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During your Tampa vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry)
A great place to take the kids, MOSI is the largest science center in the Southeast, with more than 450 interactive exhibits. Step into the Gulf Hurricane to experience 74 mph winds, explore the human body in The Amazing You and, if your heart is up to it, ride a bicycle across a 98-foot-long cable suspended 30 feet above the lobby (don't worry: you'll be harnessed to the bike). You can also watch stunning movies in Florida's first IMAX dome theater and take a 5-minute ride in a flight simulator ($3.50 additional charge). Outside, trails wind through a 47-acre nature preserve with a butterfly garden.
Adventure Island
If the summer heat gets to you before one of Tampa's famous thunderstorms brings late-afternoon relief, you can take a waterlogged break at this 25-acre outdoor water theme park near Busch Gardens Tampa Bay . You can also frolic here during the cooler days of spring and fall, when the water is heated. The Key West Rapids, Tampa Typhoon, Gulf Scream, and other exciting water rides will drench the teens, while other, calmer rides are geared toward younger kids. Wahoo Run plunges up to five riders more than 15 feet per second as the half-enclosed tunnel corkscrews more than 600 feet to a waiting splash pool. There are also places to picnic and sunbathe, an arcade, a volleyball complex, and an outdoor cafe. Although some people tend to go barefoot here, I suggest you wear shoes at all times -- it gets kind of nasty after a while.
Henry B. Plant Museum
Originally built in 1891 by railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant as the super-chichi 511-room Tampa Bay Hotel, this ornate building is worth a short trip across the river from downtown to the University of Tampa campus. Its 13 silver minarets and distinctive Moorish architecture, modeled after the Alhambra in Spain, make this National Historic Landmark a focal point of the Tampa skyline. Although the building is the highlight of a visit, don't skip its contents: art and furnishings from Europe and Asia, plus exhibits that explain the history of the original railroad resort, Florida's early tourist industry, and the hotel's role as a staging point for Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War.
Hampton Inn & Suites' Tampa-North
The Hampton Inn and Suites Tampa-North is a new four story, all interior property located just off of I-75 in a quiet business district. Upscale continental breakfast included with all rooms. Nautilus equipment featured in exercise room. Closest Hampton Inn to Busch Gardens and within walking distance of Hidden River Corporate Park. Tampa International Airport 15M NE, Yellow Cab 813-253-0121. Central Station -Amtrak 10M NE, Yellow Cab 813-253-0121. Downtown-business ...
Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Westshore
The hotel designed by business travelers, Courtyard surrounds you with all the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. The Courtyard Tampa Westshore is conveniently located two miles from Tampa Stadium, four miles from Downtown Tampa and Harbour Island, seven miles from Ice Palace Arena, 15 miles from Adventure Island and Busch Gardens and 18 miles from Clearwater Beach. For an area map and directions to the hotel, click on Area ...
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