1. There Be Pirates Ahoy At The Children’s Gasparilla Parade
There’s “avast” amount of fun at the Gasparilla Parade, matey’s. This parade happens once a year, taking place right along Bayshore Boulevard and using the same route as the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates.
2. Tampa Is Not Too Big, Not Too Small… It’s Juuuust Right
If Goldilocks were to move to Tampa, she’d tell you that the city’s size is juuuust right. It’s large enough to attract the headquarters of major businesses like Publix and Verizon, but small enough to not be plagued by horrible traffic. (I’m looking at you Orlando.)
3. If You Like Cheese, Please Go to Cheese Please
Just imagine cheese from all over the world. Italy. France. Spain. The Netherlands. The U.K. Germany… Now, imagine that you’re eating all that cheese from all those places. I know, dairy Nirvana. This is not have to be just a fantasy, you can do this at Cheese Please in Tampa.
4. Tampanians Know Their Neighbors—From TV
There are several stars who call (or have called) the Tampa Bay area home, including Hulk Hogan and the late Evel Knievel. John Travolta’s got a place not too far away in Ocala.
5. It’s a Bird?… A Plane?… No Guys, It’s Actually A Rocket
With Cape Canaveral only about 130 miles away, Tampa residents have the best seat in the house for witnessing NASA’s shuttle launch—their front lawn. Seriously.
6. Tampa Theatre Will Absolutely Ruin You For All Other Theaters
Tampa Theater is hands-down the best example of grand movie palace architecture. You will never look at your local movie house the same once you’ve stepped inside this magnificent place.
7. Humidity Relief = Planking Under Sprinklers
The first thing you’ll notice when you step out of the airport in Tampa is that you’re practically inhaling water. Yes, Tampa is crazy humid and usually crazy hot, but everywhere you look, there’s a pool or ocean to be jumped into and a glorious ocean breeze to enjoy. Soaking wet... it’s the new dry!
8. Even The Sidewalks In Tampa Are The Best In The World
Tampa’s monster-sized sidewalk on Bayshore Boulevard is 4.5 miles long and 10 feet wide, taking you right along Hillsborough Bay. It’s lined with palms, ritzy mansions and condos, and is a local favorite for running, jogging, strolling… well, you get the picture.
9. This City Is Always Ready To Roll
In the early 1900s, the cigar industry was the second largest industry in Florida. When Cuba shut its doors to American travel, Tampa was, for a time, the only place in America where you could find authentic, hand rolled Cuban cigars, earning itself the nickname “Cigar City.” As a result of the town’s rich cigar history, Tampa definitely caters to cigar smokers. It’s airport has smoking patios and you’ll notice several cigar bars around town. Lit is a really trendy, ultra-chic cigar bar that you should definitely stop in to feed (or start) your habit.
10. In Tampa The Best Show In Town Is The Sky
Known as the “Lightning Capital of North America,” Tampa’s very name is said to mean “sticks of fire” in the Native American language Calusan. So, when you’re in Tampa and the sky starts rumbling, stay away from pools, seek shelter, close the windows, yadda yadda, yadda. Oh, and just so you know, rubber shoes don’t actually protect you.
11. The Cuban Sandwiches Here Are Better Than The Ones In Cuba
That might not be a fair statement. But for real, if you want to eat a mind-blowingly delish cuban sandwich, stop by Columbia, known as “Florida’s Oldest Restaurant.” Yum!
12. If There Is A Cure For Sports Fever, Tampa Doesn’t Want It
Tampanians go nuts when it comes to baseball (Gooo Rays!), football (Gooo Buccaneers!), and hockey (Gooo Lightning!). Tampa’s sports fans are devoted, so make sure you show some respect and invest in either a team jersey or full mascot costume to wear on game days.
13. It’s A Great Place To Soak In The Sunset In Your Sunset Years
Tampa is a magnet for people in their golden years. It all makes total sense too—slow pace, perfect, comfortable weather year around, who wouldn't want to retire here?
14. Tropical Storms, Yes. Hurricanes, Not So Much.
Tampa hasn’t taken a hurricane hit since 1921. The massive hurricanes that form in the Atlantic have plenty of Florida land to pass over before they reach Tampa, and by that time they’ve gotten so puny, they’re not even considered hurricanes anymore.
15. Ybor City Is The Sin City Of The South
Ybor isn’t a place you want to go for, say, a wholesome evening out with Grandma. But, that being said, there’s plenty of fun to be had here. Stuff your face at Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que, then go laugh off some calories at the Tampa Improv Comedy Club.
16. Bored? Board A Roller Coaster Instead
Tampa is home to Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. So, while most of us are choosing between watching Netflix or having a picnic tomorrow, people in Tampa are saying, “Hey, wanna meet me in 15 and go on a roller coaster?” Yes Tampa, we’re jealous.
17. MOSI Is Scientifically Proven To Be Frickin’ Awesome
When you get bored of roller coasters and parasailing (yawn, over it!), stop at one of Tampa’s super cool museums. MOSI is amazing because it’s hands-on. You can take a ride on the high-wire bike and check out the IMAX Theater. MOSI also boasts of the largest kid’s science center in the nation.
18. There Is No Beef Between The Bulls and The Spartans
While many towns are battlefields for rivaling colleges, UT and USF get along in Tampa just fine. The University of Tampa, home of the Spartans, is a small private university and the University of South Florida, home of the Bulls, is a large, public school, so they don’t play each other in any sports and pretty much just cheer each other on. Hey, opposites attract, right? Kum ba yah.
19. Life Is Sweeter In South Tampa
If you’re one who appreciates the finer things in life, you’ll probably naturally gravitate toward South Tampa—the peninsula that is located south of downtown. It’s a suburb surrounded by water and sprinkled with beautiful homes. People love it because it’s so close to downtown, yet it’s got the small-town feel. The super-nice small town feel, that is.
20. Take Your Favorite Peeps And Pup To The Picnic Island Park
You have got to visit this hidden gem. The view that overlooks Tampa Bay is ridiculously beautiful. The picnic/barbeque area is idyllic. The dog-friendly section of the beach is basically joy personified.
21. Is Clearwater the Same as Tampa? Is Tampa the same as Tampa Bay?
It is a little confusing, isn’t it? Well here’s a crash course on the local geography: Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa are all considered part of the “Tampa Bay Area.” If you live in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, or Hernando county, you’re in Tampa Bay. Got it? Good.
22. Stake Your Date Out Somewhere Very Special: Bern’s
Bern’s Steak House is the ultimate. Put on your best duds and enjoy the best steak in town. Try the charcoal-grilled day boat scallops as your appetizer. You can’t go wrong with any of the steaks, but if you’re not a big steak-eater, the pink peppercorn and ginger crusted salmon and make sure you don’t leave without going in the dessert room and checking out the wine cellar.
23. Fact: Tampa Is The Reason Sunsets Were Invented
Ok not actually a fact, but it should be because no words or pictures or YouTube videos can prepare you for your first Tampa sunset. Seeing orange glow of the sun disappear into the water has made many a man contemplate the meaning of life or propose to a random stranger on the spot. It’s intense. 
