Judy Grillo
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Tampa: City Life

2/5/2016

10 Comments

 
 I headed to the Gulf side to visit with a friend but that never came to fruition. That said, I had a much more fun time in Tampa than expected starting with some very interesting people from all over the world. 

Days were spent playing tourist (mostly by bike) & I almost wished for a rainy day so I could go to the art & history museums.  My favorite spot was the former Tampa Bay Hotel which boasted the first electric lights in Tampa and the first elevator in Florida. You can see the minarets from quite a distance but I biked to the University campus to take a closer look. 

Thanks to Jeff (of Maryland!), I also cycled along gorgeous waterfront areas of Harbourside and Davis Island with views of the city skyline. While I did cruise through the famous Ybor City neighborhood, I was underwhelmed; it's now too famous to be "quaint". In Tampa Heights, across from my hostel, is the Woodlawn Cemetery where I decided to stroll for an hour and catch some interesting late 1800s styles.

Evenings were spent in conversation with fellow travelers who were great company to keep. The photos tell the rest of the story, but I have to say that I was quite pleasantly surprised by the beauty and livability of this city. Who knew?  


10 Comments
Eileen
2/8/2016 08:32:23 am

Tampa seems to be the latest tourist destination being advertised. Have only flown in and out of there but your photos always feature interesting facts and locations that are missed by many of us.

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Judy
2/8/2016 06:45:01 pm

Yes, I was pretty surprised by what Tampa had to offer. Some stunning properties along the bay. Did you love the green Kit Kat?

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Eileen
2/9/2016 09:37:25 am

I like Kit Kats, but that green one looked totally unappetizing. In a word, NO!

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Karen
2/9/2016 01:49:03 pm

The perfect snack at night is a hot cup of green tea and a bite of chocolate, so I'm thinking that Kit Kat bar was delish? No? :)

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Judy
2/10/2016 10:36:52 am

Karen,
You are a wise gal! The chocolate was much creamier than the U.S. version and I loved it!

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Sue
2/11/2016 08:52:24 am

Your pie picture made me smile! I am glad you found some warmth and a place to ride.

I picked up my new frame and haven't been able to test it yet, it is way to cold here!

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Judy
2/12/2016 09:43:38 am

Indeed, I am still shouting about my love for pie! Await your photo of your first ride on the new ride!

Really laid back here in Sebastian at the moment. Update to come.

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Anne-Marie
2/11/2016 10:39:48 am

Great views of Tampa from your perspective; especially like the life-like seated forms at gravesite, views from Davis Island, and ref. to Fall Riverite. Kit Kat bar? Love the packaging as much as I would love the flavors---very Lilly Pulitzer aesthetics!

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Judy
2/12/2016 09:46:15 am

AMG ... yes, surprisingly manageable city with friendly people. The hostel experience is always a surprise -- who will show up? Planning a bike photo tour for tomorrow so I can update for Sebastian. Today, 75 at last and heading for short ride & short beach trip..

Reply
Claudette
2/16/2016 04:20:10 pm

My Tampa experience was only work related. Thanks for sharing yours. Photos always great.
The only reason I liked Ybor City was to eat at the Columbia Restaurant which is pretty authentic.

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    Cyclist, writer, teacher, avid reader, bike/ped advocate, nomad, pie lover

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