Historic Ybor City & Family - Our Epic RV Journey

We had wanted to get back to this historic Cuban section of Tampa since a quick visit about ten years ago. Plus we had the benefit of having some family along with us. A beautiful warm day to have lunch and visit.

Family Visit

One of the great things about wintering in Florida is that we are almost guaranteed to see some family during our stay. Pat has a brother and sister-in-law living a couple of hours south (John & Cindy). John is finishing up his work career and plans to retire soon.

On this occasion, another brother and wife was in town visiting (Tom & Ginny). Tom retired last year and he and Ginny have been busy with travel and remodeling. Having them here was the perfect opportunity to hang out a bit and meet for lunch in Ybor City.

The goal was to find the best Cuban sandwich in the city known for all things Cuban. We searched out many different options including the historic Columbia restaurant (est 1905). Tom had some prior experience here and guided us to Carmines. And it was a tasty Cuban sandwich! Of course, after lunch we had to find the best Cuban coffee as well. Success!

Our lunch establishment
Pat, Randy, John, Ginny, and Tom

Ybor City

What put Ybor on the map? At the turn of the 20th century, nowhere in the United States was as famous for its cigars as Tampa’s Ybor City, which was once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World.” The Ybor City Historic District is a National Historic Landmark located northeast of Tampa’s downtown.

This city unique in the south as the only city entirely populated and owned by immigrants, namely Cubans. Founded in 1880, the boom period started in 1890. Vincente Ybor moved his cigar making operation from Key West to the property he purchased just north of Tampa. The land was just some sandy scrub land that he developed into a city named after himself.

Soon many other immigrants settled here to join the bustling economy that lasted until the depression. Most were from either Cuba, Africa, Italy, or Germany. Each having a specialization in the cigar business. Today, about 3,000 people call it home.