#YBOR CITY THINGS TO DO FULL#

People love the fact that we have the passion and creativity behind our stories. 'You know, you can find this information in books, but we put showmanship behind it. “This a place that will shock you at how amazing it is as far as the stories are concerned,' Herman said. Eventually more than 230 factories were in the area, employing some 12,000 cigar makers and producing over a half-billion cigars a year. On the 90-minute walking tours, Herman explains the rich history of how Ybor City was founded in 1885 by Vincente Martinez Ybor, who purchased 40 acres of swampland and began turning the area into what it is today. 'This is, in my opinion, the best-kept secret in the entire South, and everyone who comes this way, by the end of the tour, they say, 'I would have walked right through this town and never known what an impact Ybor City had on America'.' “It's an amazing job to meet people and introduce them to Ybor City,' he said.

#YBOR CITY THINGS TO DO FULL#

Herman eventually took over as owner and now walks Ybor Ciry's streets full time, offering detailed walking tours of the area. He later brought his son on as an apprentice to the business. Herman grew up in the Tampa Bay area, so the history has been ingrained in him since childhood - in large part due to his father, who was so much of a history buff he decided to open up a tour company in 2005. Ybor's personal social club,' Herman said as he walked next to the El Pasaje.

“The beautiful El Pasaje, this was originally Mr. Tampa Bay Tours offers a 90-minute walking tour so visitors can learn more.The charm and rich history of Ybor City helped develop the fabric of the community.

Ybor city things to do