GET OUT: Pipes, Drums and Tartans

It’s that time of the year when the City of Dunedin flaunts its Scottish heritage. You’ll find all sorts of really unique things to do beginning Friday, April 1, and running through next weekend. Here are a few of my top picks.

• FRIDAY: Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a Scottish evening tonight at in downtown Dunedin. Presented by the New World Celts, this free event is a kickoff celebration for Highland Games Week. The City of Dunedin Pipe Band performs at 7 p.m.
• FRIDAY: Don’t miss your chance to indulge in a mug of limited-release Highland Games Smoked Porter Ale at the famed . Visit the Brewery Friday night at 9 p.m. and you’re in for a double Scottish treat — that’s when you get to experience Dunedin’s Pipes and Drums. I can think of no better way to immerse in Dunedin’s Scottish roots than this!
• SATURDAY: Start the day off the Celtic way with a big hearty Celtic breakfast for only $5. The New World Celts serve breakfast (Scotch eggs, buttered mushrooms, bangers, Irish soda bread and baked beans) from 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at , 465 Main St. Reservations are not required, but cash is. I hear the New World Celts are also offering whiskey tasting at Flanagan’s on Wednesday at 7 p.m. for just $25. Call 727-736-4994 for more information.
• SATURDAY: Come and experience an unforgettable night of pomp and pageantry at the Dunedin . Grab a seat at ’s Memorial Field and enjoy special performances by the Albany Marine Band, the Second Time Arounders, the City of Dunedin Pipe Bands, the Dunedin High School Highlanders Band, the Dunedin Highland Middle School Band, Tampa Bay Pipers and Drummers and more. Chances are, this is an event unlike any you’ve ever seen before, so don’t miss it. For more information, including tickets and directions, click here.
• FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY: also joins in on the Highland Games fun with a special grand re-opening celebration taking place all weekend long. A forced the 18-hole, par 3 municipal golf course to change its name a few months ago. Staff members have been busy ever since rebranding the course to remove all evidence of its former name (St. Andrews Links). There’s a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday at 11:30 a.m. followed by hot dogs and burgers. Throughout the weekend you’ll find special discounted prices on golf, great prizes and lessons.  

Enjoy!