|Guest Post| Tampa Bay: More than sea

At the moment, the preparations for a bigger travel adventure, which starts on December 27, 2017, keep me pretty busy. Until I can finally tell you in detail about our plans for the next six months at the beginning of next week, I’ll leave the place here to dear Jrene for once. Jrene is not only a sympathetic hiking companion (she accompanied us on the Gürbetaler Höhenweg) and passionate jogger, but also a book author and Florida expert. From February to April 2017, she spent three months in and around Tampa Bay. An area that is not entirely unknown to me either. In 2013 we visited St. Petersburg and Clearwater on our Florida road trip. I am very pleased that Jrene reveals her insider tips away from the great sandy beaches and brightens up the currently very dark winter days with a hearty portion of “Sunshine State” feeling.

The most beautiful beaches in the USA are only nine hours away from Zurich: Tampa Bay can be reached in no time by direct flight with Edelweiss. However, the region also has great experiences to offer away from white sandy beaches and turquoise blue sea.

Tampa Bay – 7 Things to Do Off the Beach: #1 Exercise

Do it like the fit “Floridians” and move instead of lazily lying on the beach. For car-crazy America, Tampa Bay has an astonishing number of bike lanes and, with the “Pinellas Trail“, even separate bike and pedestrian paths. In the north, the trail starts in Tarpon Springs and stretches over 60 kilometers to St. Petersburg in the south. This is only the main axis, from which numerous branches make other towns easily accessible for cyclists, inline skaters and joggers. In downtown Tampa, the Riverwalk and Bayfront Boulevard are popular for a spin in running shoes, skates, or on a bike.

Unfortunately, I still haven’t made it into the canoe. But it’s high on my to-do list for the next visit to Tampa Bay. The state parks offer plenty of options: Crystal Rivers, Weeki Wachee and Homosassa Springs were recommended to me.

A unique experience is a visit to “Topgolf“, the somewhat different golf course. In a nutshell, a combination of driving range and bowling alley. In a relaxed atmosphere, you sit in your own “booth” and duel at the golf tee-off. Very entertaining for both golfers and inexperienced golfers.

Tampa Bay – 7 Things to Do Off the Beach: #2

In Tampa Bay, you can not only do sports yourself, but also watch sports. Join in the excitement when the “Tampa Bay Lightning” ice hockey team plays at home in the Amalie Arena and the indoor lightning bolt lights up the stadium with every hit.

In the winter/spring, several major baseball teams from the north move their training location to Florida. That’s why you can follow test matches as well as pre-season matches here. Discover the Yankees in Tampa, the Rays in Port Charlotte, the Phillies in Clearwater, and the Blue Jays in Dunedin.

The former baseball stadium in St. Petersburg, on the other hand, is now used for football matches of the hooligans. Great atmosphere, although the spectator stands – as usual in baseball – only line the field on two sides.

If you don’t shy away from the hot summer days in Florida, you can also watch football live with the “Tampa Bay Bucaneers” in Tampa. The best way to get tickets is via Stubhub or the official distributors.

Tampa Bay – 7 Things to Do Off the Beach: #3 Spot Animals

Without consciously looking for animals, you will discover squirrels, beautiful birds and, on the “Pinellas Trail”, turtles on a regular basis. Dolphins appear on the coast and pelicans appear, neither of which you have to look for.

Ever heard of the manatee? Yes, there is such a thing. Here they are better known as “manatees” and they especially like to frolic in groups in the warm water around the Tampa Electric power plant, which is why there is also an official “viewing center” here. Depending on the time of year, the animals can also be seen in some state parks.

If you prefer to marvel at animals from a safe distance, you will find white tigers and black pumas as well as the shy Florida panther in the “Big Cat Rescue“. All the animals that live here were rescued by the organization. Therefore, all income goes to the protection and rescue of wild animals. The visit is only possible with a guide, be sure to book in advance.

The well-known amusement park “Bush Gardens” is clearly more commercial. However, the enclosures are beautifully laid out and the variety of animals is very wide.

Tampa Bay – 7 Things to Do Off the Beach: #4 Admire
Art

There are two museums in St. Petersburg that are particularly worth seeing: “The Dali” is not only architecturally unique, but the exhibition with works by Salvador Dali and other artists is also worth a visit. But I’m even more excited about the artwork by glass artist Dale Chihuly, which is just a walk away.

If you prefer to stay outside when the weather is nice, you will find many impressive murals in the streets of St. Petersburg. Unsurprisingly, they are particularly common in the Art District. Street art can also be found in Tampa itself. The well-known postcard motif can be found on the corner of Florida Avenue and Royal Street.

Tampa Bay – 7 Things to Do Off the Beach: #5 Eat
Well

You can’t eat well in Tampa Bay. You MUST eat well. Yes, that’s a command. The selection is huge and there are numerous great restaurants and food trucks. I would have loved to try something new every day in the morning, at noon and in the evening. My two favorites are in St. Petersburg and belong together: Locale Market and Farmtable Cucina. The former is a kind of market hall and the second is the restaurant above it. Fantastic ambiance, great service and sensational dishes.

There’s a food experience with a twist in Tampa: Bern’s Steakhouse. An inconspicuous white concrete block from the outside, more than 300 employees wait for guests inside in various individually furnished guest rooms. The steakhouse is not only known for its meat, but also for the largest wine list any restaurant in the world. After dinner, there will be the option to get a tour of the kitchen and the legendary wine cellar. Be sure to say “yes”. Also for dessert, which is served in a separate “Dessert Room“. Attention, an early reservation – at least three weeks in advance – is necessary.

Great ambience inside and fortunately also outside, as well as food inspired by America’s Native Americans can be found at «Ulele». If you prefer something more classic, you will like “Jackson’s Bistro” right on the water. A visit to the Oxford Exchange is the perfect place for brunch or lunch.

Is the “Oystercatchers” recommended to you? Go there, but only for a drink at sunset. Firstly, you get the nicer place on the terrace and secondly, you won’t be disappointed with the food.

Tampa Bay – 7 Things to Do Off the Beach: #6 Shopping

Why take refuge in air-conditioned outlet temples such as the “Ellenton Premium Outlet” when there are numerous markets with local food and creative handicrafts outside?

I especially enjoyed going to the “Saturday Morning Market” in St. Petersburg on weekends and stocked up on organic vegetables from the “Little Pond Farm“. Markets of all kinds and food trucks can be found all over the Tampa Bay region. Just keep your eyes open or ask locals for their tips.

One neighbourhood with pretty boutiques is the “Hyde Park Village” in Tampa. You shouldn’t miss the shop adjacent to the restaurant in the Oxford Exchange.

Tampa Bay – 7 Things to Do Off the Beach: #7 Cool Off

You can also keep a cool head away from the beach. For example, licking the “gourmet” water ice cream from “The Hyppo” in St. Petersburg, Tampa or in Hyde Park Village. Also refreshing are the tasty beers of the local microbreweries, which are offered in many restaurants. At some breweries you can also stop for a bite to eat on site. In Tampa, the Coppertail Brewing Company opens its doors.

On hot days, a visit to the “Sunken Gardens” in St. Petersburg is also recommended. The trees and unique plants provide shade and create a pleasant climate for strolling even in the blazing sun.

And if you want to jump into the cool water after the alternative program and feel a longing for sand between your toes, Honeymoon Island is recommended.

Text & Pictures: Jrene Rolli