Inside, the prized dish is the Original Cuban Sandwich. The “Mixto,” as it was called in its heyday,

3152 Comments (2) http%3A%2F%2Fblog.travelchannel.com%2Fthe-traveling-type%2F2012%2F08%2F29%2Ftop-indoor-attractions-in-tampa-during-rnc-week%2F Top+Indoor+Attractions+in+Tampa+During+RNC+Week 2012-08-29+14%3A55%3A13 Lisa+Singh http%3A%2F%2Fblog.travelchannel.com%2Fthe-traveling-type%2F%3Fp%3D3152 |
The aftermath alaska cruise line comparison of Hurricane Isaac may leave Tampa, Florida , with a spotty weather forecast this week. So if you're alaska cruise line comparison in town for the Republican National Convention or any other event, you may have to rethink your list of outdoor activities. But fear not: In a city with a history that stretches back 500 years, there's no shortage of culture to entertain you. Check out our list of things alaska cruise line comparison to do in the Tampa Bay area this week, whether the sun peaks through the clouds or not.
Tampa's prized historic district, Ybor City, is just a 5-minute drive from downtown Tampa and the Tampa Bay Times Forum arena. A lot of Ybor City's allure lies in its cigar-making past: Beginning in the 1880s, cigar manufacturers set up shop in Ybor, attracting immigrant workers mainly from Spain, Italy and Cuba. At the industry's peak, Ybor City was home to 200 cigar factories, with 700 million cigars hand-rolled each year!
Get a taste of this history at Columbia Restaurant , a Ybor City landmark that's been in business alaska cruise line comparison since 1905, earning it the nickname, "Florida's alaska cruise line comparison oldest restaurant." It's also the largest alaska cruise line comparison Spanish restaurant in the world, with 52,000 square feet that cover an entire city block.
Inside, alaska cruise line comparison the prized dish is the Original Cuban Sandwich. The "Mixto," as it was called in its heyday, was created by cigar workers in the 1890s. As the name implies, the sandwich includes a smorgasbord alaska cruise line comparison of cultural influences, piled high into one bite: ham (courtesy of the Spanish), Genoa salami (thanks to the Sicilians), marinated alaska cruise line comparison roast pork (Cubans), Swiss cheese (from Germans, actually), along with pickle and mustard all packed between freshly baked Tampa Cuban bread. The restaurant uses the original 1915 recipe from Cuban immigrant and Columbia Restaurant founder Casimiro Hernandez Sr.
Come nighttime, the music goes up and the lights alaska cruise line comparison go down in Ybor City: Start out at the massive Centro Ybor entertainment complex. Improv comedy, dinner at the Tampa Bay Brewing Company alaska cruise line comparison and a movie enjoyed with your favorite cocktail are among the options.
Swing around the block and explore Seventh Avenue, the main strip of Ybor City. One of the avenue's star attractions is Club Prana , where you can dance the night away to hip-hop music. alaska cruise line comparison If you're looking for a more relaxed, intimate vibe, head to The Boneyard where you can enjoy billiards pool and a beer.
Shopping on the brain? alaska cruise line comparison Head to International Plaza and Bay Street , a large upscale shopping mall in Tampa's Westshore business district. Have a cocktail, hang out for the evening; you'll find plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
More an art lover? alaska cruise line comparison Pay a visit to the Tampa Museum of Art , which showcases 20th century art, as well as Greek, Roman and Etruscan artifacts. In between alaska cruise line comparison your art tour, relax at the museum's SONO Café, where you can enjoy gelato and wine. If you're still hungry for more art, head about 45 minutes on Interstate 275 South to downtown St. Petersburg alaska cruise line comparison you'll find the new Salvador alaska cruise line comparison Dali Museum , which features one of the largest collections of the famed, irreverent artist's works.
alaska cruise line comparison 3152 2 Responses http%3A%2F%2Fblog.travelchannel.com%2Fthe-traveling-type%2F2012%2F08%2F29%2Ftop-indoor-attractions-in-tampa-during-rnc-week%2F Top+Indoor+Attractions+in+Tampa+During+RNC+Week 2012-08-29+14%3A55%3A13 Lisa+Singh http%3A%2F%2Fblog.travelchannel.com%2Fthe-traveling-type%2F%3Fp%3D3152 to Top Indoor Attractions in Tampa During RNC Week
I just moved to Tampa in February, and worked Downtown for the first 3 months. I have been so impressed with the community, especially downtown! You could really spend a weekend downtown and still not get to half of the things it offers!
In case you have seen all the displays, Friday Markets etc., and want to know when everything goes on, the city offers a great program called the Tampa Downtown Partnership, which is such a great resource on all the downtown events and a great directory of things to do, places to eat. They are in charge of all the yellow shirt guides downtown too!