It is one thing to know your town is special. It is another to see it in print—on a national stage.

Southern Living recently published a feature on Dunedin, calling it an “under-the-radar Florida town” and “Florida’s hidden jewel.” The piece paints a picture of a place that feels untouched by the typical Florida tourist crowds—a town where wildlife outnumbers people on nearby islands, where bluegrass floats from breweries, and where the past is painted on the walls.

What They Noticed

The magazine highlighted several threads that make Dunedin distinct:

The Vibe

“Colorful storefronts, unspoiled beaches, and a friendly vibe make this under-the-radar beach town worth a stay.“

The Music

At Woodwright Brewing Company, the article describes fiddles mingling with mandolins and banjos in a bluegrass style that is “well orchestrated without feeling a bit rehearsed.“

The Trail

The 54-mile Pinellas Trail weaves through downtown, offering cyclists and walkers a path lined with breweries, shops, and restaurants.

The History

Scottish flags. Annual Celtic celebrations. Sun-weathered orange graffiti flanking doorways—a nod to the area’s citrus-growing roots.

The Islands

Just across the Dunedin Causeway, Honeymoon Island offers unspoiled shores. Nearby Caladesi Island State Park, accessible only by boat, is described as having an “intoxicating isolation.“

Local Spots That Got a Shout-Out

Southern Living name-dropped several Dunedin favorites:

Restaurants & Eateries

• Eli’s Bar B Que – Open only Fridays and Saturdays, where founder Eric greets nearly every guest by name
• Olde Bay Café
• The Living Room
• Bon Appétit Restaurant
• Casa Tina’s
• The Honu Restaurant
• Sonder Social Club

Coffee & Sweets

• The Wild Iris Café (with its oak-lined patio)
• Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts

Books & Stays

• Back in the Day Books
• The Fenway Hotel, including its Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar

A Perfect Day, According to Southern Living

The magazine paints a picture of a day in Dunedin that starts with coffee on a patio, moves to the Pinellas Trail, pauses for barbecue, and ends with a rooftop drink as the sun sets over the water.

It is a rhythm locals know well—and now, the rest of the country does too.

A Personal Note

Reading the article, I kept nodding along. Yes, the orange graffiti. Yes, the bluegrass at Woodwright. Yes, Eli’s on a Friday afternoon.

It is one thing to feel proud of your town. It is another to see that feeling reflected back by one of the South’s most respected publications.

Dunedin has been discovered. But the article gets it right: this is not the typical Florida tourist spot. And we would not have it any other way.

Read the Full Article

You can read Southern Living’s feature here:

This Under-The-Radar Florida Town Has Easy Access To Honeymoon Island—Without The Crowds

💬 What’s Your Favorite Spot?

The article mentioned many beloved local businesses. But we know there are more. Drop a comment and tell us: What Dunedin spot do you think everyone should know about?