TAMPA, Fla. — Untying the ropes on the boats tethered to the docks in the heart of downtown Tampa, general manager Emily Meister, prepares to set out in a vessel that turns heads wherever it goes. 

Taking to the waters of Tampa Bay, Meister is riding in style with Riverwalk Boating Company, a job she's only had a little more than a year.

“Alright, we just push this button and prepare to go, and we are in neutral right now, but we just have to push this forward and we are off!” 

However, spending time on the water has been in her blood since she was a kid.

Growing up in North Carolina, she lived near several lakes, where she participated in water sports throughout her youth. Later in her teen and college years, she worked summer jobs at several of those lakes. 

“I worked at a few lakes inland in North Carolina and did some work out in Beaufort for a few years near their saltwater lakes,” she said. 

Meister eventually made her way to Florida, where she now manages the boats at Riverwalk Boating Company.

The boats are unique, originally designed and manufactured in the 1950s and now fully restored to their former glory. It's like cruising around in a classic car built for the water, and boaters get the opportunity to experience all the bay has to offer.

They can take a more scenic nature route around Davis Island, or head toward downtown to see the high rises and luxury homes.  Whatever route you choose, you're in for a treat.

The Riverwalk Boating Company is located in downtown Tampa on the docks right next to the convention center. It is open daily from 10 a.m. Eastern Time to sunset. For more information, head to the company’s website.