TRY MORE OF TAMPA

Lowry Park Zoo – 2 Chicas on the Dock of the River


Chica 2 visits the zoo with her kids and always says that it is average.

Chica 2's children enjoy collecting molds that can be made of the animals that are present at the zoo (i.e., Florida panther, koala bear, gorilla, etc.)

 Some favorite exhibits are the anacondas, orangutans, and the Komodo dragon. There are a variety of birds including a bald eagle, and there is also a manatee exhibit, a petting zoo and a few kiddie rides.

You can feed the birds nectar and they will fly right up on your arm - now that's up close and personal. The zoo admission can be a little pricey but it is well worth the trip. For locals, get the yearly pass. 

One of the things the 2 Chicas really enjoy, is the water area across the street from the zoo. 

So after you visit Lowry Park Zoo, take a minute and drive across North Boulevard to the “park” side of the zoo. To the one side of the boat dock is a trail that leads to two small wooden piers. 

Dock at Lowry Park

These piers are a great place to spot local wildlife. 

 2 Chicas have seen a variety of birds, a family of manatees, and the occasional alligator come rolling down the river. 

There was nothing like Chica 1 standing on the dock looking out at the water and exclaiming to Chica 2 – “Look, look at the snake.” As calmly and comfortably as a duck, a beautiful multicolored snake swam across the river and curled up under the dock. 

Chica 2 suddenly was nowhere to be found! That little sucker sure can move – both Chica 2 and the snake. Tee hee he.  

Take your time and watch the locals set their boats out for a casual ride on the river; sometimes just watching them unhitch the boats is more entertaining than anything on television. 

Channelside and University of Tampa – 2 Chicas do Downtown

The Florida Aquarium is right outside of downtown, next to the Port of Tampa, with its banana boats and large barges rolling in for repairs; it is also a great place to catch a glimpse of a cruise ship headed to Mexico. 

At the aquarium children can view undersea life up close and personal.  There are sharks, tropical and exotic fishes, penguins, and a number of educational demonstrations for the children. 

Make sure to dress the kids so they can splash and imitate their favorite fish in the water pool area.  If you go, park in Ybor City and take the trolley over to the aquarium.

Stroll around Channelside and catch a bite to eat at Thai Thani, a nice little Thai restaurant, and if you 

are adventuro

us, eat on floor pillows at a traditional table. Tell them 

2 Chicas told you to try the Chicken Pineapple Rice. 

Head to Kennedy Boulevard and check out the stainless steel minarets at the University of Tampa. This was originally a hotel built by a railroad magnate and the hotel had at the time the first elevator in the state of Florida.

The grounds are absolutely beautiful and contain two old canons used in the Civil War.  Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders once stayed here. 

Can you see old Teddy smoking a huge cigar and confidently surveying the grounds?  Ok, maybe not, but take a walk down by the river.  Look across the river at the downtown area and see the ever developing Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Park, and the new Glazer Children’s Museum. 

During the winter months, on Ashley St. there was a skating rink area set up for adults and children.  Skate rentals were right on site, and even though it is Florida, dress warm!

University of Tampa minerets

Take a moment and look at the round skyscraper the locals affectionately call  the “Beer Can Building” 


Ok, look back over here, this is the college and that is downtown…. Now look at me, now look at Chica 1, now look back at me…. (Chica 2 is imitating an infamous commercial.)

As you walk back to your car, imagine returning that route in a long dress, corset, stockings, hat, gloves, heels, oohh, I’m hot and uncomfortable just thinking about it!  

Soho – 2 Chicas say Uh oh Uh oh Uh oh to Soho!

The Soho district is known for a few party spots and lots of restaurants.  2 Chicas love to eat in Soho, which is short for South Howard (the actual street name). 

TC Choy's

Chica 2 has to be reminded that this is the abbreviated name of the street and not an inappropriate insult.  Chica 2, Chica 2 - shaking my head. 

But there are other things to do in Soho.  You can walk, skate, jog, or just sit in little carved out spaces and enjoy the beauty of the area. 

Chica 1 loves sushi so Ciccio’s Water is a favorite spot and The Lime has a tapas concept. It is a little pricy, but they do have great drinks. 

The Lodge is good for drinks and the food is really good as well. They have a cute little concept with the TV Dinner, a meal served on an old fashioned metal tray. 

Daily Eats is an old ice cream shop and has an old school vibe.  The food on the other hand is very modern. The menu offers low carb food items, as well as brown rice, bunless burgers, salads and sandwiches. 

Chica 2 loves the fried chicken sandwich and sweet potato french fries with just the right touch of honey drizzle. The food is moderately priced and very tasty.  Chica 1 enjoys the shredder bowls which are fresh and healthy ingredients served over lettuce.

Bern's Park

But to get a feel of Soho, stroll through the area and enjoy the different restaurants and sights. Bern's Park is a nice place to plop down for a minute and check out the kids playing and just people watch.

Chica 2 and her kids love the half pepperoni and half chicken spinach pizza at Sally O’Neals. There is limited seating, but any of the locals will tell you it is Uhhmmm Uhhmmm guud. 

They offer a variety of regular and high quality toppings and Chica 1 recommends the whole wheat crust. The pizza joint isn’t that far from Bayshore so find a safe place to park and walk it off! 

Royal Palace Thai offers good quality food if you’re In the mood for that type of cuisine. The restaurant is decorated with traditional items from Thailand. Although the restaurant feels upscale, patrons may dress casually. The wait staff were very friendly and attentive.  

 The sushi is fabulous and the overall food quality is exceptional.  The Pad Thai was very tasty and authentic.  The food was fresh and the presentation of the food was so inviting Chica 2 initially just sat and smiled at her plate. 

Although the 2 Chicas favorite Thai is in a different part of town, we enjoy dropping in for a quick meal. The drink menu is interesting and they do offer food and drink specials. Reservations are accepted.

Remember to let the restaurant you select know 2 Chicas sent you!

Remember to go like us on Facebook -http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/2chicastrunktravels/174274289308912