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Attractions Cities of Florida Florida Restaurants Tampa

A Temple Chaser`s Spot in Florida

Less than ten miles north of the Tampa International Airport, on an unassuming side road that rolls through the flat terrain and lush vegetation typical of Florida’s bay area, an architecturally distinctive building bursts suddenly above the treetops. Built to serve the needs of a growing Indian community, the Hindu Temple of Florida is unique among its suburban environs.

Completed in 1996, the building is characterized by its prominent pyramid structure, which forms an entrance tower situated atop an exterior staircase that conducts worshippers to a rooftop courtyard and pooja room. After the building’s completion, a process of “Indianization” began to adorn the exterior in the florid architectural details seen today.

The temple is adorned with so many sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Get this, all of it was hand carved by people they bought from India. This massive structure is located on Lynn road, close to Foster Elementary School. Lots of parking available by the compound. They offer prayers in the morning and evening. I always try to come hungry when visiting the temple, their canteen makes some amazing made-to-order South Indian food. South Indian foods are hard to find since most restaurants only offer North Indian dishes

The Hindu Temple of Florida is available for weddings, birthdays, and various public and private poojas, and is attended by priests who conduct services primarily in Sanskrit. Consistent with the non-canonical nature of Hinduism—the oldest religion in the world—the temple has no prescribed days or times for services, nor required donations or methods of worship.

Overall, amazing place to learn more on Hinduism and try some yummy South Indian cuisine. By the way, like most temples they do have a dress code here you are required to modest clothing and you will be asked to remove your shoes before stepping onto the steps of the temple.

Photo Credit: www.atlasobscura.com

Attractions Cities of Florida Tampa Travel

Reconnecting with Nature

If you are looking for a good place to take a nature walk while in Tampa, stop off at Lettuce Lake Regional Park. The park is located on Lettuce Lake, named so for all of the vegetation that grows on top of the water. It’s a beautiful park that offers pavilions, restrooms, playgrounds, and trails. There is a 1.25-mile paved pedestrian trail, a 1.3-mile non-paved nature trail, and a long boardwalk that goes along the water.

There are so many things to do at this park! One of the most popular things to do at Lettuce Lake is to follow one of the trails and take a walk. You have three options to choose from – Boardwalk, Nature Trail, and Paved Path. Each one offers a unique experience through the park.

The boardwalk path will take you up to the Hillsborough River and to an observation tower. Oh, keep a lookout on things while walking on the boardwalk path, we saw some pretty like a five-foot alligator up close and personal! He was just hanging out right off the boardwalk and some turtles, bowfin fish, egret, and a roseate spoonbill.

Next is the Paved Path, this route is approximately a 1.25-mile loop around the park and most of this path is shaded with a nice hammock overhead. This is a great path for both hiking and biking! The only friendly resident animal that greeted us was an armadillo because this path was bustling with people! Which seems natural since this path was the most accessible one from the parking lots.

Last but certainly not the least, the Nature Trail. This is a more typical hiking trail, we didn’t see too many animals on this trail either. This trail is definitely the best if you want to get away from the crowd and truly enjoy nature.

If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry! This park also offers very reasonable canoe and kayak rentals. The rentals were $25 for 4 hours. You pay for the rental at the entrance and they give you a key to the kayak/canoe. Included in the rental price was the use of a life jacket, whistle, and paddle.

Overall, the lake and river are absolutely stunning with so many sites to see. If you are in the Tampa area and have a few hours to spare I would definitely recommend checking out Lettuce Lake Park.

Photo Credit: http://www.floridafamilynature.com

Attractions Cities of Florida Tampa Travel

Giddyap Let`s Go !!

HorsePower for Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides a farm and petting zoo so that everyone can have the opportunity to benefit from interaction with animals and horses. We provide fun, educational opportunities for children and adults to interact with and care for animals that have been rescued from a variety of situations. In our experience, working with animals enriches our lives.

Through animals, children transform into young adults, learning responsibility and respect. These interactions build character, foster relationships, and allow us to become more open as individuals. At our farm, we strive to provide these experiences to the public and share our love for animals with everyone.

Some people would literally rather come here than Disney because there are no lines, all the animals you want to pet, and it’s so relaxing. Also, aside from the animals and the rides the scenery is very relaxing, not to mention the freshness of the air as you enjoy galloping through the course while enjoying your horse ride.

We enjoy sharing our animals with anyone who will benefit including children who cannot afford to visit us due to finances can attend free of charge on scholarship; we also rescue unwanted and injured animals. We are self-supporting, therefore being open to the public is how we are able to house and care for hundreds of beautiful creatures.

Photo Credit: http://horsepowerforkids.com/

Attractions Cities of Florida Tampa Travel

How Modern Day Museum`s Should Be..

Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry – we call it MOSI for short – is a scientific playground with more than 100 hands-on activities! MOSI’s innovative exhibits urge you to ask questions and expand your mind. We show you how cool curiosity can be – there are no tests or quizzes here. We spark conversations about the world and the future among kids and their grandparents, between spouses, and with strangers. There’s no other place like it in Tampa Bay.

Be sure to also check out MOSI’s two newest permanent exhibits: Imagination Playground and Mission: Moonbase. Imagination Playground enables kids to engineer everything from robots to cities using cubes, bricks, cogs, curves and cylinders. Imagination Playground allows kids to play in a way that encourages creativity and collaboration, while continually exploring new directions and initiatives that promote the benefits of learning, social development, movement and, above all, fun. This breakthrough play space concept enables children to create open-ended designs in a safe environment led by one of MOSI’s education staff.

Guests can head over to MOSI’s children’s science center, Kids Charge-in! and dive into a play space unique from a traditional playground not made of monkey bars, slides or see-saws. In this innovative hands-on zone, children work with large foam pieces to connect and build in intricate ways, enabling them to bring their visions to life. I personally enjoyed the presentations at the Saunders Planetarium located here at the same area of the museum and rode the high-wire bike that is carefully balanced with a counterweight. Oh — that bike takes you 30 feet over the main lobby floor, so don’t look down!

A trip to MOSI means planning on at least a half day of non-stop seeing, doing, and exploring. If you go during a busy time of the year, such as the summer, I’d simply allocate an entire day at the museum. I suggest arriving early and check out what is showing at the IMAX theater, which usually plays documentaries geared toward science as well as some popular films.

Don`t forget to stop by the BioWorks butterfly garden. You could make hundreds of fluttering friends! On the way out, you might want to take a little trek through the historic tree grove, which flourishes with more than a dozen trees grown from seedlings of trees associated with significant people or events.

Photo Credit: http://www.destination360.com

Attractions Tampa

Chilin and Relaxing Along the Riverwalk

You might have driven south down Tampa Street but never stopped, turned right and see what undiscovered beauty lies down by the River, just north of the city. You’d be amazed at the work the City of Tampa and great organizations such as the Tampa Riverwalk project, are doing for our community. Revitalization of buildings like the old Water Works building, are bringing new life to urban neighborhoods and new people are interested in coming out to play.

Tampa’s Riverwalk project dates back to the 1970s, a time when much of the downtown waterfront consisted of aging warehouses and industrial facilities related to the nearby Port of Tampa. Tampa mayor Bill Poe conceived the idea of a park and walkway behind Curtis Hixon Hall, a civic center along the Hillsborough River that was one of the few public spaces in the area. The city built a short stretch of boardwalk on the east side of the river behind the Hall.

The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic exploration of the downtown riverfront and connects most of the popular downtown attractions, parks, and restaurants. The broad paved path runs along, and in places, runs over the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel. Easily accessible to everyone including the disabled, kids, and furry friends, the Riverwalk accommodates walkers, joggers, and bikers.

A few of the landmarks you will pass include the Heights Public Market, Waterworks Park, Tampa Museum of Art, Curtis Hixon Park, the Convention Center, and the Tampa Bay History Center. Along the way you can discover numerous interpretive exhibits highlighting Tampa’s history and public art exhibits. The path is almost 3 miles long, but there are plenty of spots to stop for a rest and grab a drink or a quick bite along the way.

Bike, run, and discover the Tampa Riverwalk, linking downtown’s favorite attractions like gems on a string along the stunning Hillsborough River. The 2.4-mile path leaves you at the footsteps of great eateries like Ulele and Heights Public Market or at signature attractions like the Tampa Bay History Center and The Florida Aquarium.

Photo Credit: www.dreamstime.com

Attractions Cities of Florida Florida Orlando Tampa Travel

What are the Must-see attractions in Orlando?

Orlando, Florida is filled with attractions for vacationers of every age group; it is known for its beaches, golf courses, night life, museums, restaurants, and theme parks. Three all-time tourist favorites include Disney World, Busch Gardens, and Universal Studios, Florida.

Disney World:

The home of Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck is a perennial favorite with not just kids for whom it offers a mind boggling range of things to see and do. The overwhelming extent of experiences that Disney World offers ensures that adults too have a great time. Accommodation at Walt Disney World, which has over twenty hotels, offers a choice to suit every wallet. The Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Disney Contemporary Resort are two of the most popular resorts with a unique theme and excellent service. Vacationers can take advantage of the various promotional packages offered by Disney World from time to time. In one visit, it is not possible to take in all the rides and get one’s fill of everything that Disney World has to offer; however there are some classic rides such as Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan, Primeval Whirl, etc. The Magic Kingdom, which is spread over 100 acres, can be accessed via the Monorail or the Steamer. It has several attractions of which the chance to pose with Disney characters and getting their autographs is high on the wish-list of many children. It is best to enjoy Disney World in the company of a local acquaintance who can point out the major attractions and also the early-entry days during which hotel-guests are allowed to enter early.

Busch Gardens:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an approximately one-hour drive from Orlando. Many vacationers find its location, which is away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, to be an added attraction. The Busch Garden Shuttle Express is a free service with a 5-Park Orlando Flexi Ticket; it’s an alternative for those do not wish to travel to the park by road. Busch Gardens offer several exciting attractions that replicate the wonders of Africa. The wildlife includes more than 2,000 animals and thrilling roller-coaster rides are a hit with the kids and adults alike. The Sky Ride cable car affords an excellent view of the park. Attractions at the park also include the Serengeti Railway that has several stations around the park; the Haunted Lighthouse, which is a 4D show for kids over seven; KaTonga, which is a 35-minute musical celebrating African fables; the tomb of King Tut; Serengeti Safari tours; the slides and rides at the Land of the Dragon, and many others. Food at the Busch Gardens ranges from pizzas and turkey legs at Quick Bite and fine dining at the Crown Colony Restaurant. Preferred parking is available alongside the main entrance.

Universal Studios Florida:

Universal Studios in Orlando is the largest studio outside Hollywood. This major tourist attraction of Hollywood has some very popular rides and experiences that are based on hit movies. Terminator 2 is a high-tech 3D adventure; Back to the Future is a simulated ride that has one falling down volcanic tunnels; Twister and Earthquake are other thrill-a-minute shows in which an individual experiences a five-storey volcano and the power of an earthquake. Other attractions at Universal include Kong, Nickelodeon, ET, the Animal Show, etc. The main rides and attractions are at the edges of the oval-shaped Universal plot, which is quite huge. Priority parking and valet parking are available, these make exiting the Universal premises at the end of a fun-filled but tiring day a little easier.

Attractions Cities of Florida Florida Tampa

A Unique Theatre Experience

Built in 1926, the Tampa Theatre is a luxurious movie palace featuring a unique mix of architectural styles including Italian Renaissance, Byzantine and Greek Revival. It presents foreign and classic films regularly along with specialty concerts and other programs. Tampa’s majestic movie palace hosts 600+ events each year, including contemporary films, classic movies, concerts, corporate events, educational programs, weddings and tours. The recently restored historic landmark has been called “One of the Most Spectacular Theaters in the World” by CNN and one of “15 Things You Must Do in Tampa” by the Huffington Post.

Even if you’re not in town for a film screening or performance, visitors highly recommend a stop at the beautifully ornate Tampa Theatre. When it was built in 1926, the theater was considered one of the world’s most elaborate theaters. Designed by architect John Eberson, the interior features a 900-pipe Wurlitzer organ and was constructed to look like a Mediterranean garden with flowers and gargoyles. Take a look at the ceiling and you’ll spot 99 bulbs meant to resemble stars in the night sky. If you can’t attend a show here, consider taking a tour instead.

Prior to each movie, a gentleman playing an organ ascends upward where he can be seen and then shortly thereafter descends that makes for a unique experience. Interestingly, the theatre is a not-for-profit, which is a good thing because it appears at the movies anyway that attendance is low.

This is the perfect place for a romantic date. The opulent theatre dates has been renovated numerous times. But its spectacular architecture and ambiance lives on. It’s a hidden jewel. Many people haven’t even heard of it despite all of the movies and special events that take place

Tampa Theatre is a grand and opulent movie house often featuring the best new, limited releases (that you won’t find @ the multiplex), and the classics that you missed and must see properly presented on the big screen.

Photo Credit: https://photonews247.com

Attractions Cities of Florida Miami Tampa

The Beauty of the Flag Bridge

Sunshine Skyway Bridge is considered the “flag bridge” of Florida, stretches across Tampa Bay and features a cable-stayed main span. The original bridge was built in 1954, but construction on the current bridge began in 1982 and it was re-opened in 1987. Of the more than 5,200 bridges in the state of Florida, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, spanning scenic Tampa Bay, is by far the most famous. But the award-winning bridge that residents and tourists cross on a daily basis isn’t the first to hold the Skyway name.

Tampa Bay’s gorgeous bridge frequently rates amongst the top in the world. Travel Channel rated it number 3 on its Top 10 Bridges in the World List. The 5+ mile bridge connects St. Petersburg with Terra Ceia. Driving over this architectural wonder truly is a great experience; the views of the water on both side is simply amazing.

Numerous versions of the current bridge have stretched across lower Tampa Bay, and each has its own remarkable history. Nevin and Ric Sitler detail the suspension cables, concrete, nuts and bolts and political battles that combined to produce the fantastic history of the Skyway bridges and other historic Tampa Bay crossings.

Many visitors love crossing the bridge to take in views over the water. You must pay a small toll, but it’s worth it to snap a few photos from this spot. You can stop at a nearby park on the St. Petersburg side of the bridge to rest, swim, or have a picnic.

At 431 feet tall, it is also one of the tallest bridges in the world. As you drive up to the top, you almost feel as if you are heading up into the clouds. Due to its’ beauty, it is often used in car commercials. It is not a surprise that Sunshine Skyway Bridge has provided the setting for several films over the years, both credited and uncredited, e.g., Loren Cass and The Punisher (2004). Because of its height above the emerald-green Gulf waters, length of continuous travel, location in a warm-weather state, and modern architectural design.

Photo Credit: http://floridaphotomatt.com

Attractions Cities of Florida Tampa

The Haven for Artists in Tampa

The Tampa Museum of Art is a boldly designed riverfront museum housing six temporary exhibits and an extensive permanent collection of Greek and Roman antiquities and 20th-century sculpture. Housed in an exquisitely designed building, the Tampa Museum of Art is emblematic of the city’s efforts to revitalize the downtown riverfront.

The museum is very much a part of the community and offers an extensive program of events from art classes to Buddhist meditation. Every Friday from 4 pm – 10 pm, the Tampa Museum of Art hosts Art on the House featuring pay-as-you-will admission.

The facility overlooks Curtis Hixon Park, the towering minarets of the University of Tampa, and the Hillsborough River. The museum’s 66,000 square feet of gallery space displays an impressive permanent collection of 20th- and 21st-century sculpture as well as Greek and Roman antiquities.

The Tampa Museum of Art is situated in downtown Tampa, Florida. It displays present day and contemporary craftsmanship, and Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts. The exhibition hall was established in 1979 and appeared an honor winning new working in 2010 only north of its unique site along Tampa’s Riverwalk on the banks of Hillsborough River.

Five additional galleries host traveling exhibits ranging from the classics to some of the most prominent artists working today. The building’s external walls are lit at night with colorful LED lights, which are best viewed from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

Gorgeous, beautiful, exquisite…. all words to describe the Tampa Museum of Art. This venue is exactly what Tampa needed for those who want a contemporary and modern place to host a wedding. The view from all angles is amazing.

Photo Credits: https://www.10best.com

Attractions Cities of Florida Restaurants Schools Tampa

Visitors Guide to Tampa

The city of Tampa is situated on the western coast of the state of Florida in the USA. With a thriving commercial seaport and many waterfront areas, Tampa is also close to a number of notable beaches, such as Clearwater and St. Pete. Located across from St. Petersburg and within easy reach of Orlando, the city has much to offer visitors, including many historic sites, family attractions and major sporting venues. Tampa currently has a population in excess of 300,000 and covers more than 110 square miles / 285 square kilometers.

Tampa also features a wealth of shopping centers, together with restaurants, bars and a healthy nightlife. Much of city life is centered around the downtown area, which contains the Port of Tampa and the Waterfront district. With two universities, many entertainment venues and the outstanding Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, the city has earned itself a reputation for being Florida’s cultural center.

Tampa Tourism:
Tourist attractions in Tampa are extremely impressive, with many superb beaches nearby making Tampa the perfect holiday destination. Facilities include imposing landmarks and monuments, museums and art galleries, many must-see sights and family attractions, recreational activities, and a number of large parklands and gardens. Top attractions include Busch Gardens, which is one of the best theme parks in the whole of Florida, with thrilling rides combined with a vast zoo.

Also worth a visit in Tampa are the Florida Aquarium, Dinosaur World, the Weeki Wachee Springs, the extremely historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Raymond James Stadium, which regularly hosts major professional football games and is the home ground of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Throughout the year the city regularly features many exciting festivals, including the extremely popular Gasparilla Pirate Festival, which is held each year during January and always attracts large crowds.

Tampa Transport:
Around Tampa, public transport is well ordered and the city is easy to reach by road, with nearby highways and interstates. Greyhound buses operate within Tampa and travel to a number of Florida cities, including Orlando and Miami. Other popular modes of transport include Amtrak trains, inner-city streetcars and taxis, which should generally be booked in advance.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) stands around 7 miles / 11 km from the city center and is an important transport hub, regarded as one of America’s most efficient airports. With many passengers arriving each day, Tampa Airport offers a range of convenient ground transport, such as shuttle buses, taxis and car rental options.

Tampa Hotels:
Being a popular and sunny coastal city, with many exceptional attractions, it comes as no surprise that Tampa offers an array of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and affordable accommodation. Some of the most popular hotels in the city can be found in the heart of the downtown district, close to facilities such as shops and restaurants. Also, a number of waterfront hotels in Tampa offer exceptional coastal views and are extremely desirable, although the hotel rates often carry a premium, particularly during the high season, which is from January to April. Weekend and summer rates are usually reduced and this is a good time to find discounts.

Tampa Restaurants:
Tampa has an abundance of restaurants, which are readily available and suit every palate. Restaurants, cafes and bars have developed greatly in recent years, due to the rapidly expanding tourism trade and busy seaport. Concentrated around the central areas of Tampa, in the Hyde Park neighborhood – particularly along South Howard Avenue, the waterfront and throughout the lively Ybor district, most types of cuisine can be found in Tampa, including fast food at large food courts in shopping malls, traditional Hispanic eateries and exclusive seafood restaurants along the coastline.

Tampa Shopping:
The city offers a diverse shopping destination, with a large and varied selection of shops and stores. Facilities in Tampa include many designer outlets, well-known department stores, top boutiques and shopping malls. Popular shopping areas include the city’s historic and cultural areas, the Centro Ybor Mall – which is located in the Ybor Historic District, and Old Hyde Park Village in Tampa’s Old Hyde Park district, where you will find a mixture of modern stores, specialty shops and art galleries, in a particularly scenic setting.

Tampa Weather:
Tampa features warm and sunny weather, with pleasant breezes from the ocean. Temperatures during June through August are at their hottest and can attain highs of around 33°C / 91°F. Winter and spring are warm seasons and many people choose to visit the Tampa area at this time of the year. December and January are the coldest months with daytime temperatures remaining extremely mild and warm, generally around 22°C / 72°F, although lows of 15°C / 59°F may be experienced.