7 Major FL Tampa Bay Facts You Probably Didn't Know

Travelers want to visit Tampa Bay because of its well-known sandwiches and severe weather. It provides a distinctive fusion of culture and adventure with a plentiful supply of wine and the freedom to travel without a passport. The greatest eateries in the neighborhood can be discovered, Cuban sandwiches can be indulged in, and even breaking the law by harassing a chicken is permitted. Two entries on Cuban sandwiches and a film of their time in the region are suggested for individuals interested in Tampa Bay's cuisine. Book DTW flights to Tampa and experience the city's diverse attractions and experiences, making it an unforgettable destination.

1) Ybor City, Florida's streets are filled with wild chickens, which are legally protected.

Around 150 wild birds call Ybor City, Florida, home, including ancestors of flocks that previous generations of locals raised for eggs and meat. The Tampa Bird Sanctuary Law tightly prohibits the behavior of these birds, who have been flaunting their feathers in the area for about 100 years. The hens' safety and well-being are guaranteed because they are descended from flocks raised for their meat and eggs.

Read More: Something to Know Everyone About Tampa

2) Ybor City, Florida, was formerly the center of the cigar industry.

Vicente Martinez Ybor, a Cuban cigar tycoon, had a considerable impact on Tampa Bay's cigar industry in the late 19th century. He moved his activities from Key West to some scrub close to the port, luring Jewish, German, Italian, Spanish, and Cuban immigrants. The new railway allowed Ybor to ship its goods to New York, which helped Tampa Bay grow into a significant metropolis. When production was at its highest, Tampa Bay produced 500 million cigars annually, earning the moniker "Cigar City."

3) Tampa has some incredible Cuban sandwiches.

Tampa Bay was the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich, despite fierce rivalry in Miami. In-depth information about Tampa's Cuban sandwich history is provided in this blog post, along with recommendations for the top four spots to eat one. It is advised to try to eat at least one Cuban every day.

4) You don't need a passport or to ever leave Ybor City, Florida, to visit Cuba.

In 1956, Tampa gave Cuba a 0.14-acre parcel of land that is now known as Jose Mart Park, which is situated in Ybor City, Florida. Jose Marti, a Cuban poet and independence warrior, is honored with a park bearing his name. In the late 1800s, Mart often stayed at a nearby boardinghouse while in Tampa to gather money for Cuba's freedom from Spain. The park gives visitors a sight of Cuban land while being protected by an international agreement.

5) Do you believe that France, Italy, or Spain has the largest private wine collection in the world? Wrong. In Tampa Bay, consider Bern's Steak House.

Dine at Bern's Steak House, one of America's best steakhouses, and enjoy its largest private wine collection. In the wine basement beneath the restaurant, there are about 600,000 bottles, of which about 100,000 are kept there. Across the street, in a warehouse with temperature control and a painting by Los Angeles artist Tristan Eaton, are kept the remaining 500,000 bottles. To truly appreciate the wine collection, take a tour of the kitchen and cellar.

6) Welcome to Ybor City, Florida's Columbia Restaurant.

Founded in 1905, The Columbia Restaurant is a must-see on every trip to Tampa Bay. It has 1700 seats and is both the largest Spanish restaurant in the world and the oldest in Florida. The restaurant is well-known for its Cuban sandwich and the well-known "1905 Salad," both of which go well with their tableside preparations.

7. Tampa Bay is fortunate to have the longest continuous sidewalk in the world.

The world's longest continuous sidewalk is located on Bayshore Blvd, a 4.5-mile stretch in the heart of Tampa. It is a lovely recreational road lined with palm trees and with breathtaking views of the bay. Cycling enthusiasts, joggers, dog walkers, and fitness fans frequent the area. You might even see dolphins and manatees during the day, particularly in the mornings. For outdoor aficionados, the trail is a top travel option. If you want to know more about Tampa, then book cheap flights from Detroit to Tampa and spend some time with your loved ones.