For anyone who has never been, I highly recommend you pay a visit to St. Augustine, Florida... the country's oldest city! One of my best friends parents have an absolutely gorgeous house down there, so planning the trip is always a breeze for us... and basically a no-brainer, especially in this harsh Boston winter! It's a great city to just walk around and explore because there are so many hidden shops and restaurants tucked away on side streets, not to mention some great Spanish architecture to feast your eyes on. The people are absolutely some of the friendliest beings I've ever encountered and the locals take you in as if you're a local yourself. This was my third time going with two of the best childhood buddies... Melis and Katie 🙂
Kate and myself lunching downtown on St. George Street
This guy was phenomonal! He sits down a little ally and plays his accordian. Obviously had to give him a tip!
The three of us, downtown St. Augustine
The last time we took this trip Missy's parents took us to a restaurant called Zhanras (pronounced Genre). The concept of this place is great. They have artists' work hanging around and also have artists in action creating their masterpieces, so you can stand around them and watch and interact with them. The front wall as you enter reads "zhanra-genre noun: A category of artistic composition characterized by a particular style, form or content"
We were lucky enough to get a table right next to the artists' table so we could watch! Her name is Francoise. Check out some more of her work!
Me and Melis preparing to stuff our faces 😉
Baked brie with apples, pears and crostini
Bacon wrapped pork loin, served with an apple mango chutney (so good!) and teriyaki dipping sauce.
Citrus grilled sea scallops topped with a sweet citrus glaze
Sashimi Tuna Salad: Ahi tuna over spinach tossed in a Japanese ginger dressing with wonton crisps.
Teriyaki glazed shrimp over a bowl of white rice and stir fried broccoli.
108 Anastasia Blvd (Just East of the Bridge of Lions)
St. Augustine, Fl 32084
904.823.3367
The following night we met Missy's parents and her brother Mark at the Tini Martini at the Casablanca Inn! First of all... love the name. Second of all...you can sit outside, right across the street from the water and have a great view. Third and most importantly, the martinis are terrific and creative!
The three of us sipping on our martinis... we got a little excited when they all came and we realized they were red, white, and blue... basically cause we're dorks. 😉
Me and the roomie.
My FAVORITE new drink... keylime pie martini with graham cracker rimmer. Seriously is this for real?! I'd marry whoever invented this.
24 Avenida Menendez
St. Augustine, Florida 32084 904.829.0928
Now it's time to talk about my all time favorite place, not only in Florida but on the east coast. It's called Simple Gestures. If you're an artist or you like Etsy you will be in love, love, love with this store. We make it a must to come here every time we take this trip because everything sold is so unique because it's all handmade by artists, lots of them even local artists. On our way out, the owner of the store, Sue, gave us each a strand of love beads that matched our outfits. So adorable. They don't have a website up quite yet, but I'll be sure to keep an eye out for it to keep you posted!
I bought some sterling silver earrings and mini plant potters with candles in them!Simple Gestures
4 White Street E
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
904.827.9997
Next up... The Conch House! The home of Reggae Sundays, which we were lucky enough to be there for this year's first one! Tons of people crowd the docks, sip some fruity drinks, sun bathe, and listen to a live reggae band play all day. Talk about lazy Sunday!
We ordered some fried calamari with banana peppers to get things started!
I got one of the signature Conch House drinks. Tastyyyy.
The three of us hanging out at the Conch House on our last full day of the trip.
57 Comares Ave.
St. Augustine, FL 32080
Random Sidenotes:
• If you're of age... be sure to check out Panama Hatties and Dunes Cracker. I've never had food at either place but they're good for "night life". If you head over around 10:30-11pm...they're pretty ridiculous hang out spots filled with locals, new music, and an eyeful of craziness!
• On our way home we got stuck at JFK airport in New York because naturally, there was a storm in Boston. Our JetBlue flight was delayed a few hours... and let me tell you, if you EVER have to get stuck in an airport, pray that it's the JetBlue terminal at JFK (terminal 5). It's like a mall and I was incredibly impressed by it! There were a good amount of stores such as Lacoste, and there was a full food court in the center of the terminal with a ton of REAL restaurants, not that typical unappteizing airport food. I got sushi at a restaurant/lounge called Deep Blue. Also, as we sat in the food court with my laptop thinking I'd either have to pay to get online or not go online at all I saw that JetBlue was courteous enough to have JetBlue hotspots with free high speed wireless internet. HELLO, geniuses. Why can't more airlines think like this?
• Since we're on the topic of airlines and flying... 36 channels of in-seat DirectTv on JetBlue flights plus extra leg room for my giraffe like legs??? That's all that needs to be said about that!
[Chels]
VeggieGirl says
Wowza, what a trip!! So much fun, delicious food, and great company!!
Sorry about the flight delays though 🙁
Nicole D says
looks like fun, can i Join you guys next year !?!? 🙂 thanks!!!
Katie says
aww bringing back all the lovely memories, i want to be back there now!
Isha says
JetBlue is the best airline ever. EVER. Everything you said about them, plus I've never had any luggage issues or anything. I will go out of my way to book with them. I'm glad you got to experience it. Also, Florida sounds ok too. 🙂
Jessie says
This post just makes me miss home more! I'm from St. Augustine (the parents still live there) and I wasn't crazy about it when I was younger but now that I've been gone for so long I always want to go back. I haven't been there in a year, but will hopefully be there around the middle of April.
John Stavely says
Looks like you found all the great spots in Town! The Key lime Pie martini is the best...
Ari (Baking and Books) says
The Jetblue terminal at JFK is indeed awesome. It has everything you could need. When I forgot to pack a travel mirror last time I traveled I happened to be on Jetblue and one of their shops had one.
Looks like you had an amazing trip!
Jen says
Just stumbled onto your blog today and wanted to add restaurant in St. Augustine that is great! I went to Flagler College for a year (200-2001) and my hubby & I actually had our second date having a picnic on the grass at the Fort:) I still love to go and visit whenever we're in FL.
My favorite place to eat was Pizzalley's on St. George's Street. It's kind of a hole-in-the-wall spot, but it has some of the BEST pizza.
Try it next time you go! 🙂
Anonymous says
I love St. Augustine! I lived there my entire life up until I moved to CA a little over a year ago. I totally agree with Jen about Pizzally's- they have the BEST breadsticks ever! Also, they have a sit down place called the Chianti Room that is to die for! To be honest, you arent missing much by not eating at Panama's or Dunes, they're great for the night life but not so much for the food.
A few suggestions for the next time you're there:
-Check out Oasis (A1A), the food is pretty good and they have a great atmosphere.
-Kilwins (St. George St- there are two, one at each end) is great for ice cream, fudge and rice krispies (rice krispie treats covered with caramel and chocolate- amazing).
-It's a little out of the way, but there's this bbq place on 206 and Route one that everyone calls the Pink Pig (not the real name, just the nickname) that has some really good bbq, but you need to get there early because when he runs out, he's out.
-Sea Oats Cafe (one A1A by Publix) is always packed on the weekends for breakfast. Not sure if it's still open (it was under new management when I moved), but their pancakes and chocolate chip cookies are unbeatable. I used to know the owner/cooks so I got the hook up all the time!
-Cafe 11 (A1A and 11th St)- best hummus and chai tea in town. They have bands playing on the weekends and are open late during the summer. They're right accross the street from the beach so they're a great place to catch lunch before going tanning.
-The Spanish Bakery (St. George St)- I have been eating here since I was a kid, they were even featured on the Food Network for their amazing cookies. They have some delicious simple food, including homemade bread made everyday.
Hope you enjoyed your trip!
Jen says
^Yes yes yes! Kilwin's! Best ice cream, hands down. I recently found one tucked away on a side street in downtown Charleston (where we live now) and I was thoroughly excited!!
Vickie says
I really enjoyed reading about your trip. You made St Augustine sound as special as it is! You are always welcome!
Pj says
I have been living here in St Augustine for just over 8yrs now. My husband and I moved from Ohio to be here. We have family and friends visit often we take all of them to Simple Gestures!! It has been and will always be my all time favorite shop/art gallery. Everyone that we have ever taken there has been overwhelmed with admiration for the amazing creations that you will find in there! And a word of advice from someone who has learned the hard way.....If you see something don't leave without it because when you go back for it it will be gone! Not only is this place terrific because of all of the elaborate, wacky, brilliant and simply amazing creations it is truly a special place because of the lovely owners Sue and her husband that everyone affectionately calls "Uncle Stevo" They are two of the nicest people on Earth ! they support local artists and give chances to aspiring artists and they participate in many fundraisers to help local people / issues. They make you feel like you are not in a shop but in their home stopping in for a visit. I wholeheartedly agree.....be sure to stop in at Simple Gestures it is for everyone but if you love handmade original artwork you will be in your glory!! A trip to St Augustine is not complete until you take a peek into Simple Gestures!!
Sue and Steve says
Thank you so much for the compliments!! We sure appreciate it. come see us again soon!
Chels says
PJ: It really is such a wonderful store. We make it a point to visit every time we're in St. Augustine! Every time I go I bring back lots of little goodies and jewelery that everyone always loves! Sue is really a sweetheart, I don't think we've ever met Steve though! I'm actually heading down to St. Augustine this Saturday for a week of rest and relaxation so I will of course be stopping in! Do you have any other suggestions of places to visit while we're visiting this time? Any new places to check out?
Sue and Steve: I'm glad you found this post! I'm actually heading down to St. Augustine this Saturday so I'll of course stop in for a visit... or 2 since we'll be there for the entire week 🙂 Will see you soon!
Mehmet says
Hi everyone it is good to read someone who enjoyed St Augustine and its surrounding areas. I live on st augustine beach and love having best of both worlds. Yes sea oats coffee is still open for business.
Mehmet
Randy B. says
I love hearing good things and feed back of vistors to this area. You comments about the business are so true. Please hurry back
Charles Rinehart says
A really great blog. I love the Conch House. A great view eating from the tiki huts on the water. Market Street is the best place to see the shops and people. I also always take the sightseeing train all over the city. Excellent photo's you have here. All the best.
Betty White says
WOW.......I Just Had My First PieGasm While Eating A Slice of Kutchie's
World Famous Key Lime Pie at Kutcharitaville Cafe. It Was The Most Awesome Experience I Think That I Have Ever Felt. I Tried to be as quite as possible while it was happening. I finished my pie and hurried off to the rest room to clean up before anyone could notice. You can Bet Your Sweet Bippie, That I Will Go Back For More Because I've Found Better Stuff.........
.......................................................................Betty White
Teri says
One of the best things about St Augustine that wasn't mentioned is the incredible amount of really talented musicians in the area. We truly are blessed with some outstanding talent regardless of the genre you listen to - try JW Gilmore for Blues, The Falling Bones for classic rock, Mantanzas for Country/Rock and Soulo - who is a genius at the guitar and can play anything.
Ashley in Austin says
My mom lives in St. Augustine and we visit often. Next time you're there you MUST have the Key Lime Pie at the Conch House. Absolutely the BEST Key Lime Pie I have EVER eaten. I begged the waitress and the manager for the recipe with no luck. I was told it's an old family recipe. To die for!
Allie O says
I'm a local and love our city... and I have NEVER been to Simple Gestures! Ohmygoodnessgracious, how have I missed it all these years?!?! Thanks for the heads-up!
I've been reviewing some must-check-out places here, so next time you plan a trip here, check out http://www.simplystaugustine.com first! 🙂 Gratzi!