After arriving at the Tampa International Airport, we make a run to lay in supplies and grab a bite to eat. Since it’s bad to shop on an empty stomach, we decide to stop at Bonefish Grill for a light supper. After eating our fill, we next make a stop at Publix! Publix is a grocery store that carries anything you might need for a great Birthday Week! Mr. Karnes (Me) has a great idea and orders the alcohol for the week from Total Wine. (We all know he loves that store! ) Total Wine uses Door Dash to deliver alcohol around the Tampa-Clearwater area. It really was a great idea for two reasons. 1-It saved us a ton of time because traffic was crazy! 2- I am sure we spent less, because we were not in the store looking at everything and making “extra” purchases because it was such a “good deal”! LOL
The first full day of our Birthday Adventures in Florida have begun! It’s Rick’s special day and he wants to ride the Jolley Trolley around Dunedin, Florida and Clearwater, Florida and celebrate! We all board the Jolley Trolley just outside the condo and take off on Rick’s special Birthday Adventure!
First Stop- The Bait House-
Welcome to “The Port of Happiness” [ Established 1940 ]
Open since the 1940s, the Bait House Tackle & Tavern is located in the Marina on beautiful Clearwater Beach. They offer the freshest fish, highest quality tackle and gear, and some of the best food in the area.
The daily menu features locally caught seafood with an assortment of beer and wine. It was fun to have a drink on the open-air dock and soak in the sea breeze; watch charter boats come in with their “catch of the day;”
and enjoy some of the world-famous Drunken Shrimp with a locally-crafted beer. I even got to feed some pesky and hungry pelicans during our visit.
Back on the Jolley Trolley we head toward Dunedin, Florida for our next stop!
Stop #2- Crown and Bull- Dunedin, Florida
Relax – the Bait House is the “Authentic Florida” you’ve been searching for!
Crown & Bull is a modern American restaurant in downtown Dunedin. The Owner, Dion Falzon, with collaboration from his chef, brother Christopher Falzon, and lifelong friend and industry veteran Michael Palazollo, they are updating and reinventing this legendary Dunedin landmark which has been in existence for 29 years.
Crown & Bull delivers a cool, unique experience to guests. An updated menu of Florida grass fed steaks, locally inspired seafood dishes, craft cocktails and beers, and an extensive wine list are all accompanied by genuine hospitality.
With “Good Vibes Only” this place is a great second stop! I decide to have the “All Razzed Up” martini and Mr. Karnes and I share a falafel plate and some Gochujang Wings. Both were delicious! If you are ever in Dunedin and looking for a great spot to eat, this is it!
Stop #3- The Rusty Lion- Dunedin, Florida
This establishment opened in Fall 2018 with the name “The Rusty Lyon” rooting from the names of our owners; Russel Latimer & Tom Lyons. Starting as an idea of becoming a sports-oriented Bourbon & Burger bar, they have become a hotspot for Downtown Dunedin locals
and newcomers.(aka: OUR BUNCH!) You should check out the Rooftop Bar, Craft Cocktails and Fun Food Specialties! The “Bucket of Bacon” and the “French Fry Sampler” quickly became our favorites! And we haven’t even mentioned the rooftop bar is amazing! Especially at sunset!
Stop #4- Hogan’s Hangout- Clearwater Beach, Florida
Come in off of Clearwater beach and enjoy the best beach eats and drinks, brother. Enjoy two floors of the coolest destination on the beach. They offer an extensive menu with something for everyone and drinks you will never forget. They had live music and we enjoyed a Strawberry Mojito and a Gin and Tonic as a night cap.
Stop #5- Clearsky- Clearwater Beach, Florida
Located just a half block from beautiful Clearwater beach, this cafe is locally known for having gourmet food without the gourmet prices. Featuring flavors from around the world you can find samples of Mexican, Asian, Italian, French and Classic American dishes.
We were going to stop here for dessert but even at 11:00 they were packed. We did get Rick’s last Birthday photo here. He and Teresa sat in the “Big” beach “Chair” and kicked their feet (A nod to Lilly Tomlin and Laugh In).
It is now after 11:00p.m. and the Jolley Trolley has stopped running!!! We need to find a way home and we are not able to find an Uber. We are about 3 miles from the condo so we start to walk. Along the way we see an “Autonomous” van. Again it has stopped for the evening so we are not able to get a ride, bummer!!!
We do finally find an Uber and are able to squeeze seven people in!!!
It was a fun Birthday Adventure, and not one any of us will soon forget!
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