I've never ice skated at New York's Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, but it's got to be the same feeling of being the center of attention that you get when you ice skate at Countryside Towncenter's Centre Ice in Clearwater.
Many years ago, my sister-in-law traveled the globe as a professional ice skater. Although she lives in Florida now, she still ice skates at least once every week. Stop by the Countryside Towncenter (Australian-owned Westfield's fancy name for malls) on a weekday morning and you might find her in skating attire whirling around the rink located in the middle of Countryside. That's her and my daughters in the photo.
But malls aren't the only place you'll find ice in Florida — it's everywhere! Perhaps its the trend of ice hockey and figure skating gaining popularity that has brought more ice to Florida. Florida has two National Hockey League teams — the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa Bay won the Stanley Cup in the 2003-04 season and still hold it due to the cancellation of this season.
There are many free-standing arenas and rinks located throughout the state. Many arenas serve the community in many ways, so public skating may be limited and it is best to check with the facility before you go. Check out my Florida Ice Skating Directory on the next page for contact information.
Ice skating is a cool sport and the perfect way to chill out in the summer or winter when temperatures soar... and, you get great exercise too!
