DESTINATION

Clearwater

Broadway and comedy shows, orchestral and jazz pop performances, ballet, opera and children's theater are staged throughout the year at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Performing Arts, 1111 McMullen Booth Rd.; phone (727) 791-7400.

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Aficionados of performing arts won't want to miss the Clearwater Jazz Holiday. The 4-day festival, held the third weekend in October at downtown Coachman Park, features performers of national and international acclaim; phone (727) 461-5200.

The Philadelphia Phillies hold spring training and play exhibition games from late February to late March at Bright House Field; their Class A affiliates, the Clearwater Threshers, train at Bright House Field and play April through August; phone (727) 467-4457.

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Clearwater and the beach communities have two trolley systems for visitors. Operated by PSTA, Suncoast Beach Trolley travels Gulf Boulevard north to Clearwater's Sand Key and south to St. Pete Beach Mon.-Thurs. and Sun.; phone (727) 540-1900. The Jolley Trolley covers Clearwater and Clearwater Beach, and includes Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs on weekends; phone (727) 445-1900.

Visitor Centers

Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce 600 Cleveland St. Suite 200 Clearwater, FL 33755. Phone:(727)461-0011

Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater 8200 Bryan Dairy Road Suite 200 Seminole, FL 33777. Phone:(727)464-7200 or (877)352-3224

Shopping

The Westfield Countryside Mall, 27001 US 19 N., lures adolescent mall rats with an ice-skating rink and such stores as American Eagle Outfitters, Buckle, Forever 21 and Hot Topic, while anchors Dillard's, JCPenney, Macy's and Sears accommodate visiting fashionistas.

Serious bargain hunters navigate a trinkets-, crafts- and furniture-crammed maze at the 49er Flea Market, 10525 49th St. N. This collector’s paradise features indoor vendors on weekends, but it’s best to shop ‘til you drop on Sundays, when outdoor booths augment the usual stockpile of secondhand treasures.