WHERE TO STAY

Clearwater Beach

The beach is my personal favorite and there is something for everyone there. What used to be a low-key, understated beach town has become a bustling, hip tourist destination, offering an array of options from reasonably priced motels to high-end hotels. It’s white-sand beaches and tourist friendly environment have helped Clearwater Beach become one of the top rated beaches in Florida. Their Chamber of Commerce website offers a great number of resources, but here are a few options to get you started.

Among the smaller spots is one of my favorites, the Palm Pavilion Inn. It’s a quaint 29-room hotel that sits just steps from the beach (and steps from one of my favorite beach bars, the Palm Pavilion, but more on that later).

Did someone say Tiki Bar? Shepard’s Beach Resort has recently undergone a major renovation. Even before the reno, you could always find a party here, but they’ve stepped up their game. The centerpiece of the resort is the 11,000 square foot Tiki Beach Bar. Live music is an ongoing theme. They also have a “dual level state of the art Gulf-front indoor/outdoor night club.” This is probably not the ideal place to stay with kids… the ones under 21, at least.

For a long time, the Hilton was the best among the few larger hotel chains on the island and it’s still a nice destination with one of the best locations, but there are several new, high-end hotels that have almost literally just popped up.

The Sandpearl Resort was the first real luxury resort to open in Clearwater a few years back. Part of the “Opal Collection”, a sister hotel has also opened in Clearwater: the Opal Sands located on the Gulf side at the south end of Clearwater Beach. Hold onto your wallet.

Have a large family and need some space? The Hyatt Resort and Spa, also on the Gulf, has 250 suites ranging in size from 600-1,600 square feet.

The Wyndham Grand is the newest jewel among the bunch.

I’m a big Trip Advisor fan, having found their rankings and recommendations a nice guide for any trip. Here are the site’s top suggestions for Clearwater.

Beaches South – Sand Key, Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores

Sand Key is just south of Clearwater Beach. It’s easy to get to once you’re on the island and offers the same great beaches, only more low-key. This stretch of land is loaded with condos and two nice hotels: The Sheraton Sand Key and The Marriott. I’ve stayed at the Marriott and would stay there again, in a heartbeat. The views are amazing and the pool area and restaurants are ideal for families.

I recently stayed in Indian Shores, since a friend offered me the use of their vacation home. While crowded near the beach, the traffic has as more to do with the sliver of land it sits on than anything else. There are a number of true beach bars and restaurants in this area and it is a popular winter home for the snow birds, as well as a busy tourist destination. It’s a half hour drive to the ballpark from Indian Shores.

Clearwater Central

I’m sure there is plenty to do around the ballpark that doesn’t include baseball, but I’ve always viewed any location away from the beach as only-for-convenience, in that it cut down on my travel time to and from the ballpark each day. Frankly, I am happy to sacrifice the time for the destination.

I prefer the Hampton Inn in Clearwater Central over the Clarion Inn and Suites across the street. The Hampton has a better layout, is cleaner and it’s only a few steps to the legendary Lenny’s Diner. You can walk to the ballpark from there, although the streets are crazy busy in that area. If you aren’t into the beach or staying in a the city (Tampa/St. Pete), and you’re there simply to take in Phillies games and eat, staying near the ballpark does make a lot of sense.

Tampa and St. Petersburg

If you prefer to stay someplace that offers more of a city environment and don’t mind driving a bit, Tampa and St. Petersburg are both great choices, although I’ve been told that many of the locals who have been living in Tampa are migrating south to the burgeoning St. Pete. Restaurants, bars, shops, you’ll find it all in both locations.  Depending on where you are in Tampa or St. Pete, it’s about 30-40 minutes to the ballpark.

WHAT TO DO – WITHOUT KIDS IN TOW

Phillies Baseball – See below.

Tampa Bay Downs (Tampa) – I’ve been told this is quite the place. If you like horse racing, Tampa Bay Downs offers some big-time horses. Often times you’ll see a horse or two that will be racing at the Kentucky Derby in May. They offer high-stakes poker, as well as golf.

Amalie Arena (Tampa) – Home to the Tampa Bay Lightning, as well as other events and concerts.

Downtown St. Petersburg – As I mentioned earlier, this area is booming. The city has undergone a renaissance in recent years. I haven’t been there since the 2008 World Series (it’s home to Tropicana Field, home of the Rays during the regular season) when the city’s growth was in its infancy. It’s apparently all grown up now.

PGA Golf Tournament– The pros hit the links at nearby Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort in North Harbor, Florida for the Valspar Championship, March 6-12. Cole Hamels and his family used to call Innisbrook home during Spring Training. It’s just 11 miles north of Spectrum Field on US-19.

WHAT TO DO – WITH KIDS

Phillies Baseball – See below.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium – They love Winter and Hope in Clearwater… as in Winter and Hope, the star dolphins in the hit movie “Dolphin Tale”, based on a true story. They live at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and have become the area’s top tourist attraction.

Clearwater Beach – Clearwater Beach is one of the top beaches in the country. The white sand and warm Gulf waters make this an ideal place to take the kids. Activities in the surrounding area offer a break from the surf and sand.

Pier 60 – From fishing to local artisans to moon bounces to live entertainment, there is plenty to do at and near the island’s centerpiece. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset.

Boat Rentals – There are plenty of places in the marina to rent a water vessel of your choosing. If kayaks and canoes are more your speed, you’ll find those here, too. Don’t want to be the captain of your own ship, but would love to be on the water? No problem. Try…

Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise – It’s hard to miss the big pirate ship when you drive into Clearwater Beach. This is a perfect excursion for families with littler kids.

Sea Screamer Dolphin and Thrill Boat Ride – The name sort of speaks for itself. They also offer sunset cruises.

Disneyworld – This requires a 90 minute drive from central Clearwater and up to an hour from Clearwater Beach. Beyond that, the destination requires no description.

WHERE TO EAT

There is no shortage of good eats in and around Clearwater. Lenny’s Diner, just around the corner from the ballpark, is synonymous with Phillies spring training. Their motto is, “The Legend Lives On.”  This is very true. Make it a part of your game day.

As for dinner, there are so many restaurants and so little time. I spoke to some of the players and coaches to find out their favorite spots to frequent, and surprisingly, many of them were in Tampa. Many Phillies fans don’t consider a trip to Spring Training complete without spotting a player or two out and about. The players seem to favor steak houses and sushi restaurants, several of which are in Tampa. Here’s the players guide for where to eat:

Island Way Grill – Clearwater Beach, Adam Morgan

Ken’s Sushi – Clearwater, Jared Eickoff and Aaron Nola

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse – Tampa, Jared Eickoff

Texas de Brazil – Tampa, Aaron Nola and Andres Blanco

Brio Tuscan Grill – Tampa, Andres Blanco and Cesar Hernandez

Kona Grill – Tampa, Andres Blanco

Eddie V’s – Tampa, Juan Samuel

Slyce Pizza Bar – Indian Rocks, Adam Morgan

Clearwater Beach

One of my favorite places on earth is the Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar. Just call it “The Palm” and you’ll fit right in. Situated directly on the beach, you can sit on the patio or dine at the bar. The open-air concept lets the beach breeze flow through, while you cozy up on a barstool away from the hot sun. Have kids in tow and want more of a restaurant atmosphere? They have that, too. There is often live music and they have happy hour Monday-Friday from 4-7. They even offer a free sunset with your dinner. This is a favorite stop for Phillies fans.

Island Way Grill was the favorite dinner spot for Chase Utley and many other members of the team “back in the day.” It’s still one of the great spots. While some players still dine there, this year I found that many didn’t even know what it was. Located in Clearwater Beach, it has indoor and outdoor seating and remains among my absolute favorites.

If you like local hangouts, grab a drink next door at Windward before hitting Island Way. They have a lemongrass and basil martini that’s outstanding. They also serve food and have a kids menu, making it a great stop before or after you visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium across the street.

A trip to Clearwater isn’t complete for me without those three stops, along with Villa Gellace (see below), but that just scratches the surface.

Frenchy’s. You can’t throw a seashell in Clearwater without hitting something that says Frenchy’s. The original beach bar is another favorite among visitors. It shares the same parking lot on the beach with the aforementioned Palm Pavilion. But, Frenchy’s has seven restaurants around the area, as well as a hotel and gift shop. Oh, and don’t forget the Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion at the ballpark.

There are a number of other spots at the beach where you can’t go wrong. Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Restaurant has been around since 1948. This spot is on the more formal side and the only restaurant I know of that still serves Flaming Baked Alaska. Bobby’s Bistro and Wine Bar, located in the back of the property, is the more casual version of the Beachcomber.

At the end of Clearwater Beach you’ll find two popular spots in a strip mall just before you go over the bridge to Sand Key: The Reef Steak and Seafood and Cesare’s at the Beach. They’re small, so make reservations.

Just south in Belleair Bluffs you’ll find E&E Steakhouse.

In Indian Rocks, I know the Salt Rock Grill tops a few people’s lists. I have not been there before. That’s because I always seem to end up at my personal favorite, not in the beach bar category, Villa Gallace. If you make it to Villa Gallace, say “hi” to Luigi and tell him I sent you… and keep an eye out for some familiar faces.

Closer to the ballpark, you can stop in to the original Hooters Restaurant and the original Hooters girl, Lynne Austin, whose story is also part of Phillies history. Pete and Shorty’s and Villa Bellini are also good choices.

Not all bars are created equal, but it’s hard to find a bad one in Clearwater Beach. I was told by a couple of locals that the Brown Boxer Pub & Grille is a great hangout. They have two locations in Clearwater. Surfside Taphouse and Toucan’s Bar and Grill.

And if you want to make one last stop before you return to the airport, try Whiskey Joe’s.

THE REASON YOU’RE THERE – THE GAME

Taking in a Spring Training game is great fun and Spectrum Field provides a terrific experience for both kids and adults.

I highly suggest you stop at the Carpenter Complex before making your way into the ballpark. With four fields, fans can get up close as both major leaguers and minor leaguers work through their spring routines. It’s open to the public throughout the spring.

Want to pick up a t-shirt or jersey? The merchandise store opens at 10:35 a.m. on game day and stays open until a half an hour to an hour after the game. The shop is also open during the day when the Phillies are away.

The gates to the ballpark also open at 10:35, giving you plenty of time to grab a cheesesteak from Phillies Delco Cheesesteaks and find a nice seat on the outfield lawn. Those tickets will cost you just $14 each for non-premium games (Red Sox, Yankees, St. Patrick’s Day). Personally, I think an outfield picnic is a great way to see a spring game.

While tickets start at $14, they go up to as much as $39 for Club seats.

A day at the ballpark isn’t complete without having a post-game beverage and listening to live music out in left field at Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion. The bar stays open for two hours after the game ends. If you’re staying at the beach and you’re smart, you’ll take the Jolly Trolley to the game so you can shut down the Tiki Bar and leave the driving to someone else.