Friends in the area suggested we use the time after our flight to explore the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a very interesting marine rescue and rehabilitation facility where you can, as the website name suggests, see Winter of Dolphin Tale fame. We've been to several aquariums, and we're quick to tell you we are big fans of the Tennessee Aquarium in particular. This aquarium, however, also stands out, but does so very differently--it is truly a medical facility for rescued sea life with a relatively small floorplan. Winter's story is the most fascinating. If you don't know, Winter lost her tail, and in the process, a prosthetic tale used for physical therapy was developed so that she could swim--and keep swimming! The material that allows Winter to use the prosthetic tail, known as WintersGel, is now used to help humans more comfortably use prostheses.
The aquarium is currently under some renovations, but you can still access most exhibits--and even see marine hospital care, up to and including surgery, through viewing windows. Rescued animals include sea turtles, sharks, otters, and dolphins. There's a touch tank for sting rays, too, and a special exhibit about the filming of the Dolphin Tale movies at a nearby site. This aquarium is a great size for small kids, kids who can really get excited about developing some simple "expertise" on a specific animal or situation (like E!), and/or for group trips with kids.
We then met our friends at the nearby beachfront restaurant Palm Pavilion for dinner--what a fabulous suggestion! Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, this restaurant offers a legendary welcoming atmosphere and even more legendary views of sunsets on Clearwater Beach. Our server was genuinely friendly and accommodating--and the salsas and mango slushies were truly awesome. Our kids then played in the surf, which was a delight to watch, of course. And yes, there is nothing like a Florida sunset.
When returning to the area, we'll want to remember Dinosaur World is nearby. We like Dinosaur Land, so I bet we'd like Dinosaur World! We also heard we need to visit Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa--especially in the Christmas season when light shows are apparently involved. While driving to Legoland afterwards, I also spotted a Hard Rock casino and signs for the famous Tarpon Springs.
If you go, know there are tons of Allegiant flights that go in and out of PIE. We could have departed from several airports in the region but chose the convenience of our neighbor ROA. The landing really is attractive, so look out the window. This time, we found a better deal on a rental car at Hotwire, so check around. You could also fly in to this airport and easily reach the Orlando area. Educators, bring your ID--you get in free at the aquarium.
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