ABOVE PHOTO: Clearwater Beach (Photo: Andy Lidstone / shutterstock)
By Renée S. Gordon
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. Black explorers including Estevanico accompanied Narvaez. (www.visitclearwaterflorida.com)
Pelicans at Pier (Photo: RCulbert / shutterstock)
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 non-native settler was a Frenchman, Dr. Odet Phillippe, who established St. Helena Plantation.
Odet introduced both grapefruit and cigar making to the region. 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)
Spectrum Field, Clearwater Threshers’ home (Photo: Renée S. Gordon)
In 1948, the Philadelphia 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 Citizens Bank Park.
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)
“Sand Jazz Blues” at Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival (Photo: Renée S. Gordon)
Just as people make a special trip to Clearwater in the spring to visit training camp, so do visitors who have been flocking to the city annually to join the festivities at the 10-day Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival.
Sand sculptor Tubman (Photo: Renée S. Gordon)
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, but 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. Local artists under the patronage of local businesses individually decorate the 200 six-ft. tall dolphins. 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 to eventually return the residents to their natural habitats. In some cases this is not possible, so 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)
Little Toot Dolphin Watching Tour (Photo: Renée S. Gordon)
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 coupled with the unparalleled sunset views, make every meal memorable.
Clearwater to… (Photo: Renée S. Gordon)
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, and provide exemplary service. (www.heilmansbeachcomber.com)
Opal Sands Resort (Photo: Renée S. Gordon)
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.opalsands.com)
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