Tampa
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.
Key West
Key West's reputation has certainly undergone a makeover over the years. When Ernest Hemingway called the island home from 1931-1961, Key
West was a quiet, laid back port town with its own character and a unique charisma. To visit Key West now is to find an island that has been almost
completely commercialized, with small pockets of the old Key West disappearing
fast.
Not that this is a terrible thing. The confluence of people
into Key West makes for a more diverse atmosphere and a fun-loving destination
365 days a year. Key West still embodies a true "laid back" spirit and
a quirky self-deprecating humor; even the cemetery is a source of offbeat
amusement. Think about it, how many places have you visited that actually
celebrate the sunset?
Key West has been an inspiration to countless authors and
artists. Among those who have called the island home, besides Hemingway, are
John James Audubon, Tennessee Williams, and John Hershey.
While over 1.2 million people visit Key West annually, only
30,000 people call it home on a permanent basis. But those 30,000 are fiercely
loyal. Nicknamed "The Conch Republic," Key West even has its own flag!
Most permanent residents have called Key West home for generations, and many
would confess that they have never left the island. Can you blame them?
Festivals and celebrations dot the calendar year-round in Key
West. From Hemingway Day in July to Fantasy Fest in October, your visit has a
good chance of coinciding with a local event.
Of course, over time, the secret of Key West has gotten out.
The amount of hotel rooms has tripled, and the delicate balance of natural
beauty has been threatened. The only living coral- reef in North America is
found here, and steps have been taken to ensure its continued survival.
What will never change is the beautiful weather and
breathtaking scenery you will find in Key West. The island is only twelve square
miles, easily covered on foot or bicycle. With all its commercialization, Key
West has managed to maintain a unique flavor all its own.
Belize City
Belize is marvelously diverse and unique; a traveling adventure like no other. It is perhaps the most ecologically protected and environmentally varied country in the entire world. Featuring the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, the beaches and keys are fascinating sites to explore. The history of Belize reaches back 4,000 years, when the Mayan empire ruled the land. Around 900 A.D., the Mayan empire began to decline, and during the 16th century, Europeans took over. The cultural mosaic that comprises the mood of Belize comes from influences brought on by the Spanish, Scottish, Garifuna, and British. The citizens, while culturally diverse, remain committed to the land and unified when it comes to preservation of natural resources. Conservation laws protect about 36% of the land in Belize, proving that Belizeans are leading the fight to save Mother Nature. By attending a program sponsored by the Tropical Education Center, you can learn all about the steps being taken to protect the human and natural resources of Belize. The land's heritage is well known and respected, and the Belizean culture is like no other.
The life in Belize is truly un-Belize-able. Jaguars, mountain cows, and howler monkeys reside in the rain forests. When expeditions are held, dozens of new bird species can be found every day. Over 70% of the animal life in Belize is nocturnal, and, as a result, by venturing on a tour early in the morning, you can discover an incredible array of creatures. The tropical rain forests remain unspoiled, and it is home to over 700 kinds of trees and over 500 species of birds. Wild orchids and many other rare flora are being found all the time, and this is why it is so important that the land remain protected. These forests also house herbs and medicines to cure all kinds of ailments, with other resources no doubt remaining untapped.
The population of Belize City is just over 200,000, made up of people from Creole, Garifuna, Mayan, Mestizo, and European descent. All of them live in a state of harmony, and tourists are treated like neighbors. Locals are almost always eager to assist you on your travels, and greet you with a kind smile. Belize is also the only English speaking country in all of Central America, and this is always a plus with tourists from the United States.
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