A Day Shopping in My Old Neighborhood

Today was one of those days where I wonder why I don't have more like them.  After dropping off my oldest child at school, I decided to spend the day in my old neighborhood in Dunedin, FL. 

(not my house but wish it had been)

Dunedin is a fabulous historic town with cottage homes and perfect rocking chair front porches along brick paved streets.  It is right near the water where you have view of Clearwater Beach.  The town sports a fabulous downtown area with restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques. There are a ton of weekend activities like antique and craft festivals, a weekly farmers market, and holiday celebrations.

And we used to live in walking distance to downtown.

I miss it.

But...we rented because a place like this is pretty touristy, and can be pricey.  But I miss being able to walk downtown for dinner and an ice cream cone, or walk to the library.  We even had an AMAZING playground and park in walking distance next to the marina. It really is a sweet place to live.

So today I took my Ella to that very park after knowing exactly where to park before the crowds came.  Local knowledge is rather handy. :) And I decided to take photos of my day to let y'all get to know me a little bit better.  So come shopping with me. 

And I did get permission from all the shop owners to take photos.

First we hit the Farmer's market which is always packed.  Produce, cheese, fresh bread, homemade salsa, gourmet coffee and jams, fresh flowers and plants...all just fabulous. I about fell face first into those pastries there. 

This place, Merchants on Main, is pretty sweet with so many beautiful antiques. I fell in love with that ticking bolster pillow white tool box looking thing. Oh that round table!  And I was so bummed when this woman scored this chippy blue window frame with hooks on it.  I even made suggestions how she could use it!  I am either really nice or highly stupid. (wink)

This antique place is called Knot on Main Street and actually had another location ON MAIN STREET but it closed.  And this just reopened after BURNING DOWN!  Talk about a town with some resilient local merchants!!  I love this place and was actually on the hunt for something specific. No go but these old windows, chalkboard frames, and crates were talking to me and making my heart so happy.  I ached to take it all home with me.  And that dresser still might!

Then there is this amazing shop, Rainbow's End Quilt Shoppe.  It is the largest quilt shop in Florida and they boast 20,000 bolts of fabric.  I walked in and almost fell over! They carry every designer I have ever heard of and it is so GORGEOUS...a total happy place for me.  And I bought nothing.  If I bought anything...I would have spent $500 in 2 minutes. But I did love those little handmade cinch bags tied together like a little garland.  How cute is that? (top left photo) ♥

Well, there were more places I visited and I could show you my daughter Ella swinging on the swings or eating an ice cream cone but are you even interested?  Well, heck...I'll share anyway.
Here's Ella enjoying our day...

Such a fun day doing what I love with someone I love.

Can't get better then that. :)