5 Fun Things to Do in Dunedin

Located west of Tampa and under two hours from the Villages of Citrus Hills, Dunedin is a beach lover's paradise that also offers a unique version of that small-town Florida culture.

Because the entire area is stunningly beautiful, you won’t ever have to work very hard to find a perfect way to spend some time in Dunedin. But we can make your next day trip even easier by suggesting these five fun things to do in this amazing little town along the Gulf.

Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island State Parks

Caladesi Island State Park is one of the most popular destination for anyone visiting Dunedin, and all it takes is one quick look at this untouched island paradise to understand why so many people flock to this park.

The beautiful white sand beaches are the primary attraction here, and there is nothing wrong with planning to spend your entire visit kicking back with your feet in the water. In addition to the beaches, Caladesi Island State Park is also a fantastic spot for boating and fishing.

If you like spending time at Caladesi Island State Park, you will also want to be sure to check out its twin island to the north, Honeymoon Island State Park. This is another island park that boasts white sand beaches, outstanding fishing, and first-class boat launches.

In addition to the standard amenities, Honeymoon Island State Park also offers a three-mile trail that runs through the center of the island where you can catch glimpses of local wildlife like gopher tortoises, armadillos, eagles, and great horned owls.

Dunedin Fine Art Center

You don’t need a perfect day to enjoy Dunedin, and you can even have a blast there on a rainy day if you visit attractions like the Dunedin Fine Art Center. This local art center has been hosting classes and exhibits for more than 35 years now.

It can be fun to stop by at any time, but you will get the most out of your visit if you schedule it around a class to get your hands dirty with anything from clay pottery to drawing to digital arts.

Dunedin Histoy Museum

Another popular indoor attraction in Dunedin is the Dunedin History Museum. This small museum tells the story of Dunedin through a rich collection of historical artifacts and documents.

The museum is also the meeting place for the Downtown Dunedin Walking Tours, which are a fabulous way to get to know this fascinating little Florida town.

Pinellas Trail

Dunedin is also one of the mid-point stops on the Pinellas Trail, which is a rail trail that runs through Pinellas County from Tarpon Springs all the way down through St. Petersburg.

By starting your trail adventure in Dunedin, you have the option of heading in either direction on the 38-mile trail, which can take you to any of the other stops on the trail like Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Largo, Seminole, South Pasadena, or Gulfport.

No matter what attractions you might be planning to enjoy in Dunedin, you can also have a great pint before or after at one of the many local breweries. There is also plenty of great shopping at the Dunedin Downtown Market, so make sure you plan on spending some time there before heading back home.

February Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

Between Groundhog's Day, the Super Bowl, and Valentine's Day, the month of February is already filled with all kinds of exciting events, but we are adding even more fun to the mix this month here at the Villages of Citrus Hills.  

In addition to those standard holiday events, we are also filling up our calendar with all kinds of social events, competitive sports, and great dinner specials. Let's take a look at some of the biggest things happening around the community in the month of February.  

Social Events

If you have been thinking about getting involved in one of the many Activity Clubs that meet all over the Villages of Citrus Hills you will definitely want to attend the Activity Club Showcase in the Activity Center Auditorium on Sunday, February 3 starting at 1 pm. More than 50 of our most popular clubs will be set up there discussing the things that their members are passionate about.  

Lunch & Learn will be back on Tuesday, February 5 with Sabrina Watson talking about the basics of essential oils and how you can use them for health support, food flavoring, and aromatherapy. Lunch for this event will include a BLT with Avocado in a wrap and Potato Salad.  

The meal will be much more substantial when the Shabbat Dinner Club meets in the Garden Room on Friday, February 8 starting at 5:30 pm. This meal will feature Sliced Sirloin and Broiled Salmon along with Garden Salad, Parsley Steamed Red Bliss Potatoes, Glazed Baby Carrots, and Cake.  

The most hysterical dinner in February will almost certainly be the Comedy Dinner Show featuring Sonya White in the Hampton Room on Tuesday, February 12. Dinner for this event will include Boursin-Stuffed Chicken and Sliced Sirloin in Mushroom Sauce with a laugh-out-loud comedy show to follow.  

Mah Jongg players won't want to miss the Mah Jongg Madness Tournament in the Activity Center Card Room on the morning of Tuesday, February 19. Signups for this event are already open, and seating is limited to 13 tables of four.  

Tuesday, February 19 will also be the date for this month's Tasty Trivia Tuesday in the Hampton Room. The theme this month is "science" and the menu will include Pot Roast and Chicken Maryland.  

Golf & Tennis 

Golfers can celebrate Valentine's Day on Groundhog Day at the Citrus Hills Valentine's Open on Saturday, February 2. This fun tournament will kick off on The Meadows Course at 8:30 am and entries will include drinks and lunch.  

Following the Valentine's Open, the competition is instantly going to heat up with the Skyview Men's Senior, Super Senior, Legends, and Super Legends Tournament on February 4 and 5. That will then be followed by the 2019 Citrus Hills Men's Club Championship on February 14 and 15.  

Of course, if you aren't quite ready to be taking on the best golfers in our community, you might want to think about joining the "Newbie" Nine-Hole Golf League that plays every Thursday or attending one of PGA Teaching Professional Mary Slinkard's Free Golf Clinics this month.  

Anyone looking to get involved in the Skyview Tennis Center community this month can learn more about everything that happens there by participating in the Free Beginner Tennis Clinic on Tuesday, February 12 at 11 am. You don't even need to own a racket in order to come play! 

Dinner Specials 

The dinner specials are going to revolve around the major holidays this month, and that is going to start off with the Groundhog Day Specials running all day at Skyview Restaurant on Saturday, February 2. If the groundhog sees his shadow, the special will be 2 for 1 drinks. And if he doesn't see his shadow, all bar menu appetizers will be buy one, get one half off! 

Things will be even wilder at the Tiki Bar this weekend as they host their annual Super Bowl Party on Sunday, February 3. They'll have the big game on all of their TVs and are planning a fun tailgate menu that they will be serving from 3 pm to 8 pm.  

If you are looking for a special meal on Valentine's Day, you will have plenty of options to choose from between Skyview Restaurant and The Grille. Skyview Restaurant will be serving an elegant meal for two that will be accompanied by live jazz music, and The Grille is planning a fancy a la carte menu with live entertainment by Jack Dempsey.  

BellaVita Spa 

Still looking for more ways to fill up your February calendar? Make sure that you find time to stop by BellaVita Spa for the Facial Spa Special and the February Bouquet Massage that they are going to be featuring this month.  

Between all of the fun social events, the competitive golf tournaments, and the holiday-themed dinner specials, this is going to be a busy month here at the Villages of Citrus Hills. We can’t wait to see you enjoying these activities and events!

February Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

It feels like every month flies by as we enjoy life here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, and the month of February is the shortest one of them all. So, if you thought that January came and went quickly this year, don't blink or you might miss February altogether.

Despite that, the great people at the Activity Center still have lots of exciting activities and events planned for us. Let's take a quick look at some of the ones that you are going to want to make sure to put on your calendar.

Social Events

The 2018 Show Series is in full swing this month. You can catch a comedy performance from Lucas Bohn on Tuesday, February 6 and a spectacular concert from Lou Christie on Thursday, February 8.

Then, later in the month, you can catch Bertie Higgins on Tuesday, February 13 and The Grass Roots on Thursday, February 22.

The regular Shabbat Dinner will be held in the Garden Room on Friday, February 23. This month, the menu will feature Baked Haddock or Chicken Piccata paired with a Tossed Salad, Glazed Baby Carrots, Oven-Roasted Potatoes, and Challah Bread.

The big party that everyone is going to be talking about is the Sock Hop scheduled to happen at the end of the month on Wednesday, February 28 in the Hampton Room. Rocky & the Rollers will be performing live music for a night of fun and dancing, and anyone heading to the party can get 10% off of a dinner entree at The Grille that evening.

Hockey fans looking to plan ahead will want to take note that The Vacationers Club is planning a trip to see the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, March 6. You can get more information and purchase tickets at the Activity Center.

Art & Education

Anyone wanting to learn more about all of the different clubs that exist throughout our community is encouraged to attend the Activity Club Showcase in the Activity Center Auditorium on Sunday, February 11 from 1-4 pm. There will be more than 50 of our clubs represented at the event, which makes it the perfect opportunity for you to get more information about the ones you have been thinking about joining!

Lunch & Learn is back on Monday, February 26 with a fascinating guest in Lisa Didier, who will be discussing "The History of Forensic Science." In addition to a great speaker, this event will also feature Harvest Chicken Salads for lunch.

Golf & Tennis

The Oaks course will be celebrating the month of February in the right way with a Valentine's Mixer event scheduled for Saturday, February 3.

That event will be the perfect warm-up for the Men's Senior, Super Senior, Legends, and Super Legends Club Championship at Skyview on February 5 and 6. And that major golf event will be followed by the 2018 Citrus Hills Men's Club Championship on February 15 and 16.

If you are looking for a more casual golfing environment, you might want to check out the "Newbie" Nine-Hole Golf League. This crew meets on The Meadows course every Thursday afternoon at 3 pm, and golfers of all skill levels are welcome.

In addition to practicing your game in the "Newbie" Nine-Hole Golf League, you can also participate in the Free Golf Clinics with Mary Slinkard. She will be helping beginners on February 5, 6, and 7. Then she will be back to work with intermediate golfers on February 13, 20, and 27.

There will be a Free Beginner Tennis Clinic at the Skyview Tennis Center on February 13 at 11 am. This could be a great time to get into tennis because there is a big Spring Break Round Robin planned for early March.

Dinner Specials

Valentine's Day is the biggest holiday of the month, and Skyview will be celebrating with a romantic meal for two on Wednesday, February 14. There will also be a delicious a la carte menu for those wanting to celebrate Valentine's Day at The Grille.

The other big day this month is the Super Bowl, which is happening on Sunday, February 4. The Tiki Bar is definitely the place to be for the big game, and they are going to be having all kinds of fun along with a fantastic tailgate menu.

In addition to all of the big holiday meals, Skyview will be hosting a Shrimp Fest Buffet on Tuesday, February 6. Then they will be bringing us a Taste of New Orleans on Tuesday, February 20 and a Turkey Buffet on Thursday, February 22.

BellaVita Spa

And don’t forget to save time for yourself at BellaVita Spa this month.

Take advantage of the February specials like the Rose Petal Facial and the Exotic Mango Ultimate Spa Pedicure.

Just make sure you don't put it off too long because this month is going to go fast!

5 Romantic Ideas for Valentine's Day near the Villages of Citrus Hills

The most romantic day of the year is right around the corner, and if you don’t already have something planned for your significant other, you are already behind the eight ball. But don’t worry, because we have got you covered with some of the best local and not-so-local options for a romantic dinner out on the town.

Vintage on 5th, Crystal River

If you are looking to stay local and have a romantic meal, Vintage on 5th in Crystal River is going to be one of the top options on your list. This former church building has been completely renovated into a warm and inviting restaurant. And on top of the wonderful ambiance, you will also find some truly fantastic meals here.

The main focus of the menu is fresh fish and hand-cut beef, so you are going to have plenty of choices from both land and sea. There is also a delicious list of side dishes like fried green tomatoes. And in the event, that you don’t want to go all out with a formal meal, you could also opt to hang at the wine bar and order from their awesome tapas menu.

Katch Twenty Two, Lecanto

Another great new restaurant that is also close to home is Katch Twenty Two, located in Lecanto. Chef Richard Wiggins has only been operating here since 2016, but he brings with him a lifetime of experience making some of the most delicious cuisine.

Seafood is the name of the game at Katch Twenty Two, and Chef Richard puts his own unique twists on a wide range of a constantly evolving menu. No matter what you order here, you are sure to get a flavor experience that you will not soon forget.

Motor City Pasta Company, Inverness

For some couples, the only requirements for a romantic Valentine’s Day celebration is a large margherita pizza, a bottle of wine, and a great movie. If that sounds like you, then you probably already have a few bottles of wine and a Netflix subscription, so all that’s missing is a great pizza.

Located right up the road in Inverness, Motor City Pasta Company is one of the best spots for pizza in all of Citrus County, and it is close enough to the Villages of Citrus Hills that you can pick up your pie and make it home before it cools off.

La Cuisine French Restaurant, Ocala

Part of the romantic experience of a fabulous dinner date is the conversations that you will have with your partner on the way to and from the restaurant. If you would like to allow plenty of time for those conversations to percolate, a venture out to Ocala is the perfect choice, and La Cuisine French Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in town.

If you are craving a classic French dish like Duck à l'orange, you can definitely find that on Chef Patrice Perron’s menu. But there is also Hand Cut Beef Filet and Breaded Grouper on the menu.

Cuvee 103, Clearwater

Nothing says romance quite like an overnight trip to a coastal town, and if you are planning a trip like that, Cuvee 103 in Clearwater is the perfect place to make dinner reservations for that special evening.

They are running a great three course prix fix menu for Valentine’s Day that is sure to delight your taste buds, ranging from duck breast and Chilean sea bass to surf ’n turf and lobster-stuffed beef tenderloin.

Whether you are looking for something close to home or an overnight trip complete with a romantic dinner, there are more than a few fantastic choices surrounding the Villages of Citrus Hills.

In addition to all of the great restaurants surrounding our community, keep in mind that both Skyview Restaurant and The Grille are also planning fabulous menus for your Valentine’s Day celebration.