TOUR Wife Travels: Taking in the sights, tastes of Tampa

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Hello and welcome to TOUR Wife Travels! My name is Erin and I am the wife of PGA TOUR player Jimmy Walker. My husband and I make it a point of exploring every city we visit, whether it's our first visit or our 10th, and finding new places to eat, shop, stay and explore has become our hobby. And now, TOUR Wife Travels would like to share those spots with you. If you ever find yourself in one of our "TOUR Stop Cities," I want to give you the insider information on all the places the pros, their wives and kids enjoy while they are in town.

Walker

I graduated from the University of Colorado in 2003 with a B.A. in Journalism and I am very excited that I am finally able to put my education to some use while traveling with my husband.

Jimmy and I met in 2004 in my home state of Utah, where he was playing a Nationwide Tour stop and I was a tournament volunteer. I am an avid sports fan and thought that volunteering would be a great way to see the pros in action. I had absolutely no intention of meeting, dating, then marrying a golfer but six years later it obviously was meant to be.

I don't travel on TOUR every week, as I am also a competitive horseback rider that takes me around the country, but I promise to give you as many fun and useful tips as I can when I am on the road. Visit my site tourwifetravels.com and follow me on Twitter @tourwifetravels for all up to date tidbits from me and other golf families.

After three wonderful weeks in Gulfport, Miss. indulging in my hobby, hunter/jumper horse shows, it's time to get back to golf. I enjoyed success in the arena, riding to Champion of my division two out of three weeks, while Jimmy and the rest of The Honda Classic field battled the wind and the Bear Trap in West Palm Beach, Fla..

We are enjoying being back together as a family this week in Tampa at the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club. The famed Copperhead Course at Innisbrook is a player favorite and one of the hardest non-major courses of the year. It has enough tough holes to keep things interesting, but with four par-5's, there are also plenty of scoring opportunities if one's putter is hot.

EAT.

Located about 40 minutes from Innisbrook is a truly can't miss experience, Berns Steakhouse. Don't let the quirky décor reminiscent of the Haunted House ride at Disney World fool you. Berns has been rated as one of America's Top Restaurants time and time again and boasts the largest private wine collection in the world. Much of the food is organically grown especially for the restaurant; and for dessert lovers the private Harry Waugh Dessert Room is it's own epic encounter in and of itself. For a special occasion and truly unique night, make a reservation, dress up (Yes! There is a strict dress code!) and head to Berns.

At the opposite end of the spectrum from Berns is the Wing House, located not far outside the gates of Innisbrook, on US 19. In typical wing restaurant "fashion," spandex hot pants are a plenty, but the wings are tasty and sweet tea refreshing. After a hot day on the course, golfers are frequent patrons of the Wing House to enjoy the food, sports bar atmosphere and perhaps the scenery.

STAY AND GOLF

Upon entering the gates of Innisbrook Resort, the hectic north Tampa traffic and pace melt away. As you wind your way past lush courses dotted with massive Spanish moss covered oaks and accommodations named after the most famous golf courses in the world, you can't help but feel a little bit like you have escaped to Kellerman's from the movie Dirty Dancing.

After Dr Sheila Johnson, CEO of Salamander Hospitality, bought Innisbrook Resort in 2007, the true grace and glory of the property has become the main focus. Major renovations have taken place to help make Innisbrook Resort a premier golf destination and according many TOUR players, the Copperhead course has never looked and played better.

ETC.

For sports fanatics and even the casual observer, spring is a great time of year to visit the Tampa area. For five weeks a year the world's best baseball players head south for spring training. Nothing beats a day on the golf course, an evening at the ballpark and beautiful mid-70's weather.

Tampa is the perfect spring break spot for adults and by making the Transitions Championship and Innisbrook Resort part of your travels plans I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

Cheers!