An October 2004 trip to St. Augustine by Whiterabbit79
Quote: St. Augustine is just a short drive from my home in Brevard County, but it feels like a world away. This journal will showcase a few of my favorite spots in and around this historic town.
Overview
2. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will do a lot of walking.
3. Bring your camera. You will find great photos all along the historic streets of this city.
Hotel | "Sawgrass Marriott Resort"
Our room had the same tones as the lobby, cream walls with accents of color. Our room had two queen-size beds and had a connecting room door. That worked out great since our other part of the group was in the room next to us. The bathroom was average at best, but it worked for us.
The view from our room was of the front of the hotel. We had a tiny balcony, just enough to lean over to get pictures, but it was a great view nonetheless.
The pools and Jacuzzis of the resort were great. The pools were large and kept very well. Around the pools there were many chairs to sun yourself or just relax in. The Jacuzzis are bit hidden behind trees, but it makes you feel like you are secluded.
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 8, 2005
Marriott Hotels & Resorts: Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Beach Club 1000 PGA Tour Blvd Ponte Vedra 32082 (904) 285-7777
Restaurant | "The Spanish Bakery"
Come lunchtime, you can smell the scent of fresh bread baking. And that draws you in. Inside the small building, you see your choices. They have a combo deal of one bowl of soup (soup of the day: picadillo (love this), chicken noodle, and sometimes potato), a roll, a can of soda, and a cookie, OR you can get Spanish empanadas or a smoked sausage roll with the above for $5 (last time I was there). They also allow you to purchase one entire loaf of bread for $1. All the food here is great.
Once you get your lunch, grab a table out front or on the side under the trees and have a good lunch. And on your way out, stop by the fudge shop for some dessert.
Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 8, 2005
Spanish Bakery St. George Street St. Augustine, Florida
Attraction
The wines there are very good, but very reasonably priced, AND, for those bulk purchasers, they offer discounts per case of wine. You can't beat a bottle of great red wine or port for $20. That’s what keeps me coming back, along with the quality they provide and the knowledge that they won't bust the bank.
San Sabastian Winery 157 King St. St. Augustine, Florida 32084 (904) 826-1594
Attraction | "St. Augustine Lighthouse"
I chose to stay on the ground as the rest of my group went up the lighthouse. On the walk through the museum, I learned of how the lighthouse was made and what is being done to keep it in great condition. It is very informational and interesting to learn the history of this place. If you are okay with climbing a few hundred steps, I would recommend going to the top, but if you aren't, there are plenty of things to check out in the museum and the surrounding grounds.
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum 81 Lighthouse Avenue St. Augustine, Florida 32080 (904) 829-0745
Attraction | "Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse"
Overall, you can't beat it since it's part of history and can be a nice respite from the crazy traffic on I-95.
Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 8, 2005
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse 4931 South Peninsula Drive Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127 (386) 761-1821
Check out the other side streets that come off St. George. There are some great little shops down them also. Be careful to watch out for cars, because some of the side streets do allow cars.
St. George Street Historic District St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Whiterabbit79 Merritt Island, Florida
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