Description
This tour kicks off at Armature Works in downtown Tampa at sunrise with an (optional) champagne toast to get things started! This is also when runners will learn about their first piece of local history – Princess Ulele. Once we’ve finished toasting the princess, we’ll head down the Riverwalk at a casual pace to get the legs warmed up while taking in the views.
When runners get to Kennedy Blvd we’ll make our way over to the University of Tampa for a history lesson on the Tampa Bay Hotel, the Sticks of Fire Monument, and some other interesting facts about Henry B. Plant and how his railroad changed the course of history for the city of Tampa.
From here, runners will head back to the east side of the Hillsborough for a stop by the Tampa Theatre to learn all about it’s history and the history of the 5 and Dime Block. We’ll also pass by Sacred Heart Church and Old City Hall as we make our way to our midway drink/coffee stop, The Attic. Runners will also get to see some cool views of downtown from this location, which is an added bonus!
Part 2 of the fun run focuses around Perry Harvey Sr. Park and Tampa’s rich history in music, focusing primarily on the earlier part of the 20th century and Central Avenue. Perry Harvey Sr. Park is also a great place to take photos and really see a unique side of Tampa’s past that many visitors and locals alike tend to miss, even though it’s right in downtown Tampa. There’s even a new mural of Freddie Mercury, Jimi Hendrix and Elton John to make for an even better all-around tour stop!
After Perry Harvey, your guide will take you to the final leg of the journey – the murals in Tampa Heights! At this point in the tour, you’ve already seen a few murals, but the biggest concentration of murals in downtown is in this area, and it’s definitely a must-see! As we come into the Heights and you see the first murals, there will be an optional stop at Magnanimous Brewing for a coffee/beer before we venture on to more murals (dependent upon timing and what the group decides).
To close the tour out, your guide will lead you to your finish line, crossing back by Princess Ulele and ending at Armature Works where runners will be having brunch at Steelbach at 9:30 when they open. Cheers!
Cherisse Rivera –
This is a great opportunity for group fun. Laura picked great stops and told great stories. I’ve lived in Tampa my whole life and she was spot on about the history and I also learned a few things I didn’t know. I had so much fun!
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Madeline Willey –
Loved every freakin’ second of this tour. It was obvious the amount of time and care that was put into planning the route, collecting the fun ghost stories and incorporating a ton of photo opps. Laura did a fantastic job leading the run, recounting the stories and all the while keeping everyone safe. No runner was ever left behind, even with all the varied paces.
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