Gilded Grandeur - The Tampa Bay Hotel
Stepping Back in Time at Tampa’s Most Iconic Hotel
Step into a world of opulence and history at the Henry B. Plant Museum, housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel—a Gilded Age masterpiece built between 1888 and 1891 by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant . With its striking Moorish Revival architecture, the museum offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the late 19th century, featuring original furnishings, exotic artifacts, and ornate decor collected by Henry and Margaret Plant during their European travels . Explore the grand salons, music rooms, and tropical gardens that once hosted elite guests, and discover the hotel's pivotal role during the Spanish–American War . Located on the University of Tampa campus, the museum invites visitors to experience the elegance and historical significance of this National Historic Landmark .
The Legacy of Tampa Theatre
Tampa's historic La Segunda Bakery has been crafting authentic Cuban bread since 1915.Founded by Spanish immigrant Juan Moré, who brought a cherished Cuban bread recipe from his time in the Spanish-American War, the bakery has remained a family-run institution for four generations.Today, La Segunda produces over 20,000 loaves daily, each adorned with a signature palmetto leaf to create its distinctive split crust—a tradition upheld with pride.Beyond bread, the bakery offers a delightful array of pastries, sandwiches, and café con leche, serving both locals and visitors eager to taste a slice of Tampa's rich culinary heritage.
Winding through the sky above Estes Park, Trail Ridge Road is more than just a drive—it’s a high-altitude adventure through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. As the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., it climbs above 12,000 feet, offering jaw-dropping views of alpine tundra, distant peaks, and maybe even a grazing elk or two. With every twist and turn, the road delivers a front-row seat to Colorado’s wild beauty, all just minutes from the charming mountain town of Estes Park.
Adventure Beyond the Highways
Explore Mesa, Arizona , where the spirit of inclusivity thrives through its pioneering 'Limitless' program, ensuring that adventure and culture are accessible to all. This initiative transforms Mesa into a haven for travelers with diverse needs, offering wheelchair-friendly hiking paths, adaptive kayaking on the Salt River, and specialized paddleboarding experiences. Highlights include Usery Mountain Regional Park's accessible trails that weave through the stunning Sonoran Desert, and Riverbound Sports Paddle Company's adaptive water sports. Mesa's commitment to accessibility extends to becoming the first-ever Autism Certified City in the United States, with attractions like the i.d.e.a. Museum and Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum tailored for visitors with sensory sensitivities. From diverse dining options to downloadable itineraries for easy travel planning, Mesa ensures that every visitor can fully engage with the city's culture and breathtaking landscapes, making it a leader in accessible travel destinations.
Tampa’s Black History Museum , set to open in 2026, will be housed in the historic St. James Episcopal Church at 1213 N. Central Ave.This museum, a collaboration between the Tampa Bay History Center and the Tampa Housing Authority, aims to honor and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Tampa’s African American community.Through exhibits, educational programs, and community events, the museum will highlight the contributions and experiences of Black residents, ensuring their stories are recognized and celebrated.
Culture, Cuisine & Game Day Energy. Tampa Bay is where rich history, bold culture, and serious sports pride come together—with unforgettable flavors to match. Explore historic Ybor City, catch a Lightning or Rays game, and dig into everything from Gulf-fresh seafood to Cuban sandwiches done right. It’s a city that serves up energy, heritage, and great food in every direction.
The Hometowns of American Innovation
Ever wondered why some highways have odd numbers while others are even? The U.S. Interstate System isn’t just a tangle of roads—it follows a clever naming convention designed to make navigation easier. Odd-numbered interstates run north to south , with lower numbers in the west (think I-5 on the West Coast) and higher numbers in the east (like I-95 on the East Coast). Even-numbered interstates, on the other hand, run east to west , starting low in the south (I-10 along the Gulf Coast) and increasing as you head north (I-90 near the Canadian border). Then there are the three-digit interstates , which are either loops (like I-275 around major cities) or spurs that lead into downtown areas (like I-395 into Washington, D.C.). This structured system, born from the 1956 Federal-Aid Highway Act , ensures travelers can easily navigate the country’s vast road network. Whether you're planning a cross-country adventure or just decoding the road signs on your daily commute, now you know the method behind the mileage!
Myrtle Beach’s Craft Beer Hotspot
