Another Glorious Morning on Anna Maria Island
As sure as the Florida sun rises over the Gulf, I slept like a baby on day nine of our adventure. Perhaps it’s the sea air, perhaps it’s the mattress, or perhaps it’s just the peace of knowing there’s nowhere to be but here. Either way, I was out cold through the night and, true to form, woke up feeling as fresh as a daisy at 07:30. I faffed around for a bit before finally clambering out of bed at 08:00. When I stumbled into the kitchen, bleary-eyed and in search of caffeine, I found Helen — the ever-dependable early bird — already up and about.
Coffee, Catch-Ups and Cream Cheese
We kicked off the morning as any civilised Brit abroad should: with a proper coffee and a brief scroll through the news, probably pretending to be more interested in current events than we actually were. The headlines were dismal (as usual), but the coffee was strong and the company delightful. Brian made a brief appearance after Helen and I had properly caffeinated ourselves, followed shortly after by Michele — my partner-in-crime and fellow wanderlust enthusiast. The full gang was slowly assembling like a slightly dysfunctional breakfast club.
Breakfast was delightfully low-maintenance: toasted bagels slathered in cream cheese, washed down with more coffee. Sometimes you just don’t need the bells and whistles — especially not when you’ve got plans to trot off somewhere new and exciting.
Plans Afoot: A Tip from Kevin
Today’s itinerary was formed thanks to a tip from a colleague — Kevin, a seasoned Floridian who’d waxed lyrical about a charming little town called Dunedin (pronounced duh-NEE-din for those not in the know, not to be confused with its Scottish cousin). Kevin and his wife were absolutely smitten with the place, and he insisted we check it out.
So, with Helen and Brian opting for a slow, local day of leisure (read: no wild adventures), Michele and I seized the opportunity for a cheeky road trip north. We packed up, plotted a rough route on the map, and hit the road, ready to uncover whatever treasures Dunedin might offer.
Discovering Dunedin: A Delightful Detour
Right off the bat, Dunedin had a different vibe compared to the sleepy serenity of Venice, Florida (where we’d meandered previously). It was immediately evident that Dunedin was a touch livelier — you know, the sort of place where people wear hats that aren’t just for sun protection but also for a fashion statement. The average age here was noticeably younger, hovering somewhere around 50, which in Florida years is practically adolescent.
We spent a couple of wonderfully leisurely hours strolling the streets, soaking up the sights, the sounds, and the occasional smell of kettle corn drifting from market stalls. There was a pop-up market right in the heart of downtown, brimming with local arts, crafts, questionable jewellery, organic soaps, and at least three different varieties of hot sauce. It was quintessential small-town Florida — charming, eccentric, and a little bit sticky.
A Toast to Kevin
As we wandered, we couldn’t help but reflect on how spot-on Kevin’s recommendation was. Dunedin had that effortless charm — a blend of laid-back beach town with just enough hustle to keep things interesting. Sadly, our adventure was tinged with a bit of melancholy. You see, we received news just a few days after Kevin suggested the visit that he had passed away unexpectedly.
So, there we were, two slightly sunburned Brits in Dunedin, raising metaphorical glasses to a man who knew good travel tips when he saw them. Rest in peace, Kevin — and thank you for steering us in the right direction. You were spot on, mate.
The Return Leg & A Bargain at the Pump
After our fill of sunshine and street stalls, we reluctantly waved goodbye to Dunedin and pointed our car southwards back to Anna Maria Island. But not before a quick detour that made Michele and me feel like absolute winners in the adulting Olympics — a pit stop at Costco.
Now, if you’ve never had the joy of filling up your tank at a Florida Costco, allow me to set the scene: massive pumps, zero queues, and prices that make you do a double-take. We managed to fill our rental beast with 17 US gallons for just $50. That’s not a typo. Fifty. Dollars. Total. Michele and I stood there like giddy schoolchildren who’d just discovered the secrets of the universe. Cheap, cheap, cheap — and probably the highlight of our afternoon, if we’re being honest.
Dinner Plans & Designated Drivers
Back at the condo, we regrouped with Helen and Brian for our traditional afternoon catch-up. The topic du jour? Dinner, of course. After some back-and-forth and perhaps a bit more deliberation than strictly necessary, we decided to do what we do best — eat out. Again.
Helen gallantly volunteered to drive so that I could enjoy a cheeky beer (or two) with Brian. An unsung hero, that Helen. The restaurant was lively but not chaotic, and our server had that blend of sass and Southern charm that makes you feel like an old friend rather than just another table number.
The food? Delightful. The drinks? Refreshing. The company? Top notch, as always. By this point in the trip, we’d become a well-oiled dining machine — we knew each other’s quirks, preferences, and unspoken rules (like how Michele always claims she’s too full for dessert but inevitably has three spoonfuls of mine).
Sunset Serenity on the Beach
After our meal, rather than heading straight home and slipping into food comas, we made the most of yet another balmy Florida evening. We wandered down to the beach — bellies full, spirits high — and parked ourselves on the sand for the main event: sunset.
There’s something almost spiritual about Florida sunsets. They don’t rush. They stretch. They dazzle. And they pause, just long enough for you to feel like the universe has carved out a moment just for you. We sat there, toes in the sand, watching the sun slowly melt into the Gulf of Mexico, painting the sky in strokes of amber, coral, and lavender.
There was very little talking. Just the occasional sigh, maybe a quiet “wow”, and the rustle of the sea breeze through Michele’s curls. It was the perfect punctuation mark at the end of a splendid day.
Reflections on Day Nine
If today had a theme, it was this: take the tip, chase the whim, and never underestimate the joy of a cheap tank of petrol. Dunedin turned out to be a gem, a place where memories were made, a friend remembered, and our inner bargain-hunters thoroughly satisfied.
We may have started with humble bagels and a lazy morning, but by the time the day drew to a close, we’d covered new ground, shared new laughs, and once again found ourselves utterly enchanted by Florida’s quirky charm.
Tomorrow promises who-knows-what, but for now, we’re signing off with sand between our toes and gratitude in our hearts.
