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Blue Jays: The Dunedin, Florida experience during Spring Training
It is that time of the year again, Blue Jays fans, as Spring Training games are about to get started. If you are one of the many that will be migrating down to the beautiful town of Dunedin, Florida, there is so much more to this town and the general area than just baseball. I am going to do my best to give you some of the local tips and tricks to get the most out of your visit to the Blue Jays Spring nesting location.
I have had the pleasure of attending Spring Training games for years and have some college friends that moved to the Tampa area and finally settled in the lovely town that is Dunedin. After all my travels as an engineer for my day job, I honestly have a hard time coming up with places I would rather be than hanging out here.
The main attraction for Spring Training: TD Ballpark
I have not been since the amazing renovation of the ballpark but even prior to the facelift this was a fun place to see a ballgame. The seating arrangement has not changed so you are just as close to the action as you were when this lovely stadium opened its gates in 1990. The renovations put the seating capacity at about 8,500 and they have added some great amenities which include some good eats and bar seating within sight of the action. If you are only used to seeing baseball games in a major league setting this ballpark is a wonderful vision of what things used to be as you are truly in the action as a fan no matter where you are in the seats.
During my first few visits to this ballpark, I was shocked by the atmosphere and proximity to the MLB talent. Before the game, the Jays players were hanging out stretching and talking with fans. I got to talk and shake hands with Scott Rolen during that visit. Throughout all my other visits the players might have changed but the vibes remained the same. From filling out my autograph collection to hearing the wonderful chants of the food and beverage workers in the stands it was an amazing time. To quote one of the better baseball quotes I have heard from a Beer Vendor "If you can't catch a baseball might as well catch a buzz!" That might have summarized my day in the stands a little too well that mid-March afternoon.
There were also giveaways of all kinds and some great original merchandise that you can only get for attending Spring Training. My family has always enjoyed these trips even for a Dunedin Blue Jays game because you are so up close to the action and in a fun environment where you can even see the players having as much fun as Ace and DJay as mascots.
Food worthy of the show Diner, Drive-Ins, and Dives
After you leave the ballpark this area has some of the best food I have had in my life. Whether you are looking for the great seafood that you would expect of a coastal Gulf of Mexico town, or BBQ, Mexican, you name it. Everything I have had the pleasure of trying in the area has been top-notch!
Fun places to check out in Dunedin:
The Dunedin Smokehouse - This place is easily one of the better hang-out spots in Dunedin. Not only do they have an amazing BBQ, but they also have a great environment that has live music on certain nights and a great outdoor seating area that is right on the main street of Dunedin. Their brisket and pulled pork are the talks of the menu and they sport a great grouping of sauces to top it all off.
Casa Tina - This Mexican food establishment has been a staple of Main Street Dunedin for over 30 years! Known for its lively atmosphere and stellar menu, this is a place that will have you coming back every time you visit. I personally love their enchiladas and fajitas. I never can pick just one and usually end up having them both.
The Palm Pavilion - Just over the bridge right on the sands of Clearwater Beach, this place will be your early Spring oasis. Grab one of their signature drinks or the local favorite the Rum Runner and enjoy the scenery with some great seafood. The local fish of choice is the grouper and this is the place to get it.
The Bait House - This is the one place I will find time to get to during every visit I make to the Tampa area. Also just over the bridge on the island for Clearwater Beach. This spot is truly the local spot. Most would get scared away by the name and the fact that it really is a bait shop in the front of the place! Just keep walking by the bait and fishing rods to find an open dock with a bar and a bunch of picnic tables. This wonderful spot in the Clearwater Marina has some of the best seafood as it is all fresh caught that day by local fishers. Did you happen to catch a fish while you were in town? They will even cook it up for you however you would like!
Beer and spirits aplenty
Now that you have had your eats, it's time for a few drinks with your friends and family. Some of the best places to hang out are right in Dunedin so hope your hotel room is close!
Dunedin House of Beer - If you are looking for a place with some great bar games along with some incredible beers this is your spot. They have everything from darts to oversized Jenga games and all are welcome. So while you have a couple of beers with your friends you can play an oversized connect four game with one of your children and just enjoy having some fun with a beer in hand.
Dunedin Brewery - Locally brewed beer at its finest right here. Good food and plenty of musical acts for a wonderful place to hang out.
Looking for something a little more classy to finish your evening? If you are looking for a wine or a nice cocktail you should head to the Black Pearl or the aptly named The Living Room on Main.
Maybe you are feeling a little Irish and need another beer at the end of the night there is always plenty of singing at Flanagan's! Always has live music and good bar bites to nibble on with that pint.
Some great spots to relax
If you are looking to do some exploring there is also plenty to do around Dunedin. If you are looking for somewhere to lay around you have to check out the Honeymoon Island State Park. just over the Dunedin Causeway, there is a public beach and an entire island to explore. Can even bring your pet to the beach!
Head out golfing and you might run into some of the players. This area of Florida has some great courses and the Dunedin Golf Club is open to the public. You don't even need to leave town to get in a nice round.
Feel like testing out your sea legs? The Dunedin Marina and many other local marinas can get you out on the water for a day or fishing or just a ride out into the Gulf of Mexico. I have been on many fishing trips in my travels down here and have not found a bad boat to charter yet. I always have a great time and come home with something to throw in the frying pan from a day of fishing.
Need a little bit of all of the above? Head over to Clearwater beach and enjoy their main street full of shops and then walk right out onto the beach and catch some rays! There are plenty of cool locally owned places to peek your head into and find some fun things to remember your trip by. Tons of great food and snacks on this walk as well.
Mix in some culture
Need something that is not baseball, food, drinking, or shopping? Dunedin has a wonderful historical society and museum that has all sorts of great photos and artifacts from the history of the area. Art is very prevalent in the area and you will notice that walking around the town in addition to the many galleries and art studios. Stop into one of these places and absorb the moods or head over to the Dunedin Fine Art Center and hope in a class!
Next. An interview with José Berríos. dark