Michael Schaedel

Your rough week was no laughing matter. But you can change all that by enjoying a zany evening filled with chuckles and belly laughs when you make your reservation at Clearwater's Coconuts Comedy Club. The nightlife comedy venue has been open since 1986 and has been providing an impressive roster of the best stand-up comedians from all over the country. Also, Coconuts welcomes several up-and-coming talents who are dead serious about making you laugh.

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.

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.