Since our last post, we said goodby to the beautiful Florida Keys where we spent a full month enjoying the water, sun (and some rain), and lots of relaxation. It was time for a change of scenery, and the Tampa area offered a plethora of options. Despite some downtime (thanks COVID), we fit in some real fun.

Our first stop was the Florida RV Supershow where we camped, explored one of the nation’s largest displays of new RVs and gadgets, and caught up with great friends we’ve met in previous years. Our group of buddies comes from all corners of the country and have such a good time together.

On the last day of the RV show I started feeling yucky and tested positive for COVID. Steve’s symptoms showed up a few days later. My symptoms, especially a cough and fatigue, hung on for nearly three weeks. Steve recovered in a few days. Luckily our COVID time was spent at a quiet campground at beautiful Fort Desoto, just south of  St. Petersburg. I didn’t leave the camper much in the nine days we were there but Steve got out to explore on runs and bike rides.

By the time we moved to the Madiera Beach/St. Petersburg KOA I was up for nightly sunsets at the nearby beach, and Steve enjoyed the adjacent Pinellas Trail which runs 45 miles from St. Petersburg north past Clearwater. 

By the time we arrived to the brand new Key Lime Bay Resort I was starting to feel like myself again and we set out for some adventures. The resort, located in a central location near Old Tampa Bay, offered lots of fun activities where we got to meet some cool people. We attended a takeover of the Tampa Bay Brewing Company, a lively Super Bowl party, and a Paint and Sip for Valentine’s Day, where we also celebrated Steve’s birthday. Yes, he painted too!

In addition to painting, we celebrated Steve’s birthday with a dinner out and ice cream. Happy Birthday big guy!

One day we took a walking tour of nearby Ybor City, the historic area of Tampa where hundreds of millions of cigars were rolled annually by immigrants from Cuba, Spain, and Italy. The traditional social clubs for each ethnic group still stand, and the stories of triumph and loss are compelling. The Cuban food is also pretty awesome!

On other days we ventured a little further out of Tampa. First, we went to the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach. Manatee need warmer water in the winter and the discharge canal from the power station is a designated manatee sanctuary that provides protection from the cold for these gentle animals. It’s a popular attraction as the well manicured park and viewing area is free to the public.

We also made a morning excursion out to Plant City, the nation’s home of winter strawberries. The massive farmer/flea market, held on Wednesdays, was filled with all kinds of junk and gorgeous, red strawberries. Live music, food, and acres and acres of stuff kept us busy for awhile. But the shortcake was calling, so we set out for Parkesdale Farms. This farm stand in Plant City sells beautiful produce, fun garden stuff, and the best shortcake and strawberry shakes we’ve ever tasted. 

Nearby Clearwater is home to a beautiful outdoor amphitheater where one evening we saw an icon. Ninety-year old Willie Nelson and the Family played on a lovely evening, and we were thrilled we can finally say we’ve seen the legend.

Another fun day trip in the Tampa area is a visit to the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. In operation since the 1870s, Greek sponge divers left their homeland to cultivate a booming industry which is now considered, “The Sponge Capital of the World.” Amidst of tourist shops and fabulous Greek restaurants we watched fisherman prepare their harvest right on the boats. Tarpon Springs is a nice day trip if you are ever in the Tampa area. 

Downtown Tampa features a 2.5 mile Boardwalk which traverses the Hillsborough River and the bay. Passing museums, hotels, the convention center, and historic sites, the boardwalk makes for a nice morning walk. We even found the Tampa library and their book sale and scored some good titles. 

After our walk we hit what is considered the “world’s oldest brewery,” Yuengling. Founded in Pottsville, PA, the Tampa outpost is a huge facility that has a great taphouse. We enjoyed a flight that included “everything” and decided our favorite was the Hershey’s Chocolate Porter.

All in all we spent a little over a month in Tampa, had mostly decent weather, and met some nice people. Now it’s time to head West with a few more stops and a marathon along the way!