Cultural Activities in Charlotte and Tampa Explain the Draw of Democratic and Republican National Conventions
Food, Arts, Sports and Entertainment Options Abound as National Spotlight Turns to Tampa and Charlotte
DALLAS, Aug. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Republican and Democratic National Conventions get underway in Tampa and Charlotte, respectively, local businesses and attractions are preparing for an economic boost that's expected to be in excess of $120 million per city.* With the national spotlight on these sometimes overlooked cultural gems, the experts at Hotels.com® point to the diverse culinary, arts, sports and entertainment scenes these destinations offer and provide suggestions for travelers considering a vacation in the Southeast.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120829/DA65231-a)
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120829/DA65231-b)
Tampa, Florida's largest city, offers a variety of multi-ethnic nightlife, street festivals and performing arts. Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District with several historical structures, but it also has a bustling nightlife scene that offers a diverse mix of Spanish, Cuban and Italian influences. One of the most famous dishes to come out of Tampa is the Cuban sandwich, which was invented by cigar factory workers in Ybor City, and can be enjoyed at some of the city's finest restaurants such as Wright's Gourmet House and Columbia Restaurant.
Those looking to take advantage of the region's weather can venture out to famous Clearwater Beach or score tickets to one of Tampa's numerous football, baseball and soccer venues. Golf and tennis enthusiasts need look no further than the Saddlebrook Resort Tampa, which offers 36 holes of golf and 45 clay, grass, and artificial-surface tennis courts. Tampa is also home to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the 12th most visited amusement park in the U.S., as well as Adventure Island water park and Lowry Park Zoo.
While Charlotte is predominantly known as a hub for all things motorsports and a major financial center that's second only to New York City in the U.S., the city also has a rich arts and culinary scene. The city has a bustling arts scene that features a wide variety of museums catering to children (Discovery Place), art enthusiasts (Bechtler Museum of Modern Art), history buffs (Carolinas Aviation Museum), nature lovers (Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary) and sports fans (NASCAR Hall of Fame) alike.
Similarly, Charlotte's budding culinary scene features an eclectic mix of options. For some of the city's best soul food, visitors flock to Uptown Charlotte's award-winning Mert's Heart and Soul, while French foodies can take in a view of the city's skyline from the 27th floor of Charlotte Plaza at Bentley's on 27. Visitors desiring the city's best shopping and entertainment can stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites - SouthPark at Phillips Place, which is located near the city's top professional sports venues and the SouthPark Mall.
For more vacation ideas and activity suggestions within Tampa and Charlotte, visit the Travel Smart Blog.
Visit Hotels.com, call 1-800-2-hotels, use our mobile apps, or book with a friend through our Facebook app Hotels WithMe. For tailored hotel deals and updates on the latest seasonal sales, sign up for our Deals Facebook app.
*According to a report by Jones Lang LaSalle.
Press contacts:
Pat Burek – Finn Partners for Hotels.com
Phone: (212) 715-1542
Email: [email protected]
Taylor L. Cole, APR
Hotels.com North America
Phone: (469) 335-8442
Email: [email protected]
About Hotels.com®
Hotels.com is a leading online accommodation booking brand. Through its global network of websites, Hotels.com, LP connects travelers with almost 155,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Hotels.com, LP benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry, obtaining the best rates for its customers, and offers frequent sales, special deals and promotions. There are more than 6.5 million Guest Reviews on the websites from users who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers can make an informed choice when booking. Through Hotels.com, LP's industry-leading loyalty program Welcome Rewards®, customers can earn a free night for every 10 nights stayed at more than 65,000 hotels. Under its Price Match Guarantee, if a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com, LP will refund the difference. Travelers can book online or by contacting one of the multilingual call centers. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded at www.hotels.com/deals/mobile_app enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals. Hotels.com publishes an award-winning twice-yearly review of international hotel room price trends called the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index™, which is now produced in 31 individual country editions, with North American data available at www.hotel-price-index.com. Follow Hotels.com on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hotelsdotcom, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/hotelsdotcom and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/hotelsdotcom. Hotels.com is part of Expedia, Inc., the largest online travel company in the world with an extensive portfolio that includes some of the world's best-known brands.
Hotels.com, Finding You The Perfect Place and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2012 Hotels.com, LP. All rights reserved. CST # 2083949-50
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