I read recently that Summer temperatures in Florida are averaging 5-10 degrees warmer than in decades prior. This past week the heat has been especially intense, with Tampa officially hitting 100° for the first time in recorded history.

Speaking of history, I spent one of those hot days wandering through the Tampa Bay History Center. Located near downtown Tampa, overlooking the Ybor Channel, this museum has the daunting task of covering 10,000 years of human occupation.

While I would have preferred more information (I always do), the various interactive, multimedia exhibits were well-done and quite engaging: I fought the encroaching white men under Seminole chief Coacoochee, briefly joined the ill-fated crew of a pirate ship, and rolled cigars with Tampeños who brought their tobacco skills with them from Cuba.

As you might imagine, I worked up quite an appetite so I left the museum and hopped aboard the nearby heritage streetcar. My destination? The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City (the family actually operates a cafe at the museum, and the scents wafting from it were tempting, but I wanted to explore the original, historic location).

Even though the restaurant occupies a full city block and can seat 1,700 people, there was an hour wait for a table when I arrived on a weekday. Lucky for me, there was one open stool at the bar. I slid into a spot between two regulars who were happy to give me recommendations on the large menu. I ordered the Cuban sandwich and the famous 1905 salad and I was not disappointed.

Between the character of the sprawling building and the delicious food I can easily understand why it is the oldest, continuously operated restaurant in the state. Definitely an informative (and filling) way to spend a scorcher!