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As some of you know, I go to FL in the winter to see family and like to stop somewhere else for a mini-vacation. I've been to Key West, South Beach, and elsewhere in South Florida as well as Orlando/Winter Park, Tallahassee, and Jacksonville; also years ago to St Augustine and St Petersburg. I've also stopped in Charleston, Savannah, and even Richmond, though that was risky weather-wise (but I was lucky). I don't want to rent a car or go too far afield from the train, though I would take a bus if it's really worth it. Also don't want to spend a fortune. So, anyway, I was thinking this time I might visit Tampa, where I've never been.
What do you all think? What is the train station like in Tampa? Does one stay near the train or take a taxi to another (tourist) area and stay there? Do you have any hotel recs? What are the good things to see there?
notelvis Member # 3071
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The closest hotel to the Tampa Amtrak Station is this Hampton Inn which is perhaps 5 blocks from the train station.
Moving south from the station (towards downtown and the waterfront) or east (towards the historic Ybor City area) seem reasonably safe whereas moving northward or westward from the train station might be a little risky.
This Hampton is on the edge of the Ybor City area which is a historic 'old Tampa' district with vintage eateries, houses, and big shade trees. The Hampton is also served by the TECO Streetcar line which runs between Ybor City and the downtown waterfront area. Be aware that the TECO is a tourist oriented operation (with limited hours on Sundays and Holidays) rather than an integral part of Tampa's mass transit system.
The train station is old and has had some renovation work done..... though mostly along the lines of keeping it presentable rather than making it a real showplace. Between house museums and an aquarium down by the waterfront area, I would think that basing out of the Ybor City area would be worth a few mid-winter days.
I would imagine that a few days in Tampa during December, January, or February could be rather pleasant.
sojourner Member # 3134
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Thanks for your advice, David. The hotels in Tampa were surprisingly high, I suppose because of cruise passenger business? So I will go someplace else in Florida instead. . . . still considering. . . .
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Ms. Sojourner, try Lakeland. It is reminiscent of '50's 'Old Florida' to this day.
Here's one smack Downtown to which you could simply 'wheelie it' to and from Amtrak. A quick check shows a rate of $149 for a Feb 15 stay; trust me, Madam, that is as good as you are going to get.
sojourner Member # 3134
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Sorry I haven't had time to post, but I wanted to let you know about my Florida trip and stopover. I decided to go to St Augustine, to which I hadn't been in over 30 years. I loved it! It was not swimming weather, but still, compared to the NE, it was paradise. Hotel I stayed in was quite reasonable (still not high season), nothing fancy but good location and fine for me. And so much to see and do--wonderful Flagler College tour, Lightner Museum, Castillo de San Marco (National Park fort), even enjoyed the archaeological stuff at the Fountain of Youth & Mission sites. But just walking around on the lovely old streets, along the water, etc., was great. Several excellent restaurants too. Also took the bus over to St Aug beach to check that out. Only drawback was the shuttle service I used between Amtrak and St Aug--pricey and not as reliable as I'd thought for the price.
As for the train travel, contrary to all the problems others have been having this year, my trains were fine. There was some delay at JAX northbound, but nothing too devastating--I was very lucky, given all the "weather" lately!
palmland Member # 4344
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Glad you enjoyed your trip Sojourner. As a Jacksonville resident for many years, St. Augustine was a favorite getaway spot. The Columbia was a favorite restaurant.
GBN- in re-reading this topic, I noticed your post on Lakeland. Great minds, I guess. Made a reservation this afternoon for a brief stay late March at the Terrace Hotel to catch a Braves-Tigers spring training game.
HAve you been to the Columbia in Tampa, Palmland? Is it as good as the St Augustine one?
palmland Member # 4344
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Sojourner, I have. And it's equally good but seemed quite a bit more touristy.
Our favorite lunch place in Tampa was a bakery that served to die for Cubans. La Segunda Bakery was in kind of a sketchy area on the edge of Ybor city but all the locals showed up, including a crew on their city fire truck. It also does commercial baking for area restaurants, including Columbia.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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When I lived in the Orlando area, we often went to the Columbia Restaurant in the Celebration community S of Orlando -- I don't know if that one is still in business or not.
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