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Pinellas County Experience Again Among Top In USA And World

The Tripadvisor “Traveler’s Choice” rankings for “Top Overall Experiences” again features one from Pinellas County near the top of the list. The Travelers’ Choice lists are known for being based…

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The Tripadvisor "Traveler's Choice" rankings for "Top Overall Experiences" again features one from Pinellas County near the top of the list.

The Travelers' Choice lists are known for being based upon the travelers who have voted for them. They cover the world's best hotels, destinations, restaurants, beaches and things to do.

The latest list released by Tripadvisor.com features the best activities around the world. Ranked the fifth best activity in the world is the "Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area."

The two-hour tour is done with clear kayaks. According to Tripadvisor.com, it takes guests though the waters of Tampa Bay to see the wildlife in a way that's unique. It was the #5 experience in the world, and #2 in the USA. If you haven't done this yet, make it one of your priorities to get over there.

Other highly-ranked things-to-do close to the Tampa Bay area include: The #9 experience on the top 25 in the USA was "Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach." This includes 75 minutes with a "narrated dolphin tour of Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico aboard the Little Toot."

#12 is the "Manatee Snorkeling Tours" in Crystal River, just up the coast of the Gulf of Mexico from Tampa Bay. This gives you a chance to "Swim with the Manatees" and it "Includes In-Water Guide and Photographer". This involves three-hours of swimming with manatees in Crystal River. They'll provide what you need when you get there (boat, snorkel gear, wetsuit). Your guided tour will teach you about the manatees and the ecosystem, and also take pictures for you.
[Source: Tripadvisor.com]

If you're looking for something to do that's a little different, check this list out. These are not the familiar and popular places to visit. Instead, here are a few lesser-known attractions around Tampa Bay.

Summer is here and schools are out. If you're looking to visit someplace you haven't been yet, here are some places around the Tampa Bay area that you may not have though about before.

1 Whimzeyland, Safety Harbor

Owned by a couple of artists, this Safety Harbor home has nearly everything covered with tile mosaics. Then there are the bowling balls, painted and decorating the property.

2. Dysfuntional Grace Art Co., Ybor City

Filled with natural and unnatural oddities, many you can actually purchase.

3. 3. Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg

Sunken Gardens has been open for over 100 years, and is St. Pete's oldest roadside attraction. Get a visitors guide and explore the more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers. Take lots of photos of the waterfalls and their flock of flamingos,

4. Chihuly Collection, St. Petersburg

Glass art brought to its highest peak. Add to that, the drawings and limited edition prints. You can also purchase your new home decorations.

5. International Independent Showmen's Museum, Riverview

Learn the history, and mystery, of the traveling carnival.

6. Church by the Sea (The Chicken Church), Madeira Beach

Whether the design is intentional or an unfortunate result, the building is certainly memorable.

7. The Sea Hagg, Bradenton

As their sign reads, "Nauticals, Antiques, Curiosities." It's someplace you need to visit to find that special, one-of-a-kind treasure.

8. Ulele Fairyland Figures, Tampa

Originally on display at Lowry Park, the figures were acquired by Ulele (and Columbia Restaurant owner) Richard Gonzmart, who put them on display at his restaurant on the Hillsborough River.

9. Braden Castle Ruins, Bradenton

On land acquired by brothers Dr. Joseph Addison Braden and Hector Braden, a two-story manor, nicknamed 'The Castle' was built. The property fell to hard times, and much of the remaining structure has been grown over by the natural flora.

10. National Comedy Hall of Fame & Museum, Holiday

Get some laughs, and learn about some of your favorite comedians. Clearly, noplace screams "National Comedy Hall of Fame & Museum" like the town of Holiday, Florida!