Ybor CityYbor City in central Tampa, with its cobblestone
streets and huge old cigar factory buildings, is a National
Historic Landmark District that beckons visitors back to an era
when this Latin Quarter was known as the cigar capital of the
world. The historic enclave, founded in 1886, has been fully
restored and although the cigar factories are no longer
operational, the buildings now house shops, restaurants, clubs and
art galleries drawing large numbers of visitors. It is still
possible to watch locals demonstrate the ancient art of premium
hand-rolled cigar making, or spend a wild night applauding Spanish
Flamenco dancers.Busch GardensBusch Gardens is a massive zoo-come-theme park, which
predates Florida's more famous Walt Disney World and offers an
equally exciting and entertaining experience for visitors. The park
is based on an overall African theme, divided into eight different
areas with thousands of animals living in naturalistic
environments. The site also contains thrill rides, live
entertainment venues, shops and restaurants, all easily viewed from
above from the Skyride cable car that crosses the park. In one day
it is possible to visit Tutankhamen's Tomb in Egypt, cross the
plains of the Serengeti and watch snake charmers in a Moroccan
sultan's tent.Museum of Science and IndustryThe hands-on Tampa Science Museum is designed to
educate, amaze and amuse both young and old with more than 450
interactive exhibits. Visitors can, for example, experience what it
is like to be in a Gulf Hurricane with winds of up to 74 miles per
hour (200km/h), or defy the laws of gravity in space. The biology
section features a unique way to explore the human body and stroll
through a butterfly garden. Also at the museum is Florida's first
IMAX dome theatre, and the museum building is set in a 47-acre
nature reserve which features walking trails.Tampa Museum of ArtIn downtown Tampa, the Tampa Museum of Art houses a
collection of 20th century and contemporary art, as well as a
renowned collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. There is also a
changing special exhibitions programme. *Note: the art collection
is in storage and will open in a temporary location on Howard
Avenue on 7 March 2008. A new museum is under construction which
aims to be completed by the end of 2009.Henry B. Plant MuseumThe Henry B. Plant Museum in the heart of downtown
Tampa is designed to transport visitors back to the turn of the
century. The ornate building is Moorish in design, featuring 13
silver minarets, said to be a copy of the famed Alhambra Palace in
Spain, and in itself is worth a visit. Railroad tycoon Henry Plant
built the edifice in 1891 as the 511-roomed Tampa Bay Hotel. Today
it houses period art and furnishings from Europe and the Orient,
and details via exhibits the history of the resort and the early
days of the tourist industry.Florida AquariumMore than 5,000 aquatic creatures, including
crocodiles and moray eels, live at the three-storey Florida
Aquarium where it is possible to explore the underwater world in
air-conditioned comfort. The aquarium utilises behind-the-scenes
tours, dive shows, audio tours, close-up animal encounters and
touch-tanks to spice up the experience. There are also numerous
informative and entertaining theme exhibits.
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