Tampa may not have the sophistication of its more glamorous neighbor to the south, Miami, but there is more than enough to see and do here. Henry B. Plant is responsible for Tampa's growth. Plant built a railroad that led into town, and Tampa began to flourish. Today, Tampa is one of the country's busiest seaports. From its modest beginnings as a small port town, Tampa has grown into a center of commerce for West Coast Florida, and this growth is reflected in the diverse attractions the city has to offer. Neighboring Ybor City actually sprung to prominence first, thanks to the exploding cigar industry of the late 19th century. This growth is evident even to this day, as 500 million cigars are produced here every single year. Now, Ybor City, home to Tampa's Cuban community, has been transformed into a lively dining and nightlife hot spot. A walk down 7th Avenue between 15th and 20th Streets will have your toes tapping. There are enough diverse attractions in Tampa to enchant each member of the family. For the sports enthusiast, catch a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game at the beautiful Ice Palace, or cheer on the NFL's Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, home of Super Bowl XXXV. In the spring, visit the World Champion New York Yankees, who train in Tampa. There's the Salvador Dali museum in nearby St. Petersburg to add culture to your journey. Or, visit the Florida Aquarium and learn of the wonders under the sea. If you're traveling with children, Busch Gardens will be an absolute must-see. From its collection of heart-stopping thrill rides to its world class animal park, there is enough to see here to last you a couple of days. But even if the kids are away, you can still play. There are plenty of excellent restaurants, shops, and attractions that will stimulate your inner child. If your primary objective is a good tan, head over to St. Petersburg and sample one of Florida's pristine beaches. Most of all, if you're looking for a great place to spend the day, allow Tampa to enchant you.
