HUFFINGTON
08.26.12
TRAVEL
The Over-It Politico’s
Guide to Ditching the RNC
Tampa
BY KATE AULETTA
Nearly 3,000 delegates will descend upon Tampa
for the Republic National Convention, and it might
be just in time — the town is in need of some tourism
TLC. In 2011, Hillsborough County, of which Tampa is
the seat, welcomed just 14.5 million visitors. Orlando,
in contrast, received some 55 million. With its beaches, wacky
roadside attractions and parks, Tampa is perhaps a more familyfriendly destination than its Democratic brethren, Charlotte, where
it’s easier to eat, drink and be merry. But those looking for a little
naughty fun can scratch beneath the surface and find themselves
a speakeasy and a Sarah Palin impersonator/stripper. What would a
Republican gathering be without it?
275
4
19
60
275
93
E. 12th Ave.
THE DIRTY SHAME
1929 E. 7th Avenue
E. Palm Ave.
E. 7th Ave.
Want something a bit divier? Head to The Dirty
Shame, a dark bar complete with pool tables, dart
boards and Irish Car Bombs — what else could you
want in that August Florida humidity?
E. Alamo Dr.
75
41
275
PHOTO OR ILLUSTRATION
ILLUSTRATION
BY MICHAEL
CREDIT
NEWHOUSE
TK
N. 22nd St.
N. 13th St.
FLICKR/YELP.COM
PHOTO
OR ILLUSTRATION
(CIRO’SCREDIT
SPEAKEASY);
TK
FLICKR/ATELIER TEEE (ON VACATION) (COLUMBIA RESTAURANT); FLICKR/TOM GILL (LAPSTRAKE) (FORT DESOTO PARK); FLICKR/THEOGEO
(GASPAR’S GROTTO); FLICKR/FERRET111(JOSE MARTI PARK); BEN WAX (VINTAGE SHOP); FLICKR/GREYHOUNDMOM (LETTUCE LAKE PARK); SHERRY KING (YESTERDAZE)
Exit