Ybor City Cigar Shops and Cigar HistoryOne of Tampa’s most famous nicknames is Cigar City and Ybor City specifically was known as Cigar Capital of the World. There is no doubt if you enjoy cigars or are a cigar connoisseur, you have heard of Ybor City cigars. People come from all over the country to enjoy the cigars this area offers. The cigar industry is one of the driving economic factors that help form the city back in the late 19th century, when many Cuban and Spanish immigrants came to the city. From around 1885 until the late 1950’s, Ybor City was the world’s leading cigar manufacturer, producing around 700 million cigars per year and employing 20,000 cigar factory workers. Since the 1960’s when major manufacturing stopped, Ybor City cigar manufacturers have carried on the traditions of their cigar-making roots and continue to hand roll Cuban Cigars. Some of the cigar shops located inside the city, such as El Sol Cigars (www.elsolcigars.com) have been open since as long ago as 1928. El Sol is currently owned by the 3rd generation owner and has even moved into the digital age by selling their cigars over the internet! There are many popular cigar lounges where you can purchase cigars and smoking accessories; at King Corona (www.kingcoronacigars.com) you can get a haircut, enjoy some café con leche, or have a beer while you enjoy your smoke. If you are looking for more rare cigars, there are a variety of shops slightly off the beaten path that you will find the best cigars the city has to offer, Fuente Cigars (www.tampasweetheart.com) is one of these shops offering a knowledgeable staff and a great selection of quality cigars. While the days of 20,000 workers diligently producing cigars have passed, it does not look as though the traditions of Cigar City will be going anywhere in the future. Whether you are looking to purchase quality cigars or lounge in a Cigar Bar and enjoy your stogie, Ybor City has you covered. |