Attractions 

1. Busch Gardens. There's something for everyone at this African-themed amusement park: animals, performances and, of course, thrill rides. Tour the Busch beer factory, eat some fried food and then test your stomach on SheiKra, one of the world's tallest rollercoasters. 10001 N. McKinley Drive, 1-888-800-5447, buschgardens.com.

2. Adventure Island. Tampa Bay's only water park offers 30 acres of wet and wild fun for all-ages. Lounge in an intertube on the Lazy River or test your swimsuit on the 210-foot Gulf Scream water slide. 4500 E. Bougainvillea Ave., 1-888-800-5447, adventureisland.com.

3. Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). Dinosaurs, butterflies, IMAX and more. MOSI, a not-for-profit educational institution, is the largest science center in the Southeast. New exhibits change out every month or so. 4801 E. Fowler Ave., 813-987-6300, mosi.org.

4. Lettuce Lake Park. For those who need motivation to get out of the house and exercise (just step away from the Xbox … ), look no further than Lettuce Lake. Activities include bike paths, jogging trails, a fitness course, playgrounds, a picnic area and fishing. USF students, staff and alumni should check out Riverfront Park right next door — the USF-exclusive park features canoeing, kayaking and a disc golf course. 6920 E Fletcher Ave., 813-987-6204.

5. Institute for Research in Art ( USF Contemporary Art Museum and GraphicStudio). The museum collection in this highly regarded resource features over 5,000 works from artists from across the world, and the internationally known GraphicStudio has nurtured collaborative projects with many of today's leading artists. 4202 E. Fowler Ave., 813-974-4133, cam.arts.usf.edu.

Food & drink

6. Aladdin's Hookah Café. The best late-night hangout for the bar-weary, Aladdin's offers nearly 30 different flavors of tobacco for your tableside hookah. Unlike most of the area's hookah bars, Aladdin's is devoid of the typical barely-legal crowd thanks to its off-the-beaten-path location and lack of strobe lights. 2592 E. Bearss Ave, 813-971-2347, aladdinhookahcafe.com.

7. Brass Mug. This bar and nightspot is USF's source for live rock and metal music almost every night of the week, and you'll rarely encounter a more diverse crowd. Warning: Newbies may wish to bring earplugs. 1441 E. Fletcher Ave. # 101, 813-972-8152.

8. Mr. Dunderbak's. This German deli and pub is the spot for sandwiches so good, they can only be trumped by the beer selection. Dunderbak's is famous for the 24 draft beers and more than 300 bottled imports that they carry daily, providing ample selection for beer novices and experts alike. The hearty variety of local and imported meats and cheeses and festive German decor make Dunderbak's the only good reason for a trip to the University Mall. 2222 University Mall Tampa, 813-977-4104, dunderbaks.com.

9. Five Star. A late-night fave, pizza, is available 24 hours, any time day or night, for delivery or pick-up. 10926 N. 56th St, 813-899-9700.

10. Hip Hop Soda Shop. The first in the nation, Tampa's Hip Hop Soda Shop has been recognized as one of the most innovative business ideas in recent years. Catering to hip-hop lovers, this 11,000-square-foot restaurant and bar offers a healthy menu of wraps, large LCD screens at every table for XBox or sports enthusiasts and a recording studio with competitive rates. Open mics and other performances each day of the week. 1241 E. Fowler Ave, 813-977-1200, hiphopsodashop.com.

11. Java Joe's. One of the best people-watching spots in the USF area, Java Joe's café serves up, well, a mean cup o' java. Joe's also provides free wireless Internet connection and serves a small but tasty breakfast and lunch menu that includes breakfast sandwiches, quiche and subs. 16039 Tampa Palms Blvd. W, 813-971-2400, javajoestampa.com.

12. Jerk Hut. A venerable Tampa institution, serving up Jamaican fare like jerk chicken, curries and oxtail soup. The newest location off 22nd Street also hosts one of the area's only reggae karaoke nights. 1406 E. Fowler Ave., 813-632-9551 and 2101 E. Fowler Ave., 813-977-5777, jerkhut.com.

13. Kaleisia Tea. This teahouse is not only an alternative and relaxing hangout for post-exam stress, but also home to a host of interesting and affordable workshops like tea brewing for beginners, oriental brush painting, open-mic nights, tea tastings, knitting groups, book clubs and more. 1441 E. Fletcher Ave. Suite 133, 813-977-8266, thetealounge.com.

14. Pegasus Lounge. A classic dive bar — strong, cheap drinks and smoky atmosphere — with live music nearly every night. All musical genres have been represented at Pegasus from punk and industrial to folk and acoustic. 10008 N. 30th St., 813-971-1679, pegasusniteclub.com.

15. Thai Ruby. Hands-down the best traditional cuisine of the USF area's many Thai restaurants. While the exterior is somewhat lacking in atmosphere (it's in a strip mall), the interior is stunning: Walls are covered in elaborate Thai rugs and tapestries, and Thai sculptures watch over diners. And the food is just as satisfying. 15319 Amberly Drive, 813-558-0570.

16. Trang. Tasty, healthy Vietnamese cooking with a French flair, featuring fresh, homegrown herbs and daily market specials. Weekday lunch specials are a bargain (Brian Ries). 1524 E. Fowler Ave., 813-979-1464.

17. University Hangout. What UH lacks in sophistication, it makes up for in nightly specials, including Trivia Mondays, Texas Hold 'Em Wednesdays and Nickel Beer Thursdays. Friday nights require a dress code — no T-shirts, ball caps or sports jerseys allowed. Besides the wet T-shirt contest, this is as classy as Friday nights get. 2025 E. Fowler Ave., 813-977-2683, thehangoutbar.com.

Cool shops

18. Wooden Nickel. North Tampa's premiere spot for gag gifts, novelty items, risqué cards, costumes, masks and special-effects makeup. 1441 E. Fletcher Ave., 813-977-0904.

19. AOE Art. This art supply store is not only for those blessed with artistic genius; AOE is a veritable playground of potential projects for anyone with a creative mind and a craft craze. 12908 N. 56th St, 813-989-0302, aoeartworld.com.

20. Beverage Castle. The one-stop shop for all of your beer-drinking necessities — Bud Light drinkers need not drop by. The Beverage Castle has 16 different types of beer from nearly 60 different countries, for a grand total of more than 700 beers. Also, it's the only place in the area with a drive-thru. 11730 N. 56th St., 813-985-0455, beveragecastle.com.

21. The Todd. A veritable warehouse of porn, lingerie, dance wear and novelties, The Todd has been serving couples and singles with their adult needs for nearly 40 years. 13417 N. Nebraska Ave., 813-971-0007, thetoddsuperstore.com.

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This article appears in Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2008.