The Historic Bok Sanctuary is a sculpted garden and luxury estate located in Lake Wales, Florida. The garden was donated by Pulitzer prize winning author and publisher Edward William Bok in appreciation of the adopted country he loved so much. The garden property was later joined with the nearby Pinewood Estate to create the Historic [...]
Big Cat Rescue is a sanctuary for exotic cats. It began in 1992 with a single bobcat and has become the country’s largest exotic cat rescue, housing 150 tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, ocelots, servals, caracals and others. The Big Cat Rescue keeps 18 of the 35 species of wild cat, many of which [...]
The TECO Line Streetcar System offers 10 station stops along its 2.4 mile route. The ride from the beginning to the end of the line takes approximately 22 minutes. Each streetcar is air conditioned and seats up to 88 passengers. Each Streetcar Station is unique and is designed to reflect the neighborhood in which it [...]
Whenever talking about the best and worst times to visit a city or area it’s always a case of “different strokes for different folks” and weather, for some folks, may be a key consideration. If weather is a factor in a potential visitor’s decision on when to come to Tampa Bay, a chart is presented [...]
On your next vacation to the Tampa area, you may want to get around by taxi or limo service and leave the driving to professionals who know how to get around town. Two major airports serve the Tampa Bay area: the Tampa International Airport (TPA) is 5 miles west of downtown Tampa (on the east [...]
The city of Tampa (in Hillsborough County) is part of a four county metropolitan area referred to as Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay area has three nationally recognized cities: Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. All three are fantastic vacation destinations. Tampa, Florida has become the business hub of Florida‘s west coast but the non-business visitor [...]
Clearwater is clearly the place to play in Tampa bay. Clearwater’s world renowned island beaches and its extensive recreational opportunities, restaurants, shops and attractions all within walking distance, together with the largest recreational fishing fleet on the West Coast of Florida, all combine to make Clearwater one of Florida’s most popular vacation spots. Clearwater Beach, [...]
At Busch Gardens-Tampa Bay, Florida it’s all about the roller coasters. Sure, the Gardens boast an impressive wildlife preserve and spectacular entertainment. For the Gen X-ers and teenagers that crowd the park, however, it’s all about the coasters. The variety makes this a great vacation spot. There’s SheiKra, a brand new monstrosity with a 200 [...]
Two major airports serve the Tampa Bay, Florida area: the Tampa International Airport (TPA) is 5 miles west of downtown Tampa (on the east side of Tampa Bay) and the St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is on the west side of Tampa Bay, north of St. Petersburg and east of Clearwater. Rental car service can [...]
Florida International Museum, located in downtown St. Petersburg, has welcomed nearly 3 million visitors from more than 100 countries since it opened its doors in 1995. An affiliate of Washington’s Smithsonian Institution, the Florida International Museum presents unique permanent displays in addition to temporary and traveling exhibitions. Its prior temporary exhibitions have included “Treasures of [...]
Sunken Gardens is the oldest commercial tourist attraction on Florida’s west coast, and one of the finest botanical gardens in the United States. Carved out of a large sinkhole and shallow lake by plumber George Turner in 1924, it began as one man’s obsession with Florida’s flourishing plant life. In the 1970’s, it fell into [...]
There are plenty of piers along the Gulf Coast, but mention The Pier, and any Floridian will know you are talking about the one in St. Petersburg. This landmark has gone through a lot of changes since it was built in the late 1800’s. Today, shops, restaurants and amusements line the walkways of a five [...]
Located 20 miles north of St. Petersburg or 22 miles west of Tampa, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a rescue and rehabilitation home for marine animals. Most of the creatures stay only until thay are ready to be released back in to the wild, but those whose disabilities are permanent remain there. This vacation stop [...]