Gale Tobin on What Makes Tampa Area Special

 

                                        Gale Tobin on What Makes Tampa Area Special

Growing up in Tampa, Florida has been a captivating and unforgettable experience. It has this rich combination of cultures from laid-back beaches to business developments that my wide-eyed self-reveled in. There were tons of places that we went to as a family—most of which were in the heart of nature, beaches, coasts, forests, sanctuaries, and etc. Opposite to that was the festivals, nightlife, and shopping districts that my parents took great pleasure in. It was everything in between, balancing out the diverse community in the area.

 

I enjoyed being close to the water the most as it never runs out of entertainment—simply being at the beach or coast was enough to fill the day with adventures as it is always in close proximity to various establishments. I remember seeing manatees as a kid and being in awe of their cute faces and oval-shaped bodies; I even referred to them as chubby mermaids due to their paddle-like tails. Seeing them usually spiked a curiosity in me to the point of creating stories in my mind. As for the sanctuaries, there were a variety of them from manatees to big cats to crocodiles and to giraffes. I believe that my love for animals developed from my exposure to the raw beauty of nature in the Tampa Area.

 

Furthermore, the arts and culture of the area had a Latino flavor due to the 20th-century developments made by the Cuban and Spanish cigar factory workers in the Ybor City neighborhood. Florida has always been known for its rich history and Tampa Area truly preserved that old-fashioned yet metropolitan charm. While it is recognized as a popular area, it is the hidden gem of Florida that cannot compare with its neighboring cities. Leaving this place deepened my appreciation for its flair; Hence, here’s a list of what makes it so special.

 

 

St. Petersburg’s Saturday Morning Market

 

The Saturday Morning Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in the Southeastern United States with a weekly feast of fresh produce, live entertainment, handmade artisan crafts and jewelry, and delicious food. The residents of St. Petersburg have developed a close-knit community that continues to make their name through their relentless festivities and local businesses. The safe yet fun space for their community continues to welcome other residents—how the Saturday Morning Market came about.

 

With a mission to be the “heart” of St. Petersburg, they have instilled elements that are perfect for family-friendly gatherings. Kids take this delight in this market as they get to engage in an eclectic social experience. The local farmers always find a way to make this place entertaining especially when they showcase their fresh produce. The performers highlight their distinct talents as they embody the core of being an artist—from singers to accordionists, balloon artists, chalk artists, magicians, and living statues. The vendors share their pride through the food or crafts as they invite people to dig in or explore their spread. The customers coming from all over the world also contribute to this experience as they take part in this event with awe.

 

This place is also dog-friendly, adding to all the reasons why it’s a wonderful place to visit. Those with pet companions wouldn’t have to worry about finding a place where they can dine together while meeting their needs. The variety of dogs is an amusing sight to see as they hold a performance of their own in their natural qualities; dogs being dogs never fail to brighten anyone’s day.

 

Tampa Bay History Center

 

When in Tampa, one shouldn’t forget to take a trip to the Tampa Bay History Center. It was founded in 1989 by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners in order to preserve the history of the first people who inhabited Florida thousands of years ago as well as the arrival of the European explorers in the 1500s. It also intends to commemorate the cultural contract between the Native Americans and European explorers in the 16th century. This center aims to share Tampa Bay and Florida’s history, heritage, and culture through their hands-on exhibit galleries, educational programs, and community events.

 

The Tampa Bay History Center was designed in a way to bring diverse cultures together. The sophisticated architecture demonstrates an open outline of the museum. Instead of constructing the typical traditional-looking site, they approached it in a modernistic manner in order to bridge that gap between history and innovation. The rich yet contrasting stories make up the identity of this site as they interpret the idea of building it together into one. Visitors and locals of all ages will certainly be absorbed in the variety of cultures. It depicts stories of victory and loss that depict the essence of integrity and bravery.

 

Visitors can also dine in the Columbia Cafe, a branch of the world-famous Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City that features the signature Spanish-Cuban Cuisine of Tampa Bay. Their sandwiches are definitely a must-try given that it’s rich with that authentic Cuban spice and flavor.

 

Fort DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg

 

Fort DeSoto Park is abundant with the raw beauty of nature. It is the largest park within the Pinellas County Park System holding 1,136 acres of five interconnected islands. It is home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods, and native plants that do not only emphasize the beauty of this area but also play a role in the preservation of the natural environment. It also serves as a habitat for 328 species of birds that have been documented over the years by ornithologists. Other sea and wildlife species also take refuge in this area—contributing further to the diverse ecosystem of Fort DeSoto Park.

 

Given that various animals situate in this place, it simply means that the natural elements of mother nature were sustained. It also means that it carries the beauty and complexity of the ecology that truly stands out on its own even without man-made efforts. This place will remind people of the power of nature and why it’s crucial to maintain such systems.

 

Fort DeSoto Park features white soft sands and crystal-clear water with shades of blue and green. Aside from absorbing that beauty, visitors can also engage in a number of land and sea activities. There are rentals for kayaking, boating, and fishing as well as paths for walking, running, rollerblading, and biking. There is also a dedicated dog beach and dog park for those that are joined with their furry companions. Fort DeSoto is perfect for any kind of venture, may it be for family vacations, romantic getaways, or even business dealings—offering both adventure and elegance like no other. – Gale Tobin

 

Originally published at https://galetobin.com on September 29, 2021.