Ybor City

Come along as we take a walk down the narrow streets of the city lined with vintage buildings depicting architecture of another era. We'll savor the rich aroma of authentic Cuban foods being prepared for the day's lunch and dinner crowd. When we need a break, we'll step inside one of the many restaurants or cafes lining the sidewalks and sample one of the traditional dishes being served. Whether you choose the succulent roast pork, savory yellow rice and chicken or flavorful Spanish bean soup and famous pressed Cuban sandwich, your taste buds are in for a treat. Don't forget dessert! Try the traditional flan custard that is so smooth and light it melts in your mouth or light, flaky pastries stuffed with sweet guava paste. Add a cup of rich Cuban coffee and you're good to go!

Once we've satisfied our food needs, we'll visit the many shops nestled between turn of the century red brick buildings. These large brick buildings once housed the main industry of the city, hand rolled cigars, that existed from the late 1800's to the 1930's. With as many as 200 factories in production, millions of cigars were produced each year. During the depression, there was a significant decline in the cigar business but today, there is a definite resurgence. For a listing of retail and mail order cigar establishments, please visit this site: http://www.ybortimes.com/cigars.html Today, the art of hand-rolled cigar making is still going strong and a visit to the Tampa Rico Cigar factory, located in Ybor Square, has tabaqueros (cigar makers) demonstrating the ages old technique. While watching the artisans at work, you'll be surrounded by history and the heavy aroma of tobacco being transformed into a work of art.

For a look at the history of this fascinating city, visit the Ybor City State Museum located on 9th street for an in depth look at the past. Also, visit the gardens and three restored houses that were used as living quarters for cigar workers. Visit their website at http://www.funandsun.com/parks/YborCity/... for more information.

Another stopping off place is the Ybor City Brewing Company. Here you can savor the past because the company is housed in one of the former cigar factories! Take a moment and sample the tasty brew. Find out more by visiting their site at http://www.ycbc.com/

The heart of the city is Ybor Square, which encompasses 13th street. Here you will find a cornucopia of restaurants, bistros, shops and taverns. You can expect friendly shopkeepers and superior hospitality and service when visiting Ybor.

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