Arriving in Tampa on Christmas Day

We%26#39;ll be arriving on Christmas afternoon with the intention of driving to Naples. Should we stay for a Christmas Meal in Tampa before making the drive? If yes, any suggestions? Our child is a preschooler. He is well behaved %26amp; accustomed to fine restaurants. However, we wouldn%26#39;t mind a more casual place either as we will likely be fatigued from the flight. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Note: We should be out of the airport at approximately 2:30pm.

Arriving in Tampa on Christmas Day

We%26#39;ll assume you won%26#39;t have had lunch on the plane (food? Served on a plane that doesn%26#39;t cross the ocean? What a concept!) -- so by the time you get through the airport, you%26#39;ll have a very hungry and cranky child.

There is a TGI Friday%26#39;s at the airport, and the prices are comparable to the prices outside the airport -- frankly, it might be in everyone%26#39;s best interests to have a sandwich there (claim your bags first) and then head for Naples -- you%26#39;ll have about a 2-1/2 hour drive.

Alternately, there are lots of restaurants just off the interstates between the airport and Naples -- while many will be closed, places like Cracker Barrel will be open as usual.

Arriving in Tampa on Christmas Day

If your looking for a great Christmas Meal rather than standard meal, go to CK%26#39;s revolving rooftop restaurant at the Marriott Hotel connected to the terminal. Its a very quick walk, they will store your bags, and you and your family will have a VERY enjoyable, delicious, Christmas Meal ion a unique revoliving rooftop restaurant overlooking all of Tampa and the Bay.

That is a good suggestion if you want to eat before driving. But if you eat starting at 2 or 2:30 then it will be, what, 3:30 or 4 before you head to Naples. It will be dark by 5:45 or so. Do you want ot get to Naples before dark?

If so, perhaps a snack at the airport and make plans for a dinner in Naples?

Thank You