Dan Ernest - Fairway Independent Mortgage

Where's the beef? It's at the Florida State Fair, held annually at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. You'll be attending the official state fair where the Sunshine State shows off its agricultural might. For 11 days, there's a corral full of indoor and outdoor exhibits, rides, craft shows, musical acts and wild foods like chocolate-covered bacon to taste. You won't want to miss this experience.

Rent a canoe from Canoe Escape, located minutes from downtown Tampa. Take the whole family on a paddling adventure on the Hillsborough River that surrounds a 16,000 acre wildlife preserve. Pack a lunch and bring your camera to capture pictures of the alligators, snakes, turtles and birds you'll see on your adventure.

Visit the Centro Ybor, in Tampa's famous Latin-influenced Ybor City. The popular destination features unique shopping, dining and entertainment. Discover Ybor City Saturday Morning Market for the finest gourmet foods, cigars and coffees. Have cocktails and watch a movie or comedy at the Muvico Centro 20 Ybor Theater.

Travel back in time at the Henry B. Plant Museum, at home in the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. Walk through the spectacular tropical gardens, visit the opulent hotel rooms, and be awed and inspired by the Moorish architecture and lavish lifestyle of Old Tampa Bay Hotel's guests. The magnificent National Landmark and local attraction now belongs to the great minds at the University of Tampa.