Tampa has many fun and interesting activities for individuals. Whether shopping, sightseeing, jogging or golfing, there's plenty to do in the city.
For casual shopping, great bargains, unique items and just all-round fun, the Big Top Flea Market provides it all. This 200,000-ft market has more than 1,000 enclosed booths and open-air stall where you can find everything from homemade honey, gourmet coffee and donuts to antiques, collectibles and wind chimes. There's ample parking (free) and food vendors serving breakfast, lunch and snacks. Plan on spending several hours to have enough time to see all the wares available. Located on East Fowler Avenue (past the University of South Florida) the market is open Saturday and Sunday only.
International Plaza and Bay Street is located just a minutes from the Tampa International Airport. With more than 200 retail businesses including major department stores, speciality shops and boutiques, the Plaza offers a great way to spend the day. For your dining pleasure, Bay Street at the Plaza offers a selection of more than 20 restaurants from sports bars to fine dining in an open-air atmosphere.
Westshore Plaza, located a short distance from the International Plaza and airport, also offers a great shopping experience and is anchored by four major department stores, Sak's, Macy's, Sears and J.C. Penney. There are numerous speciality shops and boutiques, a great food court for light fare, a fine-dining restaurant, Maggiano's Little Italy specializing in Southern Italian cuisine, and the AMC 14-screen movie theater. For shopping, dining and movie entertainment, Westshore Plaza has it all.
Citrus Park Mall, located in north Tampa and accessible from the Veteran's Expressway (exit 9), is another unique shopping area. Anchored by Dillard's and Macy's, there are more than 120 retail stores to choose for your shopping pleasure. The mall has a diverse food court, two restaurants, Starbucks coffee shop and also features a multi-screen movie theater.
The Old Hyde Park Village is a quaint area of the city and a nice respite from the crowds and traffic. Located near downtown Tampa and Bayshore Boulevard, the village offers many boutiques and speciality shops featuring everything from contemporary art and Baccarat crystal to upscale men's and women's clothing and collections of eclectic home decor. Several restaurants, cafes and gourmet coffee shop plus a newly renovated 7-screen movie theater round out the village. For your entertainment, enjoy the summer concert series, art festivals, craft festivals, farmer's market and free movies in the park.
At Color Me Mine, located in Old Hyde Park Village, you can create your own ceramic piece of artwork. You don't have to be an artist to share in the studio experience just an interest in enjoying a relaxed and fun atmosphere as you paint your own masterpiece. The studio has a wide variety of ceramic, mosaic and glass pieces to choose from and all tools necessary to create your artwork are available..
If you are interested in professional sports, Tampa offers three major venues. The Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneer's play their home games, August through December, at Raymond James's Stadium located on N. Dale Mabry highway just minutes from Tampa International airport. Directly across the street from the stadium is Legends Field where the New York Yankees do spring training from February to March. The club's minor league team, the Tampa Yankees, play at Legends from April through August. For National League hockey, the Tampa Bay Lightning begin their series in October at the St. Pete Times Forum, located near downtown Tampa.
For recreational activities such as jogging, hiking, walking, biking or skating, Tampa offers numerous parks and trails. Among these are Lettuce Lake Park in North Tampa off Fletcher avenue. The park provides a 3,500 foot boardwalk allowing visitors to walk through the park above the wetlands and marshy areas. There is an observation tower with panoramic views of the park and its wildlife inhabitants, especially the numerous bird species. There is also a nature trail and picnic pavilion.
The Sunshine Trail, a 41.3 mile paved trail (no motorized vehicles allowed) that was developed as part of the Suncoast Parkway, runs parallel to the parkway and travels through three counties. All along the trail, there are rest areas and points of interest about the environment, ecology and wildlife. There are currently 7 trailhead entrances to access the trail. From Tampa, head north on N. Dale Mabry highway to Lutz Lake Fern Road, turn left heading west for approximately 3 miles until you pass under the parkway. The trailhead is on the right.
Another popular walking/jogging/skating location is the 7-mile long sidewalk along Bayshore boulevard flanked by Tampa Bay. Bayshore is well-known for its view of the city skyline and stately homes along the route. The sidewalk begins near downtown and ends at Ballast Point Park.
Golfers have the choice of 3 courses in Tampa. First is the Babe Zaharias Municipal Golf course, an 18-hole, par-72 course located on Forest Hills Dr. just north of Lowry Park Zoo. A pro shop, putting greens and driving range are available. At the Rocky Point Golf Course, located near the airport on Dana Shores Dr., this par-71 course also has a practice range, putting greens and pro shop. Situated near the Hillsborough River, just off of 30th street, is the Rogers Park Golf Course. This 18-hole, par-72 championship course includes a lighted driving and practice range.
For a step back in time, be sure to visit the beautiful Tampa Theater located in the heart of downtown on Franklin street. Built in 1926, the theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Tampa City landmark. The ornate architecture is beautiful and when you step inside the theater you will be transported to another time. The ceiling twinkles with stars as statue's peer from the recesses. A guided tour that takes about one and a half hours will take you from the balcony to the backstage area with information about the art, mythology and architecture surrounding the theater. Throughout the year, the theater features classic movies, documentaries, independent films and also has scheduled concerts and events.
The downtown district is relatively compact allowing sightseeing and shopping on foot. There are covered parking garages, on-street metered parking and privately owned parking lots within walking distance of the city park area just off Tampa street. While downtown, enjoy lunch in the park or dine at one of several restaurants or cafes'. Take a leisurely stroll to the Tampa Museum of Art or the main public library. Both located on Ashley Street. A short walk across the Kennedy street bridge will bring you to the University of Tampa campus. The university, formerly the Tampa Hotel at the turn of the century, contains the Henry B. Plant museum. The museum has numerous items that were used in the hotel during the Golden Age.
For a land and sea adventure, sign up with Tampa Duck Tours located at Channelside drive across from the St. Pete Times Forum. In this fun tour, your transport is a land/sea vehicle. By water, you'll tour the bay and the commercial port of Tampa. Once on land, the tour continues through Ybor City, Davis Island, downtown Tampa where you'll see historical landmarks.
