Tag Archives: amusement park

A Visit to Pinellas County, Florida and Busch Gardens

I woke early to make the four and a half hour journey to St. Petersburg, Florida.  I was picking up my friend Shawna to take her back to Miami.  In the meantime, I was excited to meet up with another friend of mine Bill for a visit to Busch Gardens and then karaoke.

The weather was absolutely beautiful as I crossed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.  Years ago, working for the cruise lines, our ship would pass under the bridge on its way to Key West.  Later, while living in Tampa, I always looked forward to driving over the bridge when visiting Sarasota, Fort Myers or Sanibel Island.

Arriving in Pinellas County, I made my pilgrimage to The Frog Pond, a breakfast restaurant where I worked with my friend Theresa.  We would bus tables, arriving as early as 6AM but finish the day by 2PM.  Our favorite days were when Hulk Hogan would stop by with Linda for breakfast, driving up on his Hulkster.  We still laugh about it to this day. 

The condo where Theresa and I lived was at Gull Harbor, conveniently close to the The Frog Pond.  Her father had just met his girlfriend, so when he moved in with her, he allowed us to stay at his place paying a small monthly fee.  The property was beautiful with a gorgeous pool and spectacular views of  North Redington Beach.   I had no idea how lucky we were to live here and love to stop by each time I visit.

I had made arrangements to meet my friend Bill at Busch Gardens.  We had both worked together at the Tampa Airport and he was now taking tickets at the park.  When I arrived, he had a couple of additional hours to work and then we would hang out at the park riding rides and visiting the animals.

One of my favorite rides at Busch Gardens is the Skyride where I can see many of the animals in the safari park.

I remember when the Kumba first opened in 1993.  There was so much hype and press covering its opening and having friends who worked at the park was the best advantage.

The SheiKra climbs 200 that slowly reaches the top the stops.  The pause seems endless as you wait before diving down at 70 miles per hour.  There is an Immelmann loop, a second dive into an underground tunnel and the splashdown finale where those that are waiting in line are sure to be drenched.

The Cheetah Hunt was my favorite ride as it shoots immediately out of the gate at an incredible speed.  The coaster makes its way to the top only to plunge down through a rocky gorge.  It is the longest roller coaster at the park.

One of my favorite attractions at Busch Gardens was the Animal Care Center where I could watch the medical team work on an eagle’s wing.

Busch Gardens opened its animal care facility in 2012 at an estimated cost of $5 million.  From nutrition to treatments, X-rays to surgeries, visitors are able to watch the animal care team take on some animal science’s major challenges in their state of the art facility while guests watch the team care for over 200 species of animals.

The day was amazing with so many rides, animals and incredible experiences, but it wouldn’t have been complete without a photo with Big Bird!

Have you visited Busch Gardens in Tampa?  What was your favorite activity at the park?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my amazing day on the west coast of Florida and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Busch Gardens Tampa
10165 N McKinley Dr
Tampa, FL 33612
Telephone:  1 813 884 4FUN (4386)

  • Admission Fee:  There are several entrance pass options (i.e., single day, two-day pass, annual pass, any day ticket and four-park passes) ranging from $43.33 per day.  The website outlines each option along pricing.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 10AM but closing time may change throughout the season, so confirm with the park prior to visiting.
  • Amenities:  Rides and Attractions, Entertainment, Restaurants, Baggage storage area, Gift Shop, Private Tours, Safaris, Kid-Friendly and Educational Events
  • Length of Visit:  With so much to do at the park, try to arrive when the park opens and stay until it closes.  Check the Busch Gardens website for additional activities.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Reservations are highly recommended especially during high season.  Wear comfortable shoes for the park and book additional experiences in advance as they sell out quickly.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge (I-275 South from St. Petersburg, Florida to Sarasota, Florida)

Where to Stay:

Don Cesar Hotel
3400 Gulf Beach Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL  33706
Telephone:  884 338 1501

Where to Eat:

The Frog Pond
16909 Gulf Blvd.
North Redington Beach, FL
Telephone:  727 392 4117

What to Read:

  • The Florida Explorer’s Guide To Busch Gardens Tampa
  • Dreamland, by Nicholas Sparks
  • St. Petersburg Florida, by Sandra Rooks

Photo Guide:

  • The Sunshine Skyway Bridge
  • The Pinellas County Beaches
  • Busch Gardens
  • Don Cesar Hotel

Experience a Western Town by Visiting Rawhide in Arizona

Old Town Rawhide, AZ

It seems like ages ago that I spent the afternoon in the little western town of Rawhide,  in northern Scottsdale, Arizona.  With a fascination of learning more about the wild, wild west,  I decided it would be fun to explore this recreation with gunslingers and historical outposts.

I imagined the John Wayne movies and Clint Eastwood’s attitude as I was transported back in time to the 1880s with a stage coach, train rides, gunfights and a mechanical bull named Widowmaker.

While I’m not the gambling type, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to strike it rich panning for gold, while failing miserably at the shooting gallery.  After a few hours of reveling in the good ole days, I checked into the Rawhide Steakhouse for an authentic western-style meal with portions big enough to feed any hardy cowboy or a family of four.

Mike at the Rawhide, 1999

Entrance into the town of Rawhide is free, unless an event has been scheduled.   Visitors can check out Rawhide’s event calendar at calendar@rawhide.com.  The town attractions require tickets or a wristband to participate, but both can be picked up at the entrance located on-site.

the Town of Rawhide, AZ

Unique shops line the wide dirt road selling souvenirs or fashionable western wear.  Main Street is where all of the action takes place and at one point, I found myself in the middle of a gunfight.

Stagecoach in Rawhide, AZ

I suggest that visitors plan for a full day of fun participating in a number of interactive experiences.  If I had more time, I would have loved to have scheduled the desert train ride or watched a performance at the Spirit of the West Theatre.

After dinner, I had just enough time for one more activity and was having a difficult time deciding what I should do next.  It was a toss up between the burros and the mules and I finally made up my mind to take a mule ride in the Sonoran desert.  The excursion began at the Butterfield Stageline and was the perfect experience for watching the sunset.  The warm, beautiful sun gave off a soft glow as it disappeared behind the cacti the covered the desert floor.  Reflecting off of the ground cover in muted tones, we had plenty of time to return before dark of night.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Rawhide or a similar old western town? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments below! Many thanks for reading about my visit to Rawhide and wishing you many Happy Travels!

UPDATE since my visit to Rawhide!

The location of Rawhide has moved from Scottsdale to Chandler, located on the Gila Indian Reservation, close to the Phoenix Airport.  In 2008, they reopened the Wild West Museum with featured exhibits and artifacts.

What to See and What to Do:

Rawhide Western Town
5700 W N. Loop Road
Chandler, Arizona  85226
Telephone:  480 502 5600

  • Admission Fee:  Free during Signature and Holiday events.
  • Hours:  Rawhide is only open for visitors during Signature and Holiday events which are listed on their website.
  • Amenities:  Restaurant, rides, shopping, entertainment venue, scheduled concerts and festivals as well as private events.
  • Length of Visit:  3 – 4 hours

Where to Stay:

The Boulders Resort & Spa
34631 North Tom Darlington Drive
Carefree, Arizona  85377
Telephone:   480 488 9009

Where to Eat:

El Encanto Mexican Patio Cafe
6248 E. Cave Creek Road
Cave Creek, AZ  85331
Telephone:  480 488 1752

This was such a romantic restaurant and I loved sitting out on the outside patio!

What to Eat:

  • Cheese crisps have a tortilla base with a generous layer of cheese, baked to crispy perfection.
  • Chimichangas
  • Mesquite flour is made from the mesquite tree and has a nutty flavor. Perfect for baking, try this local delicacy in sweets such as breads, muffins and pancakes.
  • Native American fry bread dates back to the late 1800s and is a fried dough used as a base for savory taco toppings or seasoned with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat.
  • Sonoran Hot Dogs are wrapped in bacon, set inside the bun and topped with pinto beans, onion, tomatoes, mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard.  This popular street food is easy to find on local menus.

What to Read:

  • Desert Noir, by Betty Webb
  • Desert Run, by Betty Webb
  • Desert Shadows, by Betty Webb
  • Desert Lost, by Betty Webb
  • Dead Heat, by Patricia Briggs

Photo Guide for Scottsdale:

  • Pinnacle Peak as seen from the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale must be photographed at night as well as from the resort’s patio
  • Greasewood Flat is a restaurant that was once a bunkhouse.
  • The architecture of Cosanti and Arcosanti in Scottsdale’s Paradise Valley
  • Old Town Scottsdale for authentic Wild West shots.
  • Camelback Mountain
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West

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