OT: Clearwater during Spring Training and Spring Break

[TheBigUglies]

Looking to get out of the cold north for a bit over PSU spring break and landed on Clearwater so I can take in some Phillies spring training games. Look for recommendations on where to stay and eat and beach and schtuff. Found a place on the south end of Clearwater Beach but am I wee bit worried about the Spring Break college crowd as we a looking to relax and chill. Any suggestions/recommendations appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Ntlnfn]

Marriott sand key was nice only thing is you have to take the hotel shuttle to the beach. The Omni was quiet when we were last there.

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

Looking to get out of the cold north for a bit over PSU spring break and landed on Clearwater so I can take in some Phillies spring training games. Look for recommendations on where to stay and eat and beach and schtuff. Found a place on the south end of Clearwater Beach but am I wee bit worried about the Spring Break college crowd as we a looking to relax and chill. Any suggestions/recommendations appreciated. Thanks.

if you go the board will expect pics of the college "talent!"

 

[Catch1lion]

Island Way Grill is pretty tasty. I really love Rocco's Tacos. There is one by the airport in the International Mall. Really , really good stuff.

 

[Catch1lion]

Marriott sand key was nice only thing is you have to take the hotel shuttle to the beach. The Omni was quiet when we were last there.

Nice place, but can get a little trafficy going to Sand Key.

 

[Catch1lion]

There is a Hotel California there. You can check out anytime, but you can never leave.

 

[JerseyLion]

I stayed at the Hyatt when I was there. I should have stayed at the Opal Sands instead.

 

[OuiRPSU]

Watch out for those pesky Scientologists.

 

[MrTailgate]

Where are you staying on South Beach to get an idea of what level you are talking about. For eating every place rolls out nearly the identical menu (grouper, Shrimp, etc) so it’s limited. Best fresh fish/ seafood is The Clearwater Bait and Tackle Tavern, Frenchy’s is the most famous, good Italian is Forlini’s and Cesare’s. Decent menu is Clear Sky. Good breakfast is Clear Sky and Another Broken Egg. Good sunset bars are Jimmy’s Fish House and Palm Pavilion. Roof top bars are Vue 360 and Soirée in the AC Marriot.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Frenchy’s on the Beach for a grouper sandwich at sunset

St Pete Beach is quieter but not sure how Spring Break will effect it. Check out the Post Card Inn for a beverage.

 

[Colt2169]

Also heading down for Phils Soring Training game with wife - staying on S Gulfview Blvd - not sure if that’s “South Beach ”?

 

[BostonNit]

Btw, when in Clearwater, make sure you visit the Angry Pepper. Great bbq, nice tropical drinks, really fun vibe.

We went to the one on Madeira beach and it was awesome. Patio dining. Outdoor smoker so you smell the brisket smoking.

 

[olelion]

Ozona is just north of Clearwater Beach.:
Ozona Blue
Ozona Pig
Molly Goodhead's

 

[wbcbus]

Looking to get out of the cold north for a bit over PSU spring break and landed on Clearwater so I can take in some Phillies spring training games. Look for recommendations on where to stay and eat and beach and schtuff. Found a place on the south end of Clearwater Beach but am I wee bit worried about the Spring Break college crowd as we a looking to relax and chill. Any suggestions/recommendations appreciated. Thanks.

Make sure you check back in on your return, we’re heading to Clearwater first week of April, haven’t been there before. We went with a condo on the ocean more towards the north.

 

[LBUfanatic]

Ozona is just north of Clearwater Beach.:
Ozona Blue
Ozona Pig
Molly Goodhead's

I second Ozona Blue Grilling. I’ve been there several times and it’s always been really good. If you really want to treat yourself, head north on 19 to Casa Ludovico in Palm Harbor. Quite possibly the best Italian food I’ve ever had.

 

[MrTailgate]

Also heading down for Phils Soring Training game with wife - staying on S Gulfview Blvd - not sure if that’s “South Beach ”?

South Beach refers to the portion of the island closest to Sand Key Bridge. There is a lot of construction going on that end of the island.

 

[MrTailgate]

Make sure you check back in on your return, we’re heading to Clearwater first week of April, haven’t been there before. We went with a condo on the ocean more towards the north.

If you have any questions, let me know and I can help you out.

 

[flash86]

I think the Philadelphia Union are doing their preseason there right now.

 

[olelion]

I second Ozona Blue Grilling. I’ve been there several times and it’s always been really good. If you really want to treat yourself, head north on 19 to Casa Ludovico in Palm Harbor. Quite possibly the best Italian food I’ve ever had.

Alt 19 near dunedin?

 

[olelion]

I second Ozona Blue Grilling. I’ve been there several times and it’s always been really good. If you really want to treat yourself, head north on 19 to Casa Ludovico in Palm Harbor. Quite possibly the best Italian food I’ve ever had.

A lot of good Italian in the area thanks to so many NY/NJ folks

 

[Bosco2]

Breakfast at Lennie’s is a must.

 

[LBUfanatic]

Alt 19 near dunedin?

Yes.

 

[berklion]

Well, they don't play at Jack Russell Stadium anymore. Apparently, they haven't for a while. We found that out the hard way. We did have a great time, though.
Jack Russell is still a nice stadium to look at, just no games Phillies there.

 

[psykim]

Spring training sure can be fun. My late parents retired to Vero Beach and the Dodgers used to train there-it was fun going to games and see greats like Roy Campanella and Tommy LaSorda ride by in golf carts. Obviously games may not always have the intensity of a regular season game but must be interesting with rule changes-shift rule, pitch clocks-to see how they are working.

 

[Catch1lion]

I second Ozona Blue Grilling. I’ve been there several times and it’s always been really good. If you really want to treat yourself, head north on 19 to Casa Ludovico in Palm Harbor. Quite possibly the best Italian food I’ve ever had.

I'll have to check out CL, my out-laws live in Palm Harbor. On another note, the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa has a really nice Sunday brunch. Daily lunches are also good. It's also located close to water, so a nice walk after eating. Town around Safety Harbor near the Spa is a little artsy , so good for browsing in the shops.
Don Cesar in St. Pete is also a nice resort. Great beach. The fine dining at Maritana inside the resort is top notch.

 

[TheBigUglies]

Thanks for all the tips. I will be sure to check some of these places out. Probably going to VRBO instead of staying in one of the resorts.

 

[ODShowtime]

I'm embarrassed that I live here and have very little to say anymore. If you want to know where the good record stores are, I'm your man. If you want a decent cheesesteak, Delco's on main street in Dunedin is near the stadium. If you want some Americanized but decent Cuban cheap cafe food in the area, try Cuban Breeze in Oldmar.

I used to have an office on Drew Street about a mile away from the stadium and every time there's a game it was the worst traffic torture ever.

 

[Catch1lion]

I tend to enjoy Cafe Con Leche at the Tampa airport. Tasty beverage. Surprisingly their sandwiches are also pretty good too for airport food.

 

[ODShowtime]

I tend to enjoy Cafe Con Leche at the Tampa airport. Tasty beverage. Surprisingly their sandwiches are pretty good too for airport food.

The best Cuban place died during the pandemic. You know it was good because they closed at 2pm and weekends.

I can't remember the name but it doesn't matter since it's gone. They had this pepper sauce...

 

[LionJim]

The best Cuban place died during the pandemic. You know it was good because they closed at 2pm and weekends.

I can't remember the name but it doesn't matter since it's gone. They had this pepper sauce...

Well, that sucks.

 

[TheBigUglies]

Make sure you check back in on your return, we’re heading to Clearwater first week of April, haven’t been there before. We went with a condo on the ocean more towards the north.

Almost forgot to follow up. Had a great time and it was nice and warm. Only problem we encountered was the dreaded Red Tide which kept us out of swimming the Gulf. Sitting on the beach, Sand Key, was bearable and not too smelly. We heard the beaches in Clearwater were mobbed and crowded. Only hit the beach one day while there which is okay because I am not a beach person.

Opted for a VRBO on a canal with a pool that was screened in off of South Belcher which seemed to be more Largo then Clearwater but it was easy and quick to get where we wanted to go. It was only 10 mins from Phillies Ball Park. Staying on the canal was great, caught sunrises and Manatees swimming by in the morning and evenings. Plus hanging out at night on the pool area was very relaxing. Made sure to book a place with a heated pool.

Places we ate(let the adult kids make the calls on the restaurants):

Rumba Island Grill - we were able to get seated fairly quickly, food, drinks, and service were good
Whiskey Joes - on the water but in Tampa at end of causeway coming from Clearwater. Nice Sunset and sat on deck overlooking water. Made reservations earlier that day and were seated immediately upon arrival, Food, Drinks, and Service were good.
Tried to find a table at Jimmy's Crows Nest to watch sunset and do the sunset shot but some old lady went Karen on us when we found a table and almost sat down(long story). Kind hearted better half gave up our table and we went and found another restaurant nearby called Marina Cantina Tequila Bar & Grille - food, tequila, and service were good. Sat outside on the deck overlooking marina.

Caught the Sunset on Clearwater Beach near the pier and Honeymoon Island which was cool.

Wondered around the shops in Safety Harbor one morning which was relaxing as well.

Lastly, took a ride up to Crystal River and went swimming with the Manatees which I would highly recommend if that is your thing. Water is clear, it's fresh water, put on a wet suit and saw manatees up close, like in our faces. Didn't realize how big them things are.

If I ever make it back for a longer period of time I will rent a bike and ride all the cool bike paths I saw.

 

[ODShowtime]

I've lived here for almost 20 years and never seen a manatee. Or got a decent sunset table.

 

[Colt2169]

just left there - was probably the coldest two days they’ve had in a while

caught a phillies game yesterday and had a great time overall despite the cold weather

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

Almost forgot to follow up. Had a great time and it was nice and warm. Only problem we encountered was the dreaded Red Tide which kept us out of swimming the Gulf. Sitting on the beach, Sand Key, was bearable and not too smelly. We heard the beaches in Clearwater were mobbed and crowded. Only hit the beach one day while there which is okay because I am not a beach person.

Opted for a VRBO on a canal with a pool that was screened in off of South Belcher which seemed to be more Largo then Clearwater but it was easy and quick to get where we wanted to go. It was only 10 mins from Phillies Ball Park. Staying on the canal was great, caught sunrises and Manatees swimming by in the morning and evenings. Plus hanging out at night on the pool area was very relaxing. Made sure to book a place with a heated pool.

Places we ate(let the adult kids make the calls on the restaurants):

Rumba Island Grill - we were able to get seated fairly quickly, food, drinks, and service were good
Whiskey Joes - on the water but in Tampa at end of causeway coming from Clearwater. Nice Sunset and sat on deck overlooking water. Made reservations earlier that day and were seated immediately upon arrival, Food, Drinks, and Service were good.
Tried to find a table at Jimmy's Crows Nest to watch sunset and do the sunset shot but some old lady went Karen on us when we found a table and almost sat down(long story). Kind hearted better half gave up our table and we went and found another restaurant nearby called Marina Cantina Tequila Bar & Grille - food, tequila, and service were good. Sat outside on the deck overlooking marina.

Caught the Sunset on Clearwater Beach near the pier and Honeymoon Island which was cool.

Wondered around the shops in Safety Harbor one morning which was relaxing as well.

Lastly, took a ride up to Crystal River and went swimming with the Manatees which I would highly recommend if that is your thing. Water is clear, it's fresh water, put on a wet suit and saw manatees up close, like in our faces. Didn't realize how big them things are.

If I ever make it back for a longer period of time I will rent a bike and ride all the cool bike paths I saw.

Any Weather Thread worthy pics?

 

[TheBigUglies]

Any Weather Thread worthy pics?

Too warm.

 

[ODShowtime]

It's 75 and perfect outside right now. Big whoop.