Secret Tampa Bay: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure

Where can you join in a pirate parade, see live mermaids and catch a flamenco dance performance at the oldest and largest Spanish restaurant in America? Where does the spirit of an ancient Tocobaga shaman allegedly continue to protect the area from the forces of nature? Where can you wander through secret gardens, listen to bagpipe music, take a class in fire spinning, and sample a seemingly endless variety of local craft beers, all on the same day? The answer, of course, is Tampa Bay.

Secret Tampa Bay: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure provides a deeper dive into the local culture, history, art and one-of-a-kind attractions as alternatives to the usual beaches and theme parks. Whether it’s an abandoned island fort from the Spanish-American War, a dolphin famous for its prosthetic tail, a love story captured on a tombstone, or a town of circus sideshow performers, whatever natural or unnatural wonder you’re seeking, you are sure to find it here.  

Join author Joshua Ginsberg as he explores Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and the surrounding areas in search of hidden history, strange monuments, museums, oddities, antiques and the very best Cuban sandwich. From gangsters to gators to ghost stories, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.

Joshua Ginsberg is a writer, entrepreneur and curiosity seeker who, in 2016, decided with his wife to trade in the frigid winters of the Midwest for the year-round sunshine of Tampa Bay. He has had numerous published works of poetry, fiction and non-fiction, and has been a business proposal writer and professional resume writer for over ten years. He has also had a hand in launching multiple startups including the web-based art leasing business which he owned and operated in Chicago. He currently lives in Tampa’s Town and Country neighborhood with his wife, Jen, and their Shih Tzu, Tinker Bell..