Chris Hounchell REALTOR

Welcome!

Chris Hounchell is an award-winning Florida real estate Broker that has earned a reputation for providing expert, professional representation to his customers, unparalleled market knowledge, dedicated service and complete transparency throughout the entire buying and selling process.

Staycation Ideas in Tampa Bay

By

Did you miss out on a summer vacation or are just looking to make the most of a three day weekend? As a Tampa Bay resident you’re in luck. The area was voted one of the best staycation towns (Tampa #3 and St. Petersburg #9) in the country by AAA in 2016. A staycation is the perfect mix of economy and immediate enjoyment since there is little travel involved and a hotel stay is optional in most cases. There’s something for everyone in the area including spas, amusement parks, golfing, and museums. We’ve rounded up our favorites for you.

Spa Staycation

Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club is located in Palm Harbor, a short drive north from Tampa and St. Petersburg. It features not only a world class golf course but it’s also famous for it’s Salamander Spa. The spa offers an array of services including a variety of massages, skin treatments, and hair and makeup. Their staff also encourage visitors to practice mindfulness before and after each treatment.

Family Staycation

Busch Gardens amusement park is no hidden secret in the area but why not make it a full weekend instead of a quick day trip? There are numerous hotels of varying price points around the park. The park changes throughout the year including Fright Fest for Halloween and Christmas Town in December. You can get a discount on tickets through the City PASS program and military visitors can receive free one day tickets. The park also offers special vacation packages that include dining and hotel options.

Staycation Ideas in Tampa Bay

Jeremy Thompson via Flickr

Waterpark Staycation

You live in a beach town so it’s safe to assume you enjoy some part of the water. Whether you like the beach or a swimming pool, Tradewinds Resort has you covered. Located in St. Petersburg, it’s waterpark is unique in that it includes several attractions on the beach. In addition to the pools, slides, and other water activities, it also has ten restaurants, a kids club, and planned entertainment events throughout the day. Florida residents receive discounts on their stay and the resort features several different vacation packages.

Tourist Staycation

Sometimes it’s fun to put on your tourist hat and enjoy the kitschy and the traps. The Tarpon Springs Sponge Dock is a throwback to the vacation destinations of the 60’s and 70’s. The Spongeorama museum holds on to it’s retro feel but it also provides information on the natural sponge industry that built up this area. The area is also famous of it’s Greek influences including delicious restaurants and culture. There are also cruises, fishing excursions, and wildlife trips running from the dock daily.

It’s not difficult to see why Tampa Bay was found as one of the best staycation spots in the country. There are plenty of things to do in our backyard. Disconnect from the world for a weekend and take full advantage!

 

Thrill Seeking Activities in Tampa

By

Are the world class beaches, numerous parks and preserves, restaurants, and unique shopping not satisfying your wild side? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! The Tampa Bay area isn’t all just rest and relaxation; it actually has a wild side to it. We’ve got a list of some of the most popular thrill seeking activities right in our backyard.

Busch Gardens

The beauty of Busch Gardens is you can make your visit whatever you’d like. If you’re looking for a day of family fun you can and if you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping you can do that, too. There are roller coasters that race around the track at sixty miles per hour, twist you end over end seven times, and even give you the opportunity to experience weightlessness for three seconds. Roller coasters aren’t the only attractions that will have your pulse pounding. There are several free fall and log flume style rides. When the calendar turns to October, the whole park is transformed into Halloween with haunted houses, themed cast members and shows.

Parasailing

Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are beautiful to look at from the beach or a boat but nothing beats the view while sailing over it. Not only will you get a unique look at those emerald waters but you’ll also get a bird’s eye view of the coast. When you’re ride is almost complete you’ll get the added bonus of a float back down similar to a skydive. There are numerous parasailing operators in the area but we recommend you work with a licensed boat operator.

Thrill Seeking Activities in Tampa Bay

Skydiving

If the gentle float back to earth after parasailing isn’t thrilling enough for you, there’s always skydiving. There are several local companies offering the opportunities to jump out of an airplane from thousands of feet in the air. Many offer a variety of packages from beginner to expert.

Race Car/Exotic Car Experience

If you have every desire to keep your feet firmly on land but you’re still a thrill seeker, hopping into a NASCAR or exotic car maybe just what you’re looking for. Professional drivers will take you around the race track at speeds around one miles per hour or you can get behind the wheel of a Lamborghini or Ferrari on a closed course and see what zero to sixty in seconds feels like.

Jet Pack Ride

It’s not quite out of this world but a jet pack ride is pretty high tech. The pack is propelled by water and you’re lifted thirty feet into the air and can go as fast as thirty miles per hour.

 

Just like everything else in Tampa Bay, there’s something for everyone including the thrill seeker. Tell us about your most thrilling experience in the area!