| Have you read my latest article about the fabulous Belleview Biltmore in Clearwater? If you plan to stay at this historic hotel, you'll want to know that beyond the grounds of the Belleview Biltmore, Clearwater offers many activities for all tastes.
For beach bums
Dr. Stephen Leatherman (“Dr. Beach”), a Florida International University professor who has been ranking America's beaches for more than 15 years, proclaimed Clearwater Beach the "Best City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico" in 2003. Caladesi Island, just a 20-minute drive away, ranked #2 in 2007, while nearby Fort DeSoto ranked #1 in 2005.
While you’re on the beach, you’ll definitely want to experience Sunsets at Pier 60. Get there two hours prior and see the street performers, musicians and artisans who set up every evening. All of the artisans make their own pieces, so there’s lots of variety. The ever-changing roster of street performers includes magicians, fire eaters, stilt walkers, living statues, escape artists, break dancers, performing pets and jugglers, just to name a few. The nightly musical festival usually runs for three hours, so plan to stay well past sun down.
For culture fans
Start at the Biltmore itself for culture and history. The resort hosts a historical tour, held twice daily and open to the public. Highlights included the underground railway used by the hotel staff and hidden passageways. There are photos and memorabilia scattered throughout the lobby and public corridors, including snapshots of baseball great Joe DiMaggio and Presidents Ford, Carter and the first President Bush. There is a small on-site museum which houses relics of the hotels’ early days, including guest books and hotel staff uniforms.
The beautiful Harbor Oaks district, with its 81 early-20th century homes and estates, is located nearby. It’s definitely worth a drive through the neighborhood to see them.
History buffs will want to visit the 180-acre Pinewood Cultural Park, which includes the Florida Botanical Gardens, the Gulfcoast Museum of Art and Heritage Village, and a 21-acre open-air living history museum set within pine and palmetto woods. The village contains 23 of the county's oldest structures, with two dating back to the Civil War era.
The Gulf Coast Museum of Art features a permanent collection of contemporary Florida art in all its manifestations with a special focus on fine contemporary craft media objects from the 12 southeastern states.
For nature lovers
Don’t miss the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where you can view, touch and experience the biology and behavior of bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, Kemp's Ridley sea turtles, river otters, sting rays, local fish, coral reefs, mangroves and more. Afterwards, hop aboard the double-decker Clearwater Express for a Dolphin Encounter Cruise to see dolphins in their natural surroundings. The unique sightseeing tour takes you out into the Gulf of Mexico for firsthand views of the shores, islands and marine life. With free drinks and guaranteed dolphin sightings, you’ll have a great time.
The Florida Botanical Gardens features native Florida plants, a wildlife nesting habitat, restored wetlands and natural bridges interacting with the more formal gardens.
A short drive over the causeway brings you to Clearwater Beach for even more fun. You might want to take the Jolley Trolley to see the sights and familiarize yourself with the area. A ride is just $1 and an all day sightseeing ticket just $3. The ClearwaterBeach terminal is located at 483 Mandalay Avenue in the PelicanWalkPlaza shopping center. For more information, call (727) 445-1200. Trolley schedules are available at most hotels. |
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