Awesome Things to See and Do in Tampa! #Tampa

Last week, my mother gave my husband and me a lovely gift. Two whole days of being toddler free! She drove over to our house and relinquished us from our parenting duties and we quickly hopped in the car and headed for one of our favorite places, Tampa, Florida!

Did I ever tell you how much I love Tampa? I love it so much that got married there. Even though we were living 3 hours away in north central Florida at the time, I drove to Tampa the weekend after we got engaged and booked a venue and photographer AND bought a dress all in one afternoon.

So, naturally we headed back to where it all started. Tampa is just a few hours drive from us, but even if you're not so close I'd highly recommend a visit to this wonderful city. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa has everything from gorgeous white-sand beaches to professional sports teams to theme parks. There is truly something for everyone in this fab city.

Here are my 3 favorite things to see and do in Tampa (in no particular order):

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Busch Garden has always been one of my favorite theme parks. I grew up in the Northeast but like many families, we vacationed in Florida when my parents could swing it. On one of those trips we spent a day at Busch Gardens and although I was young I still remember riding The Python with my brothers. I loved seeing the animals and riding the rides and those great memories still come rushing back every time I visit this wonderful park. Although the rides may have gotten more sophisticated, the fun is still the same!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay packs an amazing experience into one park. Sure, there are other theme parks out there that offer the opportunity to see animals from all walks of the Earth, or super thrilling rides, or great food and drinks, but none offer all of it in just ONE place. We got to see hundred of animals one our visit last week. Elephants, giraffes, lions, chimps, exotic birds, hippos, river otters - you name it, we saw it! We even got to feed a kangaroo!

Although we were "kid free" during our visit, we still paid a visit to the AWESOME children's area at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. They have many kid-friendly attractions, but this area of the park is perfect for young children and toddlers. Not only does it have lots of space to climb and play, it's got a "splash pad" AND the Sesame Street Safari! We got to see Elmo and the gang while we stopped by. I cannot wait to take our little guy to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! I know he's going to love it so we're already planning our next visit!

2. Ybor City, specifically to visit Columbia restaurant.  Ybor City is one of only three National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. This historic area is comprised of cobblestone streets and several old cigar factory buildings. Ybor City became "the cigar capital of the world" by 1900, but by 1950  the cigar factories were gone. The one thing that does remain from this time period (besides the awesome architecture) is the Columbia Restaurant. Founded in 1905, the Columbia is the oldest restaurant in Florida. It's made a lasting impact for good reason - the food and atmosphere are fantastic. Although Columbia has grown to several location on the west coast of Florida, the Ybor City location is the original and it's really worth a visit. You will love their warm Cuban bread and butter and their menu is full of yummy food and drinks.

I'd highly recommend their Imported Sangria - it's AMAZING. Since they have several locations you can visit any of them for a great meal, but the trip to Ybor City is definitely worth it.  Pictured above is my husband and I toasting on our third wedding anniversary a few years ago at their Riverwalk location.

3. Professional Sporting Events.  My husband is a MAJOR Major League Baseball fan and he especially loves the Tampa Bay Rays. We've been to quite a few of their games at Tropicana Field and we've always had a great time. In fact, our little guy's first major league experience was a Rays' game! If you're not into baseball, Tampa is also home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightening. All of Tampa's sporting venues are awesome too.

Have you been to Tampa, Florida?
What are your favorite things to see and do on vacation?