For various reasons, I've been doing a lot of research on the Tampa Bay Area lately. So I rounded up a couple of fun spots to suggest if anyone plans on heading out that way.
Manatee Viewing Center
In winter, when ocean temperatures drop, manatees flock to the heated water discharged from Tampa Bay's power plant. There's a free observation platform, and viewing area where visitors can watch the marine mammals bask in the warm water, enjoying a respite from the cool bay. Only open from November 1 to April 15. (813-228-4289) Visit Their Website Here
Tampa Museum of Art
The Tampa Museum of Art, is a boldly designed riverfront museum housing eight galleries with six temporary exhibits and an extraordinary permanent collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, as well as 20th-century sculpture. A (813-274-8130) Visit Their Website Here
Florida Botanical Gardens
90 acres of natural areas and 30 acres of cultivated gardens featuring native Florida plants as well as exotic tropicals. Admission to the gardens is free. You can take a free, 3-hour guided walking tour, check out the children's trail, or stroll the gardens at your leisure. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the beach-themed picnic area in the gardens. Visit Their Website Here.
Tour the Yuengling Brewery (21 and over)
The Yuengling Brewery in Tampa is "America's oldest brewery." If this sounds like your cup of tea (or brewsky), take one of the free guided tours of this historic brewery. After your tour, enjoy free samples of Yuengling brand beers in the brewery's biergarten. Visit Their Website Here.
