Family holidays are a wonderful source of memories and tradition. Although there are many local exotic and beautiful destination choices, our family is the most popular holiday on the west coast of Florida. For over 25 years we have a point to spend time on the sand-beach strip south of Clearwater Beach, Belleair Beach, Florida. We rent three room apartment is right on the beach. Rent a private condo allows us to save hundreds of dollars because it is less expensivethan a hotel, and we have all the comforts of home. We save even more money by stocking up at the local grocery store, so that everyone can make their own breakfast and lunch. Best of all, we go out the door and have our choice: a beautiful swimming pool or the Gulf of Mexico. What will you ask for?
This narrow strip of paradise is sitting with the Gulf on one side and the bay and inter-coastal waterway on the other. This barrier island runs from Clearwater to St. Petersburg. There are all kinds ofAccommodation available high-rises and hotels, schools, condominium complexes and beach cottages. There is something for every budget. It is quiet and not crowded, yet close to many activities!
If we want a break from the beach, the possibilities are numerous. A 45-minute drive from Tampa and we are at Busch Gardens for a day of fun. Do we want the scene Orlando we get up early attack and make the 90 minute drive. We spend the day at one of Disney, Universal or Sea WorldTheme parks and back on the beach at 10pm.
If we are to remain on site, we take 5 minutes to the Gulf Boulevard Clearwater Beach for shopping and water fun. Located in the beautiful harbor, boat tours, fishing charters, pirate ships, dinner cruises and even parasailing for the more adventurous. The prices are much cheaper than in some of the larger, commercial beach towns in Florida.
Maybe our tradition is our favorite night at the Clearwater PhilliesMinor League Ball Field. Located about 15 minutes from the beach, their stadium nice, clean and family friendly. Tickets are under $ 10 and the food courts are good with the traditional ball field treats in stock at competitive prices. They sit near the field and have a great chance to catch a fly ball! Players signing programs and balls for the children. They have numerous special events throughout the season including fireworks! It has since been part of every vacation for more than 20Of course, you can venture in Tampa and watch the Yankees play Tampa in the famous Legends Field.
While we eat, go home for breakfast and lunch, we explore the local cuisine for dinner! Always budget-conscious with our large crowd, we look for the family-style restaurants. Our two favorites are in Indian Rocks Beach. Crabby Bill's has the best fish restaurant in the state. It is casual and fun and family style. Long picnic tables covered with red and white tablecloths set the tone.Nothing fancy, but there is a party like atmosphere. Beer and soda by the pitcher, fresh seafood on paper plates with a large site like coleslaw, fries and Hush Puppies. It is the perfect family fish restaurant. Stop in fun gift shop on the way out!
The second family favorite is an Italian bistro, also in Indian Rocks, TJ's Italian Café. Casual with delicious homemade Italian food. The pizza and Stromboli's are a must! It is an easy place to bring the children, regardless of theirAge! After dinner, hop next to TJ's Mom's Homemade Ice Cream Parlor for dessert!
What would a family vacation golf are without a round of miniature? Travel another 5 minutes south and you will see Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf to right on Gulf Boulevard. Three courses with a lot of "pirate theme" holes with waterfalls and an alligator pond.
Family leave is a big part of the device family traditions. While our children are all older 20-26 see, we still allon our family vacation. We begin in the later winter to get some dates and all the works plan their vacation. You are cordially invited to bring their significant other or a friend. Planning early allows the use of airline miles, and ensures lower prices. So it is in August this year, 10 of us making memories at our favorite resort in Florida. It will really be a fantastic family event!
0 comments:
Post a Comment