"We live in a place where others work 51 weeks a year to visit for one week. Every day is a vacation."
That's what Democratic Congressional candidate Doug Tudor told CL's Wayne Garcia when asked about his summer plans.
And that's the irony of the sultry season in Tampa Bay. It's the time when the beachy destinations up north start reopening to the "summer people," but down here we're all summer people all the time — it's just that our summer's a little hotter.
But our kids still get off school, and this is the season when lots of us schedule some time off — and we don't know about you, but after the year we've had we really liked thinking about vacations.
So here you are: everything you need to make the upcoming months a summer to remember. We've got complete listings of what to do and where to go, from museums to camps, arts centers to amusement parks. Plus, everyone from mayors to interns share their vacation stories with us, including sojurns they're looking forward to and adventures they'd just as soon forget. We've got tips for families looking for discounted fun and a checklist for groupies following their favorite band. Want a cooler alternative? How about a bargain weekend in Asheville, NC? Want something hotter? Shawn Alff uncovers the top 10 adult getaways. We learn the secrets of that mysterious breed, the off-season Florida tourist. And if, unlike them, you prefer to spend your summers inside, get ready to vote for your favorite movies in CL's Battle of the Summer Blockbusters.
Summer Guide links:
See all Summer Guide videos here
Taking the kids on a road trip
An intern's summer selling knives
Seeing Tampa Bay through visitors' eyes
Spending the summer at nerd camp
Battle of the summer blockbuster movies
