Been There Done That

Ybor City is a great place to visit.  We went to the Ybor City State Museum which tells the story of the immigrants' lfie and Ybor's cigar-making history.  While it was very interesting history I don't know if it was worth $4 per person for entrance when you could read it all online or in a book.  The store next to it, was very interesting and housed the world's longest cigar award, and had great artwork of the industry which has shaped this town.  If you go to Ybor, you can't leave without going to Mema's Alaskan Tacos, holy cow are they the best I've ever had!  It was also nice (though touristy) to stroll down 7th Avenue and see artisans hand-rolling cigars.

   

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48_Ybor_City.zip (3201 KB)

This place is a must-eat restaurant!  The food was excellent, and the service was amazing!  Deb was our waitress, and she was so professional and polite and even gave us a tour when we were done!  We went for lunch, and the experience was an incredible value.  I had the chicken and rice (pretty sure that is not the name on the menu) and my husband ordered the Cuban, which he said was the best ever!  It started in 1905 as a tiny restaurant, and has big enough to seat 1,200 guests!  It had many unique rooms, and I have heard that on their anniversary they serve meals at 1905 prices!

         

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49_Columbia_Restaurant.zip (8362 KB)

Preface: My review of the Florida Aquarium is tainted by the fact that I visited Sea World days earlier.    It was large, took about 1.5hrs to walk through (about half of what they say on the website), seems like a great place for kids, lots of exhibits, and some interaction with animals available.  Overall this was a great aquarium, I don't know if it was worth the $19.95 price tag (We paid $16.95 each, there $3 coupons off everywhere, including tourism packets in the city).  I would say it was worth about $10 per person.

   

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47_Dive_with_the_sharks_at_The.zip (3204 KB)

Channelside boats casual & elegant dining, night clubs, art galleries and IMAX theaters...and while all this is true I'm not sure why it made the AAA list.  It is pretty generic as far as we were concerned.  The best part was they had a Bennigans (a dying bred around here) where we ordered and enjoyed Turkey O' Tooles (great turkey sandwich using a soft pretzel as it's bread=genius).  We also took advantage of the IMAX movie theater to see Avatar (cool special affects, cheesy dialogue, similar storyline to Fern Gully).  Overall this is not worth driving to Ybor for but has a good sandwich if you are already down there and it isn't at all out of your way.

   

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46_Channelside_Entertainment_C.zip (3339 KB)

The streetcar originated in 1800's when workers took it to the cigar factories in West Tampa, now they are electric air-conditioned and serve the tourists of Ybor City.  It is a fun ride and great way to get around.  They are $2.50 one-way or $5 for an all-day pass.  Enjoy!

   

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45_TECO_Line_Streetcar_System.zip (3280 KB)

We tried to get Amy & Jimmy to move up their wedding day by about 9 mos., however Weddings on the Water the first and only floating chapel was closed.  Couple can tie the knot/renew their vows while cruising Tampa Bay. It will limit your guest list to 100 people.

   

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44_Weddings_on_the_Water.zip (3276 KB)

Florida’s only statewide non-profit organization representing thousands of Florida’s established and emerging fine craft artists, the Gallery also acts as a retail outlet for member artists’ fine crafts. The employees were very kind, and they had a decent variety ($3500 wooden rocker, to $20 stained glass ornament) of art.  I love that there is a venue for artists to sell there work.  This is free, which helps make it worth it and it, an up-and-coming part of town that is nice to walk around.  I would have a hard time driving just for this gallery but it is fun since it is a neat part of the area to explore with other great areas nearby.  I recommend taking the trolley to the pier (touristy, but on the water and great view of the area) after this ($0.25 per person).

     

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40_Florida_Craftsmen_Gallery.zip (5065 KB)

In thinking of how I was going to write about this I said to Edward "good thing it was close to other things on the list, it's not worth driving out of the way just to see it."  To which he replied, "I would only say it's worth it if you were writing a blog about it."  I'll let you read the legend in the picture below.  You drive your car up to this white line, put the car in neutral and it rolls back.  Folks, I'm here to tell you it's on a hill.  However this town is all excited about this and named an elementary school after it, complete with Casper as their mascot.  However I read when I got home it is supposed to be an optical illusion, that you look like you are rolling uphill....we didn't notice that (nor were we looking).  Apparently directions are helpful.  It is so close to Chalet Suzanne and Bok Tower Gardens that I say why not?  Our slogan for this AAA list has been "When in Rome?"  It's free so why not?

This place was beautiful.  This was $10 admission, or $8 if you show your AAA card (or half price if you go b/t 8-9am).  Orange trees align the entrance road, you park, and there is beautiful gardens, and nature trails leading up to this 205 foot tower that Edward Bok had built in honor of his grandparents.  It was a really pretty walk, you can't get into the tower but it's great to look at and has music playing on the half hour.  They do special concerts as well.  It is built on the highest point in Florida so it actually has some views.  it was dedicated by President Coolidge.  There is also a 9 minute movie inside the museum.  Overall, totally worth it. 

     

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61_Bok_Tower_Gardens.zip (5058 KB)

This was much better than expected.  If I only gave myself one word to describe it it would be eccentric, but I'm not so here it goes.  This is a hotel/restaurant/soup factory in the middle of nowhere.  It has a landing strip so you can fly on over.  We walked around the grounds, got a personal tour of the Soup Plant where they make their renowned soup.  They are famous for their Moon Soup, originally known as Romaine Soup that was taken into Space on three different Apollo missions (after being freeze dried).  We also watched a four minute video on the history in the gift shop.  This place is worth staying at or eating, however if nothing else go walk around and get a tour of the Soup Plant and free sample.  Pictured: Entrance, The main reception/gift shop, the freeze dried soup, inside the restaurant.

       

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59_Chalet_Suzanne.zip (7194 KB)