Orlando is an hour to an hour to a half from Tampa
- We board our specially-modified Boeing 727-200 for your ZERO-G Flight Seats on board G-FORCE ONE for weightless flight
Total experience takes 4 hours: 1 ½ hour ground training followed by a 1 ½ hour Weightless Flight and a “Re-gravitation Party”
Each ZERO-G mission is designed for maximum fun. The aircraft's interior is a zero gravity playroom, complete with padded floors and walls and video cameras to record the unforgettable moments. When experiencing zero gravity, guests can fly like Superman, flip like an Olympic gymnast and enjoy 10-times more hang-time than the world's best basketball player. The dynamic, out-of-this-world ZERO-G Experience(TM) is destined to become one of the hottest tickets in Vegas. You even get to keep your Zero G Flight Suit!!
Current price $4,950 Plus 5% Tax per seat