2 Chicas Say Ahoy and Ola!For more outdoor adventures, get in the car and head north on I-275. As you approach Sligh Ave. and Waters Ave., look west and get a glimpse of the Sulphur Springs Water Tower.
The park is in poor repair, so there’s nothing to really do but mess up your car alignment. So if you drive a hooptie, beware! Don't get mad at us. Cause we warned you!
The park was once home to a hotel, arcade, and the first indoor mall. Should you take the Waters exit, turn left on Bird St. and you can’t miss the little park.
If you turn right on Bird Street, you can go to the Sulphur Springs Pool. The pool is part of a small park that overlooks the river and the natural spring. The boardwalk is another great place to watch for wildlife.
Go across the the small bridge and look down at the natural spring trickling up from the Florida aquifer. Chica 2 was standing with her arms spread pretending to be on the helm of the Titanic.
Oh Chica 2, the Titanic wouldn't have made it up the Hillsborough River, but she could have very easily transformed herself into a Spanish conquistadora.
Anyhoo, let the children have some fun in the pool, but be sure to call ahead and check the hours.
2 Chicas Eat a Bus!
After the kids get through romping in the spray and splash area, take everyone down to Nebraska and Hillsborough to the Taco Bus. And no, we didn't really eat a bus....
2 Chicas Eat a Bus!
After the kids get through romping in the spray and splash area, take everyone down to Nebraska and Hillsborough to the Taco Bus. And no, we didn't really eat a bus....
The inside is not at all fancy and neither is the menu. Casual dress is an overstatement. The Taco Bus is a come as you are kinda place. There are not a lot of tables and chairs, but it always seems to be just enough.
The Taco Bus is noted for it's super fresh food and authentic Mexican cuisine. The menu is typical: tacos, burritos, tostadas, and your choice of filling: chicken beef, beef tongue, shredded pork, seafood, and the like. There are daily specials and a hearty vegetarian menu. You can also select from the meats and have a plate of rice and beans to complete your meal.
The chicken tacos are very good and have a nice seasoned flavor. The beans and rice are very authentic Mexican fare. Overall, 2 Chicas have enjoyed each trip to this restaurant.
The beef taco with the hard shell has outstanding flavor and crunch. The Taco Bus is a little diamond in the rough! Tell them 2 Chicas send an extra special Ola!
Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)– 2 Chicas Blinded by Science
MOSI has a few interesting exhibits that kids would love. Chica 2 believes her children are pretty typical and they enjoy the place.
There’s a robot that farts, yes you are reading this correctly, and an area in the Kid Zone where children can test their skills if they had a disability. Chica 2 particularly enjoys these two exhibits, we can only wonder why. Tee hee he
There are other actvities that engage the children in riding a bike across a rope and there's a pretty cool demonstration of a hurricane. Outside there is a butterfly garden and a nature trail. Don’t forget to tell them 2 Chicas said global warming - oh my!
2 Chicas are Glad we Did!
2 Chicas are Glad we Did!
Once you have had your fill of science, go fill up on some good belly busting food at Gladstone’s Grilled Chicken. The grub is healthy and tasty. The restaurant is very informal. There are tables and chairs, but you place your order at the counter and return and pick up your meal.
The chicken has a great key lime kind of flavor. Chica 2 said she wishes they had a Key Lime Mojito and Jimmy Buffett in the corner singing Margaritaville. Come back Chica 2; please come back.
The chicken has a great key lime kind of flavor. Chica 2 said she wishes they had a Key Lime Mojito and Jimmy Buffett in the corner singing Margaritaville. Come back Chica 2; please come back.
The 2 Chicas have tried the sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, grilled marinated potatos, corn, Caesar salad, garden salad, baked beans, and potato salad on different visits and enjoyed them all.
The pita with honey butter is a nice treat and comes with most of the meals. There are sandwiches and salads. The dessert choices are very limited and the only alcohol served is beer.
Tell them 2 Chicas said to ship a serving of some of that good chicken to our email address.
The pita with honey butter is a nice treat and comes with most of the meals. There are sandwiches and salads. The dessert choices are very limited and the only alcohol served is beer.
Tell them 2 Chicas said to ship a serving of some of that good chicken to our email address.
2 Chicas Say Hootie Hooo!
Continue on 275, exit at Fletcher and head east. The first park you come to is Lettuce Lake Park, a wonderfully shady park that gives you a true feeling for the wetlands.
Go out on the boardwalk and look at the cypress “knees” as the Indians called the trees sticking up out of the water, or just do a nature walk through the park.
You should see Roseate spoonbills, wood peckers, owls, and a variety of beautiful Florida birds. Chica 2 swears she saw a pileated wood pecker the size of a small man, of course Chica 2 sees leprechauns every St. Patrick's Day.
There’s a playground and an indoor educational center, but check the hours prior to going. Bring a picnic lunch or use one of the barbeque grills and throw on some hotdogs.
Chica 2 squeals out a sick bird call, and the park's residents flee in unison. That's what happens when you do the sad cry of the wild land buzzard. Run for your life!
You are going to see tons of wildlife, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars. You can also rent a canoe and test your balance and coordination skills on the open water. Get up close and personal with a bass or the other fish that call this wonderful preserve home.
If that wasn’t enough, continue East on Fletcher until it turns into Morris Bridge Road.
There are a number of parks with hiking trails and canoe rentals. You can take a lazy canoe ride down the Hillsborough River. You are guaranteed up close and personal alligator access, but remember, they are truly wild! They will bite!!! So don’t take anything for granted.
This is what vacation means! No winding lines, long waits, or pushing crowds. No hot, crowded parking lots and no high fees; just nature at its finest. What more could you ask for? Well more is exactly what we have to offer….
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