Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Great Reasons to Retire to Tampa, Florida

By Jony Mozen


South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium & Parker Manatee Aquarium. South Florida Museum is the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida's Gulf Coast. The museum interprets the region from the Pleistocene to the present. Highlights include fossil evidence of Florida's earliest mammals and marine species and archeological artifacts. Other exhibits cover local maritime traditions, early 20th-century medical practices and Spanish exploration in the New World. Spanish Plaza has full-scale replicas of a 16th-century manor house, chapel and conquistador Hernando DeSoto's birthplace. The Bishop Planetarium, featuring one of the most advanced all-digital projection systems in the world, presents astronomy programs the whole family will enjoy. The planetarium is a remarkable astronomy education resource, allowing visitors to explore their universe through traditional live star talks and immersive virtual journeys to the far reaches of the cosmos. The Parker Manatee Aquarium is home to the oldest known living manatee. The Parker Manatee Aquarium holds nearly 60,000 gallons of water, including a medical pool. The pool offers both deep and shallow water, allowing the manatees to maintain natural feeding behaviors. An exhibit area within the facility helps to educate the public about manatee anatomy and offers above and below water viewing. Manatee Care specialists provide presentations about manatee habitat, nutrition and physiology. Working closely with US Fish and Wildlife and critical care hospitals for manatees, the facility provides a temporary home for manatees that will be released back into the wild after having received treatment from an acute care hospital. The facility is the permanent home to Manatee County's most famous resident and the oldest known manatee in the world, Snooty.

Tampa Bay History Center lets you stroll through a 1920's-era cigar store, row up the Hillsborough River, ride along with a cattle drive and learn about the early exploration of Florida. This waterfront building, with an eclectic Museum Store and the signature Columbia Cafe, is a memorable experience for families and history enthusiasts. Step inside the 60,000-square-foot History Center in Tampa's bustling Channelside District and take a journey through 12,000 years of powerful stories. Follow in the footsteps of the first native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors, pioneers, sports legends and railroad tycoons. The waterfront History Center boasts a stunning atrium, interactive and immersive exhibits, theaters, map gallery, research center, event hall and more.

Westfield Sarasota Square in Sarasota is home to more than 140 unique stores, eateries and businesses. Anchor stores include Dillard's, JCPenny, Macy's and Sears. The mall features a wide selection of fashions for men and women, including stores such as Jos. A. Bank, Wall Street For Men, Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Anchor Blue, Buckle, Gap, Hollister Co., Hot Topic, Lids, Pacific Sunwear, Steve & Barry's and Victoria's Secret. In addition to the food court, Boston's Restaurant and Sports Bar and Ruby Tuesday can be found at the mall. Westfield Countryside Mall in Clearwater is home to several department stores such as Sears, Dillard's, JCPenny and Macy's. Also found in the mall are Bond Jewelers, Country Cabin, FYE, Gap, Gordon Jewelers, Spencer Gifts, Things Remembered, Yankee Candle and many others. In addition to the food court, shoppers can enjoy a snack or a meal at Ruby Tuesday Restaurant, Schnickel Fritz or TooJay's Gourmet Deli.

Gonzalez & Martinez Corona Cigar Factory. Specializing in fine, hand rolled, and premium handmade cigars, this cigar shop is rated one of the ten best cigar shops in the world and their Cigar Factory is open Monday through Saturday where visitors can see first hand the tradition of cigar rolling.

Hillsborough River State Park opened in 1938 as one of Florida's first state parks. The river provides wonderful opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. A food concession provides breakfast and lunch, camping and picnic supplies, and a variety of memorable souvenirs. Hikers can walk over seven miles of nature trials: Rapids Trail, Baynard Trail, a sub-section of the Florida Trail and the Wetlands Restoration Trail, which accommodates bicyclists and hikers only. Weather permitting visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the park's ADA accessible swimming pool. The park offers full-facility camping and a youth/group tent campground. A primitive campsite is available via foot trail; reservations are always recommended.

Visit Tampa now and discover how historic Old Florida blends well with the modern, upscale style of some of the most beautiful, master-planned communities for families and retirees. Yes, climate, dining and shopping, cultural attractions, educational and business opportunities, and the beautiful beaches help make Tampa home to a wonderful lifestyle. Make it your home, too.




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