Originally established in 1884 as an exclusive winter resort for wealthy northerners, Tarpon Springs, Florida earned its name from the Tarpon fish that is abundant in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Sponges were found and harvested by many Greek families that moved to the area in the early 1900s. Great Greek food found here! Costa's is our personal favorite.
Costa's has the advantage of a parking lot as well as good food. Our favorite way to enjoy Costa's is to order from the appetizer menu-like tapas, and share. Marcia loves the gyro.
Tampa and St. Petersburg Closely related in both history and culture, these two cities offer a variety of interesting venues.
Tampa-
The Florida Aquarium http://www.flaquarium.org/
Discover over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals which represents over 600 different species while at this aquarium that is among the top aquariums in the world.
The thing I love about this aquarium is the reef room. Sit in a rocker in front of a glass wall-just like being in a reef without the need for breathing equipment and fins. They also play calming music.
The thing I love about this aquarium is the reef room. Sit in a rocker in front of a glass wall-just like being in a reef without the need for breathing equipment and fins. They also play calming music.
Busch Gardens http://www.buschgardens.com/BGT2/
Famous rollercoasters to be found in this brewery/theme park
Ybor City in Tampa http://www.ybor.org/index.cfm?section=vs
Tampa's Ybor City, began its intriguing history when cigar makers settled here after a disastrous fire that drove the industry north from Key West. Today it is a National Historic Landmark District
I love Ybor City in the daytime, but avoid it particularly weenend nights. There is a tram that connects the aquarium with Ybor City and it is worthwhile from a parking perspective. A meal at the Columbia restaurant is always my goal in Ybor City, but my sister in law likes to pick up cigars as well.
I love Ybor City in the daytime, but avoid it particularly weenend nights. There is a tram that connects the aquarium with Ybor City and it is worthwhile from a parking perspective. A meal at the Columbia restaurant is always my goal in Ybor City, but my sister in law likes to pick up cigars as well.
St Petersburg
The Pier http://www.stpetepier.com/
One of the areas most recognized waterfront landmarks. Discover the Peir Aquarium, The Columbia House Restaurant, and unique gifts and souvenirs at The Pier's specialty shops.
Salvador Dali Museum http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/
Housing the largest collection of Salvador Dali works in the world, the museum offers a regularly changing exhibit of the legendary surrealist artist's works
Orlando http://www.orlandoinfo.com/
Orlando is the hub city of the Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Area, colloquially known as "Greater Orlando" or "Metro Orlando". The area encompasses four counties and is the amusement park mecca for the world. Over 40 parks are in the four county area. Links to the parks are available at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g34515-Activities-c22-Orlando_Florida.html#TtD
Theme parks near Orlando
Home of the Disney Rat. If you adore overtired and overstimulated children, don't miss this one! However, I have been known to haunt the factory outlet stores and they just keep getting bigger and better.
Sea World http://www.seaworldorlando.com/orlando/default.aspx
Disney Megaplex http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/
Universal (2 parks) http://www.universalorlando.com/
International Drive is the shoppers paradise as it has a mall and outlet stores at either end for your bargain search. http://www.internationaldriveorlando.com/thingsToDo/shopping.asp
Daytonal Beach, Cape Canaveral and the Space Coast "The Beach " at Daytona is one of the most famous urban beaches of Florida and actually stretches about 25 miles through several adjoining towns. Daytona offers a casual "beach" atmosphere and many options for dining in town or on the beach. There is an historic district in Daytona which was recently designated when in 1995. The neighborhoods are a bit removed from all the hustle and bustle of the beach, hotel and raceway area.... which we liked. Lots of shops and restaurants are found along the inland riverway as well. http://www.visitflorida.com/listings/taggroup.daytona_beach/filtergroup.2
Daytona is great. Drive north on A1A to get to Flagler-less populated, but doesn't offer the drive on the beach option. BTW-find out when high tide is before leaving your car parked on the beach. Some towing companies make a good living from people who don't check the tide schedule and get cut off from car exits. Water and sand under a car on the beach is not friendly and very costly.
Daytona is great. Drive north on A1A to get to Flagler-less populated, but doesn't offer the drive on the beach option. BTW-find out when high tide is before leaving your car parked on the beach. Some towing companies make a good living from people who don't check the tide schedule and get cut off from car exits. Water and sand under a car on the beach is not friendly and very costly.
John F. Kennedy Space Center http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/
For the scientists and child alike, this area provides and awe inspiring look at the history and future of the US and international space programs.
Very interesting. How often do you get to see space stuff?
1000 Island Boat Tours http://www.islandboatlines.com/index.htmlExplore the spectacular canals through the 1000 Islands. The tidal marsh and inland waterways provide shelter to herds of manatee, bottlenose dolphin and a variety of coastal birds. Eco-tours leave twice daily near Cocoa Beach/Merritt Island area
