Belly Laughs in Clearwater, FL

Do you have those friends when you get together you laugh so hard your belly hurts, your ride and die, girls? Those times and friends are good for the soul!!! I have traveled to FL many times but mainly in Orlando…ok, mainly in Disney. We spent a long weekend a little over a year ago in Clearwater, FL.

This trip was to celebrate one of our friends Big 4-0! And a celebration it was!! We stayed at Sandpearl Resort, which is lovely!! You are right on the beach and in the heart of restaurants and activities. The pool area is beautiful. The hotel is in the shape of a U and wraps around the pool. The chaise lounge chairs each have a canopy if you want to shade yourself from the sun. Which I entirely took advantage of and a nap or two, LOL. There is a bar/casual restaurant at the hotel steps from the pool area. We ordered chips and guac and a fruit plate during our pool time. As a woman, don't you love it when you can relax by the pool, bask in the sun, and someone brings you food and drinks?

We had great meals while we were there and one of them was very surprising. I tend to steer away from anything that looks too commercialized, as I find when you cook for the masses, the foodies aren't happy. But Frenchy's Rockaway Grille was recommended and rated really well. It happened to be right next door to our hotel. I am pleased to say I was completely wrong!! The food was good, but their appetizers were AMAZING! I have said it before; I love a place that offers something unique and does it well!! Frenchy's has indoor seating and an outdoor patio, and seats in the sand. I love eating on a patio, but a patio in the sand...now that is dreamy!!

Sandpearl resort in Clearwater, FL

Rocky's signature appetizer is their Garlic Crab Fries. They were so good; the next day, we wanted a pool break, so we walked over from the pool to enjoy them again. Their ceviche is also pretty darn good.

Beer battered fries tossed in garlic butter and parsley topped with garlic aioli, bay seasoning and snow crab

Travel, for me, is all about making memories, and memories are moments in time. These words are said, exceptional or unique food and all of it wrapped around the location. You know they say ....it's all about location, location, location. Yes, one of my favorite new things I found in Aruba.

You can order their famous Key Lime Pie w/a birthday message from Dexter

While we were exploring through the shops in the area (all walkable btw), we found a taffy shop. It turned into a mass purchase of taffy flavors and then a blind tasting test later that night. Other than a bit of an upset stomach, it was a night full of laughs!

We had a couple of really great meals while we were there. Including the best tequila, I've tasted. We are Mexican at the Spotted Donkey. It's a cool little spot inside the Hilton. The food was good, but since we were celebrating a milestone birthday, the waitress told us about this fantastic tequila that is only available at their restaurant. Hora Doras makes this tequila only for the Spotted Donkey. And it is a double-aged barrel reposado. I am not a fan of tequila, but that was FABULOUS! I wish we had purchased a bottle to take home.

Hot Tip! you can also get this one-of-a-kind tequila at their Scottsdale Arizona location.

Our final stop before closing out trip was breakfast at The acai bowls were a great breakfast before we headed to the airport. Right next to the Sandpearl is Kaia a little stand that sells delicious acai bowls and has the cutest backdrop for those IG moments.

Have you visited #clearwaterbeach in #florida ? Where is your favorite spot for bites and drinks?

Cheers,

Lisa