Disclosure: In any review for a product or service, products or compensation may have been provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” and "Terms of Use" tabs for more information.
Yay, we made it to Florida! We are in Clearwater, at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. It is only 20 minutes from the Tampa Airport, and so easy to find. Oh, and did I mention it’s completely beautiful here? And it was 78 degrees when we landed? Bye-bye, winter weather!
The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort is not just a beautiful hotel, but is super centrally located. The hotel itself is right on the beautiful, sandy white beach- you walk out the door (or look out your balcony) and there it is- the ocean. The beach! Powder soft sand meets your steps, there is a shower when you are ready to rinse off and head back to the room- or maybe just one of the two pools (or hot tub!)
The pool was so warm, and I love the little ledge around the entire thing. Lets you just still and relax.
After we relaxed poolside for a bit, we went right next door to Pier 60- The Sunsets at Pier 60 (literally, next door) have nightly celebrations that take place on Pier 60 Park on Clearwater Beach. This free family-friendly nightly event is the place to be for art, crafts, street performances, musical entertainment, the park (several large areas, actually) and even free movies on a large screen- tonight, it was The Grinch! The park is also all decked out for Christmas- and it’s really beautiful.
We ate dinner at Mandalay Grill, and the place was right across the street. Reasonable prices, inexpensive kids fare, and location, location, location! Right across the street? Really? There is a whole strip there to explore! We (of course) also had to stop at this adorable candy shop- because I have a four year old- and it was so much fun- both daddy and Little had a blast. Choosing all your own candy (you have to wear plastic gloves when you take the chosen candy from the glass containers) was just too much of a thrill. And the owner was on site, and sweet as the candy she sold. Four Monkeys Candy was a fun discovery!
With all there is to see and do in Clearwater, I am so glad I am staying at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. There cannot be a place that is more centrally located, cleaner, and just in general an easier place to be when you are on vacation with your kids here in Clearwater Beach, Florida. When you are planning your trip- I highly suggest you stop on by. The area is great, friendly (traffic will even stop and let you cross the street!) and very convenient.
More later- it’s time for bed! ‘Night, all!
Welcome to my home! While I love it here, I do wish we’d get a little bit of cold weather for Christmas. I’m from New England and I miss atleast having colder weather for the holidays. Are you going to go visit Winter at Clearwater Marine Aquarium while you are here? To me that is a MUST! We love it there.
So much fun!! Why didn’t you take me with you!! 🙂 hahaha
Enjoy it, and soak up all that warm sun!
Your sunset photo is fantab! Happy Warmness!
Loving that pool! Little Bit would be in love at that candy shop 😀
What a wonderful place to be!! Its looking nicer than Cali too! I hope your family is having super duper fun!
holy crap that is a gorgeous sunset!
I sorta hate you now… jealousy is a horrible trait 🙂
78 degrees is killing me almost as much as those sandy white beaches.
What a fun trip. I love your pictures. That sunset one is beautiful.
Veronica-http://watchmeplaynlearn.blogspot.com/2011/12/10-days-of-christmas.html
suebunting1977@gmail.com I used to live in St. Petersburg, FL. My family and I loved it there.
There is also a great restaurant on the strip. My cousin lives in Tampa and she took us there one day. I’ll have to remember what the name is. It’s supposed to be something everyone needs to experience when they are in Clearwater.
Soooo jealous! The Hilton looks like it has everything my family looks for in vacation accommodations! We’re hoping for a southern adventure this spring – thanks so much for sharing this! On my short list 🙂
Oh wow, your in Clearwater? I live in Bonita Springs, so your only like 2 1/2 hours away :D.
Not long ago, I made a trip to Manasota Beach – Your not too far from there – It might be worth looking in to. When I was there we found over 50 sharks teeth, and I’m sure your kids would really enjoy finding them 🙂
Aloha,
Thank you for hosting the blog hop! I am a brand new follower. I followed you via Google Friend Connect. Could you please follow back via Google Friend Connect?
My blog is http://www.allcouponedout.com
Mahalo
A perfect place for a family..
Your Newest follower from MBC! Hope you can visit and follow me too:)
http://www.cassandrasminicorner.com
http://www.loveablecassandra.com
http://www.mommys4seasonsjourney.com
http://www.sweethomephilippines.com
http://www.heavenly-dreams.com
Thank’s and have a happy holiday:)
I used to live in Clearwater it is beaustiful!
Did the kids notice it was warm? I know you don’t want to go back home now.