Vacation Help Requested

CaptMick · #1 07-07-2012, 03:15 PM

Hey,

I am planning to go to the Clearwater or Tarpon Springs area at the end of August for a much needed vacation. I was wondering if anyone knew of a place that we can stay. I am looking for a house or condo with access to a dock for my 18 SF and maybe one other boat and a short distance to the beach. Ideally it would have pool access too. I know it is a tall order for that trifecta but I am bringing my wife and 18 mo. daughter and maybe another couple and their kids and boat.

I found a few places online but am unsure about proximity to restaurants and activities as well as any tide restrictions on the docks (I would like the dock to have deep water access and not be one I have to worry about the tides to get in and out.) and proximity to fishing spots. Also any ideas on what to target that time of year so I can bring appropriate tackle.

This will be my first vacation in several years and I would love some local insight as I have not been down that way in 10 years and have never boated the area either.

Thanks,

Mick

ct9amr · #2 07-07-2012, 10:23 PM

Since we live in the area the best place I have found to do everything your asking Anna Maria or Long Boat Key.
Rent on the ICW side for canal home for dockage an you have beach access across the street.

PM me if you want any specific information. I can guide you through the entire area.

Clearwater and Tarpon are do able but I don't have any specifics to share.
Also you may need to list out the length of time you plan to stay and your budget.

Islandtrader · #3 07-08-2012, 09:04 AM

Not to throw a damper on your vacation...just beware it is hurricane season and be sure to get a weather clause in your rental, just sayin'

CaptMick · #4 07-08-2012, 09:56 AM

ct- Thanks for the location. I forgot all about Long Boat Key.

Plan is for a week. Like to be $1500 or so. More or less depending on quality.

Island Trader- Good reminder. It has been so long since one hit my area the rental places do not bother with them any more.

WildBill · #5 07-08-2012, 11:25 AM

Definately "google Longboat Key / Anna Maria Island rentals" You will link to a multitude of rental companies. You can put in the length of stay, boat dockage and target price. This is a nice area and you can spend $65 a night to hundreds a night. There are great pictures, maps and reviews.
Great area, great place to stay, boat, fish and just plain relax. Since it's a long way, stay at least the better part of a week. By the end of an hour of research you'll gain unlimited information and answers.

Enjoy wildbill

3rdday · #6 07-08-2012, 12:14 PM

If you are in clearwater you must go to Frenchies- the original cafe the food is crazy good

eggsuckindog · #7 07-11-2012, 04:35 PM

In Tarpon the beaches are really the barrier islands - the rest of the coast are the barriers islands too but have causeway's. The Anclote Key area is calender pic country no doubt as it doesn't have the causeways and is may favorite in the entire state and I've been about everywhere. There is a hotel on the water in New Port Richey with docks we used for a SeaCraft gathering that if you have time be worth a stop for a few days to explore if you have extra time. Not sure about much else up there as its not as touristy until you get down near clearwater

The Longboat Key area is very nice and we are going again in Oct - Little Gull Cottages - its a timeshare so only does weeks at a time and quiet. Nice thing it has a very nice dock on the bayside and also has units on both the beachside and bay so you can walk either way. Really nice pool, very boater friendly on the trailer parking and they were very nice and helpful as its a small quaint little place. Tides are no issue as there is a little channel in and out and room for a few boats, bring a couple fenders - directly across the bay there are some oyster bars that hold reds and snook. Its very close to Longboat Pass and there is a ramp there on the northside I dropped the boat in. It just worked very well for a week with a boat and beach access, thats why we're going back.

Having the pass so close you can bring the boat around and anchor off the beach at the place too, we will be on the beachside this trip and last time its was blowing E all week so could have left the boat over there just as easy.

CaptMick · #8 07-11-2012, 09:40 PM

ESD-

I looked at it and it seems real nice. I appreciate it.

I appreciate all the help so far. I am so focused on this vacation. 4th of July was a tough week. And this summer has been busy and I feel we are understaffed. Also had my back up 150 Suzuki fall over on monday night from its stand so I need to replace the intake and all the other parts I took from it to keep the rest of the 150's running ASAP. I picture everyday me and the family on the boat in that clear water... Can't wait!

eggsuckindog · #9 07-11-2012, 11:58 PM

It is one of the nicest little places we have been too - its a very old school cottage resort that has been re-done. Everything was top of the line in the units - granite counter tops even. As I mentioned the location being close to the pass made it very versitile, short run south to Sarasota and St Armands Key area. I found the oyster beds on Google Earth and didn't have to share with any other boats although I saw a couple TV shows that were filmed along that shoreline by Rick Murphy.
BTW the beachside has lots of shade, chairs and nice grills and a short beach so its not like crossing the fricken Sahara to get to, or see the water - I hate that

They also have WiFi avaiable in the Rec room if you need to stay in touch or check emails

Note - there was a little eatery just down the road to the north that had a great earlybird Fla lobster dinner under $15 - murdered that LOL