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.
Cozumel
If you're looking for a beautiful Caribbean style vacation
within Mexico, then look no further than Cozumel, Mexico. This lovely hideaway
is Mexico's largest island, yet remains somewhat undiscovered by Mexico's 20
million annual visitors. Cozumel is located 12 miles offshore of the city of Playa del Carmen. Yet
only 3 percent of its land has been developed, making it an ideal place to
explore the region in its pristine and nearly unaltered state.
Cozumel's history is centered on its importance to the
Mayan culture as one of three ceremonial centers in the region, and this link to
the past can be further explored by paying a visit to one of 40 archeological
sites still present on the island. When the Spanish took over the island in
1519, Cozumel became a pivotal trading center in salt and honey. The collapse of
the Spanish Empire in the late 16th century ushered in nearly 300
years of obscurity to this Caribbean land, yet it has recently flourished as a
popular cruise and travel destination; luring people from across the globe to
bask in its wonderful weather, amazing diving locations, and friendly people.
Cozumel, although not nearly as developed as its northern
neighbor Cancun, still contains all the resources necessary for the ultimate
cruise destination. Shopping is prevalent, and duty-free stores, selling
everything under the tropical sun, invite the seasoned bargain hunter. Cozumel
has been consistently rated the best spot in the world for scuba diving
and snorkeling. Restaurants on the island are world-class as well as affordable.
Finally, its proximity to the popular excursions of Xel-Ha Lagoons, the Mayan
ruins at Tulum, and Playa del Carmen solidify its position as one of the top
cruise destinations in the Caribbean.
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