Even during the summer, life is hectic. Work is never-ending and the kids are demanding, but now you have the sunshine beckoning through the windows and begging you to come outside and enjoy yourself. As much as you’d love to, sometimes a big family vacation or even a get-away for you and your honey just isn’t an option (be it a lack of time or a lack of funds!). But never fear! Piling everyone in the car isn’t necessary when you live in one of the best vacations spots in the country. So pack a bag, take a few days, and settle in for a St. Augustine-style staycation.
WHERE TO STAY
Downtown Dwelling at 93 King
St. Augustine is full of adorable B&Bs tucked away on the side streets of downtown, but 93 King has captured our hearts. In a perfectly central location, but tucked away enough to be free from chaotic foot and vehicle traffic, 93 King is a stylish and unique vacation cottage. It has two bedrooms with queen-size beds, one bathroom, a living area, and a small kitchen. The cottage is also equipped with private parking (a downtown jewel!) and a patio to sit and enjoy the breeze. It’s cozy without being cramped and totally affordable at only $189 per night. A perfect home-away-from-home.
WHERE TO EAT
Let’s talk food – the most important part of any vacation. St. Augustine is quickly becoming a foodie paradise, so narrowing down the list at all is nearly impossible, but we’ve chosen a few that you may not have tried, but are definitely worth your time.
Breakfast | Brunch at Casablanca Inn
Right on Avendia Menendez, Casablanca Inn’s restaurant Brunch boasts beautiful views of the bay and an innovative menu that is certain to delight. With sweet, savory, and everything in between, Brunch’s menu could please anyone. Opt for something classic–like Eggs Benedict or French Toast–or be a little adventurous and sample the Pakora Pancakes–leavened chickpea pancakes with Indian spices. Or even just sit back with a mimosa and relax.
Lunch | Cafe Alcazar
Hidden away in the old indoor swimming pool of the Alcazar Hotel – now the Lightner Museum – Cafe Alcazar is ideal for good food and interesting history. Every ingredient is fresh and locally sourced and the atmosphere is elegant without being fussy. From escargot to club sandwiches to grilled Alaskan salmon, Cafe Alcazar is a unique lunch spot for your ideal stay-cation.
Dinner | Collage Restaurant
Collage is St. Augustine fine dining at its best. An award-winning destination with well-trained staff and an elegant atmosphere, Collage is the perfect choice to treat yourself on your stay-cation. Start your evening with the Tenderloin Bruschetta or a Warm Goat Cheese Salad then indulge in the decadent Filetto Magnifico, an 8 oz. beef tenderloin topped with truffle butter and foie gras and finished with a Cabernet demi-glaze and sauteed mushrooms. Every option on the menu is fresh and utterly to-die-for, ensuring that every guest leaves full and happy.
WHAT TO DO
Everyone knows the prime tourist locations, but for your St. Augustine stay-cation, you might want to head off the trolley-heavy path to these unique and exciting attractions.
Play Tourist with ShutterGuide Tours
St. Augustine has a plethora of different tours showing various views of every historic location, but ShutterGuide Tours offers a new take on the old tradition. The two hour walking tour will take you to the cream of the Old City scenery all while teaching you how best to photograph it! The professional photographers will offer tips on how to make every shot turn out beautifully no matter what kind of camera you have (even a smartphone!) or what your skill level is. Book either a Downtown or an Off the Beaten Path tour at $79 per person.
Catch a Show at Limelight Theatre
Celebrating 25 years in the coming months, Limelight Theatre has been offering quality community theatre since 1992. The company boasts a main stage and a black box theatre both with entertaining productions year-round. Two one-act shows – Laundry & Bourbon and Lone Star – open on June 3, contemporary musical The Last Five Years opens at the end of July, and the new season begins in September with the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Oklahoma! Reserve tickets online or buy at the box office and spend a night at the theatre. You may even see a familiar face!
Enjoy a Ferry Ride Getaway to Fort Matanzas
The tourists always flock to Castillo de San Marcos because of its prime location downtown, but if you’re willing to take a short drive, Fort Matanzas will offer breathtaking scenery and its own rich history. A free ferry ride will take you to the location where you can walk around, enjoy the view, and learn a bit of St. Augustine history that you might not know.
Featured image by Zach Thomas of Monarch Studio
