A week in the Oldest City

Best Things Nearby:
Plenty of great dining places, the alligator farm, and historic shopping area all within close driving distances. The WORLD GOLF VILLAGE is very close as well.

Best Things About the Resort:
The condo units are very close to a wonderful heated pool and a short walk to the beach. It is not in the busiest part of St Augustine, which provides a more private and relaxing time.

Resort Experience:
I realize that I live only 30 minutes west of St. Augustine, and I love this place. This was the first time I actually stayed, due to my daughter's spring break, and I could still go to work. I will return!

The Hibiscus resort is a relaxing and enjoyable place to stay. Most of the condos are owned by locals with two of the five buildings used for timeshares. The timeshare buidings surround the heated swimming pool. There are three pools and two hot tubs total in the resort. There is also a tennis court. The two-bedroom unit is very spacious and provided easy access to the pool and the beach. The unit has all you need, and the master bedroom also has a very large whirlpool tub in the room. The beach is accessed easily and provides plenty of white sand to do the beach thing. During this week in April, things are not busy, and you do not have to worry about college spring-breakers. The weather is warm in the day and cool at night. The beach is pretty to look at, but the water is way too cold.

PROS: This condo is at the south end of the beach and provides a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere. With St. Augustine still being relatively small, everything is within a CONS: The condo is an older place from the '80s. Some of the decor could use some updating. The master bed is a disappointing double (a little cramped). The tennis court needs some serious care. Be aware that in this part of Florida driving on the beach is permitted! No playground or resort activities.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Very Good

Although this is a chain restaurant, being in Saint Augustine makes it a wonderful dining experience. The place is within walking distance from the historic district and right across the street from the inlet. The food is New Orleans-based type food and ambience. When the temperature is right, the outside brick courtyard is the place to be. There is often someone playing music, and everyone seems to be having a great time. The food is great as well. Any fish fixed the ROYALE way is awesome. Service is always very attentive. For the kids, being outside is always more relaxing than sitting up straight at the table. If you are just doing the couple thing, then you can walk or stumble (your preference) across the street for an evening carriage ride. You get beads without lifting up your shirt as well. BEWARE: Parking is always tricky in the historic area.

This place is often easily missed by most tourists, but is actually one of the best places to eat. It is near the alligator farm, and it is colored purple and green. I picked "other" for cuisine, because it is really different every time you go. This makes it unique each time. Most of the food is Creole, flavored with rice, but there is also a honey and sesame seed grouper dish that is awesome. The salads have a unique dressing on them, and you will find yourself using the fresh sunflower bread to get the last of it off your plate. Top-shelf margaritas are a must. The place is small, and seating can be cramped. I usually avoid taking the kids because this place really is for the adults with adventurous palates. Service is always very attentive. They also have a comedy club next door. I have not been yet, but I have heard it is a lot of fun, as well. NOTE: NO RESERVATIONS, BUT CALL-AHEAD SEATING IS TAKEN AND RECOMMENDED IF AFTER 6PM.

The World Famous Oasis is one restaurant that everyone needs to go to for a good time, food, and drinks. There are plenty of places to sit, but I prefer the upper deck. This has a large bar with about 20 TVs. It has large windows that provide a pleasant sea breeze. The service is always super and attentive. Different types will show up here, from beach goers to bikers, so there is always a party somewhere.

The food consists of sandwiches and hamburgers, but you will never leave hungry. The grouper sandwich is huge and for those who like peppers, go for the WHALER (HHOOTT). For those who need to boost their cholesterol levels, go for the GONZO burger. This place has a great breakfast as well.

At night, there is usually some live music. For those who want to sit back and cool off that sunburn, this is the place. Pretty much anything goes in terms of attire.

If you are looking for something to do with the kids, this is one place that most of the locals only know about. This park (Kourtney's Park) is next to the public library, right off US 1. It has a great little park that is very safe, and it has stuff for handicapped kids as well. There is a wonderful merry-go-round that is only $1 to ride as well. The swings are not the low-to-the-ground types. The kids can get some real air on these, which produces a lot of giggling. One plus about this park is that it sits under huge live oak trees and remains cool throughout the day. It is a pleasant place to relax and let the kids blow off some energy. There are dining places across the street and donuts nearby.

The alligator farm is a St. Augustine must-do. The park is very relaxing and done within 2 to 4 hours, depending on how much you want to read. There are many different types of alligators, crocs, and birds. Many of them are endangered species. Kids may at times find things a little boring. Being honest, alligators and such do not do much other than at feeding time. Some can be hard to spot because they are lying so still. If you do not read much, you will go through the park rather quickly, in about 2 hours.

There are several great shows that allow anyone to touch the animals afterwards. Feeding time is a must. From March to June, the local bird population builds nests over a small lake in the park. This provides the birds protection from predators, but on the odd occasion, a little bird might find itself being a snack if it falls out of the nest. The nests are real close to the walkway. This allows anyone to see eggs and baby birds. There are pellet feeding places around this area, and the kids get a kick out of feeding the alligators, too. The park is covered by large oak trees and relatively cool, even in the hot months. Look for 10% coupons in several of the city flyers or a 20% coupon on the website. ENJOY!