Hi, everyone, we are new to the area (we moved to Oldsmar about a month ago), and we love going over the beach area and having fun. I was wondering what people's recommendations were for good restaurants, inexpensive but decent restaurants, and any fun things to do such as the Pier 60 sunset "festival" every night on Clearwater Beach. I thought I had heard there was some sort of crafts or arts fair on John's Pass? Anyway, any ideas for fun things to do over on the gulf coast or even anywhere in St. Pete would be much appreciated.

Hello, and welcome to the area.
This may help some:
http://tampabaybeaches.com/calendar2.htm#September

We enjoy eating at The Palm Pavillion on the north end of Clearwater bch, behind the fire station. Very casual, on the beach, outdoor seating with a gorgeous sunset to watch.
Also, we enjoy Frenchy's restaurant. We like the original one as well as Saltwater Cafe. A lot of people like the Rockaway Grill that is also one of the Frenchy's restaurant, but it's not my favorite.
South in Indian Rocks Beach, we like Guppy's, Keegans, T.J's italian restaurant.
Further south in Indian Shores, we go to The Pub for outdoor seating on the bay and a good cheeseburger. Also many people like to go to Crabby Bills. We used to go there about 15 year ago when they made the best Rum Runner in town, but there is usually a line, so we just avoid it now. But it's casual and fun as you sit at a big picnic table and most of the menu is all over the wall.
Used to be called The Hungry Fisherman, is now called Fathoms. It's been around for ages, but the redid the place and updated the menu, and is really good. Used to be more of a tourist spot, but now the locals are going as well.
Jimmy Guana's is at the Holiday Inn to the right as you exit Indian Rocks Beach to go over to the mainland, just before you get to the bridge. Casual place to sit outside and have drinks and/or dinner and listen to a guy on a guitar. It overlooks the intercoastal at the marina.
And I've had some decent seafood at Slammer's which is a little further south in Indian Shores.
For a nicer night out, we like Gallaces italian restaurant in Indian Shores, and The Salt Rock Grill, also in Indian Shores. You would be wise to have a reservation to both of these places.
At John's Pass, we like Scully's and Gators.

Thank you hibiscushouse, for such a thorough and detailed answer! Can't wait to try some of your recommendations, and the calendar is very useful.

Thanks again!

birder, this weekend is the Tarpon Springs art festival. Have you been to Tarpon? The festival (should I call it "low art") is fun. Go to one of the many Greek restaurants there. Take a peek into the Greek church with its painted ceilings.

There will be many events, art festivals, etc. in the upcoming months as Florida gets into cooler weather. I highly recommend a trip to the HB Plant Museum one afternoon to learn about the area's roots. Things are dead right now.

There's an Irish pub off Bayshore in Tampa called Four Green Fields. It has a real thatched roof.

Have you been to Skipper's Smokehouse? Go to their on-line site and pick some good music. Be sure to have dinner there. This is a very casual place with great music.

And then there's that thing we like to do yearly here...just ride out the storm! Heeheehee. Guess we have to see some humor in all of this!

TG, thanks for the recommendations. Actually, I work at the University of Tampa (that's why we moved down here), so I saw the cool "history" film at orientation - I would highly recommend it to anyone - who knew that Plant Hall had Florida's first elevator? And, my first week at work, my colleagues took me to Four Green Fields! We have been to Tarpon Springs, it's pretty cool. The art festival would be great except it's probably been cancelled due to Frances. I'll definitely have to check out Skipper's Smokehouse.

Also, it is so funny - I just realized that in each of my last like 10 posts - I posted right after you! Even on one about apartments in the DC area! Kinda weird!

And now I'm posting after you! On two boards! You have to try Skippers. It's a lot of fun. Do you teach at UT? I have friends who teach there.