BEST PLACE TO GET HIT BY A SPONGE TRUCK
Pinellas Trail and Tarpon Avenue
Tarpon Springs
With almost as much traffic as Spring Bayou on Epiphany, the Pinellas Trail where it intersects Tarpon Avenue can be sorta dangerous to cross. You feel a little bit like a wildebeest trying to cross an African river. Many get through, but those crocs always manage to pick off one goggle-eyed little wildebeest. They're wily. They're hungry. Proceed with caution.
BEST PINELLAS COUNTY HISTORIC STREET
Florida Avenue
Historic Palm Harbor
Historic Palm Harbor is as rich in history as it is in essence. Structures more than 100 years old line the road, and trees that seem to perpetually sway surround you with the secrets of the whispering winds. A new age bookstore stands on the corner, which may support rumors that Palm Harbor has a large concentration of witches. While the men get haircuts at the Palm Harbor Barber Shop for an unheard of $5, ladies can jaunt across the street to the tiny hardware store to get those pesky extra keys made. The florist shop is always a friendly stop, and the Sutherland Cafe and Shops boast culinary and decorating delights. The Cafe is famous for its eclectic food, rich ambiance and various wine dinners. The site of several art and craft shows each year, this antiquated street is a plethora of culture, history and style. BEST NOW SPORTUltimate Frisbee The flying discs are no longer just for flinging around the quad or at an outdoor concert. Ultimate Frisbee is a real, honest-to-goodness, bust-your-ass, gotta-have-skills sport. Oh, the smell of patchouli or the sound of the Dead probably won't be far off, but with "Ultimate" you keep score. Winner. Loser. The game is played on a swatch of grass about the size of a football field. The basic object is to catch a pass from a teammate in an end zone while being defended by the opposing team. Ultimate Frisbee combines the footwork, moves and in-air artistry of basketball with the long patterns of football and the field strategy of soccer — an oversimplification, yes, but you get the idea. Local players are always open to new participants. Beware, though, this is not a breathe-easy sport. You either have to be in shape or you'll quickly get in shape. For information on clubs, leagues and such, check out www.bayareaultimate.com.
BEST FATHER-SON FISHING CHARTER
Reel Deal
25 Causeway Blvd., Slip 31
Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina
Clearwater 727-430-1798
Welcome aboard the Reel Deal. Capt. Bob Hamilton has been fishing the Gulf for more than 25 years. As a Grandpa and veteran of tournament fishing, the versatile Capt. Bob can accommodate beginning worm-throwers to tournament anglers. His custom 34-foot Express Sport Fisherman is pushed by a 465-horse Vanmar diesel and comfortably rigged for up to six fisherpeople. Whether you're looking to troll for some smoker kings or bottom-fish for some big, black groupers, Capt. Bob and son-in-law Chris Hiles are the guys you'll want to do it with. They're highly knowledgeable and very easy-going: the perfect combo for a great day on the seas. But if you hear one of the co-captains yell "fish on" your arm better start swinging, fast. Four- to 12-hour trips are available and the Reel Deal will suit you with all necessary equipment; just pack your eats and drinks. Libations OK.
BEST INDOOR ADVENTURE
Vertical Ventures
5402 Pioneer Park Blvd., Suite E
Tampa 813-884-ROCK (7625)
Feel this place. We associate the atmosphere of Vertical Ventures with that of a cycling class, but chiller. Giant fans whisk away stress, pumpin' music drowns out your worries and climbers savagely feed off each other's energy. The folks at Vertical Ventures say that climbing is all about the individual. The challenges are yours and yours alone to conquer. "It gets in your head," says staffer Joshua Keal. "You lie in bed at night thinking how can I manipulate my body to get through that route." Top roping or bouldering this 6000-square-foot facility presents endless challenges and full-body workouts for beginners and experts. Wednesday nights offer half-price climb time to all ladies and the same goes for college students every Tuesday. Kid and adult party packages are offered for all your birthday needs. Shoes and harnesses are available to rent, but the accomplishment is yours to own. Rock on.