Whenever we travel, one of the things I look for is a place where we can purchase an ornament or fridge magnet that highlights the area that we visited. While we are on the hunt for the best ornament or magnet, we often run into really neat stores that offer one of a kind gifts and products that can be used back home. Venice, Florida has several of these shops and we are going to discuss the two that stood out the most to us. One of the shops was a one-stop-shop that literally had everything you would want from Florida. Here are The Best Shops in Venice, FL.
The Island Bookshop is a unique bookshop that is beautifully arranged and is a great place to find a unique book or gift for that lover of books in your group. It is owned by two college professors who love to share their passion for learning and reading. They have created a bookshop that cultivates a community environment that truly inspires reading (1).
The island bookshop sells new books, art, and photography some of which are created by local residents. The Island Bookshop is involved in many reading and writing groups, along with community outreach programs which define the bookshop’s mission(1). A great place to cultivate the reader in you and in your children. I would recommend making a stop here to enjoy this beautiful shop.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
The children’s section has a wonderful array of books that are fun and educational, making reading less of a chore and more of an activity. Here you can find some classics as well as newer written books. My wife collects children books for our little one, and she always finds a good book in this little book store.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Another area that stood out is the front window, which is always decorated with seasonal décor. This makes it much more inviting and gives off a cozy feel. As soon as we walked into this bookshop, we felt instantly relaxed and were able to peruse at our leisure. Since the owners are avid readers themselves, they have a wonderful collection of books that can be somewhat hard to find. I saw several books that I would want to acquire for my personal library.
If time allows and you are taking that after lunch or breakfast walk, make a stop here. The bookshop and owners give a pretty good preview of the culture that makes up Venice, FL. So grab a coffee, buy a book and enjoy an afternoon of casual reading in one of the many beautiful parks in Venice, FL.
The Best Gift Shop
Venice Stationers
211 W Venice Avenue
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Venice Stationers is hands down the best gift shop in Venice and maybe even the West Coast of Florida. This wonderful gift shop has been a staple in the Venice community since 1954. The shop has all kinds of gifts and items ranging from stationery, games, and gifts, to garden and home décor. You will find something for everyone. Just an overall great store to peruse and take a break from the hot Florida sun.
My wife and I walked into the Venice Stationers gift shop and thought we would just stop by for a minute. An hour later we found kitchen items, nightlights made out of seashells, a painting for our kitchen, a kitchen floor mat with coastal design and a beautiful picture frame to remind us of our time in Venice, FL. This shop even has a small Lilly Pulitzer section. You can see why they go by the moto “The store with a bit of everything” (2).
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
The Lilly Pulitzer section pictured above is well appointed and showcases some of the other items Lilly has that my not be well known. You cannot travel to Florida and not pick out something made by Lilly Pulitzer. This brand is the embodiment of Florida. Despite the brand’s costs the store offered very reasonable prices for many of the items they carried from Lilly Pulitzer.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
The section with the metal crane artwork and other various home décor was very interesting and will remind you of your trip to Venice, FL.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
The puzzle and board game section was very neat as well. Many of the puzzles depict art pieces by various artists that usually resemble popular pictures or local area attractions. I think we found a set of puzzles that all depict various works by Thomas Kinkade.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Another great section was the Home Décor area. Here you will see several different designs for a lazy Susan. A great piece of art that not only looks great but is functional too. We bought one for our breakfast table and love it. We use it to pass condiments and other small side dishes.
Conclusion
That was our take on the Best Shops in Venice or at least notable ones you should prioritize. What I love about Venice is that it does not give you that same cookie cutter shopping experience that is predominate in a lot of larger cities in Florida. Instead, you get more of a slower paced intimate feel that allows you to not only peruse individual shops that are unique but also enjoy the surrounding area.
This is made possible by the relaxed culture that makes up Venice, FL. The well-manicured lawns and landscaped parks, the tree lined boulevards and colorful buildings all create a laid back and more enjoyable experience as you walk up and down the sidewalk lined streets. Venice is truly a special city and one I hope you can enjoy someday.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Venice, Florida is a Quaint Gulf Coast City on the west coast of beautiful Florida, just south of Sarasota. Venice is named after the Italian city Venice because of its similarities in architecture design. Furthermore, the downtown has beautifully landscaped boulevards that you will find throughout the historic downtown of this quaint gulf coast city.
A Quaint Historic Downtown
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Main Street Downtown Venice, FL
Venice has a very charming downtown consisting of a main street and a few smaller streets. This makes navigating downtown very easy and enjoyable. Furthermore, the main street is separated by a median that is full of large royal palm trees, creating a beautiful green space with an abundance of flowers throughout. Additionally, the downtown has a large park in the center that has a convenient parking lot. The parking lot is free of cost and open to the public and visitors during the day hours.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Centennial Park Gazebo
Venice has a few beautiful parks, including the Centennial Park, which is the main park that is located across the street from the downtown shopping district. The park offers downtown Venice its main parking lot, which is free during the day. Furthermore, the park is a lovely green space that has public restrooms, a picturesque gazebo and plenty of benches to enjoy your ice cream. This park also has a splash pad for the kids to enjoy on those warm Florida days.
In addition to the splash pad, there is a beautiful gazebo that is perfect for a couple or family photo. My wife and I enjoyed a little relaxing time while taking some pictures for our family book. It was nice and quiet, which could make a great spot for reading a book. The gazebo is also a great place to sit and enjoy a snack or just relax and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings that the park offers. Most importantly, the Centennial Park is conveniently located in the heart of downtown and within walking distance to all of downtown Venice’s restaurants and shops.
Fountain Park
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Fountain Park
The Fountain Park is located in downtown on Miami Avenue and Nokomis Avenue South. The fountain was donated by the First National Bank of Venice in 1986. The statute depicts Hebe, the goddess of youth. We spent a nice half an hour relaxing on the benches that surround the fountain. My poor wife was five months pregnant and needed a break from all our walking. This made the perfect spot to rest and take in the surrounding area of Venice.
Ponce de Leon Park
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Ponce De Leon Park
The Ponce De Leon Park is another spot that we used for resting from our lengthy downtown walk. The park is named after the Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon who searched for the famous Fountain of Youth along the Gulf Coast of Florida. The park was donated to the city of Venice by the First National Bank of Venice in 1992.
Quiet Gulf Coast Beaches
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Quiet Beach Entrance
The beaches in Venice are a lot different than its northern and southern neighboring cities. They are a lot quieter and do not have many commercial buildings near them. This really gives you that small town feel as the beach is mostly surrounded by neighborhoods and condominium complexes.
Venice Beach
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Venice Beach Sign
Venice Beach is the main beach in Venice. The beach is located at the end of Main Street and has a small parking lot to the left of the Venice Beach sign. The parking lot fills up quickly so you might want to try and arrive early.
Despite being the main beach for the city of Venice, it is quite calm and peaceful. This gives visitors more of a scenic view of the natural environment and a chance to see the local wildlife. There are many opportunities to see dolphins and different kinds of shore birds that are a little more on the shy side.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Venice Beach on the Gulf of Mexico
Venice Beach does have an iconic pavilion that offers refreshments and other concessions for the beach goer. Additionally, the pavilion has public restrooms and offers a unique sail style cover for added shade from the Florida sun.
Caspersen Beach
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Caspersen Beach
Caspersen Beach is another great beach that has more of a natural feel as it is literally surrounded by parks. This beach also plays host to the famous Sharky’s restaurant and the Venice Fishing Pier. Of the two beaches in Venice, Caspersen Beach is the larger of the two and also features a dog park. Furthermore, it provides a much larger parking lot for guests, which is free of charge during the day.
The Venice Fishing Pier is located at the Caspersen Beach, near the parking lot and just beyond Sharky’s restaurant. The pier is a beautiful spot to see the glorious waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, the fisherman can cast a line and hook one of the seasonal fish that frequent the area. Fishing from the pier is open to the public and does not require a fishing license (1).
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Caspersen Beach and Venice Fishing Pier
Just before the Pier is the famous beach bar and grill, Sharky’s. Sharky’s was voted Florida’s best beach bar in 2013, 2018, and 2019 (1). Sharky’s is known for their large seafood selection on their menu (1). The restaurant features live music and has incredible real estate that gives its visitors a very nice view of the surrounding gulf water and white sand beach. This would be a fun lunchtime restaurant for the family, as it is on the beach. This is especially advantageous for a family with kids as you would not need to travel far from your sandcastles and sunshine for burgers and drinks.
In addition to Sharky’s and the pier, Caspersen Beach also has many fun family friendly activities. Some of the activities include sand volleyball courts, and Shark tooth hunting (looking for sharks’ teeth). Venice is the Shark Tooth Capital of the World (1). You can also rent beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards and more. If you come in the evening, you could catch an amazing sunset.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl A Venice Sunset
Darling Christmas Decor
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Christmas Decorations on Venice Avenue
Christmas time in Venice, FL. is a special time of the year as the weather is great and the main street is glowing with holiday lights. A trip down main street will instantly transport you to a magical place of wonder. The Christmas spirit is well received in the city of Venice. My wife and I enjoyed a nice walk down main street to admire the decorations and lights as we enjoyed an ice cream cone on one of the Centennial Park benches.
The Christmas Season in Venice is filled with holiday lights that illuminate the streets. Furthermore, the people of Venice are serenaded by holiday music that is performed live by local musicians. Moreover, many restaurants in the downtown district offer food and drink specials while you enjoy the holiday décor (3).
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, what to see and do while you are visiting Venice, FL in a day. From the beautiful beaches to a picturesque downtown there is lots to see and do in Venice. Venice is a Quaint Gulf Coast City that has a charming appeal that offers a more laid back approach. The city has an abundance of wide sidewalks for perusing the many shops that line the main street. Furthermore, the city offers many benches for taking a break on throughout the downtown area. If you are looking for a peaceful and more relaxed trip, than Venice just might be your spot.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Sunset on Venice Beach Florida
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
A guide on where to eat and snack in St. Augustine
When it comes to truly enjoying the history and culture of any vacation spot, food plays an important role. Throughout history, food has been a cultural defining point across the world. When we visit a place, we are interested in what the local cuisine has to offer. By trying foods that are unique to the area we are visiting, we get to submerge ourselves in their culture. Furthermore, every vacation will always pose the question “where do you want to eat at?” This can be a difficult question, the larger your group size is as everyone has different tastes and expectations. In order to help you with this difficult endeavor, we have cultivated a list that we believe will help mediate any insurrections that may develop during the restaurant decision process. Below is a list of the best restaurants and treats in St. Augustine, FL. We found the mentioned places to be particularly wonderful and we believe these will make your trip much more flavorful.
Salt Life Food Shack (Best Lunch and Dinner)
321 A1A Beach Blvd.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Salt Life Food Shack Entrance
In my opinion Salt Life Food Shack is the best restaurant on St. Augustine Beach. Salt Life Food Shack has great food, location, and an all-around aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. This upscale beach restaurant defines the culture of St. Augustine and will add flavor and enjoyment to your long day at the beach. Located on the famous A1A Beach Blvd., this establishment is a must as the food is incredible and the location is even better. A trip to St. Augustine would not be complete without a stop at this famous sea food restaurant. Here are some of the menu items we found to be particularly delightful.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Bahamian Fish Chowder
Bahamian fish chowder – This amazing soup is filled with tomatoes, potatoes, white fish, and fresh basil leaves. The soup is mildly spicy with large chunks of seafood. It has the texture of a Manhattan clam chowder style soup.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Hawaiian Shrimp Bowl
Hawaiian Shrimp Bowl – This amazing poke bowl is served on a base of white sticky rice, topped with large shrimp, squash, zucchini, peppers, avocado, and pineapple. There is also fresh sautéed spinach and a ginger-soy glaze drizzled over the top to bring out the Hawaiian flavor. This amazing bowl is great and you will not be disappointed in the extraordinary flavor.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Seared Mahi Bowl
Seared Mahi Bowl – Another amazing poke bowl that is served over sticky rice and topped with seared mahi, sautéed spinach, squash, zucchini, and red pepper. This bowl is topped with a ginger-soy glaze to bring out the Hawaiian flavor. This was by far our favorite dish as the Mahi was cooked to perfection giving off a mild smoky flavor. A perfect finish to an extraordinary beach day.
The Kookaburra (Best Breakfast)
647 A1A Beach Blvd.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Kookaburra Entrance on St. Augustine Beach
Another St. Augustine treasure that defines the culture is the Kookaburra. If you want a great start to your morning, we would recommend stopping here. The Kookaburra has the best breakfast and coffee on the beach. This quaint Australian inspired espresso and meat pie café is going to delight any traveler who makes a trip to St. Augustine. The café is filled with baked goods that offer vegan and gluten free items. They also have a nice selection of scones and muffins that they bake daily.
They are famous for their Australian meat pies, which are similar to a quiche. The meat pies are filled with breakfast meats, eggs, and other delightful ingredients. The café is clean, organized and has large windows giving it a charming and cozy feel. They have a small indoor seating area and a large sized deck for outdoor seating as well. The staff members are polite, upbeat, and knowledgeable of their products. Located right on the A1A Beach Blvd. on St. Augustine Beach this is a breakfast must.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Corker Australian Breakfast Pie
The Corker – This little breakfast pleaser is loaded with sausage, egg, cheddar cheese, and pepper jack cheese. The meat pie is baked with a flaky crust on top that is seasoned with black pepper. The crust is soft and easy to break apart giving it a wonderful texture. This was my favorite item on the menu. The meat pie was delicious and exceptionally made. I enjoyed how they created a whole mini pie instead of cutting it in slices. This helps preserve the texture and the flavor profile.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Vejjo Australian Breakfast Pie
The Vejjo – This amazing pie is loaded with sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, egg, and cheddar cheese. All the great flavor and texture of a traditional meat pie but with less regret. The Vejjo was my wife’s favorite as it is a little more on the healthier side. The pies are the perfect size and conveniently made as a To Go item or you can enjoy them in the café. The choice is yours. Enjoy!
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Kookaburra offers an assortment of breakfast items made ToGo
The Kookaburra also offers various goods such as granola, cookies, and muffins. Their granola is great tasting and an excellent topping for any kind of yogurt dish. As you can see, the fun did not stop at the meat pies. Their coffee is incredible too. My favorite coffee was the Honey Badger – a honey, cinnamon latte with hints of vanilla. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and make a stop by the Kookaburra café. You will not regret it as its unique twist on breakfast and excellent coffee is superb. The Kookaburra is located only in St. Augustine, so do not miss out on this tasty breakfast option.
The Best Treats and Snacks in St. Augustine
The Sweet Spot (Best Ice Cream)
32 Saint George Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Sign in front of the entrance on St. George Street
The Sweet Spot is located on the famous Saint George Street in the heart of the historic district. This exceptional ice cream spot offers the one and only famous Explosive Milkshake. The name Explosive Milkshake derives from how the milkshake toppings literally come out of the shake as seen in the below photo. I have enjoyed many milkshakes but this one definitely stands out.
These iconic and delicious milkshakes are known for being served in a souvenir glass mug each topped with various cookies, brownies, marshmallows, sweet flavored cereal, and many other sweet tasting toppings. The creativity that has gone into making these milkshakes is nothing short of art infused with a great tasting dessert. The Sweet Spot offers 40 flavors of ice cream and even more toppings. Be sure to make a stop there as this sweet treat will cool you off during the warm days of Florida.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl To the left The Feeling Salty ice cream shake. To the right the Unicorn Explosion ice cream shake.
The two explosive milkshakes pictured above are a sample of what is to come. The Left milkshake with a wafer on top is the Feeling Salty. The Feeling Salty – is a salted caramel ice cream, that has a chocolate pretzel rim, topped with a chocolate chips ahoy brownie, strawberry wafer, whip cream and a caramel sauce. The second milkshake is called a Unicorn Explosion – which is a vanilla ice cream that is topped with a birthday cake brownie, vanilla wafer, marshmallow, and a sprinkled rim. Both of the milkshakes are delicious, and as you can see are aesthetically pleasing to look at and enjoy at the same time.
Ben’s Soft Pretzels (Best Pretzel in St. Augustine)
54 Saint George Street.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Entrance on Saint George Street
A great place to pick up a salty treat is Ben’s Soft Pretzel’s. This Amish inspired pretzel bakery is known for exceptionally soft pretzels. They have a selection of regular soft jumbo pretzels along with pretzel bites and other various pretzel inspired dishes. This location is unique as it offers access to an outdoor garden patio area for customers to sit and enjoy their meal or snack.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites by Ben’s Soft Pretzels
Although not pictured, the Original Jumbo Soft Pretzel is my favorite. The Original Jumbo Soft Pretzel is almost a half-pound of buttery soft goodness. This amazing pretzel comes in various flavors, but I think the original plain is the best. Featured above are the Pretzel Bites, which is the jumbo soft pretzel cut into bites and in this case rolled in butter and cinnamon sugar. Delicious! This is a great option for a quick bite to eat, especially if you have children on the trip. The price point is reasonable, and the location is exceptional as it is located in the heart of the historic district.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Garden 54 patio
Ben’s Soft Pretzels also has access to a beautiful courtyard that is partially shaded if you would like a less crowded place to enjoy your pretzels. This is great as it is a beautiful patio that is relaxing and quiet, due to its seclusion but still within close proximity to everything. Overall a great place to enjoy a treat and to take a break while enjoying the sites and shops of Saint George Street in the historic district.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Now you know what the best restaurants are in St. Augustine, FL. Each place has its own unique ambience and flavor that is distinctively different from the others. We believe all trips and vacations would not be complete without good food and some kind of treat afterwards. Meal time is synonymous with together time and that is what makes a trip mindful.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTokand subscribe to our YouTube channel
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Courtyard by Marriott Entrance
When it comes to choosing a hotel in Florida, the location plays a very important role. There are some factors that should be considered before booking a hotel in Florida. Some of those factors include convenience to attractions, parking, cleanliness, and amenities. A hotel should be convenient to what you are visiting, which most of the time is a beach. Parking, driving and trying to gather everything you will need for a beach day can be cumbersome and costly, especially with children. This is where you will want to make it as convenient as possible.
Furthermore, the hotel should have the right mixture of amenities that will benefit you and your family. This can consist of a pool, gym, and a restaurant for convenient breakfasts, lunches, dinners or snacks. Some people like to have access to a gym to keep those added vacation pounds down or to just keep up with their routine. Yet, others like to go for that evening swim in the pool. All things said, each amenity has a level of importance and should be considered, as hotels and vacations can be a costly venture. That is why we believe the Courtyard by Marriot on St. Augustine Beach is the best hotel on the beach because it has everything that you will need for a comfortable stay.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
The Courtyard by Marriot is a comfortable clean hotel, located a block away from St. Augustine Beach. This Courtyard is a great choice for convenience, comfort, and leisure as the hotel has all that and more. First of all, the rooms are very spacious. The room that we stayed in had a nice long desk and a table that would pull out for added convenience. We used the table to eat all our meals from the nearby restaurants. Additionally, the room came with a small refrigerator, which was great for storing bottled water and other refreshments. Most importantly, it had a spacious shower, which was very enjoyable after a long day at the beach.
Furthermore, the hotel has a large and easily accessible parking lot that will accommodate your vehicle of choice. There are also no parking fees, which is rare considering the hotel’s close proximity to the beach and restaurants.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Courtyard Pool Area
The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a small market for snacks, batteries, and other convenient store merchandise. This can come in handy when you need a late night snack or you need something for your headache from a long day in the sun. Moreover, there is a pool in the back, which has a privacy wall. This allows you to enjoy the pool in privacy and comfort. The pool is also nicely landscaped with plenty of seating.
The hotel is located on the A1A beach Blvd. The Boulevard is lined with sidewalks for easy walking to nearby restaurants and the beach. For more information on the room please check out the room tour below.
This article consists of affiliate links from Marriot. In the event of a room booking from any of the links through this post and other posts associated with this website, we will receive a small commission based on a percentage of the booking price. This commission will come at no cost to you and helps keep our blog up and running. Thank you for your help and support.
If you would like to book a reservation at this hotel, please click on the link Marriott. Thank you.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
What we Enjoyed about this Hotel
We loved this hotel for several reasons. The hotel was clean and well maintained, which is a major plus when it comes to cleanliness. The location of the hotel was extraordinary. We were close to the beach, great restaurants and a short drive to downtown St. Augustine, FL. Being able to walk to restaurants and the beach is a major plus in our opinion, as this allows for a more relaxed pace on your trip. You get to really feel the elements of what makes Florida such a beautiful state.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Market for a quick pick-me-up
An added bonus in our opinion is that the hotel is not a far drive to the Historic District of St. Augustine where many of their famous attractions are located, such as the historical fort built by the Spanish Empire in 1672 (Castillo de San Marcos). If you would like to know more about the famous and popular places to visit in St. Augustine, then check out this post Where to Enjoy the History and Culture of St. Augustine.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Another important attribute worth mentioning is the helpfulness of staff. When it comes to staff, they can make or break a hotel stay. Having friendly, reliable, and pleasant staff members who are willing to go above and beyond will always make for a great stay. This hotel had a wonderful group of individuals who were pleasant, hardworking, and accommodating.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Hotel lobby and restaurant
Overall, this hotel location has everything you need if you plan on visiting the beach and enjoying a night out in the historical district of St. Augustine. The convenient attributes definitely made it for a memorable stay for my wife and I. When we reflect on our memories from our St. Augustine trip, we always remember how nice it was to walk down to the beach whenever we desired. This hotel is a great choice when considering staying in the St. Augustine area and should be at the top of everyone’s list.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl St. Augustine Beach in the morning
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Copyright (2024 -2025) TravelingMindfully All Rights Reserved
History, Beaches, Spanish Colonial Architecture, and a 17th Century Fortress
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl St. Augustine Lighthouse
Enjoy the history and culture of the oldest city in the United States, founded in 1565 by Spain (1). The city is located on the northeastern coast of Florida, just south of Jacksonville, Florida. St. Augustine has some of the most beautiful beaches, history, culture, and colonial architecture in all of Florida. A stroll through St. Augustine will transport you to an old-fashioned Spanish colonial settlement. Furthermore, St. Augustine has some of best food in Florida and a relaxed vibe to go along with it.
This little city gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy the history and culture of true colonial Spanish architecture. Moreover the city is also quite cozy with a number of bed and breakfasts that dot the historic downtown area. The quaint bed and breakfast’s all have a unique charming feel to them. With over 400 years of history, make sure you do a trip to this beautiful historic town on the charming northeastern coast of Florida. Known for its rich history and picturesque coastal beaches, St. Augustine will be sure to intrigue any traveler who ventures to this historic beach town.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum
Where to Enjoy the History and Culture of St. Augustine
Historic DowntownSaint George Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl St. George Street Shops and Restaurants
To really see and enjoy the history and culture of St. Augustine head to the iconic Saint George Street in the heart of the historic district. This walkable street is unobstructed by cars or even bicycles. This is where the majority of the shopping, restaurants, and treats are located. The street features many historic buildings and architecture that will transport you to a Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
Just off Saint George Street are several smaller quaint walkable streets that offer bed and breakfasts and gift shops. Saint George Street will instantly transport you back in time to a Colonial Spanish era. As the oldest street in the oldest city in the United States do not miss a chance to see the wonders that this street has to offer (2).
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is located on Anastasia Island which is iconic to the history and culture of St. Augustine. Dating back to 1589, it was originally built as a wooden watchtower (3). The watchtower was erected during the construction of the Castillo De San Marcos by the Spanish Crown to prevent enemy ships from taking Anastasia Island (3). The current St. Augustine Lighthouse seen pictured below was completed in 1874 and is 146 years old with an attached maritime museum that opened in 1994 (3). The museum was given a national preservation award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which recognized the work of the museums research program (3).
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl St. Augustine Light House
The lighthouse and museum are a great place for a photo opportunity and to learn a little history. The General Admission ticket allows you to walk to the top of the lighthouse. The light house is approximately 165 feet tall with 219 steps to the observation deck (3). There are eight landings, and one has a bench if you need to rest or let others pass (3). The General Admissions ticket also gives you entry to the Maritime Museum. The lighthouse will be enjoyed by everyone in your group by providing a true emerging experience of history and natural beauty that surrounds the St. Augustine Light House.
Castillo de San Marcos (historical fort)
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Castillo de San Marcos
Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest surviving masonry fortress in the United States. The fortress was built by the Spanish in 1672 to defend the Florida and the Atlantic trade route. The Fort was completed in 1695 but later renovated in 1756. Originally built as a military outpost to protect Spanish commerce from rival power and pirates (4). The Castillo de San Marcos was made of coquina and deemed impenetrable to enemy attacks as it was fire resistant (5). The first fort was built in 1589 but later remodeled and refortified into the current landmark it is today (5). This iconic fort is full of history, culture and it is a defining landmark in St. Augustine.
St. Augustine Beach
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl St. Augustine Beach
Another place to enjoy the history and culture of St. Augustine is at their beach which is located on Anastasia Island. Anastasia Island is considered a barrier island that sits east of St. Augustine. The island is about 14 miles long and an average of 1 mile wide. St. Augustine Beach borders the Atlantic Ocean and attracts a lot of local surfers due to is frequent large waves. The beach has a small-town vibe, yet still offers plenty of hotel accommodations and restaurants. St. Augustine Beach has beautiful sunrises, a relaxing vibe and the feel of an old fashion beach town. This is a place that will create long lasting memories.
Flagler College
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Flagler College
Another great place to enjoy the history and culture is Flagler College. The college would be another landmark that makes up the history and culture of St. Augustine. Flagler College was originally built as a hotel, called the Hotel Ponce de Leon in 1887 by Henry Morrison Flagler (7). When the Hotel Ponce de Leon opened it was considered an architectural and engineering marvel which still stands true today (8). The Edison Electric Company installed the world’s largest incandescent lighting plant at the Hotel Ponce de Leon (8). The hotel was powered by steam and 4,000 electric lights, making the Ponce de Leon hotel one of the nation’s first electrified buildings (8).
Many historical figures visited the hotel, including President Grover Cleveland, who visited the hotel during its second month of operation (8). Some other famous historical figures would include John F. Kennedy when he was 13 years old, Ernest Hemmingway, and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson (8). In 1968 the former hotel became the centerpiece for the newly established Flagler College (8). The College is a liberal arts college that has celebrated over 50 years of education.
In addition, the college is filled with rich history and is an architectural marvel. Located in the downtown district Flagler College is a great place to visit as the photo opportunity and history are second to none. Moreover, the architecture along with the manicured lawns and landscaping are spectacular. A trip to St. Augustine would not be complete without a stop here. Enjoy a mindful stroll through the grounds of the college to really enjoy the history and culture of St. Augustine, FL.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Palm Garden is a fun spot for some pictures, who doesn’t love palm trees.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Statue of Henry M. Flagler
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl West Lawn Gazebo, great place for a picnic on the weekends as the campus is not very crowded.
St. Augustine is a beautiful town where you can enjoy the history and culture of the oldest city in the United States. Make sure to add this beautiful and world renown destination to your future travel plans as this will be an unforgettable experience.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTokand subscribe to our YouTube channel
When deciding on the best restaurants in Orlando, there is something to be said about a place with the perfect ambience. A restaurant should provide a certain level of comfort, good food, and great service. Moreover, an added bonus to any dining experience would be a nice view. In our opinion, while vacationing a restaurant should be a dining adventure and not just a place to grab a quick bite to eat. The best restaurants have the power to transform a meal into an event and create lasting memories to be passed and shared for generations. The following restaurants are the best restaurants in Orlando.
The Best Restaurants
The Boathouse
1620 Bueno Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Boathouse Entrance
The Boat House is a must when visiting Disney World. This restaurant is located in Disney Springs on the Disney canals. The Boathouse is a great place for the two of you or the whole family. Defined as a sophisticated waterfront steak and seafood restaurant, it will meet all your checkmarks. Although the restaurant is a little on the pricier side, it still offers an amazing experience you will be sure to enjoy.
The Boathouse is decorated in the sense of a true old fashion boathouse with actual vintage boats hanging from the ceiling. Moreover, the dining booths are in the shape of vintage boat hulls and the walls are lined with unique paintings. This upscale restaurant does not miss a beat with its beautiful nautical ambience, great food, and its waterfront location on the famous Disney canals. This unique one-of-a-kind restaurant also has a large outdoor seating area that allows for waterfront dining.
Furthermore, the restaurant offers its guests the opportunity to have the thrilling experience of a guided tour in a vintage Amphicar. The tour is roughly 25 minutes long and it takes you around the surrounding landmarks. The restaurant has a private collection of these vintage Amphicar and you can admire them as you walk around their outdoor docks giving you an outdoor museum feel.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Amphicar Boat Launch
Overall, this restaurant provides you with a cozy experience. When you embark on your adventure at the Boathouse, be sure to check out their gift shop for a nice souvenir that will remind you of the good times. The gift shop has a wide selection of clothing apparel, including sunglasses, tee shirts, as well as hats. The gift shop is a nice addition to the restaurant as it is cozy and offers a nautical theme that makes it fun to just browse around.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Rainforest Café Entrance
The Rainforest Café, is a jungle theme inspired restaurant that is a favorite for the kids and young adults alike. This restaurant dining room is a true adventure as it transports you to the rainforest with its elaborate decorations and animatronic animals that move and growl throughout your dining experience. The kids will have a great time admiring the different animals and fish tanks throughout the restaurant.
The restaurant resembles walking through a jungle at night with a starry night display on the ceiling. The Rainforest café ceiling is animated to resemble a starry night in the jungle. This truly adds to the ambience and gives you a ride like sense while you enjoy your meal. The clouds move and the stars twinkle on and off making it a one of a kind experience.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Rainforest café ceiling is animated to resemble a starry night in the jungle.
Furthermore, the walls are covered in rocks, waterfalls, and different animatronic animals that you would find in the jungle. We felt like we were eating inside a rainforest terrarium or the Jurassic World set. This is the type of dining adventure that will stay in your memory for a long time.
Even though the food is a little on the greasier side, hence the popularity among young kids, there are healthier options too. This would be a great option for kids and should not be missed as it is incredibly unique experience that the kids will love and remember.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Animatronic elephant that moves throughout your dining experience. Next to it is a massive saltwater fish tank with various species of coral reef fish
Those are the best options for Orlando restaurants in our opinion. They have great food, ambience, and are even kid friendly. This next trip to Orlando make sure you make a stop or a reservation at one or both places and enjoy the magic of great meals and ambience.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Where to stay while visiting Orlando and Disney World
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Since Orlando’s inception of Disney World, Orlando has become a mecca for large glamorous hotels, conference centers, and an abundance of lavish outdoor malls and attractions. The restaurants, shopping, and attractions are all world renown, giving everyone in the family plenty to do. In this article we are going to explore the best resorts in Orlando.
JW Marriott Grande Lakes
4040 Central Florida Parkway
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
JW Marriott Grande Lakes is by far our favorite hotel to stay in when visiting Orlando and the world-famous Disney World. What makes the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes the best hotel in Orlando is that the hotel literally has it all. From luxurious rooms that have balconies overlooking their amazing pool area, to being high up enough to see the Disney World fireworks in the distance.
The JW Marriott Grande Lakes is located on a private 500-acre compound that is shared with the Ritz Carlton. The resort compound consists of the Ritz Carlton 18-hole golf course that surrounds the 500-acre property. This hotel compound offers an abundance of amenities including 7 restaurants, 3 pools, a lazy river, kid care, golfing, fishing, bike rentals, and complimentary shuttle rides to Disney Parks, and Sea World.
The resort grounds are exquisite with lush gardens, manicured lawns and the most amazing water features with countless waterfalls, making the pool a tropical oasis. The resort also has many pathways that are surrounded by beautiful tropical flowers and plants. The maintained grounds provide a true tropical vacation feeling and leave you in a relaxed state of mind.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Floral Pathway
We stayed at the JW Marriot for three nights prior to heading off to our wedding. Upon departure we felt refreshed and recovered from the stressful wedding planning. This place has something about it that can place you in the most relaxing state of mind. It is so relaxing that even little bunny rabbits frequent the resort and help themselves to an enjoyable snack from their onsite gardens.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Relaxed Bunny
The relaxing atmosphere makes the stay enjoyable during the day, as well as at night. At night the grounds are illuminated making evening walks around the pool area spectacular. As we went for our evening walks around their pool area we felt a calmness that was worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday stresses.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Relaxing Outdoor Fireplace
The rooms in the resort also contribute to the relaxed atmosphere. Each resort room is climate controlled with shower tub combos. The bathrooms are extra large, about double of a standard hotel bathroom size. The counters have a marble surface giving it a polished and distinguished look, and the showers are very spacious.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Standard Bathroom
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Spacious Shower
The rooms are carpeted and come with 65 inch HDTVs, which add to the comfort and relaxation you will receive when vacationing here. At night the rooms all have soft lamps, which create a cozy feeling as you look out at the illumined pool and grounds. Click the link for a room tour.
The JW Marriot has a wide assortment of different dining options that will accommodate any palate. From Starbucks to an award winning 2022 Michelin recommended fine dining Italian restaurant, Primo. There literally is something for everyone. The JW Marriott even has their own sustainable farm, garden and apiary that supplies the restaurants at both the Ritz Carlton and JW Marriot.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Outdoor Seating in the Main Entrance Lounge
JW Marriot Citron, an American Brasserie
The JW Marriot Citron is a great early morning option for breakfast as they serve all your favorites. They have a breakfast buffet as an early morning option as well. The breakfast buffet is hands down the best breakfast buffet I have ever been to. The food is delicious and fresh. They have everything you could ever want to start your morning off right. From handcrafted breads and breakfast pastries to chef prepared omelets and waffles right in front of you. This buffet is a little bit on the pricier side but if you have the time to enjoy a sit-down breakfast, this is the spot for you. All items are prepared in house and they offer the best jams and even maple syrup from Vermont. There is something for everyone and sometimes a little too much, so pace yourself.
JW Marriott Quench
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Quench Bar and Grill from the Pool
JW Marriott Quench is a poolside bar and grill located right next to the lazy river. This tropical setting restaurant offers an open air outdoor seating area next to the pool. The bar and grill has several fans to circulate air and a roof that provides plenty of shade for those warmer days. The restaurant has a full bar with tropical flavored drinks that can be consumed at the restaurant or at the pool with appropriate glassware. Quench’s menu offers burgers, salads, wraps and other casual fares that can be also be delivered to you at the pool if you choose not to dine in.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl One of the many JW Pool Lounge Areas
Quench Bar and Grill is a great option for families, especially if children get hungry at the pool. Parents can order while the children play in the pool and have the food delivered right to their lounge chair, which will provide convenience and ease for families with little ones. This is the way pool time should be enjoyed.
Below are just a few of the enticing options this restaurant has to offer.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Hummus Appetizer
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Poke Bowl
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Turkey Club with Fries
Next on our list is the one and only The Ritz Carlton. Just staying at the Ritz makes one feel like royalty or a celebrity. This hotel is located adjacent to the JW Marriott and shares 500 acres of grounds. This hotel will define a whole new level of luxury for you and your family.
Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes
4012 Central Florida Parkway
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Ritz Carlton Orlando Entrance
This upscale resort has a lot to offer its guests. Although it is a bit on the pricey side, you can find deals using Marriott points and booking during the shoulder season months such as May, August, September, October, and November. The resort offers many of the same amenities as the neighboring JW Marriott including daily shuttle rides to and from Disney World, SeaWorld, and other area theme parks. The resort acts as a compound and shares all its amenities and restaurant services with guests from both hotels. This is an added bonus as you can be a guest at one resort and have the opportunity to frequent the other resort as well. This will give you options for pools and more restaurants to chose from daily.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Similar to the JW Marriott, the Ritz Carlton provides a relaxing atmosphere with a spa-like feel. As you walk through various areas of the resort, you will notice the attention to detail in their designs and setup of the resort. Upon entry into this resort your mind and senses are transferred to vacation mode. The Ritz Carlton does an exceptional job at making you feel special, and their level of service is phenomenal.
The Ritz has a spectacular pool with pool side dining available. Some of the options the dining service offers would be their poolside restaurant BLEU, which provides its guests with shade and TVs while they enjoy their lunch. In addition, the restaurant can bring your meal right to your lounge chair poolside. Moreover, the pool attendants provide you and everyone in your family with a towel and they will literally tuck you into your chair and provide an umbrella if you so desire. The pool is a lot quieter than the neighboring JW Marriott’s pool, allowing you and your family or significant other to enjoy the lush landscaping in a more peaceful setting.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Ritz Carlton Resort seen from Ritz Carlton Pool
In addition to pools, the resort offers programs such as the Ritz kids. This program immerses children ages 4 to 12 into environmentally inspired day care activities. The program provides hands on activities promoting conservation and agriculture. Furthermore, the program gives parents the opportunity to have a few hours away from their kids. This amenity comes in handy for couples who are on their anniversary and want to bring their children along.
Overall, the resort and the amenities make for a very restful stay. The service is fabulous, and they do not miss a moment to impress you or pamper you. There is plenty to do and they offer something for everyone. There are numerous restaurants on site and a large room service menu. I would highly recommend this hotel for anyone seeking some relaxation and fond memories.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Complimentary Anniversary Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Marriott Royal Palms
8404 Vacation Way
The Marriott Royal Palms hotel is in the Marriott World Center compound. Although I was only staying at this hotel for a night while visiting family, the room and its size were impressive. This hotel offers 2-bedroom villas that are approximately 1250 square feet. The room rates are very reasonable for its location and size of villa that you receive. This hotel would be ideal for a family of 4 as this villa offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full laundry, and a full kitchen that is stocked with dishware and utensils in case you want to cook. The resort rooms also provide a living room, dining room and outdoor seating “lanai”. The hotel sits adjacent to Hawk’s Landing Golf Club, which is affiliated with the Marriott Orlando World Center.
The pictures below will give you an idea as to what to expect inside the 2-bedroom villas that are offered at Marriott Royal Palms. This is a great option for the small family who wants to be comfortable and spread out. The hotel also offers daily shuttle rides to Disney World, which is provided through the Marriot World Center. This resort is also in close proximity to Disney Springs.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl View from Lanai
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Second bedroom with Second BathroomPHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Second bedroom with Queen bedPHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Living Room
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Primary bathroom with hot tub
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Laundry Room
So there you have it the best resorts in Orlando and Disney. Each resort offers free shuttle rides, and plenty of things to do on your day off from the theme parks. The resorts have incredible compounds filled with amazing pools, golf and plenty of entertainment for all ages.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Copyright (2024 -2025) TravelingMindfully All Rights Reserved
Home of the Famous Mouse, Stylish Resorts, & Great Restaurants
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Every kid’s dream vacation would probably be to see Disney World. This should not stop at the child’s dream as Orlando and Disney World have much to offer for all age groups, especially adults. This is exactly what makes Orlando so great as it offers so many different activities for everyone. There is just something magical about a trip to Orlando.
Orlando hosts the most iconic theme park in the World. Located in Central Florida, Orlando also has great weather year-round making it an ideal vacation spot for the northern traveler. Since Orlando’s inception of Disney World, it has become a mecca for large glamorous hotels, conference centers, and an abundance of lavish outdoor malls and attractions. The restaurants, shopping, and attractions are all world renown giving everyone in the family plenty to do. So lets go ahead and explore Orlando and let the magic begin.
Where to Find the Magic in Orlando
Disney World
PHOTO: Zichuan Han Magic Kingdom fireworks and laser show at night
The world-famous Disney World is as impressive as it is massive. This theme park has it all, including ridiculous crowds of people. Therefore, my suggestion is to pace yourself. I would try not to see everything in one day, because it will be exhausting, and it will not give you the fondest of memories. Each theme park has its own unique identity.
The four main parks Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios are connected by an intricate bus system. This can be hard to navigate at first, but maps are located throughout the park. Other than buses there are other forms of transportation such as a monorail and ferries that can take you to certain areas of the park. For instance, when we entered the main gate, we took a ferry to Magic Kingdom which was a little crowded but fun. A Monorail system goes from some of the Disney resorts to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, making it much more convenient if you are staying in Disney World.
All in all, Disney World is one of those must see attractions. The kids will be amazed, and you will be too. I would recommend giving yourself this experience as it is world renowned and nothing in the world can compare to the true Disney World and how massive and amazing it is.
Epcot
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Walkway bridge in Epcot
I like Epcot because I like to eat, and they offer flavors and food from all around the world, along with lush gardens, a butterfly house and a little more relaxed scene compared to the other parks.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Epcot butterfly house
Hollywood Studios
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Hollywood Studios Main Street
My other favorite park is Hollywood Studios. Hollywood Studios transports you back to the golden years of Hollywood, giving you a peek back in time. This park is designed to look like a classic Hollywood studios boulevard from the mid-20th century. The architecture is amazing along with the neon lights and old fashion street lanterns throughout the park.
The Magical world of Disney Springs
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Disney Springs
When visiting the Orlando area, Disney Springs is a must when visiting Orlando, FL. The best part is you do not need to buy a ticket to enter. This large outdoor upscale shopping mall has some of the best restaurants and shopping you can find. They offer a wide variety of great places to eat and shop. This was my wife and her sister in laws favorite part of the trip. If shopping is not your thing then you will be impressed by the manicured lawns, gardens, water features and assortment of activities happening around you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.Also please join our Facebook Group Traveling Mindfully throughout Florida and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Where to Explore the Best Shops while in Dunedin, FL
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Dunedin is a quaint city on the Gulf of Mexico that has many areas to explore and enjoy. Furthermore, Dunedin has a special culture that really gives travelers that relaxed and comfy feeling. The culture can be attributed to the many restaurants and shops that dot the landscape of Dunedin. Despite Dunedin’s proximity to large scale cities such as Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, this city has a small-town charm. This article will discuss where to find the Best Places to Shop in Dunedin.
What makes Dunedin so charming are the elements of Dunedin, especially its downtown area. Dunedin is a city with an abundance of sidewalks ,which connect the many shops, restaurants and businesses to the nearby neighborhoods. Moreover, the sidewalks make leisurely strolling throughout the city much more enjoyable for the mindful traveler.
Sidewalks are important because they can make the people of the city and tourists feel more connected. Also, if you are traveling with a large group or have small children, sidewalks can come in very handy. Additionally, sidewalks allow you to see things from a slower paced perspective. This is what makes Dunedin such an enjoyable place to shop and explore.
Layfayette & Rushford is a charming home goods store on Broadway street. This store sells many unique items that can serve as home décor, holiday décor, or personal care. They even have a baby section for that little bundle of joy you have or are expecting.
PHOTO: Nina Gradwohl
The shop has many unique souvenirs that will remind you of your trip to Dunedin, Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you are looking for an ornament for your Christmas tree, or a tropical decoration for your home, you will find it at Layfayette & Rushford.
At the time of our visit, my wife was two months pregnant and I had a difficult time separating her from the baby section. She was drawn in by the very unique home decorations. This was probably our favorite store to peruse as there really is something for everyone, from Holiday décor to personal care.
PHOTO: Nina Gradwohl
The above picture represents the ornaments selection the store offers. They are unique and one of a kind, representing the Christmas season and the Florida culture
PHOTO: Nina Gradwohl
The store has a wide selection of home goods, gifts and seasonal décor. The store is laid out in an organized fashion that it neat, orderly and clean.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl This display window shows you the unique characteristics and personality that you will find in Dunedin, FL.
Celtic Shop of Dunedin
Gift Shop
354 Main Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Dunedin would not be the city it is today without its Celtic heritage, and what better place to find a little piece of Celtic heritage than the Celtic shop of Dunedin. The shop is right off of Main Street and the Pinellas Trial. The products in the shop represent traditional quality craftsmanship and Celtic heritage. Most of the merchandise is imported from Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. This could be considered a general store of Celtic products ranging from food to apparel.
My wife and I explored the store for a while and found some one-of-a-kind home decorations. We feel that this was another great store as the items are unique and difficult to find elsewhere, which makes for a more memorable experience. On a side note, every store we visited also seemed to have a children’s section, which to me says they promote families and community.
The Best Place to Shop for Books
Back in the Day Books
Book store
355 Main Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
You cannot have a nice holiday trip without a stop at the local bookstore. This bookstore is one that will not disappoint. The bookstore is clean, well-organized and has those lovely nooks and crannies that only a true bookstore has. My wife and I love books, and bookshops like this one make us feel right at home.
Furthermore, we found that there was a wide selection of books ranging from popular to some of the rarer books. They even have a robust children’s section for your new or growing family. This store is another tribute to the unique and hominess of Dunedin, FL.
PHOTO: Nina Gradwohl
The shelves are traditional warm wooden shelves that create a gentle ambience that is inviting and comforting.
PHOTO: Nina Gradwohl
The Children’s section is designed to promote reading with its numerous chairs spread out. It is also designed to create a calm ambience that encourages picking up a book and perusing through it while parents or other siblings are looking around.
Our House
Gift shop
475 Main Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Our House is another wonderful shop that has exceptional gifts. This store offers some of the larger home items such as lamps, rugs, and even outdoor garden ornaments. Luckily, we are maxed out at our home on the large items, or we would have found ourselves decorating our home. They also have clothing, purses, and other apparel for women. This is great in case you forget to bring enough clothes for your trip. Furthermore, they have locally made jewelry and necklaces, which also make great souvenirs.
PHOTO: Nina Gradwohl
In addition, to the home décor they also offer candles and diffusers to give that added tropical vibe right in your own home. Furthermore, they have a nice selection of artwork that would go beautifully in any home and serve as another reminder of your travels.
Conclusion
Well, those are the best shops in Dunedin, FL. The above-mentioned shops are ones that we personally visited and feel that the quality of their products, ambience and environment would be conducive to a mindful traveler bringing joy to your trip. Every vacation allows us the opportunity to engage in some sort of shopping for keepsakes, reminders, and other items of interest to bring home with us and build upon our family’s memories over the years. In addition to great shops, there are a lot of wonderful parks in Dunedin to visit along with many great restaurants. So, with that being said, Enjoy your journey and be mindful in this quaint city on the Gulf of Mexico.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Copyright (2024-2025) TravelingMindfully All Rights Reserved
Where to Eat Breakfast, Find a Baked Pretzel and Enjoy Gelatin
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Dunedin is an adorable town on the Gulf of Mexico. What makes Dunedin such a unique place is its small-town feel, which is emulated throughout the restaurant culture. Furthermore, the town is easily navigated by foot, providing you with access to all the great restaurants and treat shops that dot the landscape.
What I found to be of interest was how unique the dining options were. Many of the restaurants and shops follow the culture by offering a wide assortment of places to eat and places to find a tasty treat. Usually, coastal towns offer your typical margarita and fried seafood or grilled burger. Not saying that we all do not love a nice grilled burger, but getting more than what is expected is most certainly a treat. This is where Dunedin takes it a step further and gives us a taste of its culture despite its proximity to the beach and the usual beach cuisine.
The following article will guide you in finding some of these unique but delicious places that will give you a more mindful approach to eating in Dunedin, FL.
BestBreakfast
Sandpiper
833 Douglas Avenue
Best Breakfast
PHOTO:Christopher Gradwohl Sandpiper restaurant
The Sandpiper Café is one of the highest rated restaurants in Dunedin, FL. They have the best breakfast in town and offer a beautiful cozy setting to dine in. The Sandpiper opened in 2015 and has been a staple in the Dunedin community ever since. In addition to providing a great meal they also roast their own coffee. This onsite roasting gives the café a distinct authentic feel that will delight any traveler. The following are the breakfast items that we tried during our visit.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl House Skillet
House Skillet – A delicious breakfast skillet that consists of potatoes, tavern ham, red onions, red peppers, Colby Jack cheese, sour cream, that is then topped with a fried egg and sprinkled with scallions. This breakfast skillet has all your favorite makings for the perfect combination of breakfast flavors. I really enjoyed this breakfast selection, especially when paired with hot chocolate.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Veggie Skillet
Veggie Skillet – My wife ordered the veggie skillet and thoroughly enjoyed it. This skillet consists of mushrooms, spinach, Pico de Gallo, red peppers, sour cream, and red onions. It is also topped with a fried egg. My wife ended up pairing her meal with a hot chocolate as well, which was perfect on a cooler morning.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate – This delicious beverage was a warm welcome to a chilly morning. The hot chocolate was served in a coffee mug with steamed milk and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Delicious! Normally, we would have ordered a specialty latte or coffee drink but since we are pregnant, we wanted to limit the caffeine intake for our little bun in the oven. However, we look forward to trying some of their coffee options after our little bundle of joy is born.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Outdoor Seating
If the weather is right, the Sandpiper has outdoor seating that is tucked away on the side and behind the restaurant. They have umbrellas and large oak trees to provide shade for their patrons. This is a nice option as you can enjoy Florida’s lovely weather while you enjoy your meal.
Best Pretzel
Lane’s Lemonade
349 Main Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Lane’s Lemonade Restaurant
My wife and I love a good pretzel, and we were ecstatic when we stumbled upon Lane’s Lemonade while strolling through the downtown of Dunedin. At first glance you may think you are looking at a box car that should be a part of a train, but it is actually a restaurant. This is a unique twist on an outdoor restaurant that serves cold beverages, ice cream, and pretzels. Lane’s Lemonade is located on the Pinellas Trail and the corner of Main Street in downtown Dunedin.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Lane’s original Lemonade
We had the pleasure of trying various beverages and treats from Lane’s Lemonade, and we found them all to be exquisite. For instance, there is the famous Lane’s Lemonade, which is a refreshing cold beverage that consists of hand squeezed lemons. All their beverages are made using fresh squeezed citrus that is locally sourced from Orlando. The lemonade is a great refreshment for a warm day and it pairs nicely with a warm baked pretzel.
Lane’s Lemonade is not only known for its delicious and refreshing lemonade but also their pretzels. Lane’s Lemonade pretzels are vegan and they are locally sourced with unbleached flour. The pretzel dough is made by a local Romanian family in Largo, FL that has passed the recipe down from generations. Best of all, the pretzels are made fresh daily.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Lanes Lemonade pretzels
One cannot go to Lane’s Lemonade and not enjoy their famous and amazing pretzels. The pretzels are offered in three types of flavors such as salt, cinnamon and sesame. They are a delightful hand rolled pretzel, served warm with a side of mustard, cheese sauce or frosting. I would have to say that my favorite was the sesame pretzel, while my wife preferred her good old original salt pretzel. However, we both also enjoyed the cinnamon pretzel, especially on a cooler day because it reminded us of an autumn day.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Salt Pretzel
In addition to their pretzels, there are several other menu items worth noting. My wife and I enjoyed the following items:
Arnold Palmer lemonade – A perfect union of fresh brewed iced tea and the famous freshly squeezed Lane’s original lemonade mixed to perfection.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Lavender Lemonade
Lavender lemonade (the owner’s and my wife’s favorite) – This delicious beverage is a mixture of lavender flavors and Lane’s own lemonade. Not only does it taste great, but it also looks just as delicious. A definite rare twist to an already refreshing beverage.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Vanilla-Orange Swirl
The orange vanilla swirl soft serve ice cream is the perfect refreshing treat for a warm day. This delicious soft serve had a creamy texture with a real citrus flavored orange taste. The infusion of vanilla and orange was absolutely amazing and an item that we would try again and again. It is served in a cone or cup.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Swedish Coffee
The Swedish Coffee is an ice coffee drink with a splash of lemonade. This was my favorite because it was very refreshing but also gave me a little kick from the coffee. This would be a perfect pick-me-up while walking around town. In case you do not see this item on the menu, most definitely ask for it while placing an order, as it may not always be listed on the menu.
The following are a few of the Seasonal items:
Strawberry shortcake (when strawberries are in season)
Apple crisp (a fall treat)
Graveyard Sundae (around Halloween)
Valentine’s Day pretzels (heart shaped pretzels and available during the month of February)
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Lane’s Lemonade Patio
Patio Seating
Lane’s Lemonade offers a cozy patio to its patrons. This charming patio is fenced in and sits right off the Pinellas Trail. This is nice because it is one of the few patios that is not right on a street, so it provides more of a quiet and intimate dining experience.
To sum it up, Lane’s Lemonade is a great place for a quick snack and refreshing beverage while you are enjoying the quaint and cozy Dunedin downtown excursion. We highly recommend visiting Lane’s Lemonade when you are in town. This is a one-of-a-kind establishment that serves quality and delicious items.
Best Popcorn
Harleys Gourmet Popcorn & Cider
316 Main Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Harley’s Gourmet Popcorn & Cider Shoppe
If you are in the mood for a treat that you and your children will love, then make a stop at Harley’s Gourmet Popcorn and Cider. Harley’s is located on Main Street and easily accessible by walking. As soon as you walk in you will be immediately met with a warm aroma of flavors that will instantly transport you to a quaint New England town in the autumn months. This is because the popcorn is made on site daily. So, the warm aroma of popcorn will permeate your senses when you walk by or peruse through the shop. The pleasant smell of popcorn was what pulled us into this little gem on our walk down Main Street.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Harley’s Gourmet Popcorn & Cider Display
This shop has a very unique approach to popcorn, and they make a wide assortment of flavors that you have most likely never even conceived of. Although small, the shop is cozy, warm and extremely inviting. The staff is upbeat and friendly and always offering samples to try. This is great as they have 50 flavors of popcorn to choose from.
They offer different sized bags depending on your consumption needs. Best of all, the bags are easily resealable in case you want to save it for later. This could include the hotel room for that nightly movie with the sounds of the waves caressing the shore in the background or the car ride to your next destination.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Some of our favorites that we tried were The Cider Donut and Salted Caramel.
Cider donut – as the name implies, the popcorn tastes like an actual cider donut and is absolutely delicious. The popcorn is dusted with spiced apple cider powder and tastes amazing. This is the perfect treat for those long days at the beach.
Classic Caramel – a classic old fashion flavor that tastes great with rich buttery caramel and a dash of flaked sea salt added to every popcorn bite. The texture is perfect with the right amount of crunch and soft chewy popcorn in the middle. This is a true classic for a reason. It is delicious!
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Harley’s Gourmet Popcorn & Cider Counter
Harley’s Popcorn and Cider is a great place to entice the kids for a treat while you shop and look around. You could grab a couple of bags and have them munch while you look at some of the unique shops that line the streets of Dunedin. I know I can’t wait to revisit and try some of their other flavors.
Best Gelatin
Gelato Caffé
350 Main Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Gelato Caffe Storefront
If you are in the mood for a cold treat, then Gelato Caffe is the place for you. In addition to their gelatin, they offer a wide selection of treats. Furthermore, the Café is clean and the staff is pleasant and attentive.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Gelato flavors
As the store name implies, they offer some of the best Gelatin in the area. The store has a wide variety of flavors. As you can see many of them are citrus flavors such as mango, lemon and raspberry.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Raspberry Gelatin
My wife’s favorite was the Raspberry Gelatin, which was served in a cup with a chocolate wafer. This delectable gelatin was delicious and had an authentic raspberry flavor to it. The wafer was crisp and had a nice crunch and flavor that accompanied the gelatin well.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Truffle Display Case
The Gelato Caffé also has a nice selection of Truffles with a great assortment of flavors. The truffles are well made and are quite sweet, so pace yourself. The truffles are filled with an authentic cream flavor that makes every bite savory. We definitely recommend taking a box with you, as these would be a delicious after-dinner dessert in your hotel room.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Other Unique Treats Display Case
Aside from truffles and gelatin, they also offer other desserts such as fruit flavored slices that resemble the various indigenous tropical citrus fruits that Florida has to offer, as well as other delectable cookies and treats.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Armston Park Water Fountain
Conclusion
So there you have it, our favorite place to eat breakfast, have a mid-afternoon pretzel snack with a refreshing beverage, and a place for popcorn and gelatin. We hope you enjoy these places as much as we did. We feel the quality, service and flavor profile are of exceptional nature and that is why we recommend them to you. Enjoy and don’t forget to Travel Mindfully.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Also please join our Facebook Group Traveling Mindfully throughout Florida and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Copyright (2024 -2025) TravelingMindfully All Rights Reserved
