Cheap Fun in Tampa Area
There is so much more to Florida than Disney World and Miami nightclubs. Check out the following local points of interest and have a blast at each and everyone on the central-western coast of Florida. The best thing about each of these places is that each place is not very far from the city- they are well worth the day trip.
Tampa, Florida
Yuengling Brewery
Yuengling is known as “America’s Oldest Brewery.” Though David G. Yuengling established the company in Pennsylvania during the early 1800s, this heavily American beer was introduced to Tampa in 1999. There are seven delicious brews coming out of Tampa and waiting to be tested, from porter to lager, to ale. If you are in the Tampa area, you should check this out. Tours run from Monday through Friday totally free. It is a pretty cool experience to see how this large brewery operates and meet many of the employees. Better yet at the end of the tour, you get to taste test their products if you are 21 years old. If you’re not, then you may have some complimentary soda or water.
Spring Hill, Florida
Buccaneer Bay, Weeki Wachee Springs
Splish n’ Splash at Buccaneer Bay is Florida’s only spring-fed waterpark is now open daily. (Swimming area only) Enjoy our white sandy beach, thrilling flume rides, beach volleyball, lazy river ride, Lil’ Mates Cove, and much more.
Weeki Wachee is a beautiful natural spring and state park located in one of Florida’s tiny towns, Spring Hill. This is more than just a spring. It’s a historical and beautiful park where mermaids and fun swims rampant. Yes, there are mermaids and lovely performances by these unique characters underwater sans scuba tanks.
You may even see Florida’s native manatees and other wildlife. Other fun activities in this park include waterslides, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing down a lazy river. Some of these activities are included in the Buccaneer Bay portion of the park, which is now included in the general admission price. Also included in the price are riverboat rides and reptile shows. This is a super affordable park and is perfect for friends and families. It is only $13 for adult entry and $8 for children between 6 and 12 years old, anyone younger may enter for free.
Gulfport, Florida
Blueberry Patch
Gulfport is a small municipality, set just outside of St. Petersburg. This place houses a unique artist stomping ground. The Blueberry Patch is a beautiful and one of a kind place to experience Florida’s art scene. Meet poets, novelists, painters, craftsmen, and even see some awesome performance art while you’re at it.
If you don’t wish to pay the nominal $5 fee, you can offer you volunteer services. This is not so bad actually, you get to help set up and help out artists, and work with some really positive people. This is a wonderful place to visit the real and local West Florida art scene and taste some foods and local delights. Definitely give this place a visit if you’re in this area.
Blueberry Patch, 4923 20th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33707; Phone: (727) 914-0226
Brooksville, Florida
7 Acres Berry and Vegetable Farm
Small family farms can be found all over Florida, some of these are “you-pick.” Meaning you can go ahead and pick the vegetables and fruits you want or simply buy the freshest already picked vegetables available. 7 Acres Berry and Vegetable Farm is located at 5369 California Street, Brooksville, FL 34604. They have some of the freshest and most delicious blackberries and strawberries I’ve ever tasted. The fruits and veggies grown on this family’s farm are all grown hydroponically and organically- meaning it is essentially some of the least contaminated food you’ll ever experience. I can’t wait to taste the cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, onions, pumpkins, summer squash, and tomatoes that will soon grace my family’s plates. You can easily experience a variety of healthful foods for under $10, but it really depends on how much you want.
Lakeland, Florida
Lake Mirror Park
Lake Mirror Park is a really large and free park in Lakeland that is part of the National Register of Historic Places. This is a completely free and beautiful part of Florida to see if you’re nearby. There are sprawling walking paths, gardens, and a killer lake. There is also a pretty large amphitheater where you can catch musical performances or just relax at your picnic. Located in this park is the Hollis Garden with beautiful daisies, manicured shrubs, and a variety of butterflies. This is a relaxing place to walk, skate or bike around the promenade.
Please comment if you have any wacky, fun, and cheap places you love in Florida. These are some great places to visit under $20, but please let us know if you have any other places that are near and dear to your heart.