What to See & Eat in Clearwater, Fla.

Mayaka River State Park

We are planning a late August trip to the Clearwater/Palm Harbor, Fla., area and need your advice. What are some fun things to do there, that might involve hiking, geocaching, or simply lying on the beach? What are your favorite beaches in the area? I have been dying to go to Siesta Key beach, but it is nearly two hours south, near Sarasota. Another nearby attraction that we may visit is the Mayaka River State Park (http://www.myakkariver.org). There is a canopy walk – high up in the trees – and you can take airboat trips on the lake.

I am looking for some yummy seafood restaurants to write about for my restaurant column for Seafood Source (www.seafoodsource.com). Let me know your recommendations in the Clearwater area.

Speaking of beaches, I heard about a neat contest. South Walton (www.visitsouthwalton.com) is running a contest, “Find Your Perfect Beach”, along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Through October 15, people who submit photos of their vacations and share why South Walton is their perfect beach destination on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitSouthWalton) will have a chance to win a seven-day vacation to the beach of their choice, and several other prizes.