Sail to America’s oldest city, by land, air or sea to St. Augustine for sun, fun and adventure. Come visit the enchanting past, architectural wonders and life’s simpler pleasures. Take a breath of fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun and the local flavor as you wander the brick-paved roads lined with unique shops. Savor delicious bites of a variety of ethnic foods from chefs with their own unique flair. do you smell that? Sweet and sour. Be sure to pop into Claude’s Chocolates and pick up some truffles, chocolate drinks, or bark.
Rediscover your youth at the Ponce de León fountain or perhaps you are interested in partaking of the local grapes at Bodega San Sebastián.
Enjoy a walking tour of the Village, the House of the Oldest School, the Spanish Military Hospital from 1791 or climb the stairs of the San Agustín Lighthouse. Do you hear the clippity-clop of hooves? Or how about the blacksmith’s toll of steel on steel?
Hop on the Old Town Trolley Tour or Sightseeing Train and hear stories of history and more, believe it or not (Ripleys), imagine life 50, 100 or 300 years ago, when trade was done locally, rather than globally.
Investigate the Lightner Museum, formerly Hotel Alcazar. Three floors of eclectic collections from cut glass to period costumes and mechanical musical instruments. Be sure to stop at the Turkish bath.
Ready for an adventure? Paddle along the Mantanza River shoreline for a different view of the city and its wildlife. One of the local guides will introduce you to fascinating history and facts, from bird watching, flora and fauna, to the mission grounds on your eco tour. Sail a 19th-century 72-foot schooner by day or by night.
Hop aboard another deep-sea fishing boat if you need some fantastical tales. Charters available by the day or by the hour.
Rent a bike to cruise across the Spanish town, or find a nearby biking and walking trail. Picnic is encouraged. Cool off with a dip in the pool at your Inn of Elegance. Sip a glass of tea on the patio as you review its history and inhale the fresh fragrances of the gardens. The lively galleries and museums will enchant you.
Looking for greener pastures? Formidable challenges and breathtaking views await at any of the dozens of golf courses around St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida’s First Coast. Tree lined fairways and professionally designed courses will put a smile on your face as you play along the intercoastal waterway.
“Knead” a little more relaxing? Spend a few hours at the day spas or at the exclusive Sawgrass Resort. Bring the quality back to your life.
Aren’t you afraid of ghosts? Wrap your mind in any of the local fables told by professional ghost docents on the walking, horseback, or interactive ghost tours. Explore murder sites, haunted houses, inns, and graveyards, all of which can come alive at night.
Any time of the year is ideal for a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic Spanish Quarter.
Fly with your private plane to Galaxy Aviation and feel like the rich and famous.
St. Augustine, where history comes to life, along with romance, drama and mystery.
(web links:
butterfieldgarage.com, schoonerfreedom.com, innsofelegance.com, http://www.stfrancisinn.com, http://www.claudeschocolate.com, [http://www.ghosttrain.com]http://www.staugustine-ripleys.com, http://www.oldesthouse.org, http://www.pontevedragolfandcc.com)
