Tampa Bay Sun

What Are The Top Beach Vacation Ideas?

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The ocean has a way of causing excitement and relaxation at the same time. The fresh air sun and sand can bring us all back to childhood days of spending time at the beach. If it is time for you to experience this again, try renting a cottage by the sea, for the whole family to enjoy. Rentals are available, nightly, weekly or for a month or more. When you stay directly on the beach you can experience the ocean at every time of the day for memories that will last a lifetime.

Most rentals include kitchens, so making picnic lunches and dinners on the beach will be possible. Watching the sunset as you sip wine and listen to the surf is a great way to end the day. Boogie boarding, sand castle building and hunting for shells can keep the children busy all day long.

You may chose to plan a vacation with another family and share the cost of a rental. If this family has children, it can help keep your kids occupied all day long. Dinners together can help you save money of this family vacation. Bring back childhood memories for yourself and create new memories for your family with a beach vacation.

What Are The Most Romantic New England Vacation Ideas?

admin — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

From Boston to Vermont and the islands of Maine, New England is a spot for romance. Whether enjoying a night overlooking the the Boston Harbor or enjoying the foliage of the Vermont mountains, there is something for everyone.

- Cape Cod in the winter is a secluded beach venue where you will not have to deal with the crowds, enjoy your stay at a secluded bed and breakfast away from everyone.

- Go ice skating on Boston’s Frog Pond. Then warm up with a romantic dinner at one of Boston’s top restaurants.

- Head up to the quaint town of Woodstock, Vermont and enjoy the foliage at one of the prettiest villages in New England.

- Snuggle up to a fire at an inn on Peak’s Island, Maine. Only a twenty-minute ferry ride from Portland. In the winter there may not be many people, but you aren’t looking for people!

- Enjoy a quiet gondola ride at dusk in Providence, RI as you take in the views of the river walk while enjoying some cheese and crackers, and romantic Italian music.

New England is filled with nooks and crannies of seclusion to be enjoyed by couples looking to get away.

What Are The Top Roadside Attractions In The United States?

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

With so many roadside attractions in the United States, there has never been a better reason to drive across the country to destinations like Texas or Florida.

One amazing roadside attraction to visit is the Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, Alabama. This attraction features 125 mini sculptures created to mirror famous religious buildings.

Graceland Too is another must-see attraction. This Elvis Presley fan site is located between Graceland and Tupelo. The site contains thousands of pieces of antique Elvis Presley memorabilia. The entrance fee is only 5.

Snake Alley can offer a fun driving experience, as it is a road literally constructed in the shape of a snake. This road was constructed in the early 1900s, when engineers thought its shape would be conducive to horse drawn carriages. Instead, the road has simply turned into one of the most impractical roads and unusual scenes in Burlington, Iowa.

Visiting the world’s largest Santa Clause is also a great roadside distraction. The world’s largest Santa Clause is located in the North Pole, Arkansas. He was built in 1962 and requires a new paint job every year.

These are just a few of the top roadside attractions the United States has to offer bored drivers.

Summer Proof Your Tampa Home

admin — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Tampa Bay is a great place to live but with summer coming up residents here should take a few precautionary steps to make sure their homes are ready for hotter weather. Here are a few of our suggestions for keeping your Florida property safe through the summer.
Check for leaks. If you’re worried about your cooling bills in the hot summer months, you may want to invest in an energy audit for your home. This means you may need to invest in things like new the doors or sears windows but the money you put in will be paid back in the long run through your energy bills.
Protect your exterior. If your home is made of vulnerable siding or stucco you might have to put in a little extra work to get it summer ready. Consider resealing your home’s exterior or investing in a heat shield to protect it from the sun.
Get ready for weather. Everyone knows the weather in Tampa can be unpredictable at times so make sure your home is ready for things like hurricanes in the rainy season. Check gutters, make sure you have flood insurance and have your roof inspected for stability.

Tampa Bay Rays heat things up on and off the field

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:48:30 +0000

The Tampa Bay Rays are one team that is almost as remarkable off the field as they are on it. The long road to the team’s creation began in 1980s, trying to woo over existing teams like the Minnesota Twins or the San Francisco Giants. St. Petersburg even built the Tropicana Field (originally the Florida Suncoast Dome) in the hopes of drawing over a team. The team finally came into existence as an expansion franchise in 1998.The Rays (appearing as the Devil Rays, their original name) were featured in the 2002 film The Rookie, which tells the true story of Jim Morris. Morris was a high school science teacher and baseball coach renowned for his ability to pitch at speeds of 98 mph. Morris pitched with the Rays for two seasons.A number of fans have made their mark on the Rays’ home games. One of these is Robert Szasz, “The Happy Heckler”, a real estate developer who sits by home plate and loudly riffs on the opposing team. However, thanks to his code of ethics, he has become a popular sports icon, though opposing players like Bret Boone would disagree. Cary Strukel, the “Cowbell Kid”, makes an equal amount of noise, but also convinces others to join in with him in ringing their own cowbells. The tradition is based off of the classic Saturday Night Live sketch.The Rays have also made their presence known on the field. On Sunday, July 25, the Rays turned around a losing streak to win two games in Cleveland. Their victory included a three-run homer by Reid Brignac and some impressive pitching by Wade Davis. Up next for the team is a three-night series against the Detroit Tigers, located at the Rays’ hometown Tropicana Field.

Tampa Bay nightlife heats up when the sun goes down

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:42:36 +0000

Tampa Bay is a great family-vacation spot, but there’s also a thriving scene of single tourists and locals who make the nightlife one to remember. Besides the company, Tampa Bay’s bars and clubs bring a lot to the table as well. Here are some of the best places to check out if you’re looking to keep the party going into the night.

Hyde Park Caf: This hot spot has seen the likes of Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan, and Jessica Sierra (she was an American Idol finalist, if you don’t remember). The Caf’s famous “pigza” (various ham pizzas) will keep your energy up as the dancing goes late into the night. The club also boasts resident DJs like MACHINO and Jask.
Four Green Fields Pub: The Four Green Fields is the oldest Irish pub in Tampa, and still holds up as one of the city’s hot spots. Featuring traditional Irish music every weekend, the club also boasts a respectable drinks menu (of course) and some Irish classics like corned beef and vegetable soup. When you get tired of the food and music, keep your skills high by practicing on their dartboard.
Floyd’s/Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino: If you want to feel like one of the beautiful people, this is the place to be. A 20 cover charge on Fridays and Saturdays (at least last year) will let your pockets feel it, too. However, Friday Ladies Nights and cheap(ish) drinks help even things out, and the thrill of spinning the slots and shaking your tailfeathers will keep you going until late in the night.
Skipper’s Smokehouse: Skipper’s Smokehouse combines great music and great food into one perfect night. Featuring musicians from all genres and acts of life, including Sun Ra and Jonathan Richman, Skipper’s supports coming together and enjoying life. What more could you want from your Tampa Bay vacation?

Plan your Tampa Bay family vacation with Busch Gardens

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:37:40 +0000

There’s plenty of natural attractions in Tampa Bay: beautiful oceans, sunny beaches, and even the historic Ybor City. No trip is complete, though, without a visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Now, it’s easier than ever thanks to some great packages being offered by the theme park. These include adding an extra night for free when you stay 2 nights at any partner hotel, or getting a free admission to the Howl-O-Scream Halloween event.Busch Gardens Tampa has plenty of attractions, both old and new, to attract the fiercest tourists, all wrapped in an authentic African theme. The Jungala zone is a four-acre location in the Congo area, and includes plenty of opportunities for kids and parents alike to let their inner animal out. Come face to face with a white Bengal tiger, or let your kids test their balance on a three-story rope maze.No roller coaster fan will be able to pass up the SheiKra coaster, which features a 90-degree vertical drop from 200 feet in the air. Can you stomach the site of the ground racing directly towards your face? There’s only one way to find out. If that doesn’t do it, the Gwazi might be the coaster to make you say uncle. It’s one of the largest wooden double roller coasters in the world. Each line of cars represents one part of the mythical Gwazi, which is part lion and part tiger. The duel between the two predators is breathtaking, and exhilarating.There are a number of great restaurants (which you’ll probably want to check out after the rides). The Crown Colony Restaurant is a traditional family-style restaurant located near the Serengeti Plain, while the Zagora Caf (located in the Morocco area) features a number of healthy and vegetarian options–perfect for keeping your energy up for the next exciting event of the day. If you want to truly experience Tampa Bay, make sure Busch Gardens is on your to-do list.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo

Pick a hotel for your Tampa Bay trip

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:32:49 +0000

When picking a hotel, there are obviously some requirements to keep in mind, such as cost and atmosphere. The Tampa Bay offers a variety of family-friendly (as well as spring-break-ready) options. Take a look at some of these selections, and see which one works best for you.

Best Western Bay Harbor Hotel: This waterfront hotel is 2.5 miles from Tampa International, and definitely delivers with its cosmopolitan and traveler-friendly atmosphere. The Hotel features Wi-Fi and a business center, but with a complimentary fitness center, pool, and transport to two local malls, you’ll hardly have the time to catch up on work.
Country Inn & Suites Tampa Airport North: If you’re interested in a place that feels like home (only much, much better), you’ll love the Country Inn & Suites. Their welcoming atmosphere includes country-style dcor and complimentary hot breakfast. They also have the business centers, Wi-Fi, and shuttle service necessary so you don’t lose touch with the rest of the world.
Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport: The Sheraton has always been known for its elegance and class, and after its multi-million dollar renovation, the Tampa location does not disappoint. Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Beds provide the perfect resting place after a long day of recreation, and the remodeled St. James Restaurant means you can eat great without having to head back out into the city.
Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn: If you’re interested in experiencing another side of Tampa, we heartily suggest the Don Vicente Inn, where you can experience all the splendor of Europe. The historic building was built in 1895 as a planning and development office for Ybor City, then became a health center. In 1998, Jack Shiver began refurbishing it, and the two million dollars of renovations have only heightened the inn’s charms. The Grand Salon is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine, while the comfortable accommodations of the rooms will quickly usher you to sleep in the evenings.

Investigating the sea turtles of Tampa Bay

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:28:05 +0000

The struggles of sea turtles to reach their nesting locations every year have been well-publicized in recent years by conservancy groups. A program in Tampa Bay was one of the earliest programs to investigate the movements and behavior of the species. Dr. Dave Nelson, a member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Waterways Experiment Station, developed the project. He captured and tagged a male loggerhead, named Jason, in August of 1997. More loggerheads were captured in November, including a female named Debbie. The project continued through 1998.The capture of the males was especially well-planned (or lucky, considering on your perspective), since males usually don’t leave the water except to pursue females through the surf. Sea turtles may not have their habitats to return to in the near future, however, if we don’t face the consequences our current actions are having, including: hunting turtles for meat; commercial fishing; entanglement in marine debris; and a thriving illegal shell trade. The Army Corps of Engineers’ study was designed to protect the turtles during the dredging of Tampa Bay.Florida’s desire to protect loggerheads has not diminished in the ensuing years. Between 2008 and 2009, the Sea Turtle Conservancy and the University of Central Florida worked together to track the patterns of migrating loggerheads. Public support is also high, and interested citizens can donate to groups like the Sea Turtle Conservancy, founded in Gainesville, Florida in 1959. Volunteers are also invited to adopt a satellite-tracked turtle, or to work as part of the Green Turtle, Leatherback, and Neotropical Bird programs at various sites. If you want to make a difference in the lives of these creatures, don’t take your timestart doing your research today. The threats against the turtles continue to increase, and the turtles themselveswell, they’re not getting any faster.

http://www.visittampabay.com/