April 17-23, 2021
Our 10 year wedding anniversary warranted a beach trip. Originally we wanted to revisit Mexico because it’s been since our wedding that we’ve been there. We sent in a passport renewal for Jason, then a new president changed things for international flights due to Covid. Keeping it in the US seemed the best bet. I looked into Key Largo, but the drive from Miami airport didn’t seem ideal. After researching the best beaches near Tampa airport we booked in the small town of Dunedin with Honeymoon Island’s natural beach calling our name.
>>Getting Around
Clearwater Jolley Trolley – there is a fee to hop on and off this cute little trolley throughout the Clearwater/coastal area, we saw it pass every so often but did not utilize this option
Bikes/E-Bikes – bikes are available to rent and ride around in this pedestrian friendly small town, the biggest appeal would be the 54 mile Pinellas Bike Trail that runs from Tarpon Springs (where the sponge docks are) down to St. Petersburg
Rental Car – we rented a car at the Tampa airport (not the cheapest option, but it was the only option after noon on a Saturday) to get to Dunedin and it was only about 30 minutes away, it made traveling to the beach or the liquor store really convenient
>>Stay
Meranova Bed & Breakfast – 9 apartment style rooms in a great central location, free parking, no smoking, kids under 16 discouraged, close walk to anything in downtown, pool with amenities, access to beach day items (chairs, umbrellas, ice chests)
>>Eat
Draught Haus – great beer selection on tap, open for all 3 meals, food was good not great, indoor and outdoor seating available
Sandpiper Coffee Roaster Cafe – visited for breakfast, food was okay, cute patio area
*Corvo Bianco Pizza Truck – this wood fired pizza was so so good!, unique options, located at HOB brewery
*Crown & Bull – fusion style food that was delicious for supper, never made it for brunch but they do serve it, very nice back patio area, the sesame tuna and osso bucco dishes were fantastic
Chatterbox Family Restaurant – this was a funny accident in a sketchy looking bowling alley that was FULL of elderly folks at 9 am on a Tuesday, the food was pretty good for a regular ol breakfast and it was super cheap
*The Living Room on Main – this place was awesome, the outdoor area was busy every afternoon, another fusion style restaurant that was a happy surprise, loved the unique decor inside
Frenchy’s Outpost – decent food and drinks right before the causeway to head to Honeymoon Island, could be a fun atmosphere but it was raining when we visiting, I would say the price of the food was not worth it though
Rusty Lion – if the food were seasoned it would have been good, if the beer wasn’t flat it would have been good, very cute spot with rooftop bar
Dunedin Coffee Company & Bakery – too much GF/V for our taste, but we tried
*Taco Baby – itty bitty taco stand in an old ATM, very delicious, $2 tacos on Tuesday are the way to go, they’re street taco sized so make sure you order at least 3
TuKro Coffee – okay for just a coffee but not for breakfast, the salted chocolate chip cookie was delicious, very cute little place
*Cork & Beans – this was my favorite spot for coffee (had it 3 times) and the breakfast was surprisingly good (get the croissant sandwich), they also have wine (with happy hour from 3-6) but we never made it there later in the day
*HEW Parlor & Chophouse at the Fenway Hotel – this was our anniversary dinner splurge, we all ordered steak and potatoes that were delicious, the charcuterie board was also very good
*Pisces Sushi – if you want sushi, this is the option and it did not disappoint
*Wild Iris Cafe – delicious breakfast (should have visited more than just our last day), coffee, and muffins
DESSERTS– Kookie Krums for cookies, brownies, cupcakes, Lane’s Lemonade for a fruity soft serve cone, Ice & Cream for obscene amounts of ice cream flavors
>>Play
BREWERIES/BARS:
*Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar at the Fenway Hotel – everyone told us we had to visit for sunset, so we went up after dinner for a cocktail, it was a great view and delicious drinks but if you are afraid of/allergic to bees I would not sit at the bar
*HOB Brewing Company – this place is huge and obviously has a lot of money, the beers were great (they had a carrot cake one that was probably my favorite beer of the whole trip) and the outdoor area is really nice
Caledonia Brewery – good selection, overly loud music that was not our taste, does offer food inside
Dunedin Brewery – smaller, decent patio area, beer was alright
Woodwright Brewing Co – also a woodworking shop so that was cool, small selection but beer was pretty good, has the best outdoor seating in the area IMO
*Cueni Brewing – smaller, most welcoming vibe, great variety of brews
7venth Sun Brewery – unimpressed, but the beers were flavorful
*Soggy Bottom Brewing Co – this was a great place to pass the time on a rainy day, had a pizza special we didn’t take advantage of, pretty good brews, has a stash of games to keep you busy
Flanagan’s Irish Pub – the guys walked across the street from our B&B a few times while we got ready for dinner, nice quiet atmosphere with good beer
BEACHES:
Honeymoon Island – state park ($8 entry) with a very long natural beach, we went early (parked as far north as possible) and stayed most of the day since we packed ice chests of food and drinks, it was extremely clean, I played in the water like a kid, options for a long walk down the beach, nature trails, kayaking, and looking for shells
Caledesi Island – only accessible by boat and we didn’t want to waste time with the ferry, especially since Honeymoon Island’s beach was perfect for us
Clearwater Beach – we were told how busy it is and that the no alcohol rule is enforced there, so we passed on heading that direction but it is probably a good one if you have little kids
Other Stuff Worth Mentioning – we grocery shopped for snacks, water, and booze for the room, Luekens was the best liquor store with tons of craft beer options, this town is basically closed down on Mondays right now but we hear pre-Covid there was live music every night, if you drive to the indoor go-cart place make a reservation first because the wait was 2 hours so we left
Breauxs Geaux 