Tampa

What I did:

Lightning game-
I've been to many different sporting events over my lifetime, and while some may be more exciting on television, none have eclipsed the in-person experience of a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game. Also, tickets for Lightning games are fairly inexpensive when compared to other major sporting events.

Bucs game-
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the local NFL team in Tampa. It is a fun experience to see them play in person at least once, but watching on TV can be a much more comfortable experience with better views (in addition to being significantly cheaper).

Explore Ybor-
From the late 1800's through the early 1900's Tampa was the "Cigar Capital of the World." The local brewing company is even called Cigar City Brewing. Ybor city contains many old cigar factories that have been converted into other uses such as apartment buildings. The Ybor City Museum State Park details some of the influence Cuban immigrants have had on the history of the city of Tampa. I was able to walk through a restored cigar worker's house and see what life would have been like during the Cuban Cigar era in Tampa.

Where I stayed:

I lived close enough to Tampa, so I was able to drive there and did not stay overnight.

What I ate:

The Columbia-
Some of my favorite restaurants in the world are in Tampa, and the Columbia is at or near the top of the list. Located in Ybor city, it is the oldest restaurant in Florida. It is a fusion of Spanish and Cuban food. I have been able to go there multiple times, and everything I have eaten there has been amazing.

Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club-
What Ciro's loses in price and quality, they more than make up for in quality and environment. After making a reservation I was given a password to use upon arrival. After using the password I was welcomed into a cool location with amazing food and drink. Ciro's even has a secret room behind a set of bookshelves where you can also sit, but is typically used for group gatherings.

Texas de Brazil-
I made sure to be hungry when I went to Texas de Brazil. The all-you-can-eat restaurant has dishes such as Filet Mignon and Bacon Wrapped Chicken. When I went, I was given a green and red card. When I turned the card to the green side, servers brought different meats to slice for me at my table, and I could flip the card to the red side to take a break. While not the cheapest, it is definitely the best all-you-can-eat restaurant I have been to.

Harry Waugh Dessert Room at Bern's-
Bern's is an iconic steakhouse in Tampa, and has a dessert room connected to the steakhouse. While I could have made a reservation for dinner at the steakhouse, Bern's does not take reservations for the dessert room, it is only first come first serve. However, there was a nice lounge area to use while I waited. Once my table was ready, I was given a card and ushered down a brick hallway past the kitchen (feeling somewhat like being in a mafia movie) and up a set of stairs where I was taken to my table. The tables are sectioned off to provide each group their privacy. I have been to the dessert room a few times and have thoroughly enjoyed everything I have tried, but the Banana's Foster made tableside is definitely one of the highlights.

4 Rivers Smokehouse-
Awesome BBQ place. I've been there a few times and have enjoyed everything I have ordered.

How I got around:

The public transportation system in Tampa is not very good, so when I have been to Tampa I have driven, ridden with friends, or used rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber.

Favorite thing:

Being from Florida, I enjoy the moderate climate in the Tampa area. The weather is relatively warm year-round, but usually has a nice breeze due to the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. My favorite sports teams (Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) both play in Tampa, so it is a treat to watch them play whenever I can. Also, some of my favorite restaurants are located in Tampa.

Least favorite thing:

Tampa lacks a good public transportation system, especially when compared to other major cities.

For next time:

It have not been to Busch Gardens since I was a kid, so it would be nice to go there again.  Even though the presentation value may not be as high as its neighbors in Orlando (Universal Studios and Walt DisneyWorld), Busch Gardens does have bigger rides.  Also, I would like to have dinner at Bern's Steakhouse sometime.  Although it would be expensive, if it is half as good as its dessert room or its reputation, it would be amazing.