Your Guide to Clearwater

Where do the Phillies play?

Bright House Field (601 Old Coachman Rd., Clearwater) opened in 2004 and is regarded as one of the finest ballparks in the Grapefruit League. Built for $25 million, it features 7,300 seats and can fit another 1,500 on the outfield grass berm. The Phillies averaged about 1,000 more fans per game in the 2010 preseason than in the previous spring. The Phillies have held spring training in Clearwater every year since 1948, the longest running affiliation in the majors.

What's the coolest spot to watch the games?

Some will say the tiki bar in left field, which now requires a ticket to sit in one of the 175 seats in the terrace. The full-service bar itself seats about 75 fans — no special ticket is required there. The tiki bar opens 21/2 hours before game time and stays open after the final out.

But we like the grass berm better. Bright House Field is the only stadium in the Grapefruit League with a berm that stretches from left-center field all the way to the right-field foul pole. It can fit 1,500 fans and is the biggest grassy area of any stadium. Sure, sight lines aren't as good as a seat behind home plate, but when else can you watch the Phillies under the sun while sitting on a picnic blanket? Plus, the berm tickets are just $13.

Where do I eat breakfast?

This is an easy one. Lenny's is a Clearwater institution and the meeting place for Phillies fans before a day game. The restaurant, on Route 19, is just a few hundred yards from Bright House Field. From the basket of danish that comes free with most breakfasts to the Phillies memorabilia that hangs on the walls, Lenny's is a spring training requirement.

What about other meals?

At the ballpark, you can fill the cheesesteak quota with La Spada's & Delco's. They have a stand behind home plate at Bright House Field. It used to have a location here, in Parkside, before relocating to Florida.

But the best dining is on the beach, and so are the drinks. Plenty of restaurants have decks that overlook the water. Stop by Frenchy's and you may see a sportswriter or three.

Where is the best spot for autographs?

The new, bigger, and more commercialized ballparks make it harder to mingle with players. But there are still more chances for a photo or an autograph than during the regular season. The Phillies have to walk down the left-field line to get from the clubhouse to the home dugout, so before a game at Bright House Field, that's the best place to be. You might have better luck before and after workouts at the Carpenter Complex, which is 200 yards beyond left field.

What if I can't get decent seats in Clearwater?

Take a trip and follow the Phillies on the road. Dunedin (Blue Jays) is minutes away, and Tampa (Yankees) is close, too. Even Bradenton (Pirates), Sarasota (Orioles), and Lakeland (Tigers) are no more than 90-minute drives. Port Charlotte (Rays), Kissimmee (Astros), Lake Buena Vista (Braves), and Fort Myers (Twins and Red Sox) are a bit farther, but still doable. Remember, the longer the trip, the less likely you will see the regular players on the field.

How far is the beach?

If you want to take a break from baseball, Clearwater Beach is a popular destination (especially for spring breakers, but that isn't until the middle of March). The closest beaches are about seven miles from the ballpark in Clearwater, but the drive can take longer depending on traffic, which worsens as the days become warmer.

And there is always Busch Gardens in Tampa and Walt Disney World in Orlando, two of the largest amusement parks.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets at Bright House Field range in price from $13 for outfield berm seating to $34 for club seats. Tickets can be purchased through the team's website, online ticket agents, or at: www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/