Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, across from University of Tampa's gorgeous minarets, where the elegant Kennedy Blvd Bridge crosses the Hillsborough River, is the crown jewel of downtown Tampa and particularly spectacular at night. The silver minarets of the University of Tampa are lit up, along with the Kennedy Blvd Bridge in varying colors: red, green, blue. And the Tampa Museum of Art is lit up in moving rainbow colors. In front of the Glazer Children's Museum, the splash fountain is lit in little rectangles. Everywhere there is something wonderful and glittering to see! It is magical when there is a sliver of moon just dangling over the water. Come with your lover for a romantic stroll here, a stop along the popular Tampa Riverwalk.
Or come with your kids to the space age playground and little hill with half-globe rocks to climb in front of the Tampa Museum of Art. There is a plastic 4-seater spinner, motorcycle bouncies, circular spinner that kids love to walk along, individual seat spinner, techno music station with large lit-up buttons, and play structure with slides and rope climbies. Sometimes people come out with light-up hula hoops and play on the sloping great lawn, adding more fun to the scene here. Others hang out and listen to live music on the seat terraces. Watch out for speedy electric skooters racing by.
There are inexpensive cafes on Twiggs Street and its side streets, in a slightly grungy urban setting. Or have a glass of fresh-brewed iced tea, or a delicious fresh-baked lemon poppy seed muffin, at Riverwalk Cafe in the Tampa Museum of Art. It has a fantastic view of the river and the minarets from its floor to ceiling windows on two sides, and a modern interior. You can walk around the Tampa Museum of Art after, checking out its ancient Greek and Egyptian artifacts, and special exhibits. The special exhibits weren't the interesting when we were there but they change all the time.
Walk three blocks east to Sacred Heart Catholic Church to see its beautiful dome and grand interior. The stained glass inside is lovely, though it's a bit of a mishmash of different styles throughout the church. Light a candle for $1 and say a prayer.
We didn't get bit by mosquitoes at this park both times we went, at night and at dusk. It seems that in the city, where there aren't many mangroves, Florida's mosquito problem is much improved.
Curtis Hixon Park is located at 600 N. Ashley Dr, Tampa FL 33602. There is a public parking garage just steps to the north of the park, on Ashley Dr, and the price is only $5. There are also plenty of metered parking spots where you pay with your credit card at the machine- these are not checked (and are therefore free) on the weekend!
Tampa Pizza Company, 777 N. Ashley Dr, Tampa FL, call (813) 463-1600.
Last Updated: Sat, 12 Jun 2021 16:06:02 GMT
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