I am from the great Sunshine State, where many people decide to take their vacations, year-round. I am lucky to reside in one of the most beautiful states in the U.S.A. and to be surrounded by great, white, sandy beaches. Whether it takes me twenty minutes or two and a half hours, the beach is part of my Florida life, and I could not imagine trading it any time soon.
One of the best spots in the state is located in a smaller city. Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, FL is one of the prettiest and sometimes calmest beaches around. You can catch the most beautiful sunset, if you come at the right time of course. You can fish off of the docks that are located all over the place. There is a public pool, beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, and plenty of local shops and eateries in the immediate area. By far, the most ideal day on Clearwater Beach would be to come in the late morning on a random Wednesday while everyone is at work, grab lunch at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, lay out in the sun for a few hours and then finally when 3 o’clock rolls around and kids are just getting out of school in time to beg their parents to take them to the beach, dip in the water to cool off your nice tan and then mosey on our of there before it gets crazy. That is the best way to spend a day a Clearwater Beach.
Florida is also really well known for one specific other smaller city known as Tarpon Springs. Tarpon Springs is known for their tightly-knit Greek community, and of course, the sponge docks. A trip to Tarpon Springs would not be complete without a visit to the infamous sponge docks. There you can walk around and look at the boats and cars that people park right on the side of the road to show off. You can shop around at the farmer’s market that pops up every Friday and Saturday morning, or the fresh fish markets that are there every day. There is plenty of live music, and if you wait long enough, the fancier restaurants open as well as the bars, and then all the adults can begin to have some fun. However, if you do plan on visiting the sponge docks, there are two places that you cannot go without stopping by. The first is Hellas Bakery. They serve every possible sweet that you could imagine, as well as some of the best coffee and ice cream I have ever had. The second is the Fudge Factory. This place can be a little pricey, but they make their fudge in house and fresh every single day. It is hands-down the best fudge you will find in the state.
Around the World in a Lifetime 