VACATION: TAMPA

While I grew up in the Bronx, I've spent more than half my life now in the Tampa Bay area. I've been back "home" for about a week now and it's been both wonderful and tiring. While it is not my first time back to the lightning capital since my move to Illinois, spending more than a few days at your parents' house would drive most people nuts!

TRUTH! Obviously not my photo, credit to @memecenter

I'm going to spend my time here between a few things:
1) Seeing friends 
2) Spending time with my nephews & niece
3) IN WATER/GETTING A TAN
4) Metrocon weekend
5) Preparing to drive back to Illinois

For the rest of this post, I thought I'd highlight some great things I hope to revisit while I'm in Tampa! You can find them below!
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I'll write again soon!

Crystal


* Note - Many of the images below aren't mine. Please don't sue me XD Blame google lol

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Tampa Theatre

Me at the Tampa Theatre years ago!

While I didn't watch many as a kid, I'm a big movie lover now. The experience of going to the cinema never gets old to me and while I haven't gone recently, I'm down for visiting the Tampa Theatre before I leave. A beautiful landmark where you can find classic, modern, international, and small production films as well as live events and more. The historical architecture is cool and I always look forward to hearing the organist play before the show starts!

Ybor City

Again, another place I drive by a lot when I'm home but never get to stop at enough. More than anything, I come to Ybor for the The Bunker, a cute little coffee shop that host little events, like poetry readings (and where my cousin works!), the Muvico, and the little specialty food places (THAT COLOMBIAN RESTAURANT URGH). There are clubs and shopping spots too. Also, if you are stopping by Ybor, a signature cigar is nice on occasion.

During the humid FL summer, I'd never suggest going unless you want to be sweaty and uncomfortable, but the Tampa Riverwalk is gorgeous at night and usually has a light breeze passing over the river. You can catch a boat tour if you don't want to walk too!