Vacation in Tampa/St Pete - Activity Recommendations

[Tiffani B]

I am going to be vacationing in Tampa/St Pete area over Valentine's Day, and am going to be stopping by to visit a horse I used to own. I can't wait to see her! :cool:

I've never been to the area - does anyone have any recommendations of things to do/see/eat while we're there? Horse related, Harley related, definitely beach and relaxation related? :)

We'll have a car, so we can drive somewhere if it's within a reasonable distance.

[missamandarose]

Visit my brother in law the chef at the Capital Grille (in the mall on International Plaza in Tampa)!!! Tarpon Springs is a little bit of a drive, but worth it for the DIVINE Greek treats! And If I can remember the area of town... the older/historic type area of Tampa... its just a neat area with some nice shops and unique restaurants.

Oh, that reminds me... Go to Square One Burger, too. So insanely good...

[lorilu]

Go to the aquarium in Ybor city, the historic district. Really nice. Also some nice cuban food restaurants there, like the Columbia (I think that's the name) which is really famous.
Here's a link to the C of C for Ybor:
http://www.ybor.org/index.cfm?section=vs

[Amwrider]

Ybor City is the historical district where all fo the old Cuban cigar factories used to be. Now it has lots of shops and night clubs.

Yes, the Columbia restaurant has THE most delicious Cuban food. The aquarium is nice as stated before, so is Busch Gardens (theme park with zoo, rides and shows). You are only about a 70 minute drive from Disney, Sea World, Epcot Center, Universal Studios.

I have not eaten or visted the sponge docks at Tarpon Springs but people I know rave about it.

There is also the Seminole Hard Rock Casino which is right next to the Florida State Fairgrounds horse show complex.

Tampa Downs will be in the middle of its Thoroughbred meet so there will be horse racing going on.

Beaches in February? I am partial to Ft. DeSoto park which is not a developed area. Clearwater Beach is the usual touristy beach. Your Gulf beaches will be cleaner than you Bay beaches.

There is great fishing, lots of charters out of the John's Pass area or if you have your own tackle there is great pier fishing in Ft. Desoto and also from the old Skyway bridge.

I will have to gather some customers so we can all take you out when you come to visit. :cool:

[RomeosGirl]

OK, maybe this is geeky, but the Fl State fair is in town during that time
http://floridastatefair.com/content/view/22/49/
I thought maybe the strawberry festival would be going on too, but you are a little early. Both are really fun (in a carnival sort of way)!
Yoy are too early for the part of WEF that happens up here.
Clearwater Beach is always nice - can't beat having dinner on the beach in mid Feb when most everyone else is freezing!

[ddb]

If you like bugers you have to go to Woody's - it's on the gulf north of the Don. Billys is great for fancier dinning.

[2ndyrgal]

If you're going to St Pete Beach, head down south past the Don CeSar and go to Pass A Grille, quaint little row of shops, go to Evander Preston's jewelry shop. If he deigns to answer the door, you won't believe the unusual stuff, as well as the Great Danes that have free run of the place. You ring the bell, he might let you in, might not. One of the most interesting and talented old hippies I've ever met.

[MunchkinsMom]

You might be able to find some equine activities on this site:

http://www.horsepony.com/

How about a trip to Orlando to Arabian Nights?

http://www.arabian-nights.com/

Big Harley Dealership in Ocala, about a two hour drive:

http://www.hdocala.com/

[Amwrider]

OK, maybe this is geeky, but the Fl State fair is in town during that time
http://floridastatefair.com/content/view/22/49/
I thought maybe the strawberry festival would be going on too, but you are a little early. Both are really fun (in a carnival sort of way)!
Yoy are too early for the part of WEF that happens up here.
Clearwater Beach is always nice - can't beat having dinner on the beach in mid Feb when most everyone else is freezing!


She is also going to be two weeks too early for the Gasparilla Charity show which preceeds the WEF. Her former horse *might* be showing in that show.

[Sugarbrook]

Come visit me. We are just one hour north of Tampa. I love visitors, and you can enjoy "ponyland". Stallions (my 2) broodmares. babies. Lots of fun. My email is Sugarpony@aol.com. Email me if you want to come.

[Tiffani B]

She is also going to be two weeks too early for the Gasparilla Charity show which preceeds the WEF. Her former horse *might* be showing in that show.

Well darn it, I just might have to adjust the dates LOL. I was wondering when the show was and if I'd make it or not... :)

[Tiffani B]

Come visit me. We are just one hour north of Tampa. I love visitors, and you can enjoy "ponyland". Stallions (my 2) broodmares. babies. Lots of fun. My email is Sugarpony@aol.com. Email me if you want to come.

Thanks Sandy, what a nice offer! I'll be sure to be in touch as we're figuring out our plans.

[Simbalism]

I second (or is it third) Ybor City. Lots of neat old buidlings, shops, and restaurants/clubs. There is a beautiful old train station there as well. The Columbia is a must see very beautiful old architecture. The aquarium is nice, and is right near the area where cruise ships take off from so that is kind of neat to see. One thing I can advise is to be sure to get up to date maps or directions as I swear there is constantly road construction there(mostly the highways).

[Amwrider]

Yes, always construction but with the Superbowl being held in January maybe there is a push now to complete construction projects to have the city "look better" for the big party.