City Guide: Dunedin
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Deep down, everyone loves their hometown, right? Revisiting home always brings up feelings of nostalgia and childhood memories. I’m lucky enough to live a short drive away from my hometown and it’s become a local hotspot in recent years. I’m talking about Dunedin. It’s the charming little town on the Gulf and it absolutely deserves a special trip. The other weekend, I convinced David to make a detour there while we were visiting my parents. Here’s what should absolutely be on your to-do list.
Book your stay at the Fenway Hotel.
Even though it’s a small town, there’s still way too much in Dunedin to cover in one day. That’s why I recommend booking a room for at least one night. Whatever you do, be sure to stay at the Fenway Hotel. Originally built in 1924, at the height of the roaring 20s, it fell in disrepair and was defunct for most of my childhood. It wasn’t until 2015, when the local Taoist Tai Chi Society purchased it, did it start to come back to life. Now, it’s back to its original glory as a luxury boutique hotel with sweeping views of the Gulf. Even if you just want to enjoy a sunset and cocktail, this is the spot that local and tourists alike flock to. Fun fact: There rooftop bar, the Hi-Fi, used to be the home to the area’s first radio station.
Brewery hop around the town.
Dunedin has recently become a beer-lover’s Mecca. The town boasts seven breweries within a one-mile radius, plus several local loving tap houses. No trip is complete without visiting at least one. The most notable would have to be Dunedin Brewery. Apart from having the town’s namesake, it’s also the oldest continually running microbrewery in all of Florida. They have a long list of options, my favorite being the Apricot Peach Ale, and a hearty food menu to go with it. The other day we visited Caledonia Brewery for the first time and I was blown away by their selection. In reality, you can’t go wrong with any brewery you come across in Dunedin.
Have lunch at some of my favorite restaurants.
Some of my favorite restaurants in entire state of Florida call Dunedin home. My top pick would probably have to be Sea Sea Riders. It has been a town staple for over 30 years, serving Florida style seafood and fare. On the other end of the spectrum is Casa Tina, the spot to find authentic Mexican cuisine. Do I really need to say anything else? It was even voted the best Mexican restaurant in all of the Tampa Bay Area. I particularly love their Sunday Brunch, where I order the huevos rancheros and a fresh squeezed mimosa.
Soak up the sun on the Honeymoon Island.
Just a few minutes away from the sweet downtown area is the beach where I practically grew up. Honeymoon Island is a rare find in this part of Florida. Because it’s a state park, you won’t find overbuilt hotels, touristy restaurants, or the hoards of vacationers. Instead, it’s just a pristine strip of sand, leading to the Gulf of Mexico. Relax like the locals do. Pack a Publix Sub, a bag of chips, and ice tea to go. If you’re wanting to be served after a day in the sunshine, you can stop by Frenchy’s Outpost for a fresh grouper sandwich and boat drink. I highly recommend the smoked fish dip, a Gulf Coast delicacy.
For a population of just over 36,0000 people, I’m only scratching the surface. I haven’t even mentioned the other seasonal attractions that make Dunedin so special. They have one of the biggest Mardi Gras parades in South Florida, a minor league baseball team with a beautiful new stadium, and celebrates the Highlander Games to keep in touch with their Scottish history. Whatever you’re pleasure, Dunedin has something to offer you and more.
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.