Tampa Bay Vacation

[Randy Gunn]

We are planning a beach/gambling destination vacation next year and I wanted to get your thoughts on Tampa Bay. We're not needing "the best" of both worlds but want a decent and safe experience.

Are there nice beaches in (or very near) Tampa?

Does Tampa Bay Downs offer simulcasting (we won't be there during the live meet)? If so, does it rate on par with other simulcast venues?

Is the track located near the beach at all?

Thank You,
Randy

[lamboguy]

the place has full simulcasting. they have wi-fi, a poker room, and real good food. the place is real clean.

if you want to go to the beach, try going to Sand Key in Clearwater. its maybe 5 miles down the street.

there are casino's around that area, but you will have to find them yourself.

[Ocala Mike]

What lamboguy said. Clearwater Beach is the place. If you're adventurous, check out Ybor City (add a star if you like cigars).

[Valuist]

I find it odd that the name of the city is Tampa, yet the sports teams aren't Tampa; they are Tampa Bay. I've never been to a San Francisco Bay Giants game or San Francisco Bay 49ers game.

[Steve 'StatMan']

I find it odd that the name of the city is Tampa, yet the sports teams aren't Tampa; they are Tampa Bay. I've never been to a San Francisco Bay Giants game or San Francisco Bay 49ers game.

Just Roller Derby's Bay Area Bombers.

[Boris]

Check out VBRO. There are tons of places that are rented through the summer owned by snow birds. Comparable to what a better hotel will charge, but on or near the beach with much more space.

It's closer to 30+ minutes from Clearwater Beach to TBD.

[Mike at A+]

We were at Clearwater Beach last year. Beautiful spot to sun during the day and party on the strip at night. If you like Greek food, there is a little town nearby called Tarpon Springs with some excellent dining options. Tarpon Springs is also known as the "sponge capital of the world". My wife picked up a few while we were there and they are great accessories in the shower for a thorough cleansing and follicle removal. Some nice gift shops as well with stuff imported from Greece.

[Ocala Mike]

I find it odd that the name of the city is Tampa, yet the sports teams aren't Tampa; they are Tampa Bay.



Identity crisis, I guess. The population of the Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) is over 4 million; the city of Tampa makes up only about 1/10th of that.

The Tampa Bay Rays, as I'm sure you know, play in St. Petersburg.

[Zydeco]

I find it odd that the name of the city is Tampa, yet the sports teams aren't Tampa; they are Tampa Bay. I've never been to a San Francisco Bay Giants game or San Francisco Bay 49ers game.

When the Buccaneers came into the NFL they went to Green Bay to play the Packers. On the scoreboard they had Green Bay and Tampa, not Tampa Bay. Someone in the Buc's orginization said I guess when they come to our place we will just put Green on our scoreboard. It's been the battle of the Bay's ever since.

[Randy Gunn]

Good stuff everyone! We appreciate it and look forward to start planning the trip. Thank you all for your help.

Randy