10 great places to prowl near the Super Bowl

ByABC News
February 2, 2009, 3:11 PM

— -- If you're heading to Tampa this weekend, chances are your Sunday is reserved for the Super Bowl. But the bay area has plenty of pigskin-free offerings. Tampa Bay Metro Magazine managing editor Ronda Parag shares the city's hottest spots within a few Hail Mary passes of Raymond James Stadium.

Salvador Dali MuseumFor an incomparable journey through the artwork of Salvador Dali, spend an afternoon perusing this one-of-a-kind museum in St. Petersburg. "The permanent collection spans Dali's entire career and includes 96 oil paintings, 100 watercolors and drawings, 1,300 graphics, plus posters, photos, sculptures, objets d'art and 2,500-volume library on Dali and Surrealism," Parag says. 727-823-3767; salvadordalimuseum.org

Columbia RestaurantGet your Flamenco fix while sipping and supping on traditional Spanish fare in Tampa's Ybor City. "The 104-year-old restaurant is owned by the Hernandez Gonzmart family and offers authentic Spanish-flavored dishes, including ropa vieja, paella and the specialty 1905 Salad," Parag says. Don't forget to order a glass, or two, of the eatery's famous sangria to enjoy during the nightly performances. 813-248-4961; columbiarestaurant.com

Bern's SteakhouseFor a side of celebrity with your steak, head to this local red meat refuge. Parag points out that Bern's has served presidents, athletes and celebs alike. "After dinner, cozy up in an intimate booth for after-dinner Port in the upstairs Dessert Room," she says. "Choose from any of the decadent treats, but the Banana Crème Pie is to die for." 813-251-2421; bernssteakhouse.com

Florida Aquarium"Jump in and swim with the fish or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the penguins," Parag suggests. Don't miss the stingray tank, where you can touch the rays. If you have time, Parag recommends taking a cruise on the Bay Spirit catamaran for an eco-tour ride on the Hillsborough River. 813-273-4000; flaquarium.org