When November finally trots around, Clearwater running enthusiasts know that the Times Turkey Trot will soon be getting underway. This is the largest running event in the Tampa Bay, drawing nearly 16,000 participants. This road race is for competitive runners, recreational runners and walkers of all ages. When you pay your entry fee, you'll get a t-shirt. Trophies are awarded to the top finishers and all the proceeds go to help local charities. Additionally, non-perishable food items are collected the day of the race and are donated to a local food pantry.
Communing with Clearwater's dazzling natural beauty is easy when you visit Moccasin Lake Nature Park. This 50-acre park not only features an energy education center but also a lake, an upland forest and an incredible variety of plant and animal species. If you feel like getting even closer to it all, you can take a picturesque stroll on the one-mile trail that winds all through this beautiful natural attraction.
Don't let the small size of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium fool you. This highly interesting attraction is very big on ensuring the survival of marine life in the area. While offering visitors the chance to see marine fauna, the aquarium also is a facility in which injured animals go through an extensive rehabilitation process before returning to their natural habitats. Visitors learn about ecology and how important it is to respect the wildlife that inhabit it. Some of the creatures that you'll see here include sharks, otters, dolphins, and stingrays. Stop into the gift shop while you're here, as the proceeds from your purchase go to help fund this non-profit organization.
Ever since it was constructed back in 1966, the Florida Trail-Ocala National Forest: Clearwater Lake to Juniper Springs has offered a challenging hiking experience to all who hit this sprawling recreation trail. Stretching out for nearly 24 miles, this trail ranges from fairly easy to somewhat challenging and is augmented by the various foliage through which the trail winds.