Tampa Visitor Center and Riverwalk, 2/21/2017

With our extended stay in the Tampa Bay Area this winter, we are looking for things to see and do. Today, we took a drive to downtown Tampa to the Visitor Center. I have found local visitor centers in the many places we have been in the last three years to be a great way to learn more about area.  

It is located across the street from the Florida Aquarium (www.flaquarium.org) in the Channelside Bay Plaza (www.channelsidebayplaza.com). This is also the location of Tampa's cruise ship terminals. 

Movie theaters, restaurants, retail and businesses can be found in the Channelside Bay Plaza.

A couple of blocks from the Plaza is the entrance to the Tampa River Walk (www.thetampariverwalk.com) near the Tampa Bay History Center (www.tampabayhistorycenter.org). Because we had Sadie with us, we did not tour the History Center although it appears to be an interesting museum.

The Historical Monument Trail can be found along the Riverwalk. There are bronze busts and monument nets that tell the story of noteworthy individuals who shaped the history of the Tampa Bay Area. Here are some that we saw.

The Heroes Plaza was dedicated on 9/11/2009 and honors those in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, including the military, police officers, fire fighters, and emergency responders. 

The Native American Cenotaph is a memorial to the Seminole Indians who once possessed this land. They thrived here for hundreds of years until the arrival of the Spanish and then settlers. It is a "ceremonial space" for the Seminoles with plaques that describe their lives and eventual evacuation to a reservation in Oklahoma. Such a a very sad tale of usurpers seizing what was not rightfully theirs to take. 

There are numerous playgrounds along the Riverwalk. 

The Amalie Arena (www.amaliearena.com) is a 20,000 seat facility that is home to the Stanley Cup-winning Tampa Bay Lightning and the Arena Football League's Tampa Bay Storm. About 150 concert performances are also held at this venue throughout the year. 

The Water Shuttle stops near the Tampa Convention Center Docks. Electric boats (boats) and water bikes are available for rent here as well. 

The Jose Gaspar is the ship that carries the band of "pirates" who invade and capture the city during the annual Gasparilla festival. Multiple events are held in January, February, and March, that commemorate the legend of the pirate that raided the area years ago. 

The condos on the water with boat slips looks like a fun place to live! 

It was an enjoyable afternoon exploring and learning more about this part of Tampa. Sadie had fun seeing all of the sights as well!