|
Cover story Attractions
By Times staff
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 20, 2003
 |
Hoop du jour
Have you worked up an appetite cheering on your basketball team? Here's a culinary full-court press.
If shopping's
your game . . .
Just a few of the many shopping opportunities close to the basketball action in Tampa:
Attractions
Museums
If the sun gets too hot, head indoors for a helping of culture. Here are some of the area's larger museums.
The games |
Busch Gardens
[Photos: Times files]
Big roller coasters, 2,700 exotic animals, free beer (in limited quantities) and live shows happily co-exist at this popular theme park, located off I-275's Busch Boulevard exit. Hours vary; call toll-free 1-800-372-1797 for current schedule.
Florida Aquarium
The aquarium focuses on all sorts of Florida sealife, including two daily shows with divers in the shark tank. Walk or take the trolley from the St. Pete Times Forum. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. (813) 273-4000. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
Lowry Park Zoo
 This 24-acre park features Florida wildlife, including manatees, as well as primates, an Australian animal area, a petting zoo and a really cool aviary. Located off I-275's Sligh Avenue exit, a few minutes north of downtown Tampa. (813) 935-8552. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park
About 90 minutes north of Tampa lies a slice of Florida as it once was, a 168-acre park with nature trails, native animals, a rehab center for injured manatees and more. 4150 U.S. 19, Homosassa. (352) 628-2311. Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Weeki Wachee Springs
 Fans of the film Sunshine State take note: the famous "mermaids" still swim here, and there's also a 200-acre nature park and water park to enjoy. About an hour north of Tampa. U.S. 19 S at State Road 50, Weeki Wachee. Toll-free 1-877-469-3354. Hours: Open 10 a.m. daily. Closing times vary.
* * *
Back to Weekend
© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111
|
