Apr
 
8

4 Places to Visit in St. Augustine on a Rainy Day

Posted by: Sherry Davidson in Business Spotlight, Local Activities, News
 

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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Jan
 
13

TOP 3 Restaurants in Downtown St. Augustine

Posted by: Sherry Davidson in Business Spotlight, Local Activities, News, Restaurant Reviews, Travel
 

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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Oct
 
13

Davidson’s TOP 3 Places for Family Fun in the Fall

Posted by: Sherry Davidson in Community Involvement, Local Activities, Local Events, News
 

Someone needs to remind Mother Nature that it is October and it’s time to send in the cooler temperatures. But despite the heat, the rain, and the humidity we are currently experiencing in Northeast Florida – it is FALL! That means all things pumpkins, pumpkin spice, pumpkin flavors, and pumpkin patches! Most of us wouldn’t actually give up our year-round temperate weather we experience on the First Coast for the bitter cold months our neighbors north of us endure. And while it would be pleasant to enjoy fall-like weather and leaves changing colors there are a few places we highly recommend to enjoy the fall season (even if you do have to wear tanks, shorts, and flip-flops.)

Travel over to Green Cove Springs and enjoy a full day of fun at Amazing Grace Family Farms www.agcropmaze.com which is open Fridays and Saturdays through October 31st. The list of activities available at Amazing Grace Family Farms will keep children of all ages busy enjoying the adventures and will likely have them sleeping on the way home. From their pumpkin patch worthy of family photos to the enormous jump pad that will completely exhaust any kid or even kid-at-heart, there’s plenty to see and do. The crop maze will challenge the adventurers with its many twists and turns. The BarnYard Ball Zone will have the crowd going wild. The Tug-O-War brings just the right amount of competition for the family (or maybe family vs. family). And a highlight every year is the farm animal petting zoo where children are able to experience real life on the farm with these precious animals. Parents, be sure to have your phones ready because this beautiful farm provides plenty of picture perfect moments to capture the wholesome fun you’ll enjoy outdoors making memories.

Next on our list, is CONNER’S A-MAIZE-ING ACRES. This small family farm packs in a HUGE and exciting day. Located in Hilliard, CONNER’S A-MAIZE-ING ACRES is a local favorite for many reasons. With 125 acres of a working family farm, during October and select days in November, Conner’s A-MAIZE-ING ACRES is open to the public for people to enjoy their sweet farm animals, wagon rides, playground, ride horses, pumpkin patch, and most importantly the incredible corn maze that changes from year to year. With last year’s maze shaped with The Wizard of OZ theme, this year’s maze will have you lost in a web…Charlotte’s Web, that is! Be sure to bring your appetite, too. Conner’s A-MAIZE-ING ACRES offers plenty of eating options perfect for your day on the farm. For more information visit www.connerscornmaze.com

Rounding out our TOP 3 is SYKE’S FAMILY FARMS. The Sykes Family has more than 50 years of farming experience and provides their guests with a tradition people can enjoy year after year. The 9-acre corn maze is filled with twists and turns and will have families laughing and navigating as they enjoy the outdoors together making memories. Syke’s Family Farms also provides a play area, farm animals, cow milking, hayrides, pumpkin patches, cow train, teeter-totters, duck races, and plenty of wholesome entertainment to keep the family busy for hours. For more information about hours of operation and tickets visit www.sycofarms.com

All three locations are operating under state recommendations and providing COVID-19 precautions. Please contact the locations prior to your visit for a better understanding of how each farm is operating.

 
 

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Sep
 
10

Davidson’s TOP 3 Places to Visit in St. Augustine, Florida

Posted by: Sherry Davidson in Business Spotlight, Local Activities, News, Travel
 

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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May
 
7

Creative at-home Mother’s Day ideas

Posted by: Cathy Eng in Community Involvement, Events, Local Activities, News, WGV Residents
 

Mother’s Day is fast approaching (Sunday, May 10) and we can all agree this year’s special day will be a little different. While we may not be able to take Mom out to eat or to the day spa due to social distancing guidelines, there are lots of creative ideas out there to make her feel special!

Here are some creative ways to make this year’s Mother’s Day even more extraordinary than any other year:

  1. Make a picnic for Mom.While going out to eat is not in the cards, you can plan to go “out” to eat at a nearby park or even your backyard. Everyone will enjoy getting out of the house for some fresh air and a relaxing picnic. You can make her favorite meal at home or, if cooking is not a good option, plan to arrange delivery or takeout ahead of your excursion
  2. Create a memory scrapbook.Pull out your dusty photo albums and transform old pictures of Mom into a new collage. Gather the whole family to peruse together, asking questions about her younger self—old jobs, schools, hobbies, travels, friends, even old fashion choices! Mom will love the trip down memory lane.

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Apr
 
9

Easter 2020: New and creative ways to celebrate

Posted by: Cathy Eng in Community Involvement, Events, Local Activities, Local Events, News, WGV Events
 

There is no doubt that this year’s Easter celebration on Sunday, April 12, will be like no other we’ve ever had. The great thing is people are getting very creative with their celebrations!

Many churches are streaming their services online and drive-in style services have popped up around the country. Families have also taken to apps like Zoom and Skype to be “together” during these holidays while complying with social distancing guidelines. Seeing everything from virtual Easter egg hunts to family gatherings via Facetime, it is clear we as people are nothing if not resourceful.

Here are some other ways you can connect with loved ones this holiday weekend:

Organize a neighborhood Easter parade. Many communities have Facebook pages where activities like this are planned. Neighbors may decorate their cars and golf carts, meet at the community clubhouse and conduct a slow parade around the neighborhood playing music and waving hello—a special treat for anyone who cannot leave their home!

Live in the King & Bear? The community will have an Easter Bunny Drive-by on Easter Sunday. Check out the K&B Facebook pageto learn more and make sure he drives by your house!

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Mar
 
31

DIY home projects for the entire family (no purchase necessary!)

Posted by: Cathy Eng in Community Involvement, Local Activities, News
 

If you’re like many of us who are at least partly self-quarantined, you have binged all the Netflix you can handle and taken more naps than you can count. Cabin fever has set in for the entire family and you’re looking for something to engage the whole crew.

Now is the perfect time to start a family home project. Here are some ideas to get inspired and get everyone to pitch in and help—without taking a single trip to the home improvement store or spending a dime!


1.) Garage overhaul –This is a great project because nearly all of us need to do it, everyone can help, and it doesn’t require any additional equipment! The best way to tackle to garage overhaul is to empty everything onto the driveway. Once empty, determine where all the “like” items will go—lawn equipment, home improvement tools, camping gear, beach stuff, bikes, etc. Everything should have a home together.

Make a point to only add the items you currently use or will use in the next 12 months. Consider donating, selling or tossing anything that isn’t useful to you. JDog Junk Removal & Hauling, a local veteran-owned company, is a great resource to take away your garage junk. Click hereto check out JDog’s garage clean-up guide.

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Mar
 
5

2020 Players Championship makes changes to tickets, mobile access and more

Posted by: Cathy Eng in Community Involvement, Events, Local Activities, Local Events, News
 

The First Coast is ramping up for the 2020 Players Championship from March 10 to 15 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach. Whether you’ll be attending the tournament or watching at home, there are several new changes being implemented to note.

See every shot by every player

First, every single shot by every single player during golf’s unofficial fifth major of the season will be broadcast all week from about 120 cameras set up throughout the course. To see it, you must be a subscriber to PGA Tour Live on either NBC Sports Gold or Amazon Prime.

If you’re a golf fan, it looks to be well worth it! You will be able to select which player you would like to follow as well as switch between players during the broadcast. According to the PGA Tour, the company is hoping this new feature will be something they can promote at every PGA Tour event going forward.

Track shot trails through TourCast

The PGA Tour will also launch a new and improved TourCast, which allows you to see the shot trails of every ball hit. Using the TourCast, you will receive access to on-demand video highlights and ShotLink Data on the PGA Tour’s mobile app as well as theplayers.com.

Mobile-only and day-specific tickets

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Feb
 
27

Learn how to be your best YOU at the Health & Wellness Expo in WGV

Posted by: Cathy Eng in Events, Local Activities, Local Events, News, WGV Events
 

The weather will soon start warming up and Northeast Floridians will start thinking about getting in shape for the summer. What better place to start your health journey than at the 2020 Health & Wellness Expo?!

The annual event will be held at the Renaissance Resort World Golf Village this Saturday, February 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The free event is designed to provide the newest information and trends in wellness, nutrition, and fitness, helping you to be your best YOU! Guests will enjoy free samples and demonstrations, giveaways, and complimentary promotional items. Also, the first 30 guests receive FREE swag bags!

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Feb
 
20

Upcoming World Golf Village events cater to all interests

Posted by: Cathy Eng in Local Activities, Local Events, News, WGV Events
 

Have you been looking for ways to get involved in the community, make new friends and stay active? No matter what recreational activities you enjoy from ballet to pickleball, World Golf Village neighborhoods have upcoming opportunities for you!

Ballet

A 6-week beginner ballet series for adults is coming to the King & Bear Fitness Center starting on Tuesday, November 6 at 7:45 p.m. The series cost is $60. Spaces are filling up quickly so reserve your spot by emailing info@destinydancecenter.com.

Writing

The annual Florida Heritage Book Festival Writer’s Conference is coming to World Golf Village on February 21 and 22. Workshops will be held like Kick your Writing Up a Notch, E-Publishing–The Future is Nowand Short Story Writing for Publication, as well as speaking sessions by multiple authors and individual writing critiques with award-winning authors. A reception on Sunday, Feb. 22 will feature Craig Pittman, award-winning journalist with the Tampa Bay Times and author of Oh, Florida!: How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country. All writers are encouraged to attend. Register at www.fhbookfest.com.

Pickleball 

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