I don’t know if I’ve ever told you this, but Ben and I seriously considered moving to Dunedin. It’s one of my favorites cities in Tampa Bay. The downtown area is always a go to of mine because its packed with breweries, restaurants, and local storefronts. Dunedin’s Main Street strip is extremely walkable. It’s also super dog friendly which is fantastic for visits when we tote Nash along. Dun Dun is truly a city after my own brunch lovin’, sour beer sippin’, pup huggin’ heart.
Earlier this year I had a unique opportunity to visit the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin to attend one of their Toast & Taoist Tai Chi events. From that point on, I was instantly enamored with the Fenway. It gave me a nostalgic feeling that to this day I really can’t describe. It could have been the historic feel, the jazzy nods to the Fenway’s musical history (it was home to the county’s first radio station), or just the fact that it was located in one of my favorite cities. Whatever the reason, I knew that Ben and I had to stay there at some point.
Fast forward to December and my wish finally came true earlier this month! I was elated to have the opportunity to work with the Fenway Hotel for a one night stay at their property. Paired with a visit to downtown Dunedin, Ben and I had ourselves a perfect mini weekend getaway.
Upon check in at the Fenway, Ben and I were greeted at the front desk with smiling faces and Kir Royales (a refreshing champagne cocktail). It was then that I knew that this hotel was speaking my language. Our room was located on the first floor and was easily accessible. Natural light poured into the space from the large windows. On the side table we noticed an Amazon Alexa to use for any needs during our stay. A third roomie? Kind of, but more like a built in room service assistant.
We were sure to grab a spot for sunset on Saturday evening at Hi-Fi, the Fenway’s rooftop bar. It was POPPIN’ and rightfully so. The sunset views from Hi-Fi’s patio are pretty stellar. I sipped on a Tropical Heatwave, while Ben enjoyed a Cool Cat. Yellow, blue, and orange rays danced in the sky as the sun sank into the bay. It was quite a view to drink in.
Shortly after sunset we went back to our room to get ready for dinner. The Fenway Hotel is about a fifteen minute walk away from Dunedin’s main strip. With the weather being so nice, Ben and I decided to hoof it to downtown.
Mexican food sounded good for dinner, so we hit Casa Tina first. It’s a great spot on the strip if you’re in the mood for chips, salsa, and margaritas. I’m also a BIG fan of Casa Tina’s enchiladas verdes.
After dinner, Ben and I walked to Sonder Social Club. I like to think of Sonder as the craft cocktail bar that Dunedin NEEDED. While I love visiting the breweries that line the streets of downtown, I love enjoying a perfectly crafted cocktail creation just a little more.
Our night ended with dessert at one of favorite ice cream spots: Strachan’s. It’s a Dunedin go-to among many and it sees Ben and I on many’o date nights. Good ole homemade ice cream – it’s hard to beat that.
Sunday approached which meant it was time for Ben and I to pack up our stuff. I considered asking Alexa to do it for me, but unfortunately she’s not quite there yet (Amazon, get on that update). Our only motivation for leaving our room that morning was brunch at HEW Parlor & Chophouse, the onsite restaurant at Fenway.
HEW offers fare that aims to please. They elevate ordinary dishes (think BLT, but with pork belly and slow roasted tomatoes rather than traditional bacon and a tomato slice). The restaurant itself beams with natural light from the large windows. HEW even offers bar top seating that gives visitors a front row view into their kitchen in case you’re looking for dinner and a cooking show.
The last time I visited HEW, I opted for their Tartine – a fantastic take on one of my favorite breakfast items: avocado toast. This time I sprung for the BLT (House Pork Belly, Slow Roasted Tomatoes, Arugula, Roasted Garlic & Lemon Mayonnaise), while Ben ordered HEW’s Chophouse Omelette (Shaved Ribeye, Fontina Cheese, Roasted Peppers, Crispy Shallot). Paired with The McQueen and The Flapper’s Fancy, two of HEW’s cocktails, it was brunch done right.
I absolutely loved having a chance to get a feel for all things Fenway during our overnight stay. The proximity to downtown Dunedin, the onsite offerings at Hi-Fi and HEW, topped off with the musical toned atmosphere secures this hotel as a must stay spot for when you visit the city of Dunedin.
If you’re interested in booking your own stay at Fenway, make sure to check out their “Seek the Weekend” promotion. From now through December 31st, guests will receive a 20% discount on overnight stays plus a $25 nightly hotel credit. You must book a stay from Thursday through Sunday (two-night minimum). Sounds like the perfect excuse to treat yourself and fit in one more staycation of 2019 if ya ask me.
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