The Florida Explorer

Located in “The Cube” along the Tampa Riverwalk, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts occupies the 2nd and 3rd floors and presents collections from the cutting edge to the vintage.

I was absolutely blown away by the diversity and quality of art I saw here–stretching from flawless Greek sculptures to clever modern art to Florida-infused masterpieces. This is a highly recommended Tampa experience.

This was a somber experience. I didn’t know quite what to expect or how I was supposed to feel.

The locals call the Museum of Science and Industry “MOSI.” As in Moe-Zee.

Ah yes. Weeki Wachee Springs, the quintessential Florida roadside attraction. This has Florida written all over it; kitschy, tacky, delightfully weird.

Last weekend was a beautiful day for a hike and it had been quite too long since I had had a good one. I wanted to return to a state park, as I haven’t been in a while, so I chose Hillsborough River State Park. It’s one of the oldest in Florida’s network with tons of evidence of the CCC and it is the closest to my residence.

Hi everybody! I just wanted to remind you that based on all my previous years of living in Florida, we are now heading into the most glorious time of year.

I took a hike along the Hillsborough River during that wet weekend–you know, the one where people in South Tampa were getting around town by canoe?

My son and I started the day a little late, waking up about 9:30am. After looking out the window and seeing sheets of rain I began to settle in. Then I realized that is what we’ve done for the last three weekends. We got the rain slickers put together, packed one for my wife on the off chance she finishes work early, and then headed out.

Welcome to DINOSAUR WORLD. Home of over 200 life size dinosaur sculptures. Paths meander throughout the grounds, sidled by low vegetation, palm trees, tall pines, and dinosaurs.

Opened in 1982, Lettuce Lake quickly became an important and diverse center for outdoor budget activities. Just $2 for a vehicle to get in, includes boardwalks over a hardwood swamp forest, wooded picnic areas, playground, a hiking trail, fitness course, and more.

Hillsborough River State Park, located in Hillsborough County, near Tampa, is one of the eight original Florida State Parks that was established in 1935 and opened in 1938. It is one of the more popular parks due to its closeness to Tampa and because it is fun. 

The Glazer Children’s Museum boasts 170 hands-on exhibits for the kiddies, a downtown Tampa location next to other attractions, and a free admission night to boot.

Like most men, I’ve always dreamed about embarking on an African Safari. Following native guides down footpaths, stooping low in tall grass, overlooking large and dangerous animals feeding on the plain.

I found the unmarked entrance off of 52 after doubling back. It was marked only by a sign that said: “R/C Flying Field—Home of Bay City Flyers.” I pulled in and was greeted by a closed gate, luckily, there were parking spots to the left.

So Max did his usual thing and fell asleep the moment we pulled into the parking lot, and since he didn’t sleep that well the night before on the campgrounds, we decided to let him get his nap; which, of course, left us in a little conundrum.

The Sunken Gardens is a botanical treasure hidden among the bustling city of St. Petersburg. Its history stretches back 100 years to a simple plumber who dreamed of owning his own garden.

One of my favorite animals in the whole world is the penguin; so I was undeniably thrilled when I had the opportunity to visit Sea World’s new attraction Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin and explore their interpretation of the “bottom of the world.”

Welcome to The Florida Aquarium, a 250,000-square-foot water wonderland located in Tampa’s Channelside District. It is chock full of aquatic plants and animals, fun exhibits, and even has a 2 acre splash-pad just for kids. So don’t forget the swimming suits!