The Florida State Fair is held annually in February at the fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida. Located just off of Interstate 4 on the east side of Tampa, the fairgrounds is home to more than just an annual fair. During the other months, the fairgrounds serves as a place for expos, competitions and a place of business for the state's agriculture industry. Travelers visiting the area will have the benefit of selecting their motel or hotel from those located within miles of the fairgrounds.
The fairgrounds in Tampa consists of 355 acres that are home to many buildings, both for business purposes and those with historical value. The Florida State Fair is operated and managed by the administration department of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It is also home to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center where many equestrian competitions are held throughout the year. The Equestrian Center has 471 stalls, a covered arena and three outdoor show rings. Cracker Country is also located at the fairgrounds and is home to some of Florida's historical buildings and artifacts dating back to the late 1800s.
There is more to the Florida Fairgrounds in Tampa than the annual State Fair. Other events held at the fairgrounds include the annual RV SuperShow, Senior Fun Fest, Florida Choice Expo, The Orange Jam and Suncoast Sports Festival. There are also boat shows, outdoor expos, craft showcases and gun shows held throughout the year. The Florida Department of Agriculture also hosts multiple competitions, shows and contests related to the agriculture industry.
Cracker Country calls itself the only outdoor living history museum in the Tampa area and offers a look into Florida's history. Focusing on the late 1800s, Cracker Country is dedicated to preserving Florida's rural heritage through recreations and reenactments. Founded by Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton, this historical facility is home to 13 original buildings from throughout Florida between 1870 and 1912. The museum is open on select Saturdays from October through April and offers a hands-on history tour to groups.
Motel 6 is the only motel that is located near the Florida State Fairgrounds. The motel gives those visiting and competing at the fairgrounds a place to stay within walking distance to the facilities. Motel 6 offers standard rooms with the convenience of being located close to the fairgrounds and is a little bit more than 22 miles from the Tampa International Airport. Guests will be treated to free morning coffee and have access to a coin laundry, outdoor pool and Wi-Fi. Kids stay free and pets are allowed.
There are other accommodations in the area surrounding the Florida Fairgrounds including hotels and inns. Other accommodations in the area include the Hilton Garden Inn, Residence Inn and Masters Inn. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is also located just a short drive west on Interstate 4.
