Ybor City is known for its rich, cultural history, but the expansive area can be intimidating for those wanting a walking tour. Now, there's an alternative.
A Segway Experience tour center recently opened inYbor City on Thursday. The Segway Corp. of Bedford, N.H., operates the local center and the others in Sanford, Jensen Beach and South Beach/Miami.
The local branch specializes in tours of Tampa's Latin Quarter (which has blossomed into a large LGBT district) beginning at the Muvico theater in Centro Ybor. Riders are given helmets and then taken on a tour by history buffs who ride alongside tourists.
“Ybor is pretty spread out,” Irwin said in a press release. “Touring on a Segway enables you to encompass the entire area, from Don Vicente to the Columbia restaurant.”
Walking tours don't usually cover the entire eight blocks of Ybor City, and Segway riders must be at least 14 years old to participate.
“When everybody is comfortable [with their Segway] we head out for a 90-minute factual tour,” she said. “When we get to Centennial Park, we give the riders a chance to open up and enjoy the glide.”
Segway Experience at Ybor City, 1600 E Eighth Ave., is open Tuesday through Sunday. Tours start every two hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A two-for-one grand opening special of $65 is available for a limited time. Visit yborsegwaytours.com or call (813) 455-7854.
