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Tampa

Few Reason Why Relocating to Tampa Bay Is A Good Idea

Its no wonder that Florida’s Tampa Bay area has become such a popular choice for relocating adults and families to call home. The west coast of Florida has mile after mile of white, sandy beaches and magnificently, beautiful natural resources. These areas include the city of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, as well as Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs and Oldsmar.

Picture if you will, the opportunity for renewing your spirit any time you need a recharge. Dip your toes into the gentle, warm gulf waters of Tampa Bay. Let your troubles roll out to sea with the tides. As the waves return to once again touch the shores, let them bring you peace and a renewed sense of self. Now that you feel newly invigorated, perhaps you will want to head over to one of the areas more populated beaches, such as Clearwater Beach or St. Petersburg Beach, for some adventure. Take the whole family for a day of fun-filled activities such as collecting sea shells, building sand castles, swimming, fishing, parasailing, or take a cruise for the chance for spotting a whale or a group of dolphins.

You will find exciting activities away from the beaches as well. You can spend the day shopping to find that unique gift for yourself or a loved one. Take in an art gallery or take the family on a historic tour of the area or even to one of the many museums you will find throughout Florida’s Tampa Bay area. When you get hungry, you will find plenty of fine dining and family restaurants to satisfy even the most finicky of eaters.

The Tampa Bay area is also home to some of the best theatre productions, live music, and sporting events to be found anywhere. Attend a play or watch in awe, the beauty of ballet, for a cultural experience your family will not soon forget. The sports fan will be delighted as a spectator at one of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers action-filled football games. Those who like to gamble a bit might enjoy a little time spent betting, at one of the areas Greyhound Racing tracks.

You will find that life along Florida’s West Coast offers on one hand, an oasis from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and even the influx of tourists that visit Florida each year: but also provides you with many recreational and educational activities to enhance the time that you spend with your family. And of course, you are just a short distance drive from family attractions such as Disney World, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, Cypress Gardens, and Universal Studios. But unlike visitors who only get to experience some of what Florida’s West Coast has to offer, as a resident, you can discover and explore all that is here, at your own pace.

You can rely on your Tampa real estate representative to provide you with all of the information and assistance that you will need as you become an official “Floridian.” A real estate agent can help you select the neighborhood that best matches your living style and needs. Whether you’re looking for a suitable neighborhood to raise a family in, or a community for adults 55 and over, or looking to settle in where other single, middle-aged people are already living: your real estate agent can help you locate these areas.

Together you and your agent can explore the many housing options available to you. From single-family dwellings to single adult condominium complexes and retirement villas, so that you can choose the one that is best for you. These friendly and knowledgeable real estate representatives can also assist you in obtaining the financing you need to make your dream of relocating to Florida’s West Coast, a reality!

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

Cities of Florida Florida Restaurants Restaurants Tampa

Something Fun and Different

Located in St. Petersburg’s historic Old Pasadena neighborhood, Alesia Restaurant serves fresh, rustic cuisine in a bright contemporary setting. Founded by three partners Sandra Ly-Flores and Erika Ly, and another co-owner, Paul Hsu. It is amazing to learn that they had never been in the restaurant business prior to opening Alesia. It turns out that Alesia is the name of the street they grew up on.

French, Vietnamese, and Chinese upbringings, Alesia Restaurant is the culinary embodiment of these childhood influences and the eclectic mix of dishes and flavors they were naturally raised with. This delightful restaurant is worth the trip for both its fabulous food and contemporary atmosphere, including a great, pet-friendly outdoor patio and a large beautiful outdoor dining room. It’s one of the prettiest and simple hangouts around town, and it’s the perfect place to linger over a latte or share a Cheese platter, which includes a selection of European cheeses served with fresh grapes and toast points.

What Alesia does well is keep the menu simple. There are no countless iterations of the same dish, no wide-selection of condiments to override inherent flavors, just variegated, well-curated dishes which encourage the simple pleasure of enjoying good food. The French, Asian, and Vietnamese dishes are so different from what is usually served in area restaurants, which was a great change of pace.

This place is easily a hidden gem in the St. Pete / Pasadena area. The ambience inside and outside is great, the staff are very attentive and friendly. The Asian-French-inspired (colonial) offerings are good. If you like traditional favorites like Pho or Bun, you will not be disappointed. The pho or noodle soup has a hint of sweetness; the bún or rice vermicelli noodles are served with skewers of glistening grilled pork or shrimp; the traditional bánh mi has a firm jalapeño kick to it if you order it spicy. These are the dishes you should try your first time there.

What can I say? Great food, great service and great wine selection. I would call it French-Vietnamese-Asian. But not fusion. Each cuisine seems to be able represented without falling into confusion.

Photo Credit: www.afar.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

Cities of Florida Schools Tampa

A University That Stands Out in Tampa Bay

Located in sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, the University of South Florida is an excellent option for international students looking to study abroad in the United States. Comprised of over fourteen different colleges, the University of South Florida has options for nearly every major and every career goal. USF is extremely diverse, with 128 countries being represented and a whopping 10% overall of the student population made up of international students. That, combined with a stunning, waterfront campus makes USF an extremely appealing option for international students.

The University of South Florida is known for being one of the top research schools in the country! Not only are the students expected to work together through classwork they also are expected to be present on campus. They have so many opportunities for that because of clubs, student union`s, fraternities, sororities and so much more. They also offer opportunities for residential life as a resident assistant, students here are known for their school pride.

In terms of extracurricular activities, the school is very active in volunteer and social work like peace corps and other communities. They are always finding ways to give back to Tampa Bay. The school community see`s to it that they make time to learn about our community and its needs.

Student`s here commit time to after school activities and they always have relaxing school activities. The learning environment at this university is nothing short of magical. It has ballet, art, theater, the student art museum, Rocky Horror Picture Show, bull-market, long library hours, supportive staff and most of all supportive peers.

USF is a great school that is really dedicated to the success of its students, hopefully you can come learn about yourself and others at the best school on the planet.

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.

Cities of Florida Restaurants Tampa

Fries Fit For a King

If you are anywhere near the downtown area of Tampa, Florida and you are looking for an italian place to dine and chill out, make sure to drop by FarmTable Cucina. This restaurant offers one of my favorite styles of dining, It’s casual, family-style with sharing plates and authentic dishes that combine the highest quality ingredients to bring flavor to every bite.

The Italian-inspired style of dining is who FarmTable was always meant to be. It’s been an evolution and now we can celebrate and enjoy what it has become. FarmTable Cucina is an Italian-inspired restaurant that focuses on fresh, house-made cuisine influenced by seasonal, regionally sourced and carefully curated ingredients. Favorite dishes include house-made pastas, pizzas and fresh breads. The full bar offers handcrafted cocktails, craft beer and wines by the glass.

FarmTable Kitchen began as a small-plate beer-and-wine-only bar, no reservations, then added a ticketed prix-fixe, multi-course tasting menu, dining room. St. Petersburg residents pushed back — they wanted a full menu, reservations, a full bar. Mina and partner Don Pintabona obliged.

This restaurant is located in the downtown St. Petersburg area, just a few blocks from Beach Drive and inside a newer outdoor mall. The downstairs area of the space is dedicated to a market. From the second you enter you encounter delicious looking food and tremendous smells. The restaurant itself is located above the market and it is a very modern and chic space.

The decor makes it feel like you are located inside a working industrial kitchen. From the second you enter you encounter delicious looking food and tremendous smells. In addition to a standard sandwich station and meat counter, the store area had a poke station, ramen bar, and a dozen other hot food areas. It is hard not to get a least a little excited after seeing that.

So if you are planning to visit Tampa,Florida and you are within visiting distance make sure to drop by this place and don`t forget to taste their duck fat fries and their burger, I heard it was to die for especially for those who love fries.

Photo Credit: https://www.yelp.com/

Attractions Cities of Florida Tampa

The Busch Garden

Busch Gardens is home to one of the largest zoos in the U.S. , it has a beautiful and manicured landscape of roller coasters, water rides, themed kids’ play areas and character interactions that stray from Florida’s dominant mouse paradigm. In short it is a zoo with rides! I believe this is the perfect equation for an unforgettable family getaway.

There are three reasons why families particularly enjoy spending a day at Busch Gardens: the beautifully landscaped grounds, activities that appeal to every age range, and opportunities to see exotic animals up close and even feed them by hand; over 2,700 animals, from aardvarks to zebras, are housed here in surprisingly natural environments that are spread across 335 acres. And of course this is NO Disney and they have shorter hours of operation. But there is NO shortage of friendly helpful staff and things to do.

Busch Gardens’ free-roaming habitat for African wildlife is thought to be the largest such environment outside of Africa, and zebras, giraffes, hippos, lions, gorillas, chimpanzees and more call it home. That is why we would occasionally find ourselves entrenched in lush scenery as we explored the park, almost as if we’d entered a jungle. That’s one of the things that makes Busch Gardens so unique, which is emphasising on animals and their natural habitats in addition to having thrill rides.

Whether you’re looking for a zoo-like experience complete with kangaroos eating from your hand and safari trips across a realistic savannah, live shows that cater to your two year old and let him cuddle with Elmo, or thrill rides that will keep the teens in your entourage thinking you’re the best parents around, Busch Gardens is that rare theme park that offers a heavy dose of something for every age child.

You can tour the entire park in one day, but devoting two days to your visit will let you explore all of the attractions at a more leisurely pace. So consider tacking on a few extra days while you’re in these parts to make the most of your family vacation.

Photo Credit: https://www.mymeenalife.com/