Great FREE beaches
by FloridaBear
Fort Desoto Park,
Really more in the St. Pete area, but only about a 30 minute drive from downtown Tampa. This is the absolute jewel of all the beaches along Flroidas west coast. The best part, it's FREE! First time I vacationed here about 30 years ago from New Jersey. The difference, ecpecialy during the winter months is fantastic. Warm winds, great sunsets, good food and fishing. A great place for adults as well as children. Free piers, swimming areas, playgrounds, camping area, so many barbeque areas you can always find one. Skateing paths, mangroves. Just a great place to spend a full day.
cuban influence
by arasnosliw
Ybor City was once the leading producer of cigars in this country. With the growth of production came immigrant workers mainly from Cuba, Italy, Germany and Spain. Today, Tampa Bay has retained a lot of that Cuban flavor that these immigrants brought to the area, specifically visible in cigars, food, festivals, music, and dance. For a country that does not have the greatest relationship with Cuba, it's great to see how much influence Cuba has had here and the love people show for its culture.
Walking on Fire Clinic
by tampa_shawn
The Tampa/St Petersburg area is a great way to stretch yourself by walking on fire.
Yes, you heard me right…by walking on fire.
The clinic listed below is an amazing experience where you not only walk on fire, you bend rebar, break boards and even walk on glass. It’s a truly amazing experience that stretches your boundaries and empowers all who do it.
Fire walking classes are not offered on a regular basis and groups are required for this exercise. So you’ll either need to get a group together OR check out one of the large clinics open to the public. See the website below for more information.
I've done this twice now and plan on going again in the next year
They're are more pictures on this page and on my Tampa webpage (along with some how to instructions).
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/7808a/#TL
Big Cat Rescue
by Ewingjr98
Big Cat Rescue is one of the truly unique places to visit in the Tampa area. While Busch Gardens makes aspects of Africa into a cheesy trap, Big Cat Rescue actually saves many wild cats from Africa and other locations. Big Cat Rescue has 45 acres, with 140 cats representing 16 species including Lions, Tigers, Geoffroy Cats, Jungle Cats, Servals, Caracals, Snow Leopards, Bobcats, Lynx and more.
Big Cat Rescue is not a zoo, but they do give guided tours with prices starting at $25 for adults and $15 for kids.
Sunday night drum circle
by tampa_shawn
Treasure Island Drum Circle is an absolutely wonderful way to watch the sunset and participate in some local culture.
It happens every Sunday – starting approximately an hour before sunset till 10 PM
The event is free and open to everyone….make music, dance, or just listen.
Drums, Tibetan Chimes & Singing Bowls, Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls, Shakers, Rattles, --- All Sacred Instruments of the Earth are Welcome! Modern drum sets played with sticks don't fit in very well
. . .
BRING your hand drums, any percussion instruments, violin, tuba….Blankets & chairs
Do NOT bring candles, incense, glass bottles or other flammables
In case of rain the circle will relocate to the pavillion at the park on 104th ave across from Fun Center(about a block east of the regular location)
From downtown St. Pete, go west on Central Avenue(over fifty cent toll bridge), then, when it dead ends into Gulf Blvd. turn left. Go a couple blocks south of Central Avenue on Gulf Blvd. to 104th Ave. (Public beach parking lot on beach side across from Treasure Island Fun Center,)
In case of rain the circle will relocate to the pavillion at the park on 104th ave across from Fun Center(about a block east of the regular location)
Art Rooney II
CHANNELSIDE, TAMPA
Mahuffer's parrot
Aqaurim
