Tampa travel advice

Going to Tampa for a week next month. What the hell is there to do in Tampa?

We're staying with family and will have a car, so we can drive around and explore. We're spending one night away in Clearwater at the Hyatt Regency on the beach. We MIGHT get to a Rays game. Other than that, I had planned on spending most of my time by the pool and on the boat at the house we're staying at.

I don't know much at all about the actual city of Tampa. What's good?

 

Mons Venus.

 

Besides that. That's a given.

 

Noted travel agent Craig Finn of The Hold Steady seems to have something against Ybor City. I'd stay away.

 

Honestly, after the pool time, boat time, jetski time and time in Clearwater, there's not going to be a lot of time for me to explore the city. Unless there's something I absolutely need to see, or if there's a restaurant or bar I should definitely try.

Also, we may be stopping in Daytona on the way down, and I'll probably have a few hours to waste. Anything good there?

Probably stopping in Savannah on the way back. Kinda pumped about that.

 

Now Savannah is a ton of fun, especially down along the river. Lots of great bars and seafood joints. I've only been once, then of course, got zapped back into reality when the team I cover played at Savannah State, which isn't exactly in the best part of town.

 

Good thing I'll be traveling with two women who don't like seafood. Oh well, they'll either find something else on the menu they like or leave me there and go somewhere else.

We're obviously driving down and back. Didn't realize how difficult (not to mention expensive) it is to rent a Jeep or other convertable. Just insane. Looks like it'll be the Mazda 3.

 

Get a sandwich at Publix.

 

Ryan, due to the near-certainty of the occasional tropical downpour, you do not want a convertible when visiting Florida. I have learned this the hard way.

 

Mainly for the drive down and back. Either way, eff that. Too expensive.

And Mizzou...I've been to a Publix, both when I lived in Alabama and when I was in Miami a few years ago. So solid. And I'm sure we'll go to one for grilling supplies while I'm down there. Hell, even the canolis they make are good.

 

Bern's Steakhouse. Take out a loan if necessary.

 

Given the fact that I'd need to take out a loan, I'll probably just buy a steak at Publix and grill it at the house. I think I have heard of that place, though. That good, huh?