Dunedin, FL

During the 19th century, Dunedin and the surrounding area was settled by Scottish families moving south towards the warm waters in the gulf. With a population of around 350 people, Dunedin was incorporated in 1899 and remains one of the oldest Florida seaports and one of the oldest towns south of Cedar Key. Today, 37,000 residents call Dunedin home.

Citizens of Dunedin value culture as much as they do work and play. Located on Main Street, the Dunedin Historical Museum provides a history of Florida with a variety of pioneer exhibits. The museum also hosts a railroad and history camp for children ages 9 to 11 every summer.

Downtown Dunedin hosts an annual arts and craft festival featuring artists from across the country. You can find art pieces, pottery and handmade items along with crafts and food for all ages.

Restaurants in the Dunedin area vary from classic barbecue and American fare to delicious International cuisine. Whether you are craving a burger or want to sample something new, the restaurants in this town are centrally located on Main Street and offer something for every taste.

Step back in time to the quaint atmosphere at Café Alfresco. This sidewalk café and bistro features classic dishes like homemade chicken soup, Caesar salad and cheeseburgers, or you can sample one of their local favorites like the crab cake platter or the buttermilk ranch chicken. Open daily for lunch and dinner, this neighborhood meeting spot offers a family-friendly dining experience at great prices. Pensare Italian Bistro and Wine Bar features traditional Italian fare and a wide selection of local and imported wines along with its own branded vodka. Homemade gnocchi and lobster mac rank as a local must-haves.

Tempt your sweet tooth at Strachan's Homemade Ice Cream and Desserts. Voted one of the best small businesses by the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Strachan's offers a wide selection of goodies, including tangy fruit cobblers, melt-in-your-mouth fudge and a large selection of ice cream flavors. Try the renowned Strachan's split, or take home an ice cream pie. You should also save room for an ice cream soda or a foamy root beer float.

If you look for fun on a Friday night, the Dunedin Lanes bowling alley provides a popular spot for locals to have a good time. Family night out takes place every Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for up to five bowlers. The discounted fee includes unlimited bowling and free shoe rentals. Monday nights offer fun for adults with $5 drink specials and free shoe rentals.

Locals who prefer an adult atmosphere to relax and meet up with friends opt for the Blur Nightclub and Showbar. Drag queen bingo can be enjoyed every Friday, and the club also offers DJs, dancing, live music and a variety of shows.

Automobiles provide the most common method of travel in Dunedin, and public parking is readily available for free. Bike and pedestrian trails can be found in all parts of Pinellas County, and a small percentage of individuals take advantage of this option. Centrally located to Interstate 19 and Park Boulevard, getting to downtown Tampa only takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

For those who prefer to use public transportation, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) buses operate daily for a flat fee of $2 with the exception of major holidays. Residents of Dunedin do not have the option of hailing a cab, because the town spreads out over a large area with businesses few and far between. To obtain taxi service, residents must call local companies and schedule a pickup. Uber also offers a safe ride-sharing option, and if you are headed to the airport, you can call ahead for an airport shuttle for a low fee.

For a city located on the water, exercise and physical activity provide a way of life for residents. The City of Dunedin Parks and Recreation Department has a low-cost program for individuals of all ages. There are four different recreation facilities; each one geared to a different age group.

If walking and outdoor activity are more your style, Curlew Creek Park has walking trails, a natural spring, basketball courts, picnic shelters and even dogs are allowed in the park when on a leash.

Baseball lovers will also love attending spring training for Toronto Blue Jays at the Florida Auto Exchange Stadium on Douglas Avenue.

The low cost of living in Dunedin makes this area an attractive retirement spot for older individuals. The cost of living is actually lower in Dunedin than in Tampa. You can find a 1-bedroom apartment for around $700 a month and the cost of a glass of domestic beer will run you around $5.

Commuters enjoy the reduced cost of driving a car in Dunedin. Gas prices hover around 1 percent lower than the national average.

The main shopping area in Dunedin can be found on the major strip around Main Street. Locals enjoy the fact that there are high-end shops for nearly anything you need or want. For those who prefer big-box chain stores, Tampa lies just a short drive to the east.

Opened in 2007, Kina Kouture features high-end women's apparel for professionals and special occasions. Designed with a unique rockabilly style, these vintage reproductions from the '40s and '50s ensure you turn heads and stand out in the crowd.

When furry friends need pampering too, head over to Monroe Street to find Poochies Pet Boutique and Salon, which carries only the finest products for your beloved pets. Find a variety of holistic pet foods, natural treats and grooming services that any pet owner can love. Stock up on pet toys, accessories and more while enjoying the pet-centric decor.

There are plenty of large grocery stores to choose from, with the major chains being Winn-Dixie and Publix. If you are looking for fresh fruits and produce, the Dunedin downtown market opens every Friday and Saturday. You can find local vendors selling their wares, featuring spices and other gourmet items.