Florida for
Visitors
Photo Album: About Guide Vacations
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©2005 Nancy Basile. All rights reserved. |
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Nancy
recently returned from Clearwater Beach and it sounds like she had a
wonderful time! Also check out the great fireworks photo below.
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Clearwater Beach is an
island. Though it's a small island and very well connected to the
mainland, you can sense a downshift in attitude as soon as you cross
the causeway.
This was my first vacation since my almost 3-year old son was born, so I had high expectations for lying low. We stayed at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, right on the ocean. Our suite was spacious, well-appointed and featured a balcony facing the ocean. We couldn't have been more pleased with our room or the service we received at the hotel. We bought the beach membership so that we could have chairs and an umbrella every day. Unfortunately, with the "red tide," we didn't spend much time on the beach. But, the hotel's two pools were relaxing and cool. There were two pools, so if you didn't want families and floaties all around, you could find a spot to sun yourself in or out of the water. Speaking of families, Clearwater
Beach is a great getaway for anyone with kids. There's lots for
kids and families to do, including miniature golf, playgrounds, the
Florida & Clearwater Aquariums and arcades. Our hotel even featured
a Kids Club with supervised activities for kids ages 4 and up. We were
lucky enough to be there for the fireworks on the Fourth of July. They
shot off over the causeway, giving us a beautiful show with sparkling
reflections.
Shopping was also fun at
Clearwater Beach. Along every street, dozens of shops sold beachwear,
towels, gifts, artwork, sports gear, knick knacks and treasures. So, if
you didn't bring the right clothes to be a beach bum, you'll have no
trouble finding the right fashions to wear.
The food was delicious everywhere we went. We especially liked Crabby Bill's, but also enjoyed Guppy's Seafood Grill and Bar. And, if you're in the mood for a drive, head south to Jon's Pass Village boardwalk on Madeira Beach and enjoy authentic gelato at La Casa Dolce. It hit the spot during that Florida heat!
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