#FlyWashington Magazine Spring 2019 | Page 37

The Florida Aquarium Credit: Visit Tampa Each stadium in the area comes with its own perks, too, starting with the 27-foot inflatable Tiger bounce house and whiffle ball field for kids at the Tiger’s Joker Marchant Stadium. The Phillies’ Spectrum Field comes with children’s concession stand — Shortstop Snacks — while adults 21+ can swizzle fruity cocktails at very popular Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion between the bullpens and left field foul pole. The entire family can also spread out on a grass berm overlooking the outfield. At LECOM Park, home of the Pirates, the same area is donated to a 19,000 square foot boardwalk with BBQ area and bar, while on the opposite side of the ballpark is a two-tier party deck for groups. At Dunedin Stadium, bring your four-legged friend (the canine kind) to Monday night home games. The Tampa Bay area continues to set new tourism records with each passing year thanks to its hip, urban heart that delivers an energizing mix of outdoor activities, theme parks, celebrity chefs, family fun, nightlife, and Cuban culture. Start at the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk, which winds along the Hillsborough River passing a host of top attractions and dining spots, including The Florida Aquarium, Sparkman Wharf, multiple waterfront parks, the Tampa Museum of Art, and The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts — the largest performing arts complex south of the Kennedy Center. For a Cuban flavor, be sure to take at least one meal at The Columbia Restaurant. Opened in 1905, it’s the state’s oldest restaurant and the world’s largest Spanish one. GETTING THERE: United Airlines offers daily nonstop flights from Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Tampa International Airport (TPA), while American Airlines and Jetblue both offer daily nonstop flights from Reagan National Airport (DCA) to TPA. George M. Steinbrenner Field Credit: New York Yankees SPRING 2019 35 FLYWASHINGTON.COM