Friday, May 22, 2009

Destination: Clearwater, FL & Clearwater Beach

Clearwater is about 20-30 minutes west of Tampa and about 5-10 minutes from Clearwater Beach depending on how fast you drive. For those who are speed racers to the extreme- please be aware that there are a dozen police offers strategically parked along the Courtney Campbell Causeway and McMullen Booth Rd. They enjoy greeting Dale Earnhardt wannabe's with their well known siren and hypnotic lights.


Clearwater offers plenty of both chain and independently owned restaurants. Twenty Travel’s favorites include Panera, TGI Fridays, Subway, and Dunkin Donuts (Iced coffee only- just the thought of buying a donut makes me feel like a fat ass).Yes, the spots we chose are typical- but come on… they are damn good! Plus, who could pass up TGI Friday’s Ultimate Happy Hour? For those who are reading this post and have no idea what I’m talking about- here’s your mission at hand. Get in the car, or whatever convenient means of transportation you are accustomed to, and head to your local Friday’s immediately. Check out the menu and order whatever today’s special is… in fact- order two and have one on my behalf.


*Trivia Fact*- the first Hooter’s opened in Clearwater and still exists today. It is located on Gulf to Bay Blvd between McMullen Booth Rd and US 19.


Clearwater isn’t well known for its night life primarily due to its lack of clubs and strictly bar locations. There are multiple sports bars, pubs, and grill/bar locations if that’s your style. The local favorites seem to be Big Shots, Freaki Tiki Bar, Bradford Pubs and Eatery, Park Place, and Sports Nutz. Personally, when I go out I either look for an upscale yet chill bar or I’ll go to a restaurant such as TGI Fridays (hint, hint).


There are multiple shopping centers; however, Countryside Mall would be your best bet. Here you could pick up a new t-shirt from Hollister, grab something to eat from the large food court, and if you want to try something new- take a couple laps around the ice skating rink which is located in the middle of the shopping center. Whenever I get bored, the weather isn’t beach worthy, or just need to pick up something new for the house I always head to one of our many discount shopping stores such as Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Bells. It’s a great way to get what you want and not pay an obscene amount of money for it.


Clearwater doesn’t house an amusement park or extraordinary attractions but it’s definitely a chill location. If you’re a theatre type of person Ruth Eckard Hall is nearby which houses multiple small plays, ballets, etc. as well as multiple low key concerts. There is a Celebration Station that has go carts, bumper boats, put put golf, and batting cages- it’s somewhat of a children’s place but with enough alcohol it holds promise.


Clearwater Beach
Clearwater is primarily well known because of its gorgeous beaches! Jenny and I want to make it very clear that there are many beaches extending south from Clearwater Beach (and a few north) and they all blend together. We generally reference the beaches as Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg Beach, while in between you will find Redington Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach and John's Pass. In the coming months we will have a full beach review for each location, but in the meantime here are the basics.



Clearwater Beach is one of our most visited beaches, it has a nice long pier, a decent looking crowd and some chill restaurants for drinks and food. We generally frequent The Pavilion and Frenchy's which are both beach front. If you're in a party mood then head right over the Shephard's Beach Resort where you'll find an awesome party scene on the weekends. Shephard's has a large outside bar set right on the ocean and at night, you can go wild inside their nightclub "The Wave". Saturday nights seem to be the best night here and they play a wide variety of the current hits and trance/house music. Jenny and I learned that they do check women's purses on occassion, so if you want to bring a flask like we did make sure you hide it well. Right next to Shephard's is an awesome Holiday Inn with a beachfront restaurant and bar called Jimmy Iguana's. We come here often on a chill afternoon, drinks and food are responably priced.


*Parking Tip* If you're planning on going to Jimmy Iguana's on the weekend, there is usually a lot attendant at the Holiday Inn charging for parking. Tell them you are heading to Jimmy Iguana's and they won't charge you. If you're heading to Shephard's, it's almost always valet only.





Brandon & Jenny - Caribbean experts on information you SHOULD know but nobody tells you! www.tips-fb.com

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