Indian Rocks Beach

[paulakim]

We are considering renting a condo here. If anyone is familure with this area please answer a few questions for us. Is this a safe area for families. Are there any activities nearby. How are the restaurants in the area and most importantly is this beach nice.

Thanks! Paula

 

[FLeisure]

Indian Rocks is a safe area. It has some wonderful restaurants and you'll have a great time. Which condo development are you considering ?

The beach is fine. It's not like the West Indies/Bahamas beaches as it tends to have more pebbles but the water is usually nice and warm...partic April - October. If visiting outside of these months you might have a sharp intake of breathe as you enter the sea but once you're in...no problem !

 

[paulakim]

Thanks FLeisure, I put a deposit on a condo in Casablanca. Are you familure with this development? The condo looks nice and clean and it has 3 bedrooms 2 baths and a washer/dryer in the unit. We considered staying at a resort such as Tradewinds but we would have less space at double the cost.

Is Indian Rocks a nice beach for finding shells? (my kids want to know)

Could you recommend a restaurant or two.

Thanks!

Paula

 

[FLeisure]

Sorry, I'm not familiar with Casablanca but if it's near to Chateaux, Beach Cottages, Sand Castle it will be fine.

Good restaurants....Lobster Pot, Wine Cellar, Chateau Madrid, Friendly Fisherman and Salt Rocks.

Beach - shells.......no problem - you can collect them all day !

 

[mandasbutterfly]

It is a safe area and has nice restaraunts. I actually live about 10 minutes from there. I am not familiar with the place you rented but it does sound familiar. I guess I take the area for granted because I live so close and don't fully appreciate it! Salt Rock Grill is excellent along with the Wine Cellar. You can find shells on the beach, I am not sure of Indian Rocks but there is maderia beach and treasure island just down the road and they do have shells I believe. You will want to check out the John's pass boardwalk on treasure island. It is a very little boardwalk but has some neat shops and activities an Sculley's is an excellent resaraunt too! You will also want to take about a 15 minute drive over to clearwater beach although this is the place a night for teenagers and there are many of them driving up and down the beach all night, they do not cause trouble or anything but just a warning to you incase this is not your cup of tea. You will also want to take another 15 to 20 minute drive down the beach the opposite direction over to st pete beach. These are busier with more things to do but I would rather stay on indian rocks as far as hotel because it is much quiter and drive a few minutes to the action. There is so much to do in this area!!! I hope you enjoy your trip and let me now if you have any questions and I can try to help you out!!

 

[paulakim]

Mandasbutterfly, can you suggest a nice place for Thanksgiving dinner? Also, if it's a place that we would need to make reservations could you please provide me with a phone number.
Thank you so much!

Paula

 

[mandasbutterfly]

I am not sure what type of food you would like but the Salt Rock Grill and the Wine Cellar are excellent! I have never been out to eat on Thanksgiving so I don't know what their menu would be. I don't have the phone numbers handy but I will try to get them for you. I do believe both of those places have websites and if you do a search online you should be able to find them. There is also a place about 20 minutes from there on St. Pete Beach. It is actually at a Holiday Inn... It is on the top of the hotel (the hotel is like a round tower shape) and it revolves very slowly and has one of the most awesome views around. I am not sure what it is called but if you search for the Holiday Inn on St. Pete beach you should find it. I am also not sure what is open here on Thanksgiving... I would almost suggest searching on the interet of some of the larger hotels such as the Adam's Mark-Clearwater Beach, the Tradewinds on St Pete Beach and things like that because one of their restaraunts should be serving Thanksgiving dinner. I am not sure if you have ever been or have one of these where you are and it probably wouldn't be good for Thanksgiving but I must suggest trying the Melting Pot... there is one in countryside and one in St Petersburg... both are a little of a drive but very worth it... It is the best fondue ever and I never thought I would like it... I didn't even want to go and now it is my favorite. Also Bern's steakhouse it Tampa is very very good although very very pricey but worth the 45 minute drive and the price.... I hope this helps a little.... Good luck.. I am going out of town this weekend until Tuesday and next weekend until Tuesday- this one is DISNEY!!! but let me know if you need anything else and I will try to help!!

 

[paulakim]

mandasbutterfly,
Thank you for all of the great ideas! I didn't even think to check out area resorts and hotels. That will probably work out just fine.
Have a wonderful trip!
Thanks again!

Paula