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| Pier 60(side view), a popular tourist destination |
Summer 2011 is officially over. While some states are already experiencing cooler weather, Florida seems to hold on to summer a little bit more, pouring on the heat and humidity before cooling down. We might as well hit the beach before donning sweaters for a couple of months. Clearwater Beach, here we go!!
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| The Key to the City |
Clearwater Beach is only a few miles from Tampa and is located on Florida's west coast, facing the Gulf of Mexico. We rolled in early into the afternoon and found that Clearwater(city proper) and Clearwater Beach were interconnected with bridges. Driving here was well worth the wait; the excitement builds up as the beach city slowly reveals itself.
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| Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Florida |
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| ~ I just love the gentle waves! ~ | | |
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| The Jolley Trolley |
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The Jolley Trolley is a cheap and relaxing way to move around Clearwater. Imagine a cool and relaxing drive along a pre-determined route that gives you instant access to different points of the beach. Beach on one side, beach shops on the other. This will definitely save you gas money, and save time on driving and parking.
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| Nice,relaxing bike rides are always a welcome sight for me |
This is an Italian Eatery, located on the opposite side of the
beach. They offer a great selection of pizza, sandwiches, pasta and home-made Gelatto(Italian ice cream). Surf shops, boat
rentals, ski rentals, parasailing, Segway tours, bike and scooter
rentals line up the Mandalay Ave. All of them are accessible through the
Jolley Trolley, private car or simply by strolling around. People from
all walks of life are enjoying the laid back ambiance; it's not uncommon
seeing people shopping around with nothing but swim wear. Talk about sexy cool.
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| Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater Florida |
We had an inkling that the night life along the beach is quite explosive and electrifying. The streets lightened up, the air was quickly filled with festive music and people danced early on. A plethora of restaurants, bars and night clubs came to life the moment the sun went down. We made our way to one of the local seafood restaurants and went out with full stomachs. The food was excellent, the people are friendly and service times were average.I never have to go irate while waiting to be served.
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| (Really) Crabby Bill's offer lotsa them seafood' |
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| No jumping or diving... especially at night |
Clearwater Beach clearly won me over. I wish I could have taken more photos, or could've hopped through several of the bars through the night. My recommendation would be to take two to three days off, bum around the beach and dance the night away! Stress could be a very unfamiliar word to you after wards. We came in late into the summer for a few more memories of the beach, but were never late for the fun and the sun; here at Clearwater, the fun-in-the-sun is all year round and the party never stops.
