While it was still frigid in Chicago, I recently spent some time in Florida at Spring Training. There is nothing like the start of the baseball season to ditch the winter blues.

My Spring Training experience started with the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. Built in 1991 and massively renovated in 2014 and 2015, Hammond Stadium has a façade reminiscent of Churchill Downs. It also features a beautiful waterfall near the entrance, two shaded skydecks, an outfield boardwalk and two full-service bars with total field views.

Hammond Stadium holds 9,300 fans who arrive early and fill every seat to watch the pre-game practice, and each seat offers a great view.

While most reporters talked to the baseball people about baseball, I wanted to talk travel. We talked to many Twins, including All-Star Joe Mauer. Not surprisingly, everyone immediately mentioned seafood as their food of choice and talked about the beauty and quality of life in the area. Coach Stew Cliburn loved the area so much that he relocated from his native Mississippi.

Restaurants and best choices included University Grill (crab bisque), Pinchers (blue crab clusters), Skip One 41 Seafood (fried oysters) and the Clam Bake (seafood combo). Of course, the other option is home grilling, which is a favorite of many, including my brother-in-law Scott, a master griller, in my opinion.

When the Twins leave to start their season, Hammond Stadium hosts the Fort Myers Miracle, a minor league affiliate of the Twins. Either way, Floridians can enjoy exciting baseball and warm sunshine. That truly is the best double play you could want.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist