**** (4 stars)

I’ve been judging wines at the fair for 24 years, and I always enjoy those few days of crowds, entertainment and incredibly unhealthful foods. The wine competition is one of the larger in the country, and attracts entries from almost every state. I also enjoy Cracker Country, which is a step back in time, and a great contrast to the garish neon lights of the midway. I also get a kick out of the tacky displays put up by Florida counties I’ve never heard of. And perhaps my favorite is visiting the chicken, rabbits and cows that are completely puzzled by all the fuss.

Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 N US Hwy 301
Tampa, FL 33610
(813) 621-0774
http://www.yelp.com/biz/florida-state-fairgrounds-tampa