In
1528 Spanish explorer Panfilo de Narvaez came to the Pinellas peninsula and
probably stepped ashore in Clear Water harbor, named for the now nonexistent
springs, in the bay. There he encountered the Tocobaga Indians who inhabited the
area for thousands of years, a maritime culture whose villages lined the
shore. By the early 1700s the tribe was
virtually wiped out by European diseases and Spanish brutality. Narvaez was
accompanied by black explorers including Estevanico.
www.visitclearwaterflorida.com
Florida
became a territory in 1822 and was opened for rapid growth by the 1842 Federal
Occupation Act in which people willing to farm and defend the land would be
given 160-acres. The first nonnative settler was a Frenchman, Dr. Odet
Phillippe, who established St. Helena
Plantation. Odet introduced both grapefruit and cigar making to the region and
Phillippe Park is named in his honor. There is speculation that he was of
African descent even though he was himself a slave trader. www.visitflorida.com
Modern
Clearwater is an ideal vacation destination 365-days a year because of its
sheer beauty, mild climate, plethora of activities, accommodations, dining
options and location on the Gulf of Mexico. Clearwater’s sand is white, soft
and powdery and the beaches have garnered awards including one
of America’s Top Family Beaches, Top
Singles Beaches, Best City Beach and Best
Sunsets in Florida. The sand’s origin was the eroded quartz of the Appalachian
Mountains, not seashells, giving the sand its color and consistency. The beach
is groomed daily and a lifeguard is on duty 365-days a year. There are numerous
activities, each one unique. #myclearwater
In
1948 the Phillies chose Clearwater as the site of their Spring Training Camp
and, since 2009, the location for their Florida State League affiliate,
the Clearwater Threshers. Spectrum Field’s dimensions replicate those of the
Philadelphia field. Thresher Stadium is a wonderful venue from which to watch a
game. There are no poor seats, concessions offer numerous food combinations and
ticket prices are extremely affordable. There is a play area for children, lots
of photo ops and a generally welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can relax at a game
after a day at the beach. www.milb.com
Just as people make a special trip to Clearwater in
the spring to visit the training camp, so to visitors have been flocking to the
city annually to join the festivities at the 10-day Pier 60 Sugar Sand
Festival. International sculptors create impressive, thematic, sculptural
dioramas from the celebrated sugar sand. Inaugurated in 2013, the festival
includes children’s activities, fireworks, vendors, sand sculpting classes,
performers and demonstrations and a walk-through Sand Walk Exhibit featuring
over 1,000-tons of sand. This is a singular event and it is never too early to
make plans for next year. www.sugarsandfestival.com
Clearwater’s
Dolphin Trail will lead you to all the attractions. The 200 six-ft. tall
dolphins are individually decorated by local artists under the patronage of
local businesses. Complimentary Dolphin Trail Guides are available at visitor
centers. www.clearwaterflorida.org/clearwaters-dolphins
You
can see real dolphins, most notably Winter the bottlenose dolphin from Dolphin Tale, in the Clearwater Marine
Aquarium. A portion of the movie was filmed in the aquarium. Tours of the facility
include viewing marine life, the Surgical Suite and more than 25 viewing areas.
The facility is a marine life rehab facility whose goal is to rehabilitate
marine life that cannot survive on its own because of injury or circumstance
and eventually return the residents to their natural habitats. In some cases
this is not possible and they are given a permanent home there.
The
aquarium offers additional activities including indoor and outdoor guided
tours. The 90-minute Dolphin Adventure eco-tour introduces passengers to the
wildlife and to research data collection. The aquarium is another don’t miss
attraction. www.seewinter.com
For an equally singular dolphin tour embark on a 90-minute
Little Toot Dolphin Watching Tour. The boat sails from the Clearwater Marina
into the Gulf in search of dolphins. They guarantee sightings and they do not
disappoint. There is plenty to photograph including several federally protected
mangrove covered islands. www.littletoot.us
In
August the 51-acre Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center will reopen. It
features boardwalks great for wildlife viewing and quiet strolls through
awesome scenery. The center gives you glimpses into another side of Florida. Classes
and rentals are available. www.myclearwaterparks.com
Dining in Clearwater is definitely distinctive.
There are more award-winning eateries than you can sample during the average
vacation. Seafood is, of course a specialty, and more grouper is harvested than anywhere else in the world.
Specialty drinks abound and they, coupled with the unparalleled sunset views
make every meal memorable.
The
Donut Experiment is a great option any time of day. Donuts are custom made
fresh and to order incorporating any of a huge number of additional icings and
toppings. It is the brainchild of Shawn and Cecilia Wampole who are from
Philadelphia. www.thedonutexperiment.com
Cooters
Restaurant and Bar is a favorite of visitors and locals alike. They are
renowned for their specials, tropical drinks, fresh seafood and homemade
sauces, dressings and soups. It has been voted The Best Florida Style Restaurant. www.cooters.com
Bob
Heilman’s Beachcomber has been designated one of the Top 50 Restaurants of
Tampa Bay. The restaurant has set the dining bar since 1948. They use the
freshest ingredients, in creative combinations, with exemplary service. www.heilmansbeachcomber.com
Unique
destinations require distinctive accommodations and the obvious Clearwater
choice is the luxurious Opal Sands Resort. The oversized rooms offer Gulf
views, the standard amenities, designer linens and bath products and turn down
service. The resort features a menu of activities and an on-site concierge.
There are four exceptional restaurants and bars and the Clearwater Spa offering
customized treatments. All public areas have stunning water views.
www.opalsandsresort
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