FLORIDA Q&A

Hi Jill, My family and my sister's family will be visiting the Clearwater area for the first time. We would welcome any recommendations on accomodations, beaches, things to do, charter fishing, snorkeling, shelling areas, and favorite restaurants in the area?? Thank you for your time, Sincerely Carla KlingemannPS We are traveling in February.

Hello Carla~

First I have to tell you that you are going to LOVE the area of Clearwater! It is so pretty and there is so much to see and do for famiiies. I'm thrilled to help you plan a fantastic Florida vacation! The beach is the most popular attraction here and it will be everything you've imagined. And you have to take part in the sunset celebration nightly at Pier 60. it's just a simple fishing pier but in addition to fishing, you can find locals setting up stands of arts and crafts and such. It's really fun. For accommodations, I would highly recommend staying right on the sand in either Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach. You can find everything from simple hotel rooms to vacation rentals with full kitchens. Away To Mandalay is where you can find homes to rent. It's a nice alternative. For a great resort, try TradeWinds Resorts. They have two resorts, The Island Grand and the Sandpiper Suites. Both are fantastic and offer loads of onsite activities to keep kids busy and adults happy. Speaking of activities and what you can see and do around these parts, here is a list for you to ponder. Favorites of my family's would include the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where you can learn all about sealife and how they rescue and nurse creatures back to health, and the Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise. Not sure how old your kids are, but mine are 11 and 6 and love this. Take the ferry to Caladesi Island for sure. This is always one of the top-rated beaches (it's even been ranked NUMBER ONE) in the entire country so you have to experience it for yourself. You can shell and snorkel from any of these beaches. I would also spend a day exploring Tarpon Springs which will be to your north. Tour this quaint Greek flavored town and see the sponge docks. Try Mama's Greek Cuisine restaurant while you are there. In Homosassa Springs, you can swim with manatees or just see them right up close. You can also see lots of other Florida wildlife. A little to the south of Clearwater is Tampa and that's where you can find Busch Gardens, the Lowry Park Zoo and my favorite restaurant in the whole entire world, Bern's Steakhouse. It's more than steak Carla, it's a dining experience - unlike anything you're ever tasted or seen! Make reservations and GO. You can even take a kitchen tour and see how they make everything themselves. From growing their own sprouts for the salad to aging their steaks so they melt in your mouth. You don't even need teeth to chew - they melt like butter! I must go eat now...thanks for writing!

Jill Martin, Family Insider, VISIT FLORIDA