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When you think of Tampa , shopping isn't
one of the first words that comes to mind, but is should be. Not only can you
enjoy the beautiful palm trees, weather and beaches but you can also shop while
you enjoy the atmosphere. If you enjoy
a scenic walk while shopping in upscale stores such as Brooks Brothers, Williams
Sonoma and Pottery Barn kids then Old Hyde Park Village ( 748 South Village Circle
) is just the place for you. The village is located in a historic city with over
fifty shops and eateries. The shops and boutiques are arranged to mimic a small
village. There are tree lined streets and outdoor patios as well. Within a mile
of beautiful Hyde Park are the Amerisuites Airport and the Holiday Inn City Center
. If you are tired of indoor malls and want to take advantage of Tampa 's gorgeous
year round weather Old Hyde Park Village lets you enjoy both. University
Mall ( 2200 East Fowler Avenue ) is one of the largest family destinations located
in Tampa . If convenience is for you just a half-mile away is the Best Western
Busch Gardens and the Holiday Inn Busch Gardens . It has over 170 specialty stores,
a movie theatre and twelve restaurants. It is the complete shopping, dining and
entertainment experience. Another mall, which is the newest addition to Tampa
shopping, is the International Plaza ( 2223 North Westshore Boulevard ) located
only a few minutes from Tampa International Airport . This mall includes a Neiman
Marcus, Dillard's, Nordstrom and more than seventy-five other shops such as Louis
Vuitton. In either of these malls there is definitely not a shortage of stores
to browse in. Make a day of it and have a bite at one of the many eateries at
either of these indoor complexes and catch a flick with huge stadium seating and
over sixteen theatres. Central Ybor (
1600 East Eighth Avenue ) located in the historic Latin Quarter is always buzzing
with excitement and fun. Walk out the door of your hotel, whether it is the Baymont
Inn, Holiday Inn Express Stadium or La Quinta Inn Tampa Bay East , and this lively
city is at your fingertips. Central Ybor , which was once the “cigar capital of
the world”, still has plenty of cigar shops where you can pick one up and enjoy
an authentic Latin cigar. There is also an ample amount of souvenir shops with
tee shirts, shells and other memorabilia of Tampa . Central Ybor is also extremely
convenient since it is located only ten minutes from downtown Tampa . During
the day there are plentiful fruit shops located on both sides of the bay. All
the fruit sold is locally grown on Tampa soil and include navals, grapefruits,
tangerine and other products. Two of the best fruit stands in Tampa are Carl's
Fruit Stand and Florida Orange Grove and Winery ( 1500 Pasadena Ave ). Florida
is not called the orange state for no reason. You haven't sampled Tampa till you
have sampled at least one of their state grown fruits. If
art and sculpture are your fancy then be sure to check out Beach Drive . There
is the Glass Canvas Gallery, which sells art, sculpture and other crafts. There
are also other boutiques one of which sells authentic Native American jewelry. For
antiques head down to the Gas Plant Antique Arcade Central Avenue, (between 12th
and 13th streets) which is the largest antique mall on Florida's west coast. It
has over one hundred and fifty vendors. From big to small there is something for
everyone whether you want a pretty little trinket or a piece of furniture. You
can find all kinds of antiques from all time periods. Regardless
of where you stay your hotel whether it is Spring Hill Suites or the Radisson
Bay Harbor Hotel , the front desk at your hotel can direct you in some of the
best and most interesting shopping in Tampa . | 
