Scenic Runway

Statue of Vicente Martinez Ybor

Ybor City founded in the 1800’s by Vicente Martinez Ybor, as a cigar-manufacturing center, is located in Florida near Tampa. Ybor City, Tampa’s Latin Quarter, is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. Located within Ybor City is Centro Ybor an entertainment center which consists of shops, restaurants and theaters.

Statue of Roland M. Manteiga

Near the statue of Vicente Martinez Ybor, Ybor City’s founder, there is a statue of Roland M. Manteiga who chronicled events for years in Ybor City, leaning against one of the red brick buildings which adds to the eclectic feel of the area.

Centro Ybor

After a little window shopping during our visit to Centro Ybor we eventually stepped into a shop called Ybor Ybor to purchase souvenirs displaying Ybor City. The sales clerk was extremely helpful and courteous in helping us in selecting various types of souvenirs. During my travels I have been known to collect beach towels from various destinations. Unfortunately, I could not find a beach towel that displayed Ybor City. I mentioned to the sales clerk that I wanted to find a beach towel displaying the words Ybor City. To my surprise she stated that she had a print machine and could print Ybor City on any towel that I selected. I selected a towel and within minutes she printed Ybor City on the bottom corner of the towel. I instantly had a one of a kind personalized souvenir from Ybor City.

Visiting Ybor City to me seemed like stepping back in time from the look of the brick streets and the red buildings with iron balconies all of which made for a very pleasant afternoon.

Tags: Tampa, Ybor City