Every town has its own legends and lore, today we are highlighting the legends of Tampa Bay. Whether it is a pirate who may or may not have existed, but lives on in an annual festival, small green men who chase you, giant sharks, ghosts, lab-created bugs, and a voodoo priestess who controls the weather they are all legendary in Tampa Bay.
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The sweet aroma of tobacco floats through the streets. Along with fresh baked Cuban bread. Another distinct scent is the sweet fragrance of Cuban coffee. Or Cafe Cubano. Later, the rhythmic beats of Latin music will go late into the night. This is Ybor City! And it was once the Cigar Capital of the World!
Nestled into the northwest corner of Tampa Bay sits Safety Harbor. While the name originates from the time pirates ruled the Gulf of Mexico you will find a deeper history along its shores. Including the mounds of the Tocobaga, healing mineral springs, and a vibrant art community today.
The 1950s were a time of innocence, post-war booms, moving to the suburbs and free beer. Well, free beer at Busch Gardens. The gardens were opened in 1959 as an admission-free hospitality center for the Tampa Anheuser-Busch brewery. Visitors were welcomed for their brewery tour with bird shows in a tropical setting and beer.
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast is the picturesque town of Dunedin. This hidden gem of Florida should be on your must-see list. The wooded sub-tropical setting offers nearly four waterfront miles. Nearly weekly celebrations fill the delightful downtown. The surrounding streets are filled with sherbet-colored houses and a typical relaxed Florida lifestyle. Dunedin’s 29 city parks offer the community 270 acres of green space. While support for the locally-owned shops and restaurants offers a welcome reprieve from the all too common large chain stores with their commercial signs.
Wandering the streets of Dunedin you will find smiles everywhere while its residents enjoy the outdoors. Golf carts are a common sight. The golf carts are decorated for the closest holiday or favorite team. The trees of homes often display handmade “chandeliers” of solar lights. This delightful town is filled with personality!
