Fort Meyer’s and Tampa: June 14-21 2025

June 14–15: A Rocky Redeye Start ✈️🌙

For this trip, we had another redeye flight, departing around 9:45 PM. We arrived at the airport, breezed through security, and made it to the gate without any issues. This time, we decided to splurge on the large front-row seats, hoping the extra space would make it easier to get some sleep on the flight.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go quite as smoothly as planned. After we pushed back from the gate, we ended up sitting parked on the tarmac for about an hour due to a series of technical issues — including a faulty call light, one of the passenger seats, and even a smoke detector.

At first, the crew tried rebooting the system, but when that didn’t work, we were brought back to the gate so maintenance could take a closer look. Thankfully, the mechanics didn’t seem overly concerned and were able to reset everything quickly.

About two hours later than scheduled, we finally taxied out, hit the runway, and took off into the night sky. Not exactly the restful start we were hoping for, but at least we were on our way.

Arrival in Tampa & Breakfast at Himes Restaurant 🍳🚗

We finally landed in Tampa, about two hours later than scheduled, but luckily our suitcases came out quickly. From there, we hopped on the airport train to the rental car center, where we picked up a hybrid vehicle from Thrifty Rent-A-Car. The entire process was quick and hassle-free — which was a relief after a long redeye and an even longer delay.

By this point, we were starving since we hadn’t eaten in several hours, so we started searching for a nearby breakfast spot. We ended up at Himes Restaurant, about a 15-minute drive from the airport. Since it was Sunday — and also Father’s Day — the place was packed, and we were warned there’d be about a 20-minute wait. Luckily, we were seated in just 8 minutes.

The menu offered classic breakfast fare — nothing fancy, but the food was good and satisfying, which was exactly what we needed. The service was incredibly fast, with our meals arriving in under 10 minutes after ordering. The only drawback was the noise level inside. With minimal soundproofing, everything echoed, making the atmosphere pretty loud, but overall, it was a solid stop to refuel and reset before starting the day.

De Soto Fort Park 🏖️⚓

After breakfast, we started making our way toward Fort Myers, with our first stop at De Soto Fort Park. Entry to the park is free, though parking costs about $6, which can be paid by app, text, online, or at a pay station — super convenient no matter your preference.

The park is a blend of history and natural beauty, featuring an old fort dating back to the Spanish-American War. It’s located right by the beach and has a small gift shop with a snack bar — perfect if you want to grab a quick drink before heading out to explore. Several boardwalks connect the fort area to the shoreline, making it easy to wander between the sites.

We spent some time exploring the fort itself, where several large mortars are still on display, giving a glimpse into the area’s military past. From there, we made our way down to the beach, where we discovered the remnants of Battery Bigelow — a historic landmark that was partially destroyed by a hurricane and has since been partly reclaimed by the sea.

At the far end of the beach, we came across a fishing pier, where locals and visitors alike were casting lines into the water. After enjoying the views for a bit, we headed back to the car to continue our journey south.

Gamble Plantation Historic State Park 🏛️🌿

Continuing south, we stopped at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, home to the only surviving antebellum plantation house in South Florida. This site offers a rare and sobering glimpse into the area’s pre–Civil War plantation history and has been carefully preserved as part of Florida’s heritage.

The plantation was established in 1843 by Major Robert Gamble as a 3,500-acre sugar plantation that was, tragically, worked by enslaved people. Construction of the mansion began in 1845 and was completed around 1850. While much of the plantation was destroyed during the Civil War, the mansion itself survived and has since been restored.

Today, visitors can tour the mansion and learn more about the property’s history, as well as explore the remains of the sugar mill, enjoy the picnic areas, and walk through the surrounding grounds. Although tours weren’t running the day we visited, we were still able to view the mansion from the outside and take in the significance of the site.

It’s a beautiful but historically important stop, offering an opportunity to reflect on the region’s complicated past while appreciating the efforts to preserve this landmark for future generations.

Ellenton Premium Outlets & Hotel Check-In 🛍️🏨

After leaving Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, we stopped at the Ellenton Premium Outlets to do a little shopping and picked up a few things before continuing our drive south toward Fort Myers. On the way, we made a quick stop at Publix to grab some water and supplies before heading to our hotel for check-in.

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers Airport, which was decent overall but a bit deceiving at first glance. The lobby looks upscale and modern, but the rooms themselves are fairly basic. Our room was clean, but it still had carpet, a slightly funky smell, and felt a bit small, though the bathroom was spacious. The bed was adequate — nothing fancy, but comfortable enough for a couple of nights.

Breakfast isn’t included here, but they do offer a $15 breakfast buffet as well as an on-site restaurant with a happy hour. The staff was friendly and check-in was smooth and efficient, so while it wasn’t luxurious, the hotel met our needs for the trip.

Dinner at Mission BBQ 🍖🇺🇸

After getting settled, the exhaustion started to set in — with only about three hours of sleep on the plane, we were running on fumes. For dinner, we decided on Mission BBQ, a popular barbecue spot known for its military-themed decor and walls covered in memorabilia honoring all branches of the U.S. military, including NASA.

I ordered the two-meat combo, while my boyfriend had the brisket sandwich, and both meals were delicious. The portions were generous, the flavors were spot-on, and the service was friendly and efficient.

The dining room is spacious and has a warm, inviting atmosphere, and since it happened to be Father’s Day, they were also offering free photo opportunities for guests — a thoughtful little touch that made the experience even nicer.

For two people, including non-alcoholic drinks, the total came to about $40, which we thought was very reasonable for the quality of the food. I’d highly recommend Mission BBQ if you’re in the area and craving good barbecue in a relaxed setting.

Wrapping Up the Day 🛏️😴

By the time we finished dinner, the lack of sleep from our redeye flight had fully caught up with us. Completely wiped out, we returned to the Hilton Garden Inn and were asleep by 6 PM.

June 16: Appointments, Rest, and a Much-Needed Recharge 🛌🥢🍪

We started the morning by heading downstairs for the hotel’s breakfast buffet, which offered a solid variety of options: eggs, sausage, hash browns or country potatoes, grits, fresh fruit, and a big selection of pastries, breads, and bagels. There was also an oatmeal station with plenty of toppings, which was a nice touch.

After breakfast, we had a little time to relax in the room before heading to the Caring Medical Center for my 10:45 AM appointment. This visit was for a curve correction check, and everything went smoothly.

Since I had about an hour and a half between appointments, we decided to grab an early lunch before my 12:30 injection appointment.

Lunch at O’Leary’s 🍗🍟

We drove about a mile to O’Leary’s, a nearby spot that seemed convenient. I ordered the chicken cordon bleu with mixed veggies and mashed potatoes. The atmosphere had more of a bar vibe, with a few regulars chatting at the counter — including one group loudly swapping stories about recent DUIs and losing their licenses, which gave the place a slightly awkward energy.

The food itself was just okay. If I had to guess, the chicken cordon bleu and vegetables were likely frozen, and the mashed potatoes seemed to come from a bag. The flavors were passable but nothing special. My boyfriend ordered the fish and chips, but he didn’t really enjoy his meal either. That said, I needed a protein-heavy meal before my injections, and this checked the box for what I needed.

Afternoon Rest & Recovery 🛏️🌿

After lunch, we returned to Caring Medical for my injections, which thankfully went smoothly and without complications. However, the injections always leave me very stiff, so we decided to head straight back to the hotel to rest. I alternated between hot packs and Tylenol to help manage the soreness, and since my boyfriend had started to come down with something, it worked out well for both of us to take it easy.

We spent the afternoon relaxing in the room, catching up on rest, and keeping things low-key.

Dinner In & Early Night 🥢🍪

That evening, we decided to skip going out and ordered Uber Eats instead. We got Wahoo Poke Bowls for something light and fresh, followed by Crumbl Cookies for dessert — because why not? Both were exactly what we needed after a slow, recovery-focused day.

By the time we were done eating, the exhaustion hit hard. We ended up sleeping well over 12 hours that night, which was exactly what our bodies needed after a long few days of travel, medical appointments, and limited rest.

June 17: Taking It Easy in Fort Myers: Parks, Shopping, and Recovery 🌿🚂🌺

I woke up the next morning still feeling stiff from the injections, but lying in bed wasn’t helping, so we decided to get moving. We headed down to the hotel breakfast buffet again, which had the same offerings as the day before — eggs, hash browns, pastries, fruit, and more — but this time, they had bacon instead of sausage, which was a nice little win to start the day.

After breakfast, we drove to Lakes Park in Fort Myers, a sprawling recreational area that offers a little bit of everything. The park has a small historical train museum where you can learn about the region’s railway history, as well as a botanical garden filled with plants from around the world. There’s also a community garden where locals maintain their own beds; while you can only enter if you’re a guest of someone with a plot, it was still fun to walk by and admire from the outside.

For families, the park also features a smaller children’s botanical garden with interactive educational exhibits, making it a great destination for kids and adults alike.

Calusa Planetarium & Nature Center 🌌🌿

Lakes Park has several walking trails, but the heat that day was intense, and since neither of us was feeling 100%, we decided to take it easy. After a short stroll, we headed over to the Calusa Planetarium and Nature Center, hoping to catch a show and explore the exhibits.

Unfortunately, we arrived between showtimes, and the next showing wasn’t scheduled for several hours. While the property does have nature trails you can explore while waiting, we didn’t feel up to spending that much time outdoors in the heat. We decided to save it for a future trip, especially after the front desk staff mentioned that shows run regularly. We’re planning to check it out when we return to Fort Myers in six weeks.

Shopping at Miromar Outlets 🛍️☀️

Since I wanted to walk around a bit and my boyfriend needed some downtime, we headed to the Miromar Outlets. We had stopped here on our previous trip to Fort Myers six weeks ago, so I already had a few spots in mind to revisit.

I spent some time browsing the shops and doing a little shopping, while he took a shorter walk before retreating to the car to enjoy the air conditioning. It was a nice way to get out, move around a bit, and escape the Florida heat.

Lunch at Naples Flatbread Kitchen & Bar 🍕🌿

For lunch, we stopped at Naples Flatbread Kitchen & Bar, where I ordered the buffalo chicken flatbread — and it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were bold without being overwhelming, and the crust was light and crispy. It was the perfect pick-me-up before heading back to the hotel for some much-needed rest.

Dinner at the Hotel 🥗🍕

We ended the day with a casual dinner at the hotel restaurant. I ordered the barbecue chicken salad, while my boyfriend went with a pepperoni pizza. The portions were generous, the prices were fair, and the service was excellent — a pleasant surprise for an on-site hotel restaurant.

After dinner, we headed back to the room, kept things low-key, and went to bed early to give our bodies more time to heal and recover.

June 18: Quirky Castles, Colorful Art, and Sparkman Wharf Vibes 🏰🚗

Today was the day we began traveling back to Tampa. We started the morning with one last visit to the hotel’s breakfast buffet, then checked out, loaded up the car, and hit the road.

On our way north, we made a stop at Solomon’s Castle, a truly unique roadside attraction tucked away in the middle of Florida.

Solomon’s Castle 🏰🍽️

I have mixed feelings about Solomon’s Castle. On one hand, the structure itself is visually unique — a quirky, castle-like building made entirely from recycled metals. On the other hand, it’s located in the middle of nowhere, and the pricing felt steep for what’s offered.

A standard tour costs $35 per person, and if you want to add a second building — which requires a short golf cart ride — the price jumps to $42 per person. To make things trickier, the attraction is cash only. While there is an on-site ATM, the thought of paying extra fees just to buy tickets or small items wasn’t very appealing.

The property also includes a boat-shaped structure that serves as a restaurant, a large outdoor seating area, and a second dining building shaped like a lighthouse. After talking with staff, we learned the tour is essentially an art gallery showcasing the work of the man who built the structures. It didn’t seem worth the price to us, so we decided to skip the tour and browse the gift shop instead.

However, the cash-only policy struck again, which was frustrating. Even more confusing, the gift shop staff couldn’t tell us when the next tour was starting. Instead, we were directed to walk back to the boat and ask there. Inside the boat-shaped restaurant, it seemed like a tour was just beginning, but we ultimately stuck with our decision not to join.

Since we were already there, we decided to have lunch on-site. I ordered a roast beef sandwich on a Kaiser roll, which came with chips and potato salad, while my boyfriend went with the lasagna. The food definitely had a homemade feel — nothing amazing, but far from terrible. Our waitress was wonderful, though the checkout process was a little odd. We had to bring our check to the same woman in the back who also sells the tour tickets — and yes, she only accepts cash.

Overall, Solomon’s Castle is an interesting stop if you’re really into quirky architecture and handmade art, but for us, the pricing, cash-only policy, and overall setup made it feel less than worthwhile.

Whimzeyland 🎨🌈✨

After a quick stop at the on-site restrooms at Solomon’s Castle — which, for the record, were plentiful and clean — we got back on the road and continued north toward St. Petersburg and Clearwater to visit a place I’d been excited about: Whimzeyland.

Tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood, Whimzeyland is the private home of two artists who have transformed the exterior into a wild, colorful, and eclectic art installation. Although it’s a private residence, visitors are welcome to walk around, take photos, and soak in the artwork — and honestly, it’s unlike anything else we’ve seen on our trips.

We found street parking nearby and arrived just before a storm rolled in, which added a dramatic soundtrack of thunder in the background as we explored. Around every corner, there was something new to see — sparkling mosaics, bold colors, quirky sculptures, and whimsical little details everywhere.

For me, this was exactly my kind of place — fun, unexpected, and overflowing with creativity. If you love offbeat art, photography spots, or hidden gems, Whimzeyland is absolutely worth adding to your list.

Checking Into the Ramada by Wyndham 🏨😬

After leaving Whimzeyland, we headed to our hotel for the night — the Ramada by Wyndham near the Tampa airport. I had booked this through one of those “mystery” 3-star hotel deals on Expedia, where you don’t find out which hotel you’re getting until after you book. It was my first time using that feature… and probably my last.

While the Ramada is technically a 3-star property, the user reviews hovered in the low 5s, which is well below my usual standards. I tried to cancel after learning where we’d be staying, but unfortunately, no luck.

When we arrived, the lobby looked okay, but we were immediately informed that the “city view” room we had booked wasn’t available. Instead, we were given a “courtyard view” room — though in reality, this meant looking out at a cement corridor facing other rooms. The overhang meant to provide shade actually created a greenhouse effect, making the entire corridor hot and stuffy.

Inside, the room appeared clean, but there was a strong chemical smell that was hard to ignore. It was spacious but just okay overall. The biggest issue? The AC barely worked. Even with the thermostat set to 60°F, the room stayed uncomfortably warm, which made sleeping difficult.

To make matters worse, we didn’t receive any housekeeping service for the entire three-night stay. That’s something I would have expected to be disclosed at check-in — for a hotel marketed as 3 stars, this felt like a basic service that should have been included.

An Evening at Sparkman Wharf 🌅🍻

Later that evening, we decided to get out of the stuffy room and head downtown to Sparkman Wharf. Parking was easy — there’s a lot directly across the street that charges $6 for three hours, which we thought was very reasonable.

Sparkman Wharf is a lively container park right on the waterfront, featuring a great mix of food vendors, bars, boutique shops, and plenty of seating areas. The atmosphere is relaxed but vibrant, making it a fun spot to grab a drink, enjoy the view, and people-watch.

We stopped at Lighthaus, ordered a beer, and spent some time soaking in the laid-back energy of the place. Afterward, we wandered around the area a bit, just enjoying the warm evening air before heading back to the hotel to call it a night.

Dinner at The Pearl Tampa 🍽️✨

After relaxing at Sparkman Wharf, we decided to walk toward Water Street, passing the popular TAMPA letter sign along the way — a fun photo spot if you’re exploring downtown. We took some time checking out a few restaurant options before ultimately settling on The Pearl Tampa.

Once seated, we discovered it was Restaurant Week, which was a pleasant surprise. They were offering a three-course prix fixe menu for $45 per person, and it sounded too good to pass up. We decided to go for it and settled in for a nice dinner to end the evening.

We started our meal with two appetizers: the citrus salad and the deviled eggs, both of which were fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. For the main course, I ordered the salmon, while my boyfriend went with the shrimp and grits. Both dishes were cooked perfectly and packed with flavor — we were impressed with the quality and attention to detail.

For dessert, we chose the mud pie and the brown sugar pie. By this point, we were completely full, so we decided to take them to go and enjoy them later.

The food, service, and atmosphere at The Pearl Tampa were fantastic, making it one of the highlights of the day. If you’re exploring Water Street or downtown Tampa, this spot is absolutely worth adding to your list.

After dinner, we took a short stroll back through Sparkman Wharf, soaking in the lively waterfront vibe before heading back to the hotel for the night.

Wrapping Up the Day 🌙🚗

After finishing our delicious dinner at The Pearl Tampa, we spent a little more time wandering around Water Street, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and nighttime energy of the area. Eventually, we made our way back to the car and headed to the hotel to call it a night.

It had been a full and varied day — from the quirky creativity of Solomon’s Castle and Whimzeyland to relaxing at Sparkman Wharf and ending with an incredible dinner at The Pearl. Despite the less-than-stellar hotel experience, the day’s highlights more than made up for it.

June 19: Exploring Florida’s Hidden Gems: Tarpon Springs, Dunedin & the Primate Sanctuary 🌿🪂

We woke up early because today’s plan was to visit Skydive City Zephyrhills — my boyfriend is a skydiver, and this was supposed to be a highlight of the day. The 50-minute drive took us through some of the more rural parts of Florida, and we arrived just before 9:00 AM, which was listed as their opening time online.

Unfortunately, when we pulled in, the entire place was completely quiet. After waiting around for a while, we realized they were not open on Thursdays, despite what their posted hours said online. It was a little disappointing, but thankfully, I had backup stops pinned on my map.

Eureka Springs Park 🌺🌿

Our first alternate stop was Eureka Springs Park, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Parking was just $2, and the best part is that the fee covers all parks in the county for the entire day. Payment was easy — there’s a machine that accepts both cash and credit cards.

When we arrived, we were greeted by a friendly employee — possibly the groundskeeper — who gave us a quick overview of the garden and trail. She explained the layout and highlighted the best spots to explore, which made our visit even better.

The park features a short walk through a botanical greenhouse, followed by an elevated boardwalk that winds through the surrounding forest. If you complete the full loop, the trail totals about 1.3 miles. It was peaceful, beautifully maintained, and a lovely way to spend part of the morning. I really enjoyed the quiet, relaxing vibe here and would absolutely recommend it if you’re looking for an easy, scenic nature walk in the Tampa area.

Hong Kong Willie’s 🐝🎨

Our next stop was Hong Kong Willie’s, which I initially expected to be a recycled-art installation based on what I’d read online. However, when we arrived, it turned out to be more of a small roadside shop that primarily sells honey rather than an art-focused attraction.

Since we weren’t planning to bring honey back to Nevada in our luggage — and I prefer to buy local products when I can — we decided to skip shopping and move on. There were signs posted saying that someone would be there “within a minute”, which makes me think they’re notified by camera when visitors arrive. It was a quick stop for us, but worth noting if you’re specifically looking for Florida honey or small roadside curiosities.

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks 🧽⚓🇬🇷

After leaving Hong Kong Willie’s, we drove about an hour to Tarpon Springs to visit the historic sponge docks. This charming little town has a fascinating history dating back to the 1880s, when it was first settled and named for the tarpon fish often seen leaping in the local waters.

In the 1890s, the railroad arrived, transforming the town into a winter resort. By the early 1900s, a wave of Greek immigrants settled in Tarpon Springs and revolutionized the sponge diving industry, bringing with them new techniques and traditions. By the 1930s, the area was widely recognized as the “Sponge Capital of the World.”

Today, Tarpon Springs is a popular tourist destination known for its rich Greek culture, authentic restaurants, and shops selling natural sea sponges. Parking ranges from about $3 to $12, depending on the lot, and once parked, the area is very walkable.

We wandered along the wharf, where boats were lined up and nearly every store seemed to offer a variety of natural sponges. Beyond the sponge shops, the area is full of Greek tavernas, cafés, bakeries, and even a few Cuban restaurants, giving it a lively, cultural vibe.

If you enjoy history, food, and unique shopping, Tarpon Springs is a great place to spend an afternoon.

Lunch at Mama’s Greek Cuisine 🥗🧀🐟

As we wandered around the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, we were handed a coupon for Mama’s Greek Cuisine, offering a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrées. Since we were getting hungry — and the menu looked tempting — we decided to give it a try.

And wow — the food was incredible. We ordered a Greek platter that came with four small entrée portions, along with a separate Greek fish dish. Every single bite was fresh, flavorful, and delicious — so much so that I honestly couldn’t pick a favorite.

For the appetizer, we chose the flaming breaded cheese dish, which was not only fun to watch but also amazing to eat — crispy, cheesy perfection with just the right amount of char.

As great as the food was, the highlight of the restaurant was easily our waiter. He was incredibly efficient and professional, but what truly stood out was how he handled a medical emergency during our meal. When a guest nearby suddenly became faint and started to collapse, our waiter caught the man mid-fall, calmly directed someone to call EMTs, ensured the guest was okay with his family, and then resumed service seamlessly, as if nothing had happened.

It was truly impressive to watch and added to an already excellent dining experience. I would highly recommend Mama’s Greek Cuisine based on the food, service, and overall hospitality alone.

If I had to point out one drawback, it would be that the décor and overall appearance of the restaurant felt a bit dated and neglected. Still, with food and service this good, it’s absolutely worth a visit when exploring Tarpon Springs.

Sponge Shopping in Tarpon Springs 🧽🛍️

After lunch, we decided to look for natural sponges, since that’s what Tarpon Springs is famous for. As we were browsing, a man approached us claiming he knew where to find “the best ones” and led us to his street vendor setup. While he had a variety of sponges, the prices were a bit high, so we decided to keep exploring before making a purchase.

Eventually, we came across Sponge Diver Supply, a shop that immediately stood out from the rest thanks to its wide selection of items and reasonable pricing. They had a great variety of sponges, souvenirs, and apparel — my boyfriend found a T-shirt he liked, and I picked up two medium-sized sponges for $7 each, which felt like a fair price based on what we’d seen elsewhere.

Suncoast Primate Sanctuary 🐒🐢🐍

From there, we drove about a mile and a half south to the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, a nonprofit rescue center dedicated to caring for primates and other wildlife. Entry was $15 per person, and while the facility isn’t a large, flashy attraction, it turned out to be one of my favorite stops of the trip.

Inside, we found a variety of animals, including small and large monkeys, turtles, snakes, and crocodiles. The layout is simple — the smaller monkeys are housed on the right side, while the larger primates are on the left.

We arrived right at snack time, so the volunteers were feeding the animals fresh fruits and vegetables. It was clear that the staff and volunteers genuinely care about the animals and know their personalities well, which made the experience even more meaningful.

While the enclosures aren’t natural habitats, the monkeys seemed content and well cared for. We spent about an hour walking around, watching the animals, and interacting where possible. I’ve always loved animal-related experiences, and this one really stood out. It’s funny how, even without language, many of the monkeys were able to express themselves clearly through their mannerisms and behaviors — it was fascinating to watch.

Wellspring Park 🚴‍♀️🌿

After leaving the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, we continued driving south and made a quick stop at Wellspring Park. There was plenty of parking, and the park immediately struck us as being very bike-friendly, with large dedicated bike lanes throughout the area.

However, the heat and humidity were intense — this day, along with the previous one, actually broke local temperature records — so we didn’t feel like walking much. It’s probably a great park for cycling or hiking on a cooler day, but with the sweltering weather, we kept this visit short.

Exploring Dunedin 🍋🍦☀️

Next, we made our way to Dunedin, a charming historic town with a laid-back coastal vibe. Our first stop was Lane’s Lemonade, a cute food truck parked right next to the Dunedin Museum. They offer a refreshing mix of soft-serve ice cream, lemonade, orangeade, limeade, and other cold drinks — exactly what we needed on this record-hot day.

We decided to try an orangeade and a lemonade, and both were absolutely delicious — tart, refreshing, and perfect for cooling down in the Florida heat. It was the perfect little pick-me-up before continuing to explore the area.

Dunedin Museum & Downtown Stroll 🏛️🎨🌊

After cooling off with our drinks from Lane’s Lemonade, we headed next door to the Dunedin Museum. Admission was $4 per person in cash or $5 with a card, and it turned out to be a small but fascinating stop that gave us a deeper appreciation for the area’s history.

Dunedin was originally inhabited by native people until the late 1800s, when Scottish settlers arrived. In fact, the name “Dunedin” is Gaelic for Edinburgh, Scotland. Over time, the town became known for citrus production and boat building, eventually being incorporated in 1899 — making it one of the oldest towns on Florida’s West Coast.

The museum also highlights Dunedin’s role during World War II, when it became home to one of the U.S. Navy’s first amphibious training centers. It’s a small museum, but it packs in a lot of interesting information and is worth a quick visit if you enjoy local history.

Afterward, we wandered down toward the wharf and marina, passing by several colorful little shops and boutiques along the way. The town has a lot of charm, with a colorful, artsy vibe that makes it feel both laid-back and lively at the same time.

I really enjoyed walking around Dunedin and can totally see why it’s so highly recommended as a stop on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Cats and Caffeine 🐱☕

Our last planned stop of the day was Cats and Caffeine, a cat café I’d been looking forward to checking out. When we arrived, however, there was a sign on the door stating that reservations were required. They had a QR code posted, so I scanned it to see what was available.

That’s when I discovered it was $22 per person for one hour — and that didn’t include drinks. Considering that many cat cafés are free or donation-based, the price felt a little steep, so we decided to skip it and head back toward the hotel instead.

Dinner at Beer World 🍺🍤🍔

Since my boyfriend had some work to catch up on that evening, we opted for an early dinner at Beer World, which was about a mile from the hotel. As the name suggests, this place is all about the beer — they’re known for their massive selection, and they definitely delivered.

I ordered a cider, while my boyfriend went for a beer flight to sample a few different options. For food, we split the Smashburger sliders and a Cali bowl with shrimp. The food was pretty good, but the beer was the real star of the show.

The place was packed and extremely loud, which would be my only complaint, but it had a fun, energetic vibe if you’re in the mood for a lively atmosphere. After dinner, we headed back to the hotel, and I spent the rest of the evening relaxing and winding down after a full day.

June 20: From Skydiving Thrills to Prehistoric Trails: A Rainy Day Adventure 🪂⛅

We woke up early and headed downstairs for breakfast at the hotel. It was complimentary, though nothing particularly exciting — just Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches, a waffle maker, cornbread muffins, yogurt, juice, coffee, and cold cereal. After eating, we drove back to Skydive City Zephyrhills, arriving just before 9:00 AM.

This time, the place was open, lively, and buzzing with activity. My boyfriend had his gear inspected, signed all the necessary waivers, and got ready to wait for the first load of the day.

Skydive City Zephyrhills 🪂🌤️

Skydive City is an incredibly visitor-friendly drop zone, whether you’re jumping or spectating. There’s a large picnic area where both skydivers and visitors can sit and relax, and the main building houses a small café serving sandwiches and simple food, plus vending machines stocked with cold drinks.

For the jumpers, there’s an air-conditioned indoor packing area and an outdoor shaded packing zone to prepare gear comfortably. Caravans were running roughly every 15–20 minutes, and the overall vibe was relaxed, welcoming, and fun.

The only downside was that there weren’t enough fun jumpers to consistently fill the larger plane, so loads only went up when tandem jumps were scheduled. In the morning, four loads went up, and I convinced my boyfriend to squeeze in a second jump.

Unfortunately, the next load wasn’t scheduled until 2:00 PM, and when the tandem students never showed up, everything slowed down. They briefly considered putting up the smaller plane instead, but by then, a strong storm system was rolling in and grounded all flights.

By 2:30 PM, we decided to call it a day and leave the drop zone behind.

Dinosaur World 🦖🌿

After leaving Skydive City, we made a quick caffeine stop at a gas station and then drove to Dinosaur World. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this place, but it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.

The property is massive, with a large outdoor parking lot and a sprawling layout that makes you feel tucked away in a prehistoric park. Admission was $30 per person, which initially made me hesitate, but it included access to over 150 life-sized dinosaur sculptures displayed outdoors along scenic walking paths — and it was absolutely worth it.

The main trail winds through nature on a boardwalk-style path, with dinosaurs scattered throughout the forest, making the experience both immersive and peaceful. It’s a perfect mix of nature and nostalgia, and surprisingly, I found myself enjoying it far more than I expected.

In addition to the dinosaur trail, Dinosaur World also features a museum, mini-golf course, train ride, and several interactive play areas for kids. Unfortunately, due to lingering lightning in the area, some of these attractions weren’t operating when we arrived, and we were also trying to stay ahead of the rain. Luckily, our timing worked out perfectly — just as we finished the trail and walked back toward the museum, the rain started falling.

The gift shop is huge and packed with dinosaur-themed merchandise, from toys and fossils to clothing and home décor. Another great perk: your admission is valid all day, allowing you to leave and return as many times as you want.

Overall, Dinosaur World was unique, peaceful, and unexpectedly fun — I’d recommend it to both families and adults looking for a quirky, memorable stop.

Dinner at Bootleggers Brewing Company 🍕🍺🌧️

After leaving Dinosaur World, we drove straight into heavy rain, which slowed traffic to a crawl — at times we were barely moving at 30 mph on the freeway. Eventually, we decided to take a break and stopped for dinner at Bootleggers Brewing Company, which ended up being such a great find.

They had an impressive selection of in-house beers and even a few ciders — which made me happy — along with a solid food menu. We both ordered flatbread pizzas, and they were absolutely delicious.

What really stood out, though, was the vibe. The atmosphere was female-positive, relaxed, and chill — a refreshing change from the typical “creepy dude brewery” scene you sometimes run into. It also seemed to be a popular date night spot, with a fun, welcoming energy throughout.

The two female bartenders were fantastic — super attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. Between the great drinks, delicious food, and laid-back vibe, Bootleggers Brewing Company was a perfect way to end the day. I’d absolutely recommend it if you’re in the area and looking for a spot with excellent food, great drinks, and an inclusive atmosphere.

An Unexpected End to the Night 🚰😬

Once we got back to the hotel, the evening took an unexpected turn. I found out that the main water pipe at my house had burst and was leaking into the street. Thankfully, one of my kind neighbors noticed the issue and quickly shut off the main water line for me. She also happened to have a plumber friend she could call, which was a huge relief.

I spent the rest of the night trying to reach the city’s water emergency line to figure out whether the pipe was my responsibility or if it fell under the city’s jurisdiction. After a stressful couple of hours and getting things squared away as best I could from afar, I finally managed to get some rest to prepare for our travel day the next morning.

June 21: Travel Day & Heading Home ✈️🏠

We woke up early the next morning and made our way to return the rental car. Thankfully, the process was fast and seamless. We were able to drop our bags off at the rental center before hopping on the train to the airport — a really smooth and efficient system that made the morning much less stressful.

At security, my boyfriend got flagged for extra screening because of his parachute. It took a little longer since they had to call a supervisor, but luckily, she immediately recognized what it was. Even better, she took the time to educate the younger TSA agents on how to properly inspect parachutes, which was both impressive and reassuring. She and my boyfriend even got into an enthusiastic conversation about his most exciting jumps, which made the delay a lot more enjoyable.

We arrived at the gate with about 10 minutes to spare, just enough time to use the restroom before boarding. The flight was smooth and on time, and we landed in Las Vegas without any issues. After catching an Uber, we were home by around noon.

Despite the minor stress at the end, this trip was fun, memorable, and full of unexpected highlights. From skydiving attempts and dinosaur trails to historic towns, wildlife encounters, and amazing food, it was a Florida adventure we won’t soon forget.

Want to see all the places we explored on this adventure? Check out the interactive map with every stop we made—from skydiving and dinosaur trails to historical parks and charming towns: View the full trip map here.