Tampa Area Destination Named A Great January Vacation Spot

The first month of the new year often feels like a time to stop moving so fast, refocus, and start again. However, Fifty Grande recently explained that January can be an ideal time to travel, and named a Tampa area destination as one of the best places to go to during the month.

"While much of the country can run a little chilly, the relative lack of crowds make everywhere from Florida beaches to northern ski slopes a little more manageable than they are in February or March," they said. Furthermore, you can find more reasonable airline and hotel prices during this month that sandwiched between the holiday and February break.

Fifty Grande, which is a publication that often details ideal travel spots across the entire country, highlighted five great January trips. Depending upon where you are traveling from, these destinations can accommodate anything from a quick weekend getaway to a full week of vacation.

Specifically, Clearwater was recognized for being a place that offers both laid-back beach spots and high-energy options. 43 states in America fly direct to Tampa, with 26 major hubs having daily flights. Obviously, travelers come to the area to escape the cold weather and enjoy some relaxing beach time. However, Clearwater also offers visitors the opportunity to take in a Buccaneers football game or a Lightning hockey game.

If you are looking for nightlife, Fifty Grande points out the live music scene. "Clearwater proper also just opened a new outdoor music venue called The Sound," they say.

Clearwater Beach is ranked right in the middle of great January trips at number three. New Orleans ranked as the best spot. Reno, NV, Lake Placid, NY, and Jekyll Island, GA rounded out the list.

According to Infrastructure Report Card, there are 617,000 bridges in the United States. Outlets such as Attractions of America and Mr. Hudson have each come up with lists of the most beautiful bridges. Two of them call Florida home.

A bridge can be a historical landmark in addition to a pathway that connects communities. Certain bridges, like the Golden Gate in San Francisco, draw thousands of tourists each year. People plan trips around visiting this site and taking in its incredible views. Unsurprisingly, the Golden Gate Bridge is either #1 or #2 on each of the aforementioned lists.

The bridge that it shares the top spot with is famous for its ability to walk or bike over. The Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn Heights to Manhattan via six lanes. Many charity-driven bike rides also cross here as it offers unique perspectives into New York City without any tollways.

In Florida, American Road and Transportation lists over 12,000 bridges in the Sunshine State (though not all of them are in functional condition). There are two however, that stand above the rest. One is architecturally astounding. The other feels like a gateway into a mysterious paradise.

"American bridges are often designed with looks to match their engineering ingenuity," Mr. Hudson explains.

What's fascinating about bridges in America, is they are constructed of different materials and serve different purposes. For example, the final and tenth selection in Attractions of America's feature is the Benson Bridge, Multnomah Falls, in Oregon. This is a foot traffic bridge that is only 45 feet long. It allows visitors to walk 105 feet above the Lower Multnomah Falls cascade

Let's take a look at the two most beautiful bridges in Florida.

Connecting St. Petersburg to Terra Ceia, this bridge is 4.1 miles long. This stunning bridge over Tampa Bay is often lit up with colors that highlight the skyline. Furthermore, since 2018, there has been a Skyway 10K race that closes the bridge each year.

This two-lane bridge is technically part of Route 1. It's a magical gateway into the Florida Keys. Mr. Hudson points out, "the Seven Mile Bridge usually has space for sightseers to park up and admire the Florida Keys." In 1982, a heavy renovation made the lanes wider, allowing for a safer and more comfortable drive. The last annual seven-mile bridge run took place this past April.