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<p>NO R T H E A S T F LOR IDA T R A V E G U I D E L Northeast FL Travel Guide by Vacation Rental Pros ST. AUGUSTINE PALM COAST FLAGLER BEACH PONTE VEDRA JACKSONVILLE and lots, lots more. Table of contents Planning your trip 5 St. Augustine (old town) 9 St. Augustine area beaches 50 Palm Coast 76 Ocean Hammock 92 Flagler Beach 100 Ponte Vedra Beach 129 Day-trips & attractions 145 Welcome! VACATION RENTAL PROS’ TRAVEL GUIDE FOR NORTHEAST FLORIDA Our greatest compliment is when our guests refer us to their friends and relatives. Over the past ten years, guests and their great "word of mouth" have helped us expand to over 600 vacation rentals. To return the favor, we’ve put together this travel guide to share our best- kept vacation secrets around the region. From St. Augustine to Flagler Beach, Ponte Vedra to Palm Coast, we hope this guide serves up dozens of ideas for your perfect and relaxing vacation. If you can’t quite fit everything in this time, we hope to see you back! (With children, pets, friends, family, for Christmas or an August long weekend – there’s something for everyone, whatever your age or interests). We’d love to hear your feedback about the guide book and which restaurant, day trip or local attraction becomes the highlight of your time in northeast Florida. Enjoy! Vacation Rental Pros http://vacationrentalpros.com 151 Sawgrass Corners Suite 200, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (855) 881-9423 stevemilo@yahoo.com Planning your trip Northeast Florida’s top 10 What you must see, eat or do • Tour old St. Augustine on foot, horse, bike, trolley, train or Segway (page 17). Then, head across the Bridge of Lions to climb to the top of St. Augustine Lighthouse (page 59). • Drive up or down the scenic A1A highway, finding your new favorite beach (page 152). • Spend an afternoon looking for right whales, dolphins or manatees – preferably from an ocean- or water-front bar or restaurant (details throughout the guidebook). • Get local: go shopping at a local farmers’ market (pages 29, 53, 107 and 138). Then, make time for The Florida Agricultural Museum. It sounds boring, but it’s brilliant! (Page 78). • See the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum (page 24). • Book a Ripple Effect Eco-tour (page 65). If you have more time, try a new water-sport - anything goes! (details throughout the guidebook). • Visit the Castillo de San Marcos (page 22). • Hunt for sharks’ teeth – they’re older than you think (page 54) – or search for something special at St. Johns Town Center, an upscale pedestrian mall (page 162). • Spend a day at Anastasia State Park (page 58) or consider ‘Tai Chi By The Sea’ at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area (page 104). • Have a day to spare for something off the beach? Our top pick for a perfect day-trip is the Kennedy Space Center (page 147). Airports ★ DAYTONA BEACH (DAB) Just 30 miles from St. Augustine, DAB is the closest airport – a convenience for which you can expect to pay extra. More beach time, though? ★ JACKSONVILLE AIRPORT (JAX) Slightly further away, JAX is approximately 75 miles from St. Augustine but it’s an easy highway-drive down US 95. As a bigger city airport, it’s simple to navigate and is a destination for low-cost carriers like Air Train, Southwest and Jet Blue. You’re likely to get a good car rental rate as well. ★ ORLANDO AIRPORT (MCO) Arrive at MCO from just about anywhere – this is the biggest airport in the region, so you might get both a direct flight and a good rental car price. That said, it is a longer drive to the coast – about an hour and a half, or 95 miles. Weather and climate SEASONS, AIR AND OCEAN TEMPERATURES While just as sunny and equally palm treed as the rest of the state, Northern Florida has seasons. (A local joke maintains that these include 49 weeks of summer). Using Jacksonville’s Planning your trip 6 averages as a reference point – a January day might be 68°F, whereas you’ll look for the ice cream van in July as it nears 90°F (try ‘The Waffle Cone’ in Flagler Beach, page 115). While winter doesn’t mean a white Christmas, you’d need a full wetsuit and a fair amount of grit to swim in the Atlantic come December. Rest assured, though, there’s so much to do here, year-round. Even when it’s colder there are hundreds of activities besides lying on the beach. (Perhaps golf, golf, and more golf, if that’s your thing?). Spring and autumn are both quieter, as school is in session, and are blissfully free of humidity. No matter the ambient temperature, many accommodations offer hot tubs or heated pools. Summertime is the Florida you expect – sunny scorchers! The Atlantic heats up a little, too. If coming at this time of year, you’ll want to be sensible when sightseeing or spending time outside – all the clever stuff about drinking enough water, sunscreen, etcetera. Planning your trip 7 Helpful links • Beach forecast: First Coast News offers beach weather and surf forecasts, as well as risk of rip currents, water temperature, surf height and UV index detail. • Water temperature: How warm is your part of the south Atlantic Coast today? Find out! (Supplied via the National Oceanographic Data Center). • Surf report: The Surf Station provides the day’s wave size, wind and tide detail, shark sightings, etc. St. Augustine & area beaches. St. Augustine (old town) Introduction Two hours north of the world’s biggest collection of theme parks, St. Augustine is hard to believe. For starters, neither golden arches nor skyscrapers dominate its skyline. Instead? Trees and a lighthouse. Spanish moss might obscure a view – but billboards won’t. While St. Augustine has tourism on every street, substance outweighs sideshow ten to one. Here, tours and trolley buses are actively encouraged – yes, join the crowd! - there’s so much to share. Forget textbook history, this pretty city does it better. Setting a vacation standard are brick-paved streets, which invite you to explore on foot. You’ll soon slow to a St. Augustine pace. Should you do nothing in town but sit on a bench, you’ll do so in the company of vibrant bougainvillea, antique fountains and clipped box hedges, with a wealth of architecture on every side. Ready to choose your own old town adventure? As any guidebook should, we’ve aimed to provide an equal measure of “Go here, tourist!” and “Shh, sneak in there and pretend you’re a local”. If itinerary possibilities overwhelm, the city’s friendly residents will be happy to see you back again. 9 • Introduction • History • City basics • Tours and exploring • Suggested sights and itineraries • Restaurants • Nightlife • St. Augustine at Christmas History Fifty-five years ago the Beatles didn’t exist and space flight remained a crazy idea. It’s a lifetime ago. Yet that’s how much earlier St. Augustine was founded before the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts. Wait - what?! St. Augustine? Somewhere in the back of your mind, you have a 3rd Grade recollection of a guy named Ponce and his Fountain of Youth. That’s where our textbooks ended, how about yours? It’s time to fill in the gaps. Plenty has happened in St. Augustine in the nearly 450 years since then – stories you won’t believe. • 1513: Juan Ponce de León arrives in the region, claiming it for Spain. • 1562: The French arrive! Things get multi-culti.... • 1565: St. Augustine is properly founded and gets its name from Augustine of Hippo. • 1586: The English get involved, and Sir Francis Drake sets the city on fire. • 1672: Spanish rulers are by now sick of attack – they start building the Castillo de San Marcos (page 22). • 1738: Fort Mose is established as the first community of legally freed former slaves. • 1763: Post-war wheeling and dealing means the British get St. Augustine... for now. • 1783: A another post-war treaty (another war) returns the city to Spanish control. • 1821: For the first time, the city becomes American-controlled. Are you keeping count? That’s Spanish, French, British... Spanish... and American. • 1880s: Henry Flagler arrives in the region with money to burn. Soon, he’s building hotels, hospitals and infrastructure. This back-water region becomes an up-market tourist destination. • 1908: The St. Augustine Alligator Farm opens, sure proof of the tourism boom. St. Augustine 10 St. Augustine to... Jacksonville 45 miles 50 minutes Ponte Vedra Beach 30 miles 35-45 minutes Palm Coast 25 miles 40 minutes Orlando 105 miles 2 hours * Using shortest route available, not necessarily the most scenic • 1925: The Bridge of Lions is built – connecting the mainland to Anastasia Island. • 1963: St. Augustine is very much part of the Civil Rights Movement, with ongoing protests. • 2013-2014: 500 year anniversary. Many events are planned – will you be lucky enough to enjoy them? See www.StAugustine.com for details and start planning! City basics SAFETY Of course, you’d take caution anywhere you’re unfamiliar – especially at night. That said, St. Augustine is a city that depends on its thriving tourism industry and much is done to ensure its visitors enjoy a safe trip. A busy, pedestrian downtown means your biggest concerns after dark will likely be the ghosts on your walking tour. PARKING • Pay parking – Historic Downtown Parking Facility (HDPF): The $10/day fee is not pro- rated, but this might make sense if you’re arriving in the morning. It’s the most convenient option if you’re coming into town for sightseeing, as the Visitor Information Center is here, as well as the two main train/trolley tour companies. • Free parking (with purchase) - Old Jail: If you like the sound of the Old Town Trolley, they sweeten the deal by including all-day parking with your ticket. • Metered and other parking: If you’ve got the patience, there’s a spot out there waiting for you. Try Avenida Menendez between the Fort and the Bridge of Lions. Just coming in for dinner? Street parking is free after 5 p.m. If you’d enjoy a quick stroll, you’ll find free parking just five or so blocks into nearby neighborhoods. (Be sure to double-check any signs before walking away!) • Handicapped parking: See this PDF map to find the most convenient spot to your destination. St. Augustine 11 LIMITED MOBILITY If a “very walkable” city isn’t the best news you’ve ever heard – don’t worry. Simply book a trolley tour (with free parking) and navigate that way. One of the tour companies offers wheelchair accessible tours, and our equipment rentals section (page 73) provides contacts for renting motorized scooters. Trolley tours bisect popular St. George Street, with benches and rest-stops along the length of the mile-long street. You can walk as much or as little as you like. When does it get busy? Summer is high season for every corner of Florida, though any calendar event sees an increase in visitors – whether Daytona Race Week, Easter or schools’ spring break. If you prefer streets all to yourself, try the cooler months from October through to February (with the exception of the Christmas holiday of lights). PETS St. Augustine prides itself on being a very pet-friendly city (you’ll notice dogs’ water bowls outside shops). Many (but not all) restaurants with outside dining accept well- behaved dogs. Keep in mind the heat of the day, though, when planning any sight-seeing activities with your dog. While the winter months will suit him well, pavements get very hot and you can’t guarantee there’ll be shade available at your destination. In all the listings that follow we’ve designated par ticular ly pet-fr iendly spots – just remember the leash and water! See page 37 for dog park details and other contacts you might need – like doggie daycare should you head out on a day trip. For more tips about traveling with your dog: see our ‘Emily Paws’ Travel Manner Tips St. Augustine 12 Get your bearings - tours and exploring Finally, a history lesson in the sun (and, if planned well, with a beer or some chocolate on the side). No matter how long you’re visiting St. Augustine (and especially if it’s a quick trip), you’ll get more out of it with a starter tour. Who knew you could so enjoyably cram 450 years of history in an hour? Believe it: even if you’re a dedicated DIY, “anti-tour” person, there’s an option you’ll absolutely love. Exploring St. Augustine on foot ★ ST. AUGUSTINE CITY WALKS (GUIDED) There’s never been a more interesting way to see a city and get some exercise. Decide your group’s main interests and there’s a tour to match, whether the Plaza Stroll, culinary tour or pub crawl, a Creepy Crawl ghost tour or – truly something for everyone – the History, Mystery, Mayhem and Murder tour. Some tours are offered in Spanish as well. • Website: www.staugustinecitywalks.com • Address: Departure locations vary by tour • Pets: Many tours are pet-friendly, check website for details • Keep in mind: Is it raining? We love this outlook – “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriately dressed people.” WALK AND EXPLORE ON YOUR OWN • Download the City Walking Guide (free) Download this free walking guide (PDF) to your iPad or iPhone, or print it and stash it in your bag – it’ll easily fill any spare time you have, whether you do the whole 25- stop tour, or just a section. St. Augustine 13 • Evening walk Ditch the car. Seriously. No matter where you’re staying, come into St. Augustine for a spontaneous evening of exploration on foot. See our parking tips (page 11) and a few ideas of what to do at night (page 45). Might it include sangria? • St. George Street Though cross-streets allow cars, St. George Street itself is for your two legs only. Kids will love it! Offerings are heavily skewed to the tourist market, but if you can’t beat them – join in with an ice cream and happy doses of window-shopping. Cycling St. Augustine While great for pedestrians, St. Augustine is a very welcoming city to cyclists as well. Bike lines exist on some streets, with ongoing additions. • Why bike? With such great, sunny weather – why not make your own pedal-powered air- conditioning? • What happens if you change your mind? The local bus service, ‘the Sunshine Bus’, has bike racks – so you can avoid biking the Bridge of Lions and still end up where you want to be. Tickets are just a dollar per ride. RENTING A BIKE See the chapter’s end (page 73) for all rental details including beach cruisers and road bikes. Also available: family-sized pedicabs (children and pet-friendly), and a Florida invention, a gas-powered “ScootCoupe”. Use it for exercise, sightseeing, and a nice way to add a breeze to your beach sunset. 14 Tours on wheels TRAIN AND TROLLEY TOURS There’s no better way to gain your bearings on first arrival than to take a tour. Whether you use it to quickly circle the city and decide what to visit in- person, or as a means of transportation over a few days – you’ll easily get your money’s worth. In most cases you’ll get a better deal by booking ahead online. Don’t forget to dress warmly in the winter – these are open vehicles and there’ll be a breeze. ★ GOLD CITY HISTORY TOURS Eco-friendly electric vehicles and very small group size (8 people max). Great for kids, interesting for teens and a good use of rainy days. This smaller vehicle means great access. This is a tour-tour; ride around once and you’re done. • Website: www.staugustinegoldtours.com • Address: Departs from 31 Orange Street • Children: Discounted children’s tickets • Keep in mind: By reservation only Hop-on/hop-off tours You’ve got two choices for the city bus tour – a trolley or a train. In truth, there’s not much between them. Take a look at their websites and make a quick decision – you could hum and haw all day but prices and itineraries really don’t differ very much. Top tips for tours: • Got back problems? Both options have hard plastic seats that might jostle you. You might have a smoother ride sitting up front. • Don’t like the driver? Hop off, friend. Another one will be along in 15 minutes or so. 15 ★ OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS OF ST. AUGUSTINE (Green and orange). Trolley tickets are valid for 3 days and make 22 stops – ideal if you plan to take your time digging around town. It’s also a good way to get around if you’d rather not walk (or it’s hot). Free parking is included with your ticket and the trolleys boast strong reviews & great customer service. • Website: http://www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine • Address: Board at the Old Jail (167 San Marco Ave) • Children: Free for kids 6 and under, with discounts for 6-12s. • Pets: Guide dogs only • Keep in mind: Two trolleys are wheelchair-accessible. Call ahead for times. ★ ST. AUGUSTINE SIGHTSEEING TRAINS (The ‘red trains’). Run by Ripley’s, the bright red trains look like a more commercial operation and will probably appeal more to kids. 1-, 3- and 5-day passes are available, which give you access to discounts at various city outlets. They offer bundle deals for the Ripley’s Museum and mini-golf if they’re on your itinerary. In addition, there are Sunset Tours and Black History Tours – plus the ubiquitous ghost tour. • Website: http://www.ripleys.com/redtrains • Address: 170 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Discount for children • Pets: Well-behaved small dogs (under 15 pounds) • Keep in mind: Half-off for military 16 SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT Want to see St. Augustine in a memorable way? Find a range of guided and self- guided tours with unconventional means of travel - horses, Segways, pedicabs and Florida ‘ScootCoupes’. Segway tours ★ ST. AUGUSTINE SEGWAY TOURS Long-time locals invite you behind the tourist streets of this fascinating city. Two tours daily – strap on your helmet and roll, baby. • Website: http://www.segwaystaugustine.com • Address: 11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084 (Fountain of Youth) • Children: Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult • Keep in mind: High heels and and ‘Shape-Up’ shoes not recommended ★ SEGS BY THE SEA A slightly self-deprecating take on their tour offerings, this company brings you the “Artsy Fartzy Tour”, amongst regular sightseeing options and a summertime night tour. If you’ve ever envied a mall-cop’s Segway steed, here’s your chance. • Website: http://staugustinesegways.com • Address: 93 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 Weird and wonderful ★ SCOOTCOUPE RENTALS Strange little buggy cars straight out of the Jetsons, ScootCoupes are available for hire and touring St. Augustine’s town and coast. They’re road legal and reach up to 40 mph – you’ve never seen wheels like this. GPS units provide a DIY-tour that’s part- history, part-Disney ride. • Website: http://www.funrentals.us/saint-augustine.php • Address: 32 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Each ScootCoupe has one passenger seat • Keep in mind: Check the website for a coupon St. Augustine 17 ★ PEDI CAB OF ST. AUGUSTINE Use it as a taxi, use it as a tour – either way, it’s always nice to pay someone else to do the legwork. Founded by an entrepreneurial student at Flagler College – a great local business to support! • Website: http://www.staugustinepedicab.com • Keep in mind: Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sunday nights Carriage tours ★ COUNTRY CARRIAGES An easy option for the spontaneous – you’re able to hop into one of these carriages wherever you see one parked. Count on a tour bordering on a performance – with some drivers more into it than others. • Website: http://countrycarriages.net • Address: Bay-front between the fort and the bridge • Children: Kids welcome ★ ST. AUGUSTINE TRANSFER COMPANY This carriage company offers very small, private tours – though you need to be organized and book them in advance. • Website: http://staugustinetransfer.com • Children: 12 years and older • Capacity: 1 - 4 adults • Extras: Add an order of chocolate-covered strawberries • Keep in mind: History and ghost tours available. St. Augustine 18 Tours by air ★ ST. AUGUSTINE AIR TOURS Fly high in a 1930s bi-plane as you loop and roll over St. Augustine. A splurge, yes, but a memorable activity for just the two of you – especially at sunset. • Website: http://www.staugustineairtours.com • Address: 4900 US 1 North, St. Augustine, FL 32095 • Keep in mind: They offer a range of flights at all price brackets Tours by boat ★ SCHOONER FREEDOM (HISTORIC) The only ship of its kind in St. Augustine, you’ll see it from a distance and want be on board. Enjoy a day or sunset cruise aboard this 76-foot Tall Ship (or - with good timing - a Full Moon sail) with a group of up to 49 people. Kids are very welcome on the day cruise and will love imagining they’re savvy sailors, dodging blockades in the 1800s. Will you help to raise the sails, or just sit back, enjoy a drink and keep watch for dolphins? • Website: http://www.schoonerfreedom.com • Address: 111 Avenida Menendez, Suite. D, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: The day cruise is suited for kids • Keep in mind: While beautiful, it can be windy during the winter. Dress appropriately for the water. ★ EL CONQUISTADOR (SPEEDBOAT THRILL RIDE) Leave your pregnant wives and elderly parents content at the beach while you, and any thrill-seeking buddies (or teenagers), hang on tightly for this fast-as-lightning zip across St. Augustine’s water. If you’re pressed for time, you’ll see plenty during an St. Augustine 19 hour’s cruise – including the St. Augustine Pier and the Castillo de San Marcos (page 22). Fancy sightseeing at speed? You won’t go faster than this. • Website: http://elconspeedboat.com • Address: 111- E Avenida Menendez, Slip 73, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Four and up • Keep in mind: Military discounts available ★ ST. AUGUSTINE SCENIC CRUISE A slow and steady cruise, sit at tables on deck and look for dolphins. If you choose a later sailing, you get a sunset thrown in for free. • Website: http://www.scenic- cruise.com • Address: 4125 Coastal Hwy., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Very family-friendly • Pets: Pet-friendly • Keep in mind: Check the website for coupons Suggested itineraries If you have 1 day... • Morning: Take one of the above tours, and explore the Old City • Lunch: see restaurant recommendations • Afternoon: • Castillo de San Marcos (page 22) St. Augustine 20 • Your pick of any attraction on a special interest itinerary, or the Pirate Museum with kids (page 24). • Climb to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse (page 59). 2 - 3 days, add... • A watersports day (see ‘St. Augustine area outdoors’, page 65) • Extra history • A gluttonous day (see food tours, page 28) • Art and architecture • A family day (see suggestions, page 35) • Shopping, golf, or both St. Augustine 21 Must see and do (sights and attractions) If you like... history TOP PICK: CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS A “one-size-fits-all” attraction with good views, lots of history, interests for kids, has free and paid aspects, ghost tours, self-guided tours and so on. ★ CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS When did you last spend day in and around the 17th Century? And everyone had a great time? A huge bay-front fort provides all the good stuff – from historical demonstrations and actors in period costume, to steep grassy hills for kids to roll down. Things go boom (cannon demos) and possibly bump in the night – on a very popular ghost tour. • Website: http://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm • Address: 1 South Castillo Drive • Children: Free entry for 15 and under • Pets: Leashed pets allowed on the grounds but not inside the fort itself. • Keep in mind: Free to walk around the ground, ticketed entry to the fort. St. Augustine 22 HISTORIC HOME TOURS ★ THE XIMENEZ-FATIO HOUSE This small house from 1798 is neither well-known nor well advertised, so you’re assured of a quieter experience. This historic home tour lasts forty-five minutes and focuses on women’s history – easy to fit into your schedule whether you’re a history buff or have kids with modern attention spans. • Website: http://www.ximenezfatiohouse.org • Address: 20 Aviles Street St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Kids welcome • Keep in mind: Closed Sunday and Monday ★ PEÑA PECK HOUSE In the loving care of a women’s non-profit organization, expect a very personal tour that lasts “as long as you’ve got”. The house dates to the 1750s and has lots of original furniture on display. Though on St. George street, this is a much less crowded experience than other central historic home tours. • Website: Peña Peck House online • Address: 143 St. George St., St. Augustine FL 32084 • Keep in mind: Open daily, tours are by donation. ★ DOW MUSEUM OF HISTORIC HOUSES If you’re short of time in St. Augustine, sail past this one. However, if you’re keen to spend a meandering afternoon and/or have keen interest for history, you’ll well and truly love the Dow Museum. Your ticket provides entrance to houses set in all eras from the 1800s towards the present. Call it a low- tech form of time travel; they’re preserved in one city block. More of a grown-ups’ museum, as small children might soon grow bored. • Website: http://www.moas.org/dowmuseum.html • Address: 149 Cordova Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 St. Augustine 23 Saint Augustine sights... GRUESOME HISTORY: BADDIES, PATIENTS AND PIRATES ★ ST. AUGUSTINE PIRATE AND TREASURE MUSEUM Everyone’s one’s got room in a vacation for a little bit of pirate. Luckily, this is no Treasure Island kitsch but the real deal – starting with the world’s largest collection of genuine pirate artifacts. Huge production values went into their video exhibits, designed by Disney Imagineers. Allow at least ninety minutes, though you could easily spend three hours here – it’s jam-packed. This museum will equally appeal to adults and kids – the latter get a treasure hunt to solve. • Website: http://www.thepiratemuseum.com • Address: 12 South Castillo Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Children of reading age or above will get the most out of this • Keep in mind: Apple and Android visiting apps available for download ★ THE OLD JAIL A costumed period actor performs the Old Jail’s tour – it’s perhaps best for kids or those happy enough to play along. En route, you’ll learn about things used while the jail was in service (1892-1953). This includes all manner of weapons, plus a sign of mankind’s certain progress – first gallows then the electric chair. A pricier tour that will cost you even more sleep is the Night at the Old Jail. It runs from approx. 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. and claims to invite the paranormal. • Website: The Old Jail online • Address: 167 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine ★ SPANISH MILITARY AND HOSPITAL MUSEUM History buffs, come on in – the rest of you, keep walking. Allow forty-five minutes for a tour covering colonial surgery techniques and old-time remedies. Kids with the history bug will find it interesting, though it’s not set up to be a children’s museum (and the ward rooms are macabre). • Website: http://www.spanishmilitaryhospitalmuseum.com • Address: 3 Aviles Street, St. Augustine, FL • Children: See explanation above. • Pets: Yes! Pets welcome. • Keep in mind: Check website for printable coupon. St. Augustine 24 OTHER HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS ★ OLDEST WOODEN SCHOOL HOUSE Of possible interest if your kids need a reminder how good they’ve got it. It’s on St. George Street so you will be passing by. A quick visit, unless you have a teacher in the family, with a peaceful garden courtyard outside. • Website:www.oldestwoodenschoolhouse.com • Address: 14 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Keep in mind: Self-guided tours only. ★ FORT MOSE (Pronounced Moh-Say). A side-note to history, a small museum marks the spot where America’s first freed slaves began their new lives. An audio tour accompanies you around an open field site, once the location of this community. On a nice day it’s an especially enjoyable stroll along the boardwalk. • Website: www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose • Address: 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: There’s nothing for them to ‘do’ as such, except run around • Pets: Leashed pets are welcome St. Augustine 25 If you like architecture, art & design ★ FLAGLER COLLEGE Opened in the 1880s as Henry Flagler’s, sorry, flagship hotel, this arty tour will be of huge appeal if you’re into period architecture and interior design. To totally name- drop, you’ll tour a huge collection of ‘Louis Comfort Tiffany’ lampshades and stained glass, with murals and ornate details throughout. Allow about an hour. • Website: http://legacy.flagler.edu • Address: 74 King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: $1 for children under the age of 12 (includes a coloring book) • Keep in mind: Free guided tours daily ★ LIGHTNER MUSEUM Another of Henry Flagler’s former hotels, this one lives and breathes Victoriana. Expect to see anything and everything 19th Century, including natural history exhibits, more Tiffany glass, plus art and statues galore. A kids’ scavenger hunt really turns the experience around – what child would otherwise get excited about antiques? If coming at lunch-time, don’t miss Café Alcazar (page 41). • Website: http://www.lightnermuseum.org St. Augustine 26 • Address: 75 King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Under 12 free – must be accompanied by an adult. • Keep in mind: Self-guided tour. If you can’t get enough art, see our Jacksonville day trip details on page 161. ★ VILLA ZORAYDA MUSEUM Walk yourself around this replica Moorish Castle with an audio tour that identifies a fine art collection from all over the world. If you’re on the fence about visiting, you get free all-day parking with admission. • Website: http://www.villazorayda.com • Address: 83 King Street St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Lots of breakables, maybe avoid. • Keep in mind: Photography is prohibited, as are food and drinks. ★ FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALKS - ART GALLERIES OF SAINT AUGUSTINE With good timing and a healthy interest in art, you could be trotting off on a self-guided tour of twenty-five local galleries for free. (A free trolley gets you there faster). The first Friday evening of the month, every month. • Website: http://www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com • Keep in mind: If you’ll miss a First Friday, download the PDF map on their website and choose a few to visit on your own. If you like... beer and wine ★ ST. AUGUSTINE PUB CRAWL "The best way to explore history is to walk right through it." So say the organizers, though it seems they’ve paraphrased... because you’ll drink your way through it. Stop at four historic pubs with a group of new friends and enjoy a drink (microbrew or wine) at each, included with your ticket. St. Augustine 27 • Website: http://staugustinepubcrawl.com • Address: 23 Orange St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Younger teens welcome on private tours, 18-20 year olds can join group tours. • Keep in mind: Book in advance, it’s a popular ticket. ★ SAN SEBASTIAN WINERY Over the course of hour you’ll tour the entire production set-up, including the bottling line (everyone’s favorite mechanized mystery), before ending up in the tasting room. If you’d rather skip the tour and head straight to the good stuff, there’s the rooftop ‘Cellar Upstairs’ with live jazz (open Friday nights and weekends). • Website: http://www.sansebastianwinery.com • Address: 157 King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Keep in mind: Tours are free ★ MILE MARKER BREWING A small craft-brew operation with big taste. Visit the tap room to try the full line, or arrange a private brewery tour. Live music and ‘Barbeque Bill’ offer further incentive to visit on occasional nights – check the website for details. Why not try: ‘Mile Marker 70’, a “chocolaty, malty brew with just a hint of coconut”. • Website: http://www.milemarkerbrewing.com • Address: 3420 Agricultural Center Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32092 • Keep in mind: Closed Mondays If you like... fine food FOOD AND WINE TOURS ★ THE SAVORY FAIRE TASTING TOURS Live to eat, at least for one night. This palate-pleasing company offers a range of tours to make sure you’re matched with your absolute favorite foods. Whether that’s the ‘Wine, Chocolate & Cheese’ option, a ‘Micro Pub & Craft Beer Tour’ or a filling St. Augustine 28 ‘Specialty Food & Wine Tasting Tour’, you’ll roll home as happy as a stuffed pig. To combine another St. Augustine aspect, you can do the tour by carriage ride. • Website: http://thetastingtours.com • Address: 6 Granada Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Welcome on private tours of four or more, otherwise must be 21 for group tours. • Keep in mind: Advanced reservations required CHOCOLATE TOURS ★ TOUR DE CHOCOLATE This tour is pitched as part St. Augustine history, part chocolate. Frankly, the names itself sells us – but if you need a quick fix, you might be better off hitting the retail shops. Recommended for serious chocolate buffs who want to know why it tastes so good. • Website: http://www.staugustinecitywalks.com/tourdechocolate/index.html • Address: 23 Orange Street • Keep in mind: Online booking discount. ★ WHETSTONE CHOCOLATE FACTORY TOUR Would you wear a hairnet... if you got to spend an hour in a chocolate factory? A tasting tour that goes behind-the-scenes of Whetstone’s process. Yes, it winds up in the gift shop; will you mind? • Website: http://www.whetstonechocolates.com • Address: 139 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Free under 5. • Keep in mind: Reservations recommended. FARMS AND FARMERS’ MARKETS ★ ST. AUGUSTINE U-PICK FARM A hydroponic farm where strawberries are grown in stacked pots, so you’ll neither get dirty nor need to bend down for picking. Tours can be arranged for keen gardeners, call to make inquiries. Herbs and seasonal produce are also available. • Website: St. Augustine U-Pick online 29 • Address: 2495 State Road 207 St. Augustine, FL 32086 • Children: Ideal for kids – it’s fruit! • Keep in mind: Open Thursday - Sunday, bring a hat and some water! ★ OLD CITY FARMERS’ MARKET • When: Every Saturday morning • Website: http://www.staugustinefm.com • Address: 1340 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080 (St. Augustine Amphitheater) ★ ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH FARMERS’ MARKET • When: Every Wednesday morning • Website: St. Augustine Beach Farmers’ Market online • Address: 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 (Pier Park) A peaceful and tasty way to start Wednesday or Saturday. Both markets are perfect places to stock up (if self -catering), browse jewelry and hand-made accessories, or buy fresh produce. Vendors are happy for you to inspect their wares, and will talk to you about where it’s from or just how fresh it is. Browse home- made bread, datil peppers (a local specialty) and hot sauce, local shrimp, plus olives, pickles and more. If you like...to shop OUTLET SHOPPING ★ PREMIUM OUTLETS St. Augustine 30 Eighty-five stores make the trip up I-95 worthwhile. Every ‘mall staple’ is here - Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, J.Crew, and more Tommy Bahama shirts than you can wear in a lifetime. • Website: http://www.premiumoutlets.com • Address: 2700 Florida 16, St. Augustine, FL 32092 (west of I-95) ★ PRIME OUTLETS Have just as much fun all over again, on the opposite side of the highway. A recent expansion and renovation now houses high-end brands including Saks and Gucci. • Website: http://www.primeoutlets.com • Address: 2700 Florida 16, St. Augustine, FL 32092 (west of I-95) IN-TOWN HIGHLIGHTS St. Augustine enjoys a thriving farmers’ market community, and a great sense of ‘what’s local is best’. Enjoy browsing small, independent shops for bits and pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Some highlights include: ★ PLUM ART GALLERY • Offering: “Contemporary regional works of art”. • Website: http://www.plumartgallery.com • Address: 9 Aviles St., St. Augustine FL, 32084 ★ HICKORY RIDGE ORGANICS • Offering: Soaps & make-up “fresh, organic, vegan, chemical and GMO free!” • Website: http://www.hickoryridgeorganics.net • Address: 106 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 ★ SIMPLE GESTURES MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY • Offering: Basically it’s Etsy in a shop. Art, home goods, jewelry, etc. • Website: Simple Gestures Facebook • Address: 4 White St. East & Anastasia Blvd., Saint Augustine, FL St. Augustine 31 ★ THE OLD DRUG STORE Presented as a living-history museum, instead, visit the Old Drug Store for the shop it wants to be. Bored relatives can order ice cream next door, as you take a half hour or more to peruse their range of home remedies, jewelry, teas and other gift shop items. • Website: http://www.shop.oldcityremedies.com • Address: 31 Orange Street, St. Augustine, FL If you like... tourism mainstays ★ FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH Go if: you learned about Ponce de León in school, and the story caught your childhood imagination. (Or - you have kids and they could use the ‘history brought to life’ stuff). Otherwise, we’re going to align the words ‘tourist’ and ‘trap’ in a sentence, and leave it at that. Signs of improvement are promising, though, as the city approaches its 450- year anniversary and focus turns towards education over fairly weak entertainment. • Website: http://www.fountainofyouthflorida.com/index.php • Address: 11 Magnolia Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Free for kids under 6. • Pets: Yes! Pet-friendly throughout. • Keep in mind: A cannon demonstration happens every hour daily. ★ RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT If you want to see things you can’t believe, watch YouTube. If you want to pay for things you can’t believe, there’s Ripley’s. Go here if you need to see a manatee made from pop cans, but Blue Spring State Park has the real thing (page 159). • Website: http://www.ripleys.com/staugustine • Address: 19 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Discounted ticket. • Keep in mind: A ticket combo package is available if you’re buying ‘Red Train’ tour bus tickets (page 16). St. Augustine 32 ★ ST. AUGUSTINE ALLIGATOR FARM ZOOLOGICAL PARK Pop quiz: how many members are there in the crocodilian family? Answer - twenty- three. If you’ve ever wanted to see them all in one day, come on down to the alligator farm. If you’re put off by scaly creatures, the park’s Wading Bird Rookery comes as highly recommended as any site in this guide. A self-described “non bird person” ranks it amongst her life’s top 10 experiences - how’s that for glowing endorsement? Visit between February and late July to see nesting pairs of herons, egrets, spoonbills and crazy feathered hairdos straight out of of a cartoon. Photography contests and updates are found at: http://www.alligatorfarm.com/rookery. Another particular attraction is the ‘Crocodile Crossing’ zip-line tour – yep, you’ll zip over alligators. Two courses satiate speed-freaks and scaredy-cats alike. • Website: http://www.alligatorfarm.com • Address: 999 Anastasia Boulevard St. Augustine, FL 32080 • Children: Discounts to age 11. Zip-liners must be at least 57 inches tall and 10 years old. • Pets: No. Don’t bring the alligators a snack. • Keep in mind: Various discounts, plus coupons on the website St. Augustine 33 If you like... golf ★ WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME Live it, breathe it, now worship at the altar of golfing greats. Sticking with St. Augustine’s historical theme, you can try out an 1880s version of the game – antique club, putting green and all. Allow at least three hours for all exhibits, many of which change regularly. • Website: http://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org • Address: One World Golf Pl., St. Augustine, FL 32092 • Children: Discounted kids’ tickets • Keep in mind: Disinterested family can be dispatched to the on-site IMAX® theater. PLAYING GOLF If you want to stick close to St. Augustine, a few course options include: • St. Johns County Public Golf Course: http://www.sjgc.com • World Golf Village courses (two choices) - http:// www.golfwgv.com St. Augustine 34 Want more golf? Please also see our other chapters (page 95 and 131), all of which have detailed golf course info. Great for children and/or rainy days ★ IMAX® THEATER When 3D dinosaurs and volcanoes are coming at your face, bigger is better. This screen is the biggest in the Southeast, so order up a popcorn to match and choose between a great selection of family movies and vivid documentaries. • Website: http://www.worldgolfimax.com • Address: One World Golf Place, St. Augustine, FL 32092 ★ CAROUSEL AND PLAYGROUND AT DAVENPORT PARK This antique carousel offers vintage pricing – $1 per ride! An adjacent playground called ‘Kourtney's Korner’ is fully wheelchair-accessible, the kind gift of her bereft parents. If you find the carousel closed due to bad weather, head inside to the library next door and enjoy a cuddly story-time together (for free!) • Address: 180 San Marco Ave St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Keep in mind: Shaded and fully fenced ★ SPLASH PARK AT ST. AUGUSTINE PIER Combine a beach with a playground and you have a splash park, right in front of the pier. With restrooms and a shaded picnic area just beside it – you can keep them splashing happy ‘til nap time. • Address: 350 Beach Blvd. St. Augustine Beach, FL • Keep in mind: Free for use and free parking! ★ LITTLE DUDES PARK (SKATEBOARDING AT TREATY PARK) Fit your little dude (or dudette) with a helmet, file a liability waiver, and your under-12 can get to work on his/her St. Augustine 35 skateboarding skills. Print the waiver in advance if you prefer, and visit the pro shop to rent any and all equipment (or grab a snack). Week-long skate camps also run during the summer. • Website: St. Johns County Parks online • Address: 1595 Wildwood Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32086 • Pets: Paws Dog Park (fenced) also on site, see page 37 for details. ★ BLACK RAVEN PIRATE SHIP Have a child with major pirate fascination? If so, a cruise on the Black Raven might fit the bill. Like the Nick Jr. show that annoys you most, you’ll have to grit your teeth through this one. Skits and singing are the bad side of amateur – though your children might be too delighted with the ship, face-painting and their new pirate hat to notice. For more pirate dealings see page 24. • Website: http://www.BlackRavenAdventures.com • Address: 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Keep in mind: See page 44 for beer and bar recommendations – you’ll need it. ★ BOWLING AT ANASTASIA LANES • Website: http://bowlsrc.com • Address: 3245 A1A South St. Augustine, FL 32080 • Keep in mind: Family packages and daily specials on the website. MINI-GOLF ★ BAYFRONT MINI-GOLF If you’re coming to St. Augustine for its history, make a tongue-in-cheek visit to Florida’s oldest mini-golf course. • Website: http://www.ripleys.com/redtrains/ bayfront-mini-golf • Address: 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Keep in mind: $1 with the purchase of a Red Train ticket (see page 16). St. Augustine 36 ★ FIESTA FALLS MINI GOLF TPC Sawgrass might think it has a course to boast about, but does it have eight waterfalls, a replica Spanish ship and caves? Highly doubtful. • Website: Fiesta Falls Mini Golf online • Address: 810 A1A Beach Boulevard, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 ★ ADVENTURE LANDING Mini-golf, arcade, go-karts and batting cages – for the competitive family! • Website: http://www.adventurelanding.com/parks/st-augustine • Address: 2780 State Road 16, St. Augustine FL 32092 • Keep in mind: Daily specials and web coupons available Pets: parks & vets ★ PAWS DOG PARK AT TREATY PARK Small and large dog enclosures across three- quarters of an acre are fully fenced, and have water and shade. Big dogs can get acquainted around a mock fire hydrant. • Website: Treaty Dog Park online • Address: 1595 Wildwood Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32086 • Keep in mind: Open dawn to dusk ★ ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL • Website: http://www.animalemergencyofstjohns.com • Address: 2505 Old Moultrie Road, St. Augustine, FL • Keep in mind: 24 hours, 7 days a week St. Augustine 37 ★ JACKSON VETERINARY HOSPITAL • Website: http://jacksonvetpractice.vetsuite.com • Address: 1925 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL ★ PET PARADISE Boarding, daycare and grooming. • Website: http://www.petparadiseresort.com • Address: 125 Ponce Harbor Drive, St. Augustine, FL • Keep in mind: Locations in Jacksonville and Palm Coast as well. Restaurants RECOMMENDED ★ BISTRO DE LEON A French menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner – including kids’ options. Chef Jean-Stephane is a fifth generation chef and leaves things simple and excellent. As such, the place is cosy (under a dozen tables) - allowing everything to be made to order. Why not try: the 3-course Early Bird set menu. • Cuisine: French café • Website: http://www.bistrodeleon.com • Address: 12 Cathedral Pl, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Kids’ menu available • Keep in mind: Closed Wednesdays ★ THE TASTING ROOM Taking home 4 awards in a recent “Best of St. Augustine” survey (including best tapas and best wine list), you can trust your Spanish food in St. Augustine. To keep your focus on your friends, family and conversation, the menu makes it easy and has “Ultimate Lunch or Dinner” options – a chef’s choice of tasting plates to share. Why not try: Goat Cheese Empanadas. • Cuisine: Tapas St. Augustine 38 What’s the dress code here? Casual for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Unless a restaurant is designated as fine dining, you’re welcome to dress as a tourist enjoying warm weather. If you’re happy in shorts and T-shirts, so is everyone else. • Website: http://www.tastetapas.com • Address: 25 Cuna St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Keep in mind: Live music nightly ★ COLUMBIA RESTAURANT In the thick of St. Augustine’s historic district, the Columbia is very much on the beaten track - but that’s not to its discredit. Part of a Floridian family of Spanish restaurants founded in 1905, the room itself packs the same architectural interest you’ll find outside. Why not try: Paella Campesina. • Cuisine: Spanish • Website: http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/st_augustine.asp • Address: 98 Saint George St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Kids’ menu available • Keep in mind: Open 365 days a year, take-out also available ★ COLLAGE Quick! Think of something special to celebrate! This restaurant sits, deservedly, in the “Hey, Big Spender” category – and you’ll love every minute. Top-notch service, ambiance and excellent food. Save room for: The Bougainvillea Dessert. • Cuisine: Fine dining • Website: http://www.collagestaug.com • Address: 60 Hypolita Street St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Keep in mind: Reservations recommended ★ 95 CORDOVA To spoil someone you love, head to 95 Cordova. A romantic, elegant spot where you’ll want a reservation to guarantee getting in. Arrive early? Savor a cocktail near the piano after no-stress parking: valet is available! (Not always the case in this pedestrian town). To make an evening of it, stop for a night-cap at the Cobalt Lounge, also on-site. It presents live music every night. Want to bring the whole family? Book for Sunday brunch instead (or as well?). Save room for: Meyer Lemon and Lavender Pot De Crème (menu changes seasonally). • Cuisine: Fusion • Website: http://www.casamonica.com/dining/dining.asp • Address: 1888, 95 Cordova St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 St. Augustine 39 • Keep in mind: Located in the Casa Monica hotel. ★ THE PRESENT MOMENT CAFÉ When you’ve had your fill of beach burgers or seafood, the green, healthy stuff is waiting at this ever-so-holistic café. If your body isn’t a temple quite yet, you’ll be glad to stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert. Save room for: Chocolate Marble Torte with Drunken Banana. • Cuisine: Organic vegetarian and gluten-free • Website: http://www.thepresentmomentcafe.com • Address: U.S. 1 South, 224 W King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Keep in mind: Take-out available ★ HARRY'S SEAFOOD, BAR & GRILLE Sitting on the river just besides the Bridge of Lions, Harry’s is a St. Augustine landmark. Seafood is fresh as can be, though the menu offers plenty of choice for all palates. Enjoy the outdoor courtyard flanked with soaring trees. The building dates to the 1740s and retains original coquina walls. When was the last time you ate within such storied walls? • Cuisine: Louisiana seafood • Website: Harry’s Seafood Facebook • Address: 46 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Kids’ menu available, Mardi Gras beads for children • Pets: Welcome in the outdoor courtyard ★ THE BLACK MOLLY GRILL A local’s place serving local food - beat that! Extremely welcoming to families, the tablecloths are paper with a side of Crayola. Don’t let its strip-mall location put you off, this place is independently owned and operated by long-time restauranteurs. The menu St. Augustine 40 Where can I buy fresh fish? Kyle’s Seafood. Head north on U.S. Highway 1 (towards Jacksonville). A great selection of fresh seafood to BBQ (on the beach?), as well as ready-to-go items: battered shrimp, smoked fish, etc. Worth the trip if you love your seafood! also offers a chance to try out the local specialty – datil peppers. Save room for: Key Lime Pie - from scratch! • Cuisine: Seafood, steaks, fresh and local • Website: http://www.blackmollygrill.com • Address: 504 W Geoffrey Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Very family-friendly • Keep in mind: Desserts change daily. ★ CASA MAYA Organic ingredients take center stage. Maya welcomes you into a Yucatan hearth and home. Try to reserve an outside table if you can – the patio is idyllic. The menu boasts organic ingredients, bought locally and fresh each day. Try the: Hibiscus Sangria or Mayan Cinnamon Hot Chocolate. • Cuisine: Mayan • Website: Casa Maya Facebook • Address: 22 Hypolita Street, St. Augustine 32084 • Keep in mind: This place is tiny! LUNCH ★ CAFÉ ALCAZAR Want to eat lunch in the deep end of a swimming pool? (Once the world’s largest indoor pool). This slightly fancy, slightly quirky café serves lunch daily: big, hearty portions of quality food. Sandwiches and desserts are easily shared over the course of a very memorable lunch. Definitely try: Curried Chicken Salad. • Cuisine: Soups/salads/sandwiches • Website: http://www.thecafealcazar.com • Address: 25 Granada St., Suite F, St. Augustine, FL 32084, • Keep in mind: Inside the Lightener Museum. Lunch only! ★ THE BUNNERY There comes a time in every vacation when you need a pastry. A good pastry – a Danish made with real butter, or a mid-morning croissant. Stop at The Bunnery to grab St. Augustine 41 Datil peppers? A local St. Augustine specialty! (And they’re HOT!) You might see them on the menu, or for sale at a farmers’ market. If you like to garden, take home a datil pepper plant (available at Stewarts Market). a snack, a quick lunch or a rev-your-engines weekend breakfast, before heading off for more exploring. Why not try: A PB&J where both bread and jam are home-made. • Cuisine: Breakfast/sandwiches/salads • Website: http://www.bunnerybakeryandcafe.com • Address: 121 St. George's Street, Saint Augustine, FL 32084 ★ THE BACK 40 URBAN CAFE Quite the hole-in-the-wall but you’ll be glad you found it. Fresh food with lots of veggie/vegan options and a long list of wine and micro-brews. Why not try: Upside Down Chicken Pot-Pie. • Cuisine: Salads and sandwiches • Website: http://back40urbancafe.com • Address: U.S. 1 South, 40 South Dixie Highway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Kids’ menu available • Keep in mind: closed Sundays ★ MANATEE CAFE • Cuisine: Vegetarian breakfast and lunch • Website: http://www.manateecafe.com • Address: 525 Florida 16 #106 St. Augustine, FL 32084 ★ GAS FULL SERVICE RESTAURANT • Cuisine: Burgers and home-made favorites • Website: Gas Full Service Facebook • Address: 9 Anastasia Blvd. #C, Saint Augustine, FL. • Keep in mind: Desserts change daily – check Facebook COFFEE, SNACKS AND ICE CREAM ★ THE HYPPO Lips stained popsicle-pink can be a summertime hazard, but not at The Hyppo. This gourmet popsicle shop makes everything fresh and completely naturally. Ingredients are mostly local and the flavors require serious contemplation. You’ll never be satisfied with plain strawberry again. If you find yourself hooked, they ship nationwide. Save room for: Datil Strawberry or Pineapple Cilantro St. Augustine 42 • Cuisine: Gourmet popsicles • Website: http://thehyppo.com • Address: 48 Charlotte St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Yes, yes, and yes ★ CAFÉ DEL HIDALGO Any gelato expert will proudly tell you how much fresher and healthier gelato is than ice cream. At Café del Hidalgo it’s made fresh every day – will you gladly help devour their stock and return for more tomorrow? Save room for: ‘Copa to Share’ tasting platter. • Cuisine: Gelato • Address: 35 Hypolita St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Absolutely ★ LULI'S CUPCAKES • Cuisine: Cupcakes, birthday cakes and home-made ice cream • Website: http://www.luliscupcakes.com • Address: 82 San Marco Avenue St. Augustine, FL 32084 ★ CRUCIAL COFFEE CAFE • Cuisine: Coffee, tea and desserts • Website: Crucial Coffee Cafe Facebook • Address: 26 Charlotte Street, Saint Augustine, FL. COCKTAILS AND NIGHTLIFE ★ THE CONCH HOUSE Perhaps eat elsewhere – but do so by sunset. This place is on the water and has the ice on hand for your favorite cocktail, as soon as the sky turns pink. Happy hours are long and generous – voted best in the city in a local paper. Why not try: Bahamian Conch Fritters. • Cuisine: Cocktails • Website: http://www.conch-house.com • Address: 57 Comares Ave. St. Augustine, FL 32080 • Keep in mind: Live reggae music on Sundays St. Augustine 43 ★ SANGRIAS WINE & PIANO BAR The Spanish left quite a legacy – that of sangria on a balmy night. Enjoy a pitcher while people-watching from your balcony perch – time it right (or check their online calendar) and there might be live music too. Why not try: Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos. • Cuisine: Tapas and wine • Address: 35 Hypolita Street St. Augustine, FL 32084 FOR BEER AND CIGARS ★ A1A ALE WORKS Beer and a great view – are all your needs met? This casual spot beckons with a big patio upstairs, solving any problems you have with spare time on a sunny afternoon. Try a new beer brewed in-house, or choose from a decent selection of imported beer. Hungry? Standard pub fare is also available. Save room for: Fried Custard. • Cuisine: Handcrafted Beer • Website: http://www.a1aaleworks.com • Address: 1 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Keep in mind: You can try all 6 house beers in a sample session ★ J.P. HENLEY'S Bay-front views and televised sports make a bar that everyone can agree on. Fifty draft beers offer a selection not to be rivaled (add a sausage sampler) or, if you're more of a wine fan, try a glass with a cheese plate. Why not try: Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan Ale. • Cuisine: Beers & wines of the world • Website: http://www.jphenleys.com • Address: 10 Marine St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Kids’ menu available ★ STOGIES JAZZ CLUB & LISTENING ROOM Cigar connoisseurs will find Stogies a welcome respite from Florida’s heat, however non-smokers should check out the craft beer selection. Enjoy one or both in their St. Augustine 44 outdoor courtyard, where live music might be blues or jazz. Save time for: a board game played upstairs. • Cuisine: Beer, wine, cigars • Address: 36 Charlotte St., Saint Augustine, FL 32084 • Pets: Welcome in the outdoor courtyard Things to do at night Live music Through the summer, both visitors and locals enjoy two free concerts, one on Wednesday and one on Thursday, every week. In addition to an annual classical music festival, there’s a great deal of live music going on, all around town. For a great up-to-date listing of what’s on, see Old City music news. ★ MUSIC BY THE SEA (WEDNESDAY) Bring your beach chairs to enjoy a range of music, something different every week. Annual anniversary shows bring the big names – most recently former members of The Hollies, The Moody Blues, and Wings. • Website: http://thecivicassociation.com • Address: St. Augustine Beach • Children: Family-friendly • Keep in mind: From May through September ★ CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA (THURSDAY) Gather your picnic around a gazebo, for another summer evening of free music. Is St. Augustine good to you or what? Check the website for the schedule, it might be anything from bluegrass to pop-rock. • Website: Concerts in the Plaza online • Address: Cathedral Place and King Street, to the west of the Bridge of Lions St. Augustine 45 • Keep in mind: Memorial Day through Labor Day ★ ST. AUGUSTINE MUSIC FESTIVAL (ANNUAL) Two musicians in the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra founded this free summer festival in 2007, and it’s now a much-anticipated feature of St. Augustine’s events calendar • Website: http://staugustinemusicfestival.org • Date: Consecutive weekends in June • Keep in mind: Did we mention it’s free? ★ RHYTHM AND RIBS FESTIVAL (ANNUAL) Barbeque. Live music. (And - if applicable - your children, happy and smiling). This annual, 3-day event is for charity and last year welcomed 20,000 visitors. • Website: http://www.rhythmandribs.net • Date: Early April Ghost tours Here’s the thing about ghost tours. They’re like bachelor parties. Half the group will have a great time, the other half will wish they’d stayed home. Maybe you believe in ghosts, or maybe you’re just along for the ride – either way, St. Augustine’s stories leave room for dozens of ghostly offerings in the tourist spectrum. Once the sun’s gone down, it’s basically ghost-everything: haunted horse rides, haunted lighthouses, haunted jails. Care to join in? Here are a handful of the more creative options – by no means an exhaustive list. • Winter warning: Dress warmly if heading out for nighttime haunting. Many tours last two hours or more, plenty long enough to wish you’d brought a scarf. • Enjoying your tour: If you’ve spent the day sight-seeing, you might be asking a lot of your legs to walk a few more hours after dark. If you have the flexibility, schedule your ghostly evening after an easy day of beach bumming. • With kids: Some tours aim to be scarier than others and aren’t suitable for youngsters. Elsewhere in the world we’ve heard of a children’s birthday party at a “friendly” ghost St. Augustine 46 tour – where every child went home early in tears. Ask the tour operator about its appropriateness, or check others parents’ reviews on TripAdvisor or similar sites. ★ HAUNTED PUB TOUR (GHOST AUGUSTINE) Gather your geeks! This one includes ghost gadgets and beer. Variations on the night- time pub tour theme include the company’s other offerings: their Haunted Hearse Tour, Total Paranormal St. Augustine Tour or – for the weirdest designated-driver ever – the Pub Hearse Ride. Scary or silly, it’ll be a more memorable night than hotel room HBO. • Website: http://www.ghostaugustine.com/haunted-pub-tour.php • Address: Departs from 162 St. George Street, suite 19 (inside Heritage Walk mall) • Children: "Midnight" Hearse Ride Tour allows teens, otherwise must be 21. • Pets: Pets are allowed with prior permission on private hearse tours. • Keep in mind: Discounts for online booking. ★ GHOST TOURS OF ST. AUGUSTINE Did you know it’s possible to be a professionally licensed ghost tour guide? These guys have got it. Choose to ride, walk or investigate in their capable leadership – whether on the Ghostly Experience walking tour, Ghost and Gravestones riding tour, or the Potters House of Wax paranormal investigation. • Website: http://www.ghosttoursofstaugustine.com • Address: 2 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Children ages six and up can ride the ‘Trolley of the Doomed’ • Keep in mind: Check website for coupons St. Augustine at Christmas St. Augustine is a great spot in the winter months, whether you’re a snowbird (or a spring chicken). Here are seven reasons to visit around the holidays. ★ ST. AUGUSTINE CHRISTMAS PARADE Starting at 10 a.m. from the Mission of Nombre de Dios, this large, loud and festive parade weaves through historic St. Augustine for over an hour. Get photos with Santa afterwards in the Plaza de la Constitucion. St. Augustine 47 • Address: ends at Plaza de la Constitucion, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Keep in mind: Typically the first Saturday in December. ★ WINTER WONDERLAND The St. Augustine Amphitheater puts on its snowsuit each year, complete with an Elf Village for little kids and a Blizzard Bounce for slightly older ones. Amidst snow machines, adults and kids alike will enjoy hot cocoa, an outdoor ice rink, plus sleigh rides and photos with Santa. A weekday or weeknight visit will be a much quieter experience than Friday or Saturday night. • Website: http://www.winterwonderlandflorida.com • Address: 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080 • Children: Family-friendly, though some rides have height restrictions • Keep in mind: Free admission with individually ticketed rides Holiday tours ★ HOLIDAY TOUR OF BED & BREAKFAST INNS A tour that comes with treats! Over twenty of St. Augustine’s decorated historic inns open their doors to visitors across a holiday weekend. Each one offers seasonal samples from a local restaurant, bakery or chocolatier, should you need added incentive. A once-a-year chance to see the city’s best in sparkling holiday light. • Website: http://staugustinebandbtour.com • Keep in mind: Proceeds go to St. Augustine’s “Empty Stocking Fund”. ★ CANDLELIGHT TOURS AT VILLA ZORAYDA Arrive early for some holiday refreshments, then tour this 1880s mock Moorish castle by candlelight. Book this as a fantastic surprise for anyone in your group who loves history, art or a little holiday romance. • Website: http://www.villazorayda.com/candlelighttours.html • Address: 83 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Children: Ages 3 and up are very welcome, with children 4-7 admitted free. St. Augustine 48 • Keep in mind: Reservations are recommended due to popularity/limited space. Nights of Lights National Geographic knows outdoor beauty – and rightly named St. Augustine’s Night of Lights amongst the top ten places to see holiday lights worldwide. ‘Over two months of lights’ would be a more appropriate but not-so-rhyming name, as the spectacle runs from mid- November to late January each year. As if this magical city needed extra gloss, you can’t believe the fanciful transformation made from a few million Christmas lights strung across town. Enterprising businesses offer ways and means of amplifying your experience – whether involving a trolley, a horse or some carols. ★ NIGHTS OF LIGHTS CARRIAGE TOUR • Website: http://www.thetastingtours.com/night-of-lights-carriage-tour.html • Keep in mind: This tour comes with wine! Reservations required. ★ HOLLY JOLLY TROLLEY – OR – SANTA’S BIG RED CHRISTMAS TRAIN Both trolley/train tour companies offer a Night of Lights experience with carol-singing, refreshments and a good atmosphere for all ages. See page 16 to determine whether you’re a trolley or a train person. • Trolleys: Holly Jolly Website • Trains: Christmas Train Website • Children: Family-friendly St. Augustine 49 St. Augustine area beaches The beaches (north to south) • Vilano Beach: Separated from the rest by the inlet, this beach is a great skim-boarding destination as its shore is very steep. • Anastasia State Recreation Area: The only beach where cars are banned. Also the only beach where pets are banned. You win some, you lose some! • St. Augustine Beach: Very popular and quite commercial, you’re in the middle of The Action. The beach is very rocky near the pier and swimming is not recommended due to strong waves. Good for surfing though! • Crescent Beach: A great family beach with nice, soft</p>
