Aloha to Florida - Ybor City

Ybor City is located in East Tampa.  From its website (link),

Known as Tampa’s Latin Quarter for over a century, Ybor City is an exotic blend of aromas, flavors, sights and sounds. From the scent of roasting Cuban coffee early in the morning to the rhythms of Latin music late into the night, Ybor is a feast for the senses.

Choose from a variety of cuisine - Spanish, Cuban, Italian, Greek and French - just by strolling down La Setima, the main street of the Historic District. Share authentic tapas and a pitcher of Spanish sangria in a café atmosphere reminiscent of a Mediterranean village. 

Browse eclectic shops and art galleries or visit one of the museums. See a “hand-rolled cigar” being made or just relax and “people watch” with a cup of Ybor’s famous cafe con leche.

Founded by Vicente Martinez-Ybor as a cigar-manufacturing center, Ybor City today is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. Red brick buildings, wrought iron balconies and narrow brick streets give it an old-world charm that is a refreshing change of pace from the beach and the mall.

 

We stumbled cross a food festival featuring the Taco Bus ...

... and Rolling Zoinks.

We hopped aboard the street car ...

 ... transiting Ybor City, Channel Side, Downtown Tampa, and back. 

 Back in Ybor City, we spotted the Freddie Solomon Annex.

Freddie played football for the University of Tampa, the Miami Dolphins, and San Francisco 49s.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

To join the FSU Pub Crawl sponsored by the Seminoles' Tampa Area Booster Club.

Do you have an ethnic neighborhood in your area?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, August 23, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 24.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Local business pays tribute to nearby MacDill AFB ...