Toddle Down To Tampa

Homosassa is only 75 miles north of Tampa Airport

And whilst you might be nearing the end of your journey, I do hope you’ve had a great time!

It would be impossible for me to end this without having one more rant about…you guessed it…food!

Tampa is proud to boast that it has one of America’s finest steak houses. That’s a BIG boast for a nation of 125 million people!

From outside it looks like a rickety old factory, but Bern’s is one of America’s most famous: Since 1956 Bern’s Steak House has provided thousands of guests with a world-class dining experience based on Bern Laxer’s belief that the ‘guest must always come back.’ He has done well! Oh yes, hic, they have a 90,000 bottle wine cellar! (burp)

OK, enough….if you want to slum it again, don’t forget your first experience at Denny’s!

And there are several other chains you could try: they're not up to my obsessive great-food standards...but everyone seems to like them...Chili's (which is more or less a tex-mex concoction). The Outback Steak House...which is what it says it is...the steaks are great, but even my colon can't handle steaks that large!. Oh, and if you're around Tampa, do try Bob Evan's Farm Restaurant. It's lovely...kind of a mix between Dennys and Cracker Barrel. Oh yes, and definately Sonny's Real Pit Barbeque!

I have nothing bad to say about Tampa, or St Petersburg…at all! Both lovely cities. You can find more or less economical accommodation near Busch Gardens, if you wish. And don’t forget, there’s a Red Lobster located very close to the airport (there he goes with the food again already! Oi Vey!!)

By the way, if you can’t find a Krispy Kreme donut shop, try Dunkin Donuts! Enough!

Taking your car back to Hertz:

As you approach the airport, follow the signs for ‘RENTAL RETURNS.’ As you enter the Hertz garage, there will be a humanoid who will note your mileage and petrol levels. Be sure to fill the car BEFORE returning the car or you will be charged up to $8.00 a gallon! (about the same as here then!).

The humanoid (you’ll understand why I don’t say ‘person’), will print out a small computerised slip as your receipt. Make certain you leave the keys in the ignition! You do not need to see anyone now. Go directly to the Hertz Coach, which will take you to the airport terminal.

Checking in for your flight:

They will already know it, but you may as well state that you’re travelling through to London. You will need to present your passport at check-in.

Keep in mind that this is ticketless travel. You only need to remember your name and destination. (that doesn’t always work for some!)

If this helped, try visiting my:

The Official Boston Stopover Site