Spring has sprung and rain is inevitable. While the weather in Northeast Florida is envied by many with an average of 223 sunny days a year, St. Augustine also gets, on average, fifty-one inches of rainfall per year. Keep those rainy days interesting with a trip to one of these classic spots in St. Augustine that will be sure to entertain and educate you.

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

AHOY, MATEY! Spend the day at The Pirate Museum and explore owner Pat Croce’s impressive collection of pirate memorabilia. Hunt through more than 800 pirate artifacts and state-of-the-art displays created by the Disney Imagineers. The Pirate Museum is home to the only surviving treasure chest in the world AND one of the only remaining Jolly Roger flags. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the gift shop to purchase a little pirate booty of your own to take home. To plan your day at the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum, visit www.thepiratemuseum.com.

The Old Jail

In 1891, Henry Flagler commissioned the company that eventually built Alcatraz to construct a jail just north of downtown St. Augustine. To avoid instilling fear in the public and to encourage his friends to invest in the city, Henry Flagler disguised the jail to look like a hotel! The Old Jail provides guests a glimpse into the daily lives of St. Augustine’s most notorious prisoners. Enjoy an interactive experience as costumed actors tell stories of the jail and the prisoners behind bars. Visitors will also have a chance to view the large collection of weapons and artifacts on display. The Old Jail is truly a must-visit in St. Augustine!

St. Augustine Distillery

If a rainy day has you in a drinking mood, stop by St. Augustine Distillery. This family owned and operated establishment is committed to making world-class spirits using the best of Florida’s agriculture. St. Augustine Distillery offers free tours everyday so visitors can learn how they make their spirits from farm to bottle, the differences between each spirit, and, best of all, learn how to make St. Augustine Distillery’s FOUR signature cocktails! No reservation is required for these amazing tours and they are FREE – can’t get much better than that! 

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum

If you haven’t already visited, you have to admit you’ve always been curious about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! From incredible artwork to shrunken heads, your eyes won’t know where to look next. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum was founded by Robert Leroy Ripley to display the amazing artifact collection from his extensive travels. He documented his adventures in his famous comic strip, “Believe It or Not!”. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website

Contact each location for their latest COVID protocols and restrictions.

 
 
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The attraction to World Golf Village is easy to see. From the vibrant communities and the exceptional school district to the golf courses and nearby shopping, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It seems as if new businesses are popping up every day, but most recently there have been a few notable additions to the St. Augustine community that you NEED to check out. 

Pet Paradise: 

Calling all dog and cat parents! Pet Paradise opened a new location on 291 Center Place Way, St Augustine, FL 32095. The Jacksonville based company recently opened five new locations in Northeast Florida. Pet Paradise is equipped to handle all your pet boarding, daycare, grooming or veterinary needs. With multiple boarding options, Pet Paradise has the perfect accommodation for every furry friend. Pet Paradise clients love having access to the live webcam. That’s right! Pet owners can check on their pet any time with their live pet cam. Pet Paradise offers a wide variety of pampering amenities for your pet to enjoy including a dog bone shaped swimming pool, misting stations, and full-service dog grooming spa. Next time your pet needs a vacation, take them to Pet Paradise!

Carnival Sweets:

Travel back in time at Carnival Sweets. This establishment has something to satisfy every kind of sweet tooth. Enjoy classic carnival favorites – without the carnival! You and your family will love exploring Carnival Sweets with their shelves of candy and delicious funnel cakes, gourmet popcorn, and shaved ice. This nostalgic candy shop takes these classics and gives them a modern twist. When you visit consider trying fan favorites: Cotton Candy Burrito, Banana Pudding Popcorn, or the Ice cream stuffed snow cone. A visit to Carnival Sweets is well worth the sugar rush! 

And last, but certainly not least…

Buc-ee’s:

You won’t want to miss this first of its kind in Florida. With more than 52,000 square feet and more than 104 fueling stations, Buc-ee’s has opened its doors in St. Augustine on 200 World Commerce Parkway. The Texas-based travel stop has already created quite the buzz around town as hundreds waited in line for Buc-ee’s grand opening on February 22, 2021. The store is open twenty-four hours a day and offers an array of food, drink, and merchandise. Buc-ee’s has tasty treats ranging from traditional homemade fudge, kolaches, and jerky to snacks that are a little more unusual like pickled quail eggs. Buc-ee’s promises friendly service and the cleanest bathrooms in America.

 
 
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St. Augustine, Florida is most popularly known for being America’s oldest continuously occupied city, however, St. Augustine is also building quite a reputation as a foodie paradise. Walk the historic streets to find a restaurant scene that is far from predictable. From craft cocktail bars and specialty wine to Spanish cuisine and steakhouses, there is something for every appetite in St. Augustine. With so many dining options to choose from, locals are truly the best to get recommendations from. Below are the TOP three restaurants in downtown St. Augustine selected by World Golf Village residents. 

Michael’s

Nestled on the scenic Calle Cuna you will find Michael’s complete with a refined, nautical finish and cozy courtyard. With a specialty for steaks and coastal Spanish cuisine which incorporate fresh, local ingredients, you’ll discover a seasonal entree menu as well as classic Michael’s dishes including Plantain Bon Bons and Seacuterie Board.  Chef Michael Lugo, a self-taught Puerto Rican Chef, developed his passion and mastery of cooking from his grandmother. For an elevated dining experience, Chef Michael will take you on a guided multiple course meal with each course paired with the perfect wine. Call Michael’s to inquire about availability and make reservations at (904) 810-2400 or by visiting their reservations page

Prohibition

Take a step back in time! Prohibition Kitchen is a retro, gastro pub paying homage to the Prohibition and Gilded Age giving you a taste of the 1920’s. Grab a seat at the bar and enjoy a drink and live music to completely take in the friendly, vintage atmosphere. Located in the heart of downtown St. Augustine on St. George Street, Prohibition Kitchen has a large variety of craft beers and handcrafted cocktails. Prohibition Kitchen’s menu is a foodie’s dream come true. With decadent, unexpected pub grub including Lobster Roll, Rabbit Pot Pie, and spiked milkshakes you will definitely be satisfied at locally sourced Prohibition Kitchen. You are truly in for an experience at Prohibition Kitchen. 

Collage

For an upscale, intimate dining experience with something for everyone, look no further than Collage in St. Augustine’s historic district. From French Escargot to New Zealand Lamb Rack, you and your party will enjoy specialty cuisine from all over the world. The menu adequately showcases the eclectic taste of owners Mike Hyatt and Cindy Stangby. Collage was recently named one of OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants In America, clearly making it the perfect date night restaurant.  Collage’s local, fresh ingredients, quaint atmosphere, and unique international fare provide a dining experience you won’t soon forget. Make a reservation today by calling (904) 829-0055 or clicking here

Contact each restaurant for their latest hours of operations and measures for COVID compliance. 

 
 
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Are you noticing things around St. Augustine seem to be slowly getting back to normal? While the pandemic and precautions are still part of our everyday lives, an overwhelming majority of St. Johns County students are back in school and for most of us that looks like a slight return to normalcy, bus routes in the morning and afternoon, and fewer crowds in our favorite spots. Let’s get out in our great city and safely enjoy the best that St. Augustine has to offer. Grab your bags Moms, Dads, Grandparents, and empty nesters! It’s time to act like a tourist and hit Davidson Realty’s Top 3 Places to Visit in St. Augustine! While it was very difficult for us to narrow it down to just three, our Davidson Realty team focused on a few that aren’t often found on everyone’s list like Leisure Group Travel Magazine and U.S. News & Travel.

St. Augustine Distillery 

As Americans seemed to experience the great hunt for toilet paper and hand sanitizer, one local St. Augustine company stepped up in a big way to help with the shortage of hand sanitizer across the First Coast. The St. Augustine Distillery is located in the historic district of St. Augustine in an old ice plant. Known for their vodka, rum, gin, and whiskey, you can find their labels on the shelves of local liquor stores. But you can also take a free tour of the distillery while also enjoying a sampling of their spirits. The St. Augustine Distillery is operating under CDC guidelines and accommodating tours every 30 minutes with no reservations but on a first-come-first-serve basis. Open Monday through Friday from 10 am until 6 pm, St. Augustine Distillery is a place we highly recommend touring and enjoying a cocktail.

Trolley Tours

With a couple to choose from (and we don’t want to single either one out) we highly encourage you to hop aboard one of the trolley tours in this historic St. Augustine area. Even in the hottest of temperatures, the movement along the bank and through the streets of downtown provides a breeze and a little bit of relaxation as you get a St. Augustine History 101 tour and learn about Ponce de Leon and the early settlers. The Trolley Tours are also a great way to navigate some ideal and popular dining spots. Hop on and hop off as you view the beautiful buildings, experience the historic charm, and enjoy the ride. 

Vilano Beach

With so many beautiful choices of sandy beaches in St. Johns County, our Davidson Realty team selected Vilano Beach as one of our favorite places to visit. It’s important to know the history of Vilano Beach to fully appreciate why it’s one of our favorites. The prestige of this beautiful stretch of shoreline dates back to the late 1800s when Henry Flagler would host his millionaire friends at Vilano Beach. A quaint little beach village, Vilano offers some of the area’s most charming restaurants, shopping, and plenty of rentals to enjoy a “staycation” in your own backyard. Vilano Beach offers a casual, laid back atmosphere, beautiful natural surroundings, and some of the best sunset views. Pack up the car because Vilano Beach also allows four-wheel drive vehicles on the beach making it so convenient to spend a day on the sand.

With so many options to choose from that include the Castillo de San Marcos, the Lightner Museum, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and so much more, sometimes it’s fun to tour the road less traveled. We encourage you to tour our Top 3 Places to Visit in St. Augustine, maybe for the first time but likely for a repeat visit, and let us know what you think!

 
 
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If you haven’t tried Tank’s Sushi Bistro because you think it is just like any other strip center sushi restaurant–or you don’t like sushi—it is time to take another look!

The menu goes far beyond raw fish to include a huge variety of appetizers, hibachi entrees, fried rice and soups. At a recent dinner visit, one person in our party ordered the Hibachi Scallops, and upon trying it, I can say it was fantastic. The scallops and vegetables were perfectly cooked, and the portion was enough for two meals!

For sushi lovers, the classics as well as unique creations are available from the sushi bar. They clearly use fresh, high quality ingredients as all of the sushi we ordered was outstanding.

Try the Tomo Roll (as beautiful as it is delicious), Tuna King Roll or the Murabella Roll (with shrimp tempura). My personal fave is the Angry Dragon Roll (with spicy tuna and shrimp tempura). If you like fried rolls, try the Hwy 16 Roll (deep fried with smoked salmon) or the classic Dynamite Roll.

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By next spring, northern St. Johns County residents will enjoy the benefits of close-by amenities just like our Jacksonville neighbors. With the development of the Pavilion at Durbin Park, World Golf Village and other northern SJC residents will have easy access to popular shops, restaurants and entertainment.

 

Tucked between Race Track Road and the new 9B connector, the town center is comprised of multiple phases and will cover 1,600 acres. Many of the Phase 1 businesses are expected to open by spring 2019. In fact, the new Walmart is already open.

Thanks to 9B’s completion and the new CR 2209 roadway construction through Silverleaf (connecting CR 210 to SR 16), getting to Durbin Park will soon be easier for World Golf Village residents.

Once completed, Durbin Park will feature the largest shopping center in Northeast Florida. In addition to stores and restaurants, development is planned for hotels, office space and multifamily residential units. Durbin Park will also boast greenspace and bike trails.

Here is a full list of the businesses coming to Durbin Park:

Asian Fusion

AT&T Wireless

Baptist Health

Bass Pro Shop (phase 2)
Burlington
Care Spot
Chase Bank
Cinemark Durbin Park (12-screen movie theater)

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If you believe in the importance of eating healthy while supporting your local farmers, and you want to experience a little local southern fare with a St. Augustine flair, you definitely have to try The Floridian restaurant located in the Spanish Quarter of downtown St. Augustine.  Even Chef Emeril Lagasse will highly recommend you do so, as The Floridian was featured in an episode of the Cooking Channel’s Emeril’s Florida, which featured Farm-to-Table venues.
Owners Jeff and Chef Genie McNally opened The Floridian in 2010 showcasing a great deal of respect for St. Augustine’s history and culture.  Their passion for food is evident when you peruse their menu, which provides a various array of options from seafood, steak, chicken, right down to vegetarian or gluten-free.  The not-your-ordinary appetizer options of Fried Green Tomatoes, Pickled Pepper Shrimps or Biscuits and Belly (to name just a few) are a great way to start your mouth to watering for the main entrée.  If you have a hard time picking just one appetizer, wait until you get to the main course!  The Cajuns might be known for their jambalayas and crawfish pies, but the Minorcans of St. Augustine are known for their pilaus and cornbread, which The Floridian proudly showcases in its “Shrimp and Sausage Pilau” entrée.  It would be remiss to not include that the cornbread with this entrée is drizzled with hot honey.

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Nov
 
13
 
Thirty five years ago, in Lake Jackson, Texas, a cute little red-capped beaver signaled the opening of a convenience store by Arch “Beaver” Aplin III and Don Wasek. Their humble enterprise has morphed into a Texas chain of 32 impressive, if not gargantuan, retail stores – featuring fuel, coffee, beverages, beef jerky, snacks, car washes, prepared foods and specialty gifts along with the “best restrooms” in America. Their #1 best-selling item is their proprietary caramel and butter-glazed corn puffs known as “Beaver Nuggets”. Beef jerky products are often a close second (Texas, remember).
Today, Buc-ee’s is breaking out of Texas for the first time and has its sights set on the I-95 Exit #323 at the International Golf Parkway entrance to the greater World Golf Village communities.

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For Dr. Jason Ouellette, orthodontics is truly a family affair. He is a second-generation orthodontist who launched his own office in January 2016 on Twincourt Trail. There, he carries on the tradition set by his father—to provide the best in orthodontic care to his patients.

We recently caught up with Dr. Ouellette and his outstanding staff to learn more about Affordable Braces.

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May
 
17
 

Anyone who has endured a big move, especially to a different town or state, knows the frustration of arriving to your new empty home without lights, without cable, or worse, without coffee. Now there is a solution to your moving woes in locally owned company A Warm Welcome.

Launched in early 2016, A Warm Welcome is the result of a 1,000-mile move that owner Christine Bowe and her family made in 2015. She and her husband relocated with their four children from the hamlet of Stony Brook, New York, to Ponte Vedra last July.

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