Do you know if the Suncoast Beach Trolley runs in Maderia Beach? Also any info on the area would be wonderful. We are going there but have never been there. restaurants , fun drinks? Any and all info much welcomed! Thanks.

I live in the next town south, Treasure Island. Yes, the trolleys run right through Madeira Beach - they also coincide with the county bus system, so you could conceivable visit all spots from Clearwater Beach thru St. Pete Beach and downtown St. Pete (two different towns). At the south end of Madeira, right at the base of the bridge to TI, is John's Pass Village, which is a boardwalk with lots of bars and shops. You can also rent jetskis, take a sunset sailboat ride, or charter a fishing boat. So that is a "must-do". There is a well known restaurant, called Dockside Dave's, that is temporarily located there - they are famous for their huge grouper sandwich.

On Treasure Island, The Pearl is a wonderful restaurant with tapas as well as full menu. Fun drinks? You came to the right place! Have a pina colada and lunch (and park for free if you do so) at Caddy's on the south end of TI (sunset beach). There is also a real Sloppy Joe's - the only one outside of Key West, walking distance to the Pearl. That could be a fun trolley outing. And if you go on a Sunday, there is this coold drum circle thing on the beach in front of Sloppy Joe's (Bilmar Hotel), at sunset.

Have a fun trip - hope this helps

Thank you, thank you, thank you Joan. That was wonderful you answered all the things I was wondering! Now I am really excited. I love Sloppy Joes in Key West. I am going to copy your answer and send it to my travel partners. What or where is the Pearl?

So sorry Joan for my stupid question about the Pearl . On rereading your post I see you already answered that. Also I forgot to say we attended a drum circle in Sarasota and loved it! So great tip. TRhnks again!

luvs2pack
Caddy's on TI is a great place for a drink and sandwich. You can sit at tables on the beach or take a lawn chair and sit at the water's edge. St Pete's is a great place to explore as is St John's Pass. Also, know that Joan (above) and her husband owns a restaurant and fresh seafood store and you must ask her what the name is cause I forgot, Sorrrrry Joan! but her husbands freshly made spread on crackers is wonderful!

Well color me happy!! This just gets better and better! Thanks CD, and Joan I would love to know the name of your restaurant and shop as we will cook in sometimes! I remember the last time we traveled in the Keys we feel in love with all the fish spreads in the restaurants. Thanks to you both!

OK, in case Joan does not check back in, I looked up my old posts and found her restaurants' name,it is Mid Peninsula in St Petersburg. Have fun luvs2pack!

cd- Thanks for the info and for going to the trouble of finding it. I'm really excited about the trip, although we have a while before we go I like to get my ducks in a row as I am the one that picks our spots.

My husband and I happened upon a restaurant in Indian Rocks beach, about 5 miles up the road, called Crabby Bill's that was FUN FUN, had great food and one of the best piano players I've ever enjoyed. I don't know if he's still there, but you will love this restaurant.

this particular piano player was pretty wild and crazy and had other musicians sitting in. Didn't want you to think I meant sophisticated, LOL!

Thanks, CD, I'm blushing!
Luvs2pack, if you go to the Pearl, be sure to make a reservation...we tried to get in Sat night (figuring it was off season, no res) but were cheerfully turned away, they were packed - as they should be. Mmmmm...
Now, let me warn you, this Sloppy Joe's does not have the *ambience* (for lack of a better word) that the KW one does. It IS in a nice beachfront setting, and their homemade potato chips with Blue cheese are good, but it just is lacking something. So have the drinks there, but not the meal.

What month are you going?

We are not going untill late May but are looking for the right condo now. We have to figure our total cost so we can start saving now. This is a women only trip . We leave our husbands and kids at home.My kids are now grown but some started later in life. So we try to have plenty of time to save so we can still afford to do our family vacations as well. We only get to see each other once a year so we really want the right place. I think we have found it with this place. None of us have been there so that makes it fun. Thanks for all the help. If anybody has anymore info we would love it!!