Picture/Video Blog of TFT Tips : florida-clearwater area

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Drive highlights - Gulf Boulevard, Indian Shores, Florida

Must say that this part of the gulf coast, is where I enjoy the most for our snowbird season. Favorite beach, favorite bars, favorite restaurants and even favorite lodging.

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Gulf Boulevard Drive - Indian Shores, Florida

Drive Highlights - South Gulfview Blvd - Clearwater Beach, Florida (SUPERB)

Now this is a drive that provides you, as a visitor, an excellent recap of what is available in the Clearwater Beach area. It passes by many of Clearwater Beach landmark locations; accommodation sites, restaurants, and attractions like Clearwater Beach itself plus boating facilities that use the Intercoastal Waterway or the Gulf of Mexico.

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South Gulfview Drive - Clearwater Beach, Florida

Drive Highlights - Dunedin Main Street - Florida

Spend 3 minutes here and you will have the opportunity to view the favorite small town of Dunedin, Florida where visitors travel from near & far to partake in many of the festivities: Spring Training Baseball, Fabulous Restaurants, Shopping, Festivities (at least 10 different venues each year). One active small town that is made to entertain people.

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Ream Wilson Bicycle Trail - Safety Harbor, FL

Man constructed trail in the midst of major city developments shows that it is not necessary to leave things the way they were. Trail was built linking extensive park systems in the area making it quite enjoyable to use.

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The Story behind the picture

Fortunately I still like to use a bicycle to visit and explore new areas. This trail was one where the length is not too long, yet provided scenic stops where one could rest those weary bones. The stop in Safety Harbor (shown here) allows you to visit their pier and walk hundreds of feet out into Tampa Bay.
Actually it has been taken many times from Clearwater to Safety Harbour and back with most often a lunch break at one of the many eating establishments.

John`s Review
A very enjoyable bike or walk in the midst of two cities through a park system that link with each other. Very relaxing trip viewing nature. Quite easy to travel north of Safety Harbor either walking or biking to one of the areas best parks ( Philippe Park ).

Tarpon Springs - Florida

A favorite for many winter visitors. Excellent seafood, greek food & pastries make this a stop for many. The area near the boating facilities is very touristy, with many shops providing unique gifts to bring home, however it does have it`s charm, as shrimp & sponge boats continue to use the harbors. We have been there several times and have always had a reason to return.

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The Story behind the picture
Fishing boats of all kinds, however, the sponge industry is the major employer. Many of the boats have a common reminder of past movie scenes that have a greek past.

John`s Comments
Always a favorite for the winter crowd. Great Greek restaurants and pastries. Several super seafood restaurants but the historical sponge center of North America is what brings the tourist in. Makes for an enjoyable afternoon of strolling, window shopping and watching the boats in the harbor.

John`s Recollections
Cannot count the times I have returned to sample the shrimp plates or the fantastic greek pastries at one of the local restaurants. A favorite tourist stop for many to search for a souvenir to bring home or to sample food at the greek restaurants. Fishing boats or statues continue to show the history of this sponge capital of North America. Have been there many times, and with each visit there always appears to be something I missed before. Shopping is a major item with many souvenir shops where prices seem lower than most. Likely the competition. The Greek restaurants are well visited along with the pastry shops. Several displays are set up on the sponge divers along with excursions on boats to the diving areas.

Brooker Creek Preserve - Tarpon Springs, Florida

An inland preserve area that preserves part of Floridas` past. Excellent walking trails thru wetlands, where the chances of seeing wildlife are good. Several times that I have been there wild deers crossed the path. Startled me more than them I expect. Because of the length of the trails, ( miles ), bicycles may be met on the path at times. Also Found that standing water on the paths after heavy rainstorms caused detours off the path through wooded area.

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The Story behind the picture
Great natural park that is made for walking/biking to view nature, interpretative centers, or even some of the deer that roam the grounds.

John`s Comments
Actually saw deer several times but mostly wet grounds with Florida type vegatation. Limited people when traversing the grounds.

John`s Recollections
Spent a good part of the day here, as biking trails were relatively flat. There were sections where recent rains required a brief detour, but it was an enjoyable trip overall. Felt like you were in the middle of nowhere, however Tarpon Springs and Clearwater were nearby.

Dunedin Downtown - Florida

Dunedin, downtown. You can walk around it in 15-30 minutes yet there is so much to do. A real small town atmosphere, where one can feel at home very easily. Shopping is generally in small stores carrying unique products or antique stores displaying articles of yesterday. Restaurants are plentiful with varying menus that will satisfy all. I just found it to be the right size, being able to spend an afternoon, walk the trails beside the Intercoastal waterway, see the fisherman at the local wharf, or buy some local produce during the winter Friday markets.

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The Story behind the picture
From here you can easily walk down to the pier beside the marina, watch as fishermen try to catch a meal, view the pelicans as they swoop in to the dock rails, or even go next door to the Best Western for a drink or meal. Going in other directions, it`s just many more restaurants, antique shops, bicycle trails, art displays and a very encouraging downtown area that caters to the many visitors. To me, it has become that town that many wish they would want to make home.

John`s Comments
Now here is a place where you can walk around in half an hour, but more than likely you will spend half a day. Great restaurants and shops to browse in.My favorite town in Florida and one where you wish that you were raised in.
Easy walking distance to all activities with many of them very active during the winter months. This creates a festive downtown that has many come back to visit. Excellent restaurants and shops bring visitors in from the Tampa area and beyond.

John`s Recollections
Here is just a very interesting small town that makes you want to return to. Always appears to have something going on during the winter months and the size of the town (downtown area) makes it easy to walk around. Unique stores for window shopping, or browsing, or purchasing those items that one must have. Several good restaurants to satisfy the appetites and also town parks to sit on a bench and take life at a leisurely pace. I particularly like to walk down some of the side streets to see the buildings from previous time periods. Homes on the intercoastal ( Victoria Drive ) with the tall trees are exceptionally scenic.

Take a drive on Main Street for more Dunedin delights

Sand Key Park - Clearwater Beach

Sand key park is a few miles from the Clearwater beachs` main tourism activities but here you can find excellent sunbathing and swimming in a more quiet area. For those that wish, bring your barbeque and have a great day out using the park`s facilities. It is a place where relaxing is the prime objective and you can have a family picnic after an afternoon bathing and sunning on a great beach.

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The Story behind the picture

The entrance to the park from Gulf Boulevard does not portray it`s true value.

John`s Comments
County Park on the Gulf of Mexico. Great beach and grounds that will provide for all your needs other than food and drinks which are available at the nearby Sand Key Beach resort that adjoins the park. One may walk the beach to reach it.

John`s Recollections other
This park on the Gulf of Mexico is great for those that wish to concentrate on the sun, white sand beach, and gulf waters. Other than barbeque pits and picnic tables there are few other activities to disturb the peace and quiet of the beautiful beaches. Families seem to be the major occupants and it is enjoyed by many of the local population.

Clearwater Beach Activities - Florida

While the beach provides for swimming and sunbathing, others wish to partake in many of the activities in the surrounding area. Cruise the waterways while someone else prepares the dinner, or take out one of the boats in search of a porpoise or two, or charter a fishing boat. Pirate cruises and sea-doos are favorites for many. Many activities as well as the SUNSET shopping extravaganza on the pier.

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The Story behind the picture

Every evening during the winter Sunset celebrations are held at the pier on Clearwater Beach. Artists portray their goods on the pier for the winter crowd.

John`s Comments
There is shopping, cruises for both the sunset and the dolphins, restaurants usually with a seafood flavor. Enough to satisfy most desires for those wishing to enjoy the beach, yet for me, the beach provides the major venue.

John`s Recollections
A large number of activities to partake in, yet they are separated from the beach area and are generally in one area. The sunset celebration at the Clearwater pier draws a good crowd and has numerous vendors or entertainment groups such as the fire-eaters and musical groups. Even on the beach at a few locations one is able to purchase spots for the parasail rides or rental time for skidoos.

Philippe Park - Safety Harbor

One of the areas favorite urban parks. Straddles Tampa Bay on the west side and it provide the residents access to the bay, picnic shelters, swimming, fishing, etc. Facilities provide many groups access to use the parks amenities, and it is very well used by many. Philippe Park is quite large, however one seems to be able to get away and enjoy your own space if needed. Video clip gives a good representation of park & facilities.

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The Story behind the picture

In my mind, Phillipe Park on Tampa Bay is the area's nicest Park facility. Large enough where families and groups can have their own space.

John`s Comments
Right on Tampa Bay, with thousands of feet of shorline. Used by many as the facilities are excellent.

John`s Recollections
An excellent park for those that wish to be close to the Bay, have a picnic lunch, and even take a stroll along the pathways. Nice spot to rest, watch some of the wildlife and partake in some of Florida`s sunshine. Location on Tampa Bay provides scenic viewing, boat launches and group picnic facilities, many which are covered. Walking paths in many areas also are next to the bay, and your chance of seeing water habitants are greatly increased. The park is quite large and has space for large groups as well as areas where there are family gatherings. Definitely one of my favorite parks to visit.

Clearwater Beach - Florida

Excellent white sand beach on the Gulf of mexico. Well used by vacationers and area residents as well. Many new resorts & condominiums, either on the beach or across the street. Close to all beach activities. This is the place where vacationers abound and enjoy the sun, sand, and Gulf of Mexico waters. Many favorite restaurants on the beach however I still recommend the Palm Pavilion if you are in the area, or maybe Frenchy`s, or maybe even Jimmy Iguana's.

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The Story behind the picture
A picture is worth a thousand words, and what makes this one even better is to be able to sit in an open bar/restaurant and take the picture. Thanks to the Palm Pavilion Restaurant for making life easy.

John`s Comments
Clearwater Beach, one of the finest white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.

John`s Recollections
One of Florida`s great beaches. White soft sand with a recently installed beach walkway separating the beach from the hotels and business areas that is quite comparable to the Fort Lauderdale beachfront. I actually like this area more as it seems more in tune with the general public with still many business establishments on the beach and not requiring one to cross a road.

Pinellas Bike Trail - Clearwater/Dunedin, St. Petersburg, Florida

Well used biking/walking path stretching from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg. Major intersections have overhead bridges to accommodate usage. Rarely have I used this trail without having someone in my sight. It is quite flat except for major road crossing where bridges have been built to allow bikers and walkers a continuous path.

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The Story behind the picture
The trail itself stretches many more miles than just this section from Dunedin to Clearwater. It is easy biking or walking and major roads have overpasses that allow one not to have to deal with the heavy traffic.

John`s Comments
Like this trail as it makes it easy to get around to some of the smaller towns or locations in the area. Also pit stops are readily available for refreshments or a light lunch. Not that difficult and at most times you have other bikers nearby if needed.

John`s Review
This bike / walking trail is one of the best maintained in Florida and stretches from the bottom of St. Pete's to Tarpon Springs (a distance of over 40 miles). The area here is from Dunedin to Clearwater and it passes many landmarks along the way.
One of the easiest bicycle or walking trails around, yet it is still pleasurable as at times it crosses streams and even comes close to the intercoastal waterway. Mileage can be anywhere from a mile to fourty and that is not even taking into account the return journey. Many locations on or near the trail where you can stop and rest, grab a bite to eat or have a cool drink. Most major street crossing have bridges built over them so automobile traffic is limited. Even though it is quite flat, I have enjoyed the trip many, many times.

Honeymoon & Caladesi Islands - Dunedin, Florida

Great island State park with excellent walking trail to see many of the ospreys making their homes in the tall pine trees. Restored beach area at Honeymoon island has greatly increased attendance. Caladesi Island has been voted best beach many times. Access is limited at most times to a ferry crossing at Honeymoon Island.

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The Story behind the picture
Was able to get some pictures at west end of Honeymoon park on of their nature trails.

John`s Comments
Now here is a nature trip that may be unusual. Take the walking trail at the north end of the park and you may be fortunate enough to view the Ospreys as they are nesting. High in the Pine trees that appear to be almost at a stage of toppling the Ospreys have built their nests. This walking trail also goes alongside the Island and views are excellent for the Gulf of Mexico. The beach has been refurbished on Honeymoon Island and is now one of the favorites in the area.

John`s Recollections
Not just great beaches here ( but they are some of the best in the area ). Caladesi Island is always rated as one of the best in America, but you do have to take a ferry over ( nominal fee charged ) and that is after you enter the park itself. One of the great things on Honeymoon Island is seeing the Ospreys in the high nests at the far end of the island. Quite an interesting walk for most as it takes you by the gulf waters also.