2.
No cigar? Oh yes, there is only a lot more than one! Nearly 500 million cigars are produced in Tampa each year. At one time, cigar manufacturing was the city's primary industry. Now, tourism is tops. Stop by Tampa Rico Cigars in Ybor City and watch cigar making at its best hand rolling!
3.
You can bet you've never been to a zoo like this before! Busch Gardens is not only home to more than 3000 animals but is also filled with the Southeast's largest steel roller coaster, water rides and other attractions that suit any age.
4.
You know it's better when things are wetter! The Florida Aquarium houses more than a million gallons of water filled with creatures of the seas. There are four galleries that exhibit different aspects of "water life." With a 5000-gallon touch pool, you can rest assured that this is one attraction the entire family will love!
5.
You'll soak it up, just like a sponge! A trip to Tarpon Springs makes a great side trip while in the Tampa area. Known as "the sponge capital of the world" at the turn of the century, the town was inhabited by Greek sponge divers who harvested sponges from the beds in the Gulf of Mexico. Sponge harvesting was a prosperous industry until the 1940s when the beds were destroyed by bacteria. Today, tourism and fishing compensate for the lack of sponges.
6.
Weeki Wachee! What? Weeki Wachee is home to the closest thing to mermaids we'll ever see. Lovely "mermaids" perform graceful water ballets while 12 feet under water. After the fascinating indoor experience, hop on the Wilderness River Cruise to view a haven where injured birds are nursed back to health.
7.
If you hear thunder take cover! Florida is known as the lightning capital of the world! An average of ten people are killed each year by lightning strikes in Florida.
8.
You may think that fish is "what's for dinner" while in Florida and it can be. However, if you're in the mood for a "steak and potato" meal, that craving can also be satisfied. Surprisingly, Florida is one of the largest producers of beef in the U.S. When it comes to steak, Bern's is world famous. But their fame doesn't stop there the wine list weighs close to 10 pounds and has over 7000 selections to choose from!
9.
Thanks to the warm waters of the Tampa Electric Company's Big Bend Power Plant, you can catch a glimpse of manatees. The large mammals require a water temperature of 68 degrees or higher, and the warm waters surrounding the plant attract many manatees each winter. What's even better this attraction is free!
10.
With beautiful weather and miles of beaches, Tampa is the perfect place to catch some rays. Public access is allowed at many stops along the roadways, even though in some areas the allowance is downplayed. You'll have much better luck finding a place on the beach rather than somewhere to park your car! So, good luck and happy parking!
