travel inspiration: St. Augustine, FL

Did you know St. Augustine, Florida is the country's oldest city?  I didn't know much at all about the city until I began my research for this blog post.  My good friend Amanda has the good fortune of getting to visit it this summer on her way to Disney World, which is why I picked St. Augustine for this month's travel inspiration.  Whether visiting the Fountain of Youth, one of the many museums, or just visiting the beach, St. Augustine has something for everyone.  Less than an hour south of Jacksonville, St. Augustine may be the place YOU want to visit next!  Read on for a list of interesting things to see and do. 

The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
  I'm a pirate fanatic.  I can't tell you how many times I've dressed up as a pirate for Halloween.  I am intrigued by the men that made their livings by stealing from others.  If I could go back in time to any era, it would definitely be the golden age of piracy.  And now I can.  Well, as soon as I go to the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.  Here, visitors can experience what it was like to live in Port Royal, Jamaica at the height of piracy; see one of only two ever recovered Jolly Roger flags; view the only authentic pirate treasure chest in the world (it's 400 years old!); and experience hands-on exhibits.  Truly a pirate lover or history buff must!  Check out the museum's website for tons of info!



an exhibit at the St. Augustine Pirate Museum


The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum
  I adore lighthouses, and after researching the St. Augustine Lighthouse, I am dying to make the trip to St. Augustine so I can experience this one firsthand.  Visitors can make the climb to the top of the tower, tour the grounds, and visit the museum.  Rumored to be haunted by several ghosts, there is even a "Dark of the Moon Tour" available after hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse website for more information, directions, and even a list of deaths that actually occured on the grounds. 

Ghost Train Adventure
  Want more ghostly activities?  Head over to Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum and catch the Ghost Train!  Visit the three most haunted spots in St. Augustine during this 90 minute tour.  The first train departs at 8 p.m., seven nights a week.   Visit their website here.

Ghost Train Adventure

The Casa Monica Hotel
  Oh my.  The beauty and history of this hotel is astounding!  Originally opened January 1, 1888, the Casa Monica was sold just a few months after its opening.  Renamed Hotel Cordova, the hotel thrived with visitors and guests.  However, Hotel Cordova closed in 1932, and was bought by St. John's County in 1962.  The county used the building as the county courthouse for 30 years, until it was purchased by The Kessler Collection in 1997.  On December 10, 1999, it was opened again as The Casa Monica Hotel.  Restored to it's original beauty, the hotel is the only AAA Four Diamond hotel in St. Augustine.  Visit the hotel's website for prices, pictures, and availability.  Prices ranges from about $150.

Restaurants
As far as places to eat, I found so many in my research that I wasn't sure which ones to list!  Number one on TripAdvisor is Collage.  Cap's on the Water looks like a really neat place, and Barnacle Bill's has been voted best seafood.  If you know of great places to eat in St. Augustine, leave a comment! 

Crescent Beach
No worries about finding a parking spot and walking to the beach here!  At Crescent Beach, visitors park right on the beach!  For just $6, drive your car right up to the spot you like, and enjoy the convenience of having your car right near you!  Maybe it's the lazy girl in me, but this sounds swell...  :)

That's all I can write right now...  I've gotta go pack for my trip to St. Augustine!  Catch ya'll later! 

p.s.  A great website for more info:  http://www.oldcity.com/  Enjoy!!