Finding Youth in St. Augustine's Historic District

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    The year 2020 has brought with it not just the devastating effects of Covid-19, but also the negative impacts to the travel industry.  As a travel writer, I personally had four trips cancelled.  These trips were to Costa Rica, Point Clear, Alabama, Miramar Beach and Argegno, Italy--these along with my frequent trips to Orlando to continue updates on my many Orlando travel guide books.  Even when some things began to open and we booked a trip to Sandestin, Miramar Beach, our reservations were cancelled because of high rates of infection in Louisiana.  

    When we finally felt safe enough to venture out, we naturally wanted to support our local restaurants in New Orleans.  We love spending time in the New Orleans French Quarter, not only because of the excellence of the dining establishments, but the history of the area.   I started to think about a traveling to a place with similar historical value and somewhere within in driving distance.  We decided on a place we had never been--St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the United States.  

     St. Augustine has a fame accorded to the Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon, and his search for the Fountain of Youth.  While historians actually dispute that this was the purpose of his travels to the eastern coast of Florida, the architected and charm of the area is heavily influenced by the original Spanish settlers.  Henry Flagler, the famous railroad entrepreneur also based a home in this small city.  There are lots of historical landmarks including a great monument to architecture of the time, the Flagler College building.  


        If you are looking for a place to stay in St. Augustine, there are many Bed & Breakfast options, many of which are located in the center of the historic district, but if you're looking for a luxury hotel experience, look no further than the Casa Monica hotel!

    The Casa Monica, built in 1888, is an historic hotel, nestled in the heart of St. Augustine's Historic District. It is within walking distance to San Sebastian Winery, Flagler College & Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and just about everything in the historic district.          

    The hotel is part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, which includes high end properties which are dedicated to service.  The hotel has restaurants, bars, a spa, a courtyard pool with private cabanas, incredible architecture and amazing artwork at every turn.  



    The hotel has a rich history.  Built by Franklin W. Smith in 1888, Smith was a native Bostonian and a Civil War-Era abolitionist and social activist. who happened to possess a deep interest in Victorian architecture.  Smith designed the hotel in a Moorish Revival architectural style as well as his nearby winter residence—Villa Zorayda.  Henry Flagler sold the land to Smith, but as the story goes, Flagler's railroad was the only transport for furnishings to the area.  Somehow, the furnishing for the rooms never arrives and Flagler purchased it for a song.
    The Casa Monica is walking distance to all of the historic district sights, shopping, restaurants, bars and the Ponce de Leon statue.  If you plan to travel to Saint Augustine, you must visit the Casa Monica.  All over the Spanish themed lobby and on every floor is amazing artwork.



Picasso-esque Ladies Room artwork

    We started our first day at the Costa Brava restaurant for breakfast.  As Covid precautions were in place, there were few people in the dining room.  
We chose the Benedict, upgraded a notch with spinach lingonberry sauce and the American breakfast.  

     We headed out after breakfast to jump on a hop on hop off tour of the town which picked us up in front of the Lightner Museum.
Lightner Museum
On this tour, we learned the layout of the town.  We even stopped at the St. Augustine Distillery and a winery for free tastings.  We also stopped at historical sights such as a stone fort, the Castillo San Marcos and the City Gate.
Castillo San Marcos

City Gate

     Next, we spent time browsing and shopping and had lunch in the historic district.  There are lots of boutiques and day spas as well as gift shops. 

While strolling through the market, we happened upon Taberna del Caballo, and the fish tacos were calling us.  


    On our last night, on a recommendation, we dined at Harry's Seafood Bar & Grill.  Lucky for us, they have a beautifully lit courtyard for outdoor dining.  At Harry's, try anything with crab!

Crab Napoleon

She Crab Soup
  While staying at the Casa Monica, we took advantage of their services at a private beach club, the Serenata, on nearby Ponte Vedra Beach which is half way between Jacksonville and St. Augustine Beach.  To get there, we crossed the famous "Bridge of Lions."

A visit to the Serenata was a great option for us because with use of this private club, we could spend the day at the beach with use of their beach chairs and private pool with a bar, restaurant, gym, changing rooms and showers.  And, we didn't have to pay for an extra hotel at the beach.

Serenata on Ponte Vedra Beach

    I can't believe it took us so long to discover Schmagel's Bagels.  This place makes homemade bagels that are to die for!


    You definitely want to be back in St. Augustine at dinner time.  There are several quality restaurants in the historic quarter (and some that are just average).  

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