Our first family trip of 2024 took us to Tampa, Florida, to visit one of Erik’s longtime friends who had recently moved there for work. Their family setup closely mirrors ours, complete with two young daughters who are just a few months apart from ours in age. It was an eagerly anticipated trip, not just for the break it promised but also for the chance to catch up with dear friends and let our daughters play together—something they hadn’t done since they were about 18 months old.
We opted for the red-eye flight—the only direct flight available on Delta—believing it would simplify our travel despite the odd timing. Adhering to our regular nighttime routine, we woke the girls at 9 PM and headed to the airport. Madi was thrilled at the prospect of flying, while Jules, who had snagged a good nap earlier, was in great spirits. The flight preparations included bringing along a double stroller for easy airport navigation and setting up Madi’s Jet Kids carry-on, which turns a seat into a bed, complete with her own pillow and blanket.
Once aboard, Madi, disappointed to be missing out on the in-flight service due to her sleep schedule, was quickly comforted with the promise of treats on the return flight. Jules, on the other hand, spent her awake time charming our fellow travelers before snuggling up with me for sleep. The flight wasn't restful for me as I juggled holding Jules and managing Madi’s sleeping position, managing only about 20 minutes of sleep myself. Thankfully, Erik managed to get some rest, readying himself for the logistical challenges upon landing.
Upon arrival in Tampa, we faced a minor hiccup with our Turo car rental; the car’s owner hadn't provided the lockbox code which delayed our departure from the airport. We also encountered an unexpected parking fee since the car had been parked overnight. Despite these setbacks, once we were on the road with our luggage and stroller packed, we were ready to dive into the Tampa experience.
We decided to take it easy on the first day to recover from the journey. Our culinary adventures began with a delightful breakfast at Duck Doughnuts—surprisingly a chain we recognized from Salt Lake City. The made-to-order doughnuts were a hit, setting a cheerful tone for the day. For lunch, we headed to Portillo’s where I savored an Italian beef and sausage sandwich, a place Erik had heard raves about from a friend. The meal didn’t disappoint, offering a delicious if slightly greasy treat that was well worth it.
The next morning began with a hearty breakfast at First Watch. I savored the SoCal Hash with eggs over medium, accompanied by tortillas that I turned into mini tacos. Erik's choice, biscuits and gravy, came recommended by the waiter but turned out to be less impressive than expected. Madi indulged in a chocolate pancake, large enough for an adult, which Jules also seemed to favor, abandoning her own breakfast to share with her sister. The meal was a pleasant start, although we discovered that local laws prevented us from ordering alcoholic beverages before 11 AM, a minor setback to our leisurely start.
After breakfast, a quick trip to Target was necessary to find new sandals for Madi, as she had outgrown her previous ones. This errand turned amusing with Jules, who delighted in greeting passersby and insisted on petting every stuffed animal she encountered. Once our shopping was completed, we returned to our friends' home for some downtime, allowing the girls to nap before our afternoon at the beach.
Our beach destination was Siesta Beach in Sarasota, known for its incredibly fine, white sand. It was the girls' first beach experience, and it proved to be quite the adventure. Madi initially hesitated to approach the water, but after some coaxing and playful encouragement from Erik, she warmed up to the idea. Soon, she was splashing in the waves, helping to build a sandcastle, and scouring the shore for seashells. Jules, however, was less enthralled with the beach. The sensation of sand and the chill of the ocean water were overwhelming for her; she preferred to be held and was constantly asking me to clean off any sand that stuck to her.
After enjoying the beach for about an hour, we decided it was time to think about dinner.
A unanimous decision for pizza led us to Rico’s Pizza Gulfgate, where we indulged in a feast of BBQ chicken, chicken bacon ranch, and carnivore pizzas, along with garlic knots and fries. The ambiance of the small, authentic pizza joint added to our enjoyment, making the meal feel like a true local experience. Satisfied and full, we embarked on the hour-long drive back to Tampa, content with our day of sandy fun and delicious eats.
For the rest of our stay we weren’t sure exactly what we wanted to do and after some debate we decided to get the City Pass for Tampa and commit to taking advantage of what it had to offer. The pass included Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, plus any two of the additional attractions of The Tropics Boat Tours, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry and Glazer Children’s Museum.
The next day saw us slowly starting with breakfast and lunch at our friend's home, allowing the girls to rest up with a nap before we headed out to explore ZooTampa. Despite arriving later than planned, the visit was a success. The zoo was vibrant with activity; the expansive enclosures housed an array of animals that were particularly lively. Madi and Jules were captivated by the monkeys, their playful antics setting the tone for an afternoon of discovery and delight. We wandered through different regional zones—from the lush landscapes of Asia to the rugged terrains of Africa. While we missed seeing kangaroos, the sight of koalas brought smiles all around. Madi was thrilled with the rides in the Australia section, engaging fully until the park closed. Regrettably, we missed the aviary, a spot Jules would have loved, given her new fascination with birds. Nonetheless, the day was filled with joy and new experiences, making ZooTampa a cherished highlight of our trip.
The following day we ventured to Busch Gardens. Although initially unsure if it would be suitable for our young children, the City Pass encouraged us to give it a try. The park melded thrilling roller coasters with exotic animal exhibits, providing a unique hybrid of theme park and zoo. Our first stop was the park train, offering a scenic tour of habitats home to giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife, much to the delight of Jules and Madi. After the train ride, which we wisely took first to avoid the longer lines later, we explored more of the park. Lunch was an impromptu stop at Chick-fil-A within the park, where despite the high cost and limited menu options, the meal went down without a hitch.
Busch Gardens also featured a Sesame Street-themed area perfect for younger children. Madi was in her element here, navigating the expansive treehouse network of bridges and nets. The area was a safe, fun environment for her to expend some energy while Erik kept close watch. Our day's highlights included not only the Sesame Street area but also sightings of alligators, kangaroos, and cheetahs. The animal enclosures were impressively large and well-maintained, offering us great views and up-close encounters.
Although the park was more suited to older children and teenagers, especially with its thrilling rides and adventure experiences, our visit was still immensely enjoyable. We recognized that returning when the girls are older would likely offer a different, perhaps more fulfilling experience as they would be able to participate more fully in all the activities Busch Gardens has to offer.
Our evening plans took an unexpected and frightening turn that night. Initially filled with anticipation for a fun-filled evening at Armature Works, where we intended to dine and let the girls play in the splash pad, our plans were abruptly disrupted. We had arrived slightly behind schedule, which, under the circumstances, turned out to be a stroke of unintended good fortune.
As we navigated around to find parking, we snagged a spot right next to the splash pad, already bustling with children and their families enjoying the evening. Our friends were on their way to meet us, but the atmosphere quickly shifted. While on the phone with our friend's wife, she relayed in real-time that people were frantically exiting Armature Works, urged by others to get to safety. The sound of sirens filled the air, and within moments, police cars sped past, one stopping directly in front of us. A police officer, visibly armed and urgent, rushed towards the commotion. It was a surreal, movie-like scene unfolding right before our eyes.
We later learned that the chaos was due to gunfire that had erupted nearby, resulting in three innocent people getting injured. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, but the incident left everyone shaken. Our delay had inadvertently kept us out of harm's way, a fact that was both relieving and terrifying. Realizing the potential danger we narrowly missed, we chose not to leave the car. Instead, we decided the safest option was to return to our friend's home.
Madi, unaware of the gravity of the situation but disappointed about the change in plans, was visibly upset about missing out on the splash pad. It was challenging to explain the situation to her without causing fear. To shift the mood and make up for the missed activity, we spent the evening swimming in our friend's pool, which thankfully diverted the girls' attention and allowed them to end the day on a lighter note.
Continuing our explorations on Wednesday, our journey took us to Clearwater, where we were excited to partake in a dolphin tour, a part of our City Pass offerings. After an hour's drive filled with minor navigation challenges, we boarded a tour boat and secured a spot on the upper deck, hopeful for dolphin sightings. The tour lasted around an hour and a half, and while glimpses of dolphins were brief and somewhat elusive, the moments they broke the surface were thrilling, especially for the girls, even if they couldn't see much. The excitement of these glimpses, however, couldn't save me from a rookie mistake—I ended up with a sunburn, having neglected to apply sunscreen to myself, though we were meticulous with Erik and the girls.
Post-tour, our quest for lunch led us to the Beach Shanty Café, a modest spot that seemed promising but ultimately delivered an unremarkable meal. While the girls stuck to their favorite chicken nuggets and fries, Erik's double cheeseburger and my grouper sandwich were just satisfactory. It was a reminder that a little pre-trip dining research could go a long way.
Debating our next move, we decided against visiting the beach and instead headed to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This choice paid off when we arrived at the dolphin exhibit, which allowed us a closer, more engaging view of the dolphins swimming gracefully beneath the water—a truly mesmerizing sight and the day's highlight. Unfortunately, the rest of the aquarium didn't live up to our expectations, feeling underwhelming for the cost of admission and parking.
The day wrapped up with a drive back to Tampa, a bit delayed by traffic but content with the day's adventures. Dinner was a cozy, home-cooked affair at our friends' house, providing a perfect end to an eventful day. As the evening wound down and the girls drifted off to sleep, conversation among the adults turned to dessert—a spontaneous late-night run to Kichi Taiyaki resulted in delicious soufflé pancakes and boba for everyone. The shared crème brûlée pancake and my choice of brown sugar milk tea with classic boba were delightful, making a sweet end to our day and leaving us determined to return before our trip concluded.
The following day, with the Florida weather as unpredictable as ever, we ventured out to the Florida Aquarium. Given the challenges of managing small children on the go, especially around nap times, we opted to drive there just before lunch, hoping to dine at the aquarium to avoid disrupting the day's flow with a return home for meals. This proved to be a wise choice, as the rain began to pour just as we parked. Thankfully, the parking garage spared us from the worst of the weather, and we quickly moved inside to find shelter and food.
The aquarium's café offered a surprisingly varied menu, which we ordered from via touchscreens—an efficient system that helped us manage our time and keep the kids content. Once reunited with our friends who had joined us shortly after, we embarked on our exploration of the aquarium's three levels. Starting from the top, we worked our way down, enthralled by the vibrant exhibits which showcased everything from Florida's wetlands to the exotic ecosystems of Madagascar.
Particularly memorable was the "No Bone Zone," where Madi overcame her hesitations and eagerly reached into the chilly waters to touch sea urchins and sea cucumbers. This hands-on interaction was a highlight for her, providing a tactile connection to the marine life we were learning about. The larger marine habitats, including the impressive Coral Reefs and Waves of Wonder exhibits, offered us views of majestic sharks and playful turtles, although the elusive octopus remained hidden from view.
As we concluded our visit on the first floor, we were delighted to find that the earlier storm had passed, revealing a sunny afternoon perfect for outdoor activities.
However, our initial plan to enjoy the aquarium's outdoor splash pad and playground was complicated by our lack of towels, a consequence of the morning's stormy forecast. Despite this, we allowed Madi to dip her toes and eventually play in the water, deciding that the joy of the moment outweighed the inconvenience.
Reflecting on the aquarium visit, we felt a twinge of disappointment; it hadn't quite lived up to our expectations, particularly in comparison to our hometown aquarium. Perhaps our hopes had been set too high, or maybe the charm of local attractions often feels diminished when one is spoiled by superior facilities at home.
Determined to keep the spirits high, we headed to Tibby's New Orleans Kitchen for dinner, immersing ourselves in a culinary experience that echoed the soul of New Orleans. The meal was a resounding success, with everyone relishing their dishes—from the rich crawfish étouffée I enjoyed, to Erik's hearty sampler of Jambalaya, crawfish pie, and gumbo. As we wrapped up, Jules grew increasingly tired, signaling it was time for us to head back. Although we missed another visit to Kichi Taiyaki with the group, they kindly brought back some desserts for us to enjoy—a thoughtful gesture that allowed us to end our day on a sweet note. The soufflé pancakes and taiyaki were a delightful treat, with the taro flavor standing out as a favorite.
The morning began with an early outing to a local Toyota dealership, as we were in the market for a Grand Highlander Hybrid and had hoped to test drive and possibly take advantage of a sale. Unfortunately, upon arrival, we discovered the promotion didn't apply to the model we were interested in. Feeling somewhat misled just to get us through the door, we decided against making a purchase and resolved to continue our search back home, despite the long waiting period.
With our car dealership visit behind us, my thoughts turned to lunch, and I had a craving for Cuban cuisine. We chose to dine at La Cubanita Café, a local spot renowned for its authentic offerings.
I indulged in a lunch plate featuring roasted pork, yellow rice, and platanos, while Erik opted for the Cuban Special—a hearty sandwich filled with ham croquettes, salami, and pork. Although we were disappointed to find that the guava and cheese pastries had sold out, Erik's alternative choice of a guava and cheese enchilada did not disappoint. The girls happily nibbled on portions of my rice and pork, making for a satisfying family meal.
Post-lunch, the girls settled down for their naps, recharging for the afternoon's activities. Once everyone was refreshed, we took advantage of the warm weather and spent some time in the pool. It was the perfect opportunity to gently encourage Madi to practice swimming with her face in the water—a skill she had been hesitant to attempt during swim lessons. With patience and gentle coaxing, she eventually took to it, gliding through the water with a newfound confidence that made us all proud.
As the day wound down, we opted for a casual dinner, firing up the grill to BBQ burgers and brats. Jules, to our surprise, managed to polish off two brats by herself, clearly enjoying the meal as much as the adults.
To fulfill a promise to Madi, we capped off the evening with a visit to The Stuffed Cookie, where we indulged in uniquely crafted ice creams paired with decadent cookies. I chose s'mores ice cream with a banana pudding cookie, Madi delighted in a blue ice cream with sprinkles alongside strawberry ice cream, and Erik savored mousetrack ice cream with a snickerdoodle. While delicious, the rich desserts were so filling that I ended up with a bit of a stomach ache. With our departure looming, we returned to the house to pack, ensuring everything was ready for our early morning journey.
The final leg of our journey started with an early wake-up call at 4:30 am to ensure we met our flight. Despite a slight delay and an unexpected hiccup at a closed gas station, we managed to make up time and smoothly navigated the car return and check-in processes at the airport. Thanks to my Platinum Medallion status, our heavier bags—filled with souvenirs—were checked without additional fees, which was a relief.
Tampa's airport system, which involves taking a tram to the security area, streamlined our transit and reduced the usual stress associated with airport queues. Though we arrived at the gate just as boarding commenced, leaving us no time for last-minute preparations, the kindness of fellow passengers, who offered their water to Jules, reminded us of the goodwill that often accompanies travel.
The flight itself was markedly smoother than our outbound trip. Madi was entertained with movies and delighted in finally getting her much-desired apple juice from the flight attendant. Jules, after a nap, was happily engaging with fellow passengers and taking in the aerial views. Their good behavior made the flight easier for everyone around us and was a testament to their growing adaptability as young travelers.
Upon landing, we quickly retrieved our luggage and made our way to The Parking Spot, where our driver efficiently helped us load our car and navigate out of the airport. Eager for a good meal, we stopped at Central 9th Market, a place I had been eager to try due to rave reviews about their sandwiches on homemade focaccia.
The breakfast sandwiches did not disappoint, providing a delicious and satisfying end to our journey. Each of us enjoyed our choice, with the standout being the quality of the bread, which lived up to its reputation.
Once home, the comfort of familiar surroundings enveloped us. We collected Maple, our beloved dog, from the sitter, reuniting the entire family. Reflecting on our trip, the experiences we shared—from serene beach days to the excitement of theme parks and the unexpected adventure at the aquarium—were invaluable. Yet, there's an undeniable comfort in returning to one's own space, where the routines of daily life resume, but the memories of our travels linger, enriching our family's story and bonding us closer together.
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