The World Golf Village community has earned a reputation for being one of the best places in Northeast Florida to raise a family—and for good reason! The area offers grade-A schools and an endless list of things to do, including arts, play and sports. One of the organizations in World Golf Village that is actively working to improve the lives of kids on the First Coast is First Tee of North Florida.
First Tee is more than just a youth development organization. It’s a community that empowers kids to build the strength of character that lasts a lifetime. Their experienced instructors use golf to create an active learning experience, where golf skills are more than just a game. Children build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that translates to their everyday lives. Each year, First Tee reaches 2.2 million youth through its programs. And with over 45 million Americans enjoying golf, it’s a great way to bridge the generational gap through a shared interest.
When families are shopping for their forever home, the community is often just as, if not more important, than the house itself. The perfect house may not be so perfect if there aren’t convenient and fun quality amenities and a thriving community to support your economic and social goals. The World Golf Village, one of St. Augustine’s most popular enclaves, is preserving one of those amenities housed within its borders.
The World Golf Village Hall of Fame IMAX Theater is home to North Florida’s largest movie screen – 80 feet wide and 50 feet high. It’s crystal-clear images and powerful digital soundscape create a movie experience that is undeniably cool. The theater caters to a wide crowd, featuring new releases, past blockbusters, popular throwbacks and captivating educational documentaries. It has long been a place where friends and families can gather for a fun and unique movie-going experience unlike any other around.
With the World Golf Hall of Fame Foundation relocating and ownership of the building moving to a new party, rumors began to swirl that the IMAX Theater was closing its doors. St. Johns County government listened to resident concerns and publicly declared their support and dedication to keeping the amenity open for all residents to enjoy. Through social listening, resident surveys and community engagement, St. Johns County learned that residents were passionate about seeing the theater remain open. Officials were able to allay fears and have begun working with the theater’s management to explore options for the long-term management of the facility.
County Administrator Joy Andrews confirmed: “We want to reassure residents that there are no plans to close the IMAX Theater. We are actively engaged in ongoing discussions with the Foundation and are exploring all possibilities to ensure the continued enjoyment of the IMAX Theater for everyone. Despite rumors circulating about a potential closure date, St. Johns County remains committed to transparency and communication with the public regarding the future of the IMAX Theater.”
For now, the World Golf Hall of Fame Foundation has graciously continued the theater’s operations. The county’s next step is working with a professional planning consultant who will evaluate resident responses to a sweeping survey measuring public opinion on the future of the property. These experts will explore a number of pathways forward for not only the theater but also all of the World Golf Village properties, including the World Golf Hall of Fame multi-purpose facility, PGA Tour Productions building and S. Legacy Trail.
To find current showtimes, visit the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater here. To keep up with County activities regarding the IMAX, visit the St. Johns County website at sjcfl.us.
It’s not every day that you get to dine with Bill Murray, or one of his brothers. But at Murray Bros. Caddyshack in World Golf Village, you just might. Established in 2001 in St. Augustine, Florida, right in the home of the World Golf Hall of Fame, the Murray brothers opened their first restaurant – Murray Bros. Caddyshack – inspired by and named after the movie Caddyshack. Caddyshack, the movie, was written by Brian Doyle Murray, and became a classic comedy film about golf. He was inspired by he and his brothers’ upbringing in Wilmette, Illinois, where as teenagers, the six Murray brothers would work as caddies at the local private country club. The movie includes many of the brothers, and went on to inspire brother and chef Andy Murry to open a restaurant by the same name. The theme is an “extension of our living room,” says Andy, and he aimed at setting the restaurant’s mood as lively but relaxed, taking its guests to the movie set and the Murray family’s home. All six brothers are a part of the restaurant, and they take the food and service seriously, knowing that in order to have a good time, excellent eats and superb service are a must.
The menu is, of course, golf themed as well. The Tee Box, appetizers, boasts of crispy potato golf balls, loaded with cheddar cheese and bacon; the Noonan’s Nachos, which are piled high with beans and cheese and all the traditional accouterments; lightly fried Brussel sprouts; cucumbers with buffalo sauce and blue cheese; hummus; quesadillas; and beef and chicken sliders. The Greens, which I’m sure you can guess, is a menu of salads, including an Asian salad tossed in a sesame ginger dressing with veggies and crispy wonton strips; a cranberry pecan spinach salad with goat cheese; the fiesta; wedge; and Shack Caesar. The Grips, aka sandwiches, include a classic Chicago dog, a 100% Vienna beef hot dog served on a poppy seed roll with sweet relish, yellow mustard, red onion, tomato, sport peppers, pickle spear, and a sprinkle of celery salt; an “Ode to Home,” an Italian beef sandwich with giardiniera peppers and sport peppers; a Reuben; chicken BLT; and clubhouse turkey. Of course the menu includes burgers, with a variety of toppings and sides to choose from. Get a Classic Caddy with your choice of cheese, lettuce, and tomato; a mushroom Swiss; Chicago blues, with melted blue cheese on pumpernickel bread; or a bacon-guac deluxe. Sides include crinkle cut fries, garlic mashed potatoes, chipotle quinoa, black beans, and more. The Fairway dishes include a Caddy Cantina Bowl, Mexi-inspired and topped with crispy tortilla strips and avocado ranch sauce; the 300 Yard Poke Bowl, serving up sesame ginger coated sushi-grade ahi tuna on a bed of white rice with edamame, seaweed salad, and cucumber drizzled with gochujang aioli; chicken and waffles; beer battered fish and chips; shack shrimp; jambalaya; and baked ziti. The Approach serves up more deliciousness with “old city” crab cakes; bang bang chicken; beer brats; and a fresh catch of the day. And The Finishing Hole serves up sweets like a house-made key lime pie; gopher holes, which are warm donuts tossed in cinnamon and sugar; and so much more.
At Murray Bros. Caddyshack, relish in the fun of the Murray Brothers and their love of golf and film. Enjoy live sporting events, televised on flat screens throughout the restaurant, and meals made from scratch, with the finest ingredients that are the best in quality. Immerse yourself in the sport of golf and the fun of Murray at the Murray Bros. Caddyshack. Located at 455 S Legacy Trl, # E106, in St. Augustine, Florida, the Shack is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:30 AM – 9 PM, Thursday through Saturday from 11:30 AM – 10 PM, and Sunday 11:30 AM – 9 PM (closed on Mondays). You can make a reservation by calling (904) 940-FORE (3673).
This burger + brew joint is the perfect pit stop just outside of World Golf Village
The famous one-of-a-kind service station-inspired Ford’s Garage St. Augustine serves up mouthwatering burgers, all-American favorite dishes, 1920s vintage vibes and craft beers. Named after the classic Ford vehicles, the dining room features nostalgic memorabilia and is an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company. The original Ford’s was opened in 2012 in Fort Myers, less than one mile from Henry Ford’s winter home. One of their newest locations is right here in St. Augustine, conveniently located next door to the Bozard Ford Lincoln dealership, near the St. Augustine Premium Outlets, at 550 Outlet Mall Boulevard, Suite 200, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Just a pit stop away from World Golf Village!
Ford’s menu boasts all the American comfort classics with a modern flair: chicken wings in a buffalo, bourbon or Nashville Hot sauce, crispy hand-breaded fried pickles in a panko crust served with a cucumber wasabi dipping sauce, lightly battered shrimp in a spicy “boom boom” sauce, nachos, salads and of course, their Burgers of Fame. Their BBQ Brisket Burger includes expertly-smoked hickory brisket and applewood bacon, topped with Tillamook sharp cheddar cheese, bourbon BBQ sauce, red onions and crispy onion straws on a freshly baked brioche bun. The American Standard burger has all the quintessential accouterments, including American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato and red onion, and pickle planks on a brioche bun. Or maybe you’re in the mood for something a little more upscale, like the Estate Burger, with smoked gouda cheese, sweet red onion marmalade, arugula, tomato and fried onion straws with a white truffle bacon aioli on a brioche bun. And the burgers don’t stop there, they have patty melts, mushroom Swiss burgers, black-n-bleu, bison bacon burgers and Green and Clean veggie burgers — all served with Ford’s fries and Heinz ketchup. They also offer soups, sandwiches and new takes on classic comfort foods — with four different mac n’ cheeses (like buffalo blackened chicken and pulled pork), beer battered fish n’ chips, a whole rack of BBQ pork ribs, homemade meatloaf and hand-battered chicken tenders. The menu, of course, serves sweet treat desserts like old-fashioned milkshakes, key lime pie and molten lava cake. Brunch is also served, as well as a kids menu.
Need something to wash it all down? Ford’s Garage offers the best in craft cocktails, beer and wine. Ford Fusion cocktails present new twists on classics, like the Motor-Jito, a refreshing take on a mojito with coconut rum, cane syrup, lime juice and mint leaves. They offer a menu of Mules, from the classic Kentucky mule with Woodford Reserve Bourbon to a Rewired Hot Engine, with Camarena Silver Tequila — a mule with a kick indeed! Coming in with a group? Try the BYOM: Build Your Own Mimosa, with a bottle of prosecco and fresh orange juice. Or try their Shareable Pitchers for a party of four. The wine list is extensive, but really, you should see the beer list! Updated daily, the draft list includes 36 beers on tap, and over 50 different bottles and cans are available. They also offer growler fills, to take your favorite brews home to enjoy.
Open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 11pm, and Sunday from 9am to 10pm. You can make a reservation online or by calling 904-560-3673. Order take out to pick up or order online for delivery via DoorDash or Uber Eats. Ford’s Garage is where great food meets vintage vibes and the perfect pit stop when venturing from the tranquil resort neighborhood of World Golf Village.
The specialty Japanese sushi joint is the newest restaurant to open on Twincourt Trail
Fresh sashimi, specialty sushi rolls, tempura, hibachi, ramen, poke bowls, curries, katsu, udon and teriyaki. . . . It’s all on the menu at Fancy Sushi, the new Japanese restaurant in World Golf Village. Hailing from St. Simons Island in Georgia, this is the sister restaurant to Q Sushi Bar and Grill. The low-key, neighborhood sushi spot already has a 5-star rating on Google, and diners rave about the friendly staff, plentiful portions and reasonable prices. The restaurant boasts chic comfort, with a sushi bar, dining tables and chairs, black leather booths and covered outdoor seating. Their fresh seafood makes for perfect sashimi and hand rolls that are artfully decorated on the plate. Order the local specialty Jax Roll, with shrimp tempura and spicy tuna on top; or the Austin Powers Roll, with krab tempura, crawfish salad, cucumber, tuna and eel, topped with avocado and eel sauce. Yea baby! Their Super Poke Bowls are superb indeed. Choose your own protein and up to five fresh vegetables with a base of sushi rice or mixed salad. The satiating and comforting ramen menu has six options to choose from: Tonkotsu, with a pork and chicken broth; a classic Miso; Steak Kimchi; Seafood with jumbo shrimp, krab meat, mussels, seasoned octopus and fish cakes; chicken and a veggie.
Fancy Sushi is one of the newest restaurants to join the newly-built plaza at 630 E Twincourt Trail. The 22,000 square feet hosts Parlor Doughnuts, Queen Nails, Kumon Math and Reading Center, Soaring Bungee Fitness Studio and Anejo Cocina Mexicana – and will soon host more as space is available to rent. This area of World Golf Village is exploding, with a new Costco only a mile away, as well as the world-famous country convenient store Buc-ee’s, known for its cute Beaver-themed knick-knacks and snacks.
Don’t miss out on the fanciest of sushi at Fancy Sushi. Offering lunch specials, fast delivery service, online ordering and an extensive menu, Fancy Sushi has it all. They’re open Tuesday through Thursday 11am to 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 12 to 9:30pm (closed on Mondays). Check out Fancy Sushi at 630 E Twincourt Trail, Suite 113, in World Golf Village in St. Augustine.
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Pets show us humans an unconditional love like no other. Having a furry friend can even decrease stress, improve heart health and help humans live longer, happier and healthier lives. At Pet Paradise St. Johns at World Golf Village (WGV), your pet is treated to the paradise retreat they deserve, with five-star pampering and exceptional care.
From dog and cat boarding to on-site veterinary care, day camp to a full-service grooming spa, the services at Pet Paradise WGV are paws-itively superb. Your pet will be wagging the moment they arrive, and you too can take respite in knowing your best friend is being cared for by attentive, personable and professional staff in the utmost safest environment. Plus, they’ll have a ton of fun! Outdoor bone-shaped swimming pool? Check! Peaceful and private cat condos? You bet! There is ample space to romp, swim and socialize, covered porches and trees provide shade, and misting stations keep your furry companions cool — plus, if your pup needs individualized attention, one-on-one care is available.
“It’s their second home,” Matt Davidson shares, pet parent to two standard wirehaired dachshunds, Gemma and Hattie, and Technology Director at Davidson Realty. His two pups are regulars at Pet Paradise WGV. “They’re excited every time I drop them off, and even insist on saying goodbye to every staff member before we leave.” Matt has been sending “his girls,” as he calls them, to Pet Paradise WGV for almost three years, and has never had any issues. “I never have to worry because I know how much the staff loves the animals. You can see it in the way they interact with them and how excited they get to see your dogs. I highly recommend them to anyone.” Matt and his girls have used every service offered, including day camp, boarding, grooming and veterinary care, and it’s all been excellent. “They also have little art projects your dogs can participate in for a small fee, and it’s always adorable,” he grins.
Open Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm, your pets will indeed be basking in paradise at Pet Paradise St. Johns at WGV. Located at 291 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095, call them today at 904-544-8570 or visit them online to learn more about their paw-some services.
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The small-batch, craft doughnut and coffee shop will be opening in 2024
Another delicious business is coming to the neighborhood! Parlor Doughnuts will soon open in World Golf Village at 630 E Twincourt Trail, in Suite 101, offering their signature-style baked goods, “The layered doughnut.” This isn’t the traditional cake or yeast-style doughnut we all grew up with. These scrumptious confections are made from layers of buttery dough that are then fried to crisp perfection on the outside with a light and fluffy airyness on the inside – made in small batches, fresh all day. Flavors include French Toast, Maple Bacon, Honey Glazed, Cookies N’ Cream, Churro, Strawberry Shortcake and so many more – offering more than 20 flavorings, as well as seasonal and secret menu options. Is your mouth watering yet?! They have vegan, gluten-friendly and keto-friendly doughnuts available, as well as a special doughnut for all the pups out there, known as the Doggie Doughnut.
Artisanal breakfast items are also on the menu, such as açaí bowls, avocado toast, bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches, breakfast tacos and biscuit sandwiches. And don’t forget about their Doughboy Milkshakes, which come in every doughnut flavor. And of course, specialty coffee, including espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, matcha and chai lattes and hot chocolate.
This fast-growing national franchise is a doughnut chain with locations from coast to coast and throughout the State of Florida. They originally launched in Evansville, Indiana in 2019 as a coffee shop, and soon rose to fame with their ultimately decadent, yummy treats. Named after the original “parlor room,” Parlor Doughnuts strives for their spaces to be places where people come together, where conversations between neighbors happen and where guests feel comfortable and at home. “Vintage Americana feel with a modern twist!” is their decor motto. Parlor prides itself on building communities where they operate, and at WGV it’ll be no different. Check out Parlor World Golf Village soon at 630 E Twincourt Trail suite 101, St. Augustine, FL 32095.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars aren’t the only big cats in town! Residents can visit the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary and get up close and personal with resident lions, tigers, leopards and more. Open to the public since 2004, Catty Shack’s mission is to provide a safe, loving, forever home for endangered big cats and to educate the public about their plight in the wild and captivity.
Executive Director and Curator Curt LoGiudice’s love of animals is evident. He began his career training dogs in the law enforcement service. He then moved on to working with exotic animals, and in 1994, the Florida Panther Project asked him to represent the organization in Jacksonville, making educational presentations. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary was granted non-profit 501(c)(3) status in 2003 and a year later became accredited to welcome visitors.
LoGiudice believes that education is the best way to teach the public about the plight of large cats in the wild, as well as the dangers of private home ownership. Catty Shack is dedicated to providing these animals with a safe and comfortable home – they do not buy, sell, trade or breed any of their animals. The sanctuary rescues animals from serious situations and provides thorough medical care and a safe living space. Catty Shack’s residents include tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, caracal, bobcats, serval, coatimundis, foxes and horses.
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary offers tours to the public as well as educational school tours. All tours begin with an introductory video that covers the sanctuary’s mission and history. The Day Tours are offered daily from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can take a self-guided tour of the animal habitats while interacting with volunteers stationed throughout the sanctuary to answer questions. The Night Feeding is available on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy a self-guided walking tour. At 7 p.m., Executive Director Curt LoGiudice provides a guided tour full of fascinating facts and background on the animals as the animals enjoy their dinner – the cats can eat up to 600 pounds of meat! Enrichment tours are on every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Enrichment is when staff provides the animals with activities that stimulate them mentally and physically. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour and watch animals enjoy their enrichment activities. Tickets may be purchased online or at the gate (for the Day and Enrichment tours only).
Taking care of all these exotic animals takes a lot of resources. The Sanctuary is completely funded through visitation, concession stand sales, honorary adoptions and financial and material donations. Take a day trip that helps care for these magnificent animals!
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The neighborhoods of World Golf Village aren’t just a paradise for adults. Kids have plenty of fun and exciting activities to keep them happy and engaged. World Golf Village (WGV) Gymnastics has been keeping kids flipping with joy since 2011!
With over 200 years of combined experience, the coaches at WGV Gymnastics offer fun for the entire family. Their professional staff come from various gymnastics backgrounds, offering a well-rounded breadth of experience. WGV Gymnastics has seven team coaches, 33 recreational coaches, two meet directors, one former judge, 14 previous competitive gymnasts and several competitive cheerleaders. Andrea Gavric’s daughters have thrived under their coaches. “We have been coming for a few months, and both of my daughters love it here! The coaches are great, very hands-on and super friendly. Great staff, a fun learning environment, great coaches, and very professional.”
Their 14,000-square-foot facility is a hotbed of activity. Children can practice recreational or competitive gymnastics in progressive classes. Preschool Gymnastics teaches the fundamentals in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Students can progress to Beginner Classes, where they will build up to testing for Intermediate Level. Gymnasts can then test for Pre-Team, those wishing to join a competitive team, or Advanced, those who aren’t interested in team competition but want to learn advanced skills.
WGV Gymnastics offers three competitive team programs. The Xcel program, designed by USA Gymnastics, features five levels of competition. The Women’s Developmental Program uses standard routines to build advanced skills through nationwide competition. Younger children can compete in pre-pre-elite experiences through the TOPS and HOPES programs.
Students can enjoy specialty classes like skills clinics, private lessons, homeschool and boys’ classes in gymnastics, tumbling and ninja. WGC Gymnastics Tumbling classes are the perfect supplement to other sports. Kids playing soccer, cheering, dancing and more can learn dynamic and powerful moves through mat work and tumbling trak practice.
Little ones can get in the action with the Parent & Tot classes, Preschool Open Gym and their very popular Preschool Gym-n-Learn. Designed for 3 to 5-year-olds, this preschool program focuses on learning the fundamentals of gymnastics and incorporates craft time, educational learning, creative music and movement.
Parent Theresa Conley says, “My 3-year-old started their Gym N Learn program and she did the full year and she has grown immensely. They teach everything from the ABCs to Writing their names, counting, etc., plus all things gymnastics and she loved every single minute of it. Coach Stacey and Coach Aliza, along with Coach Christina are truly amazing with the kids. My daughter became a strong, confident and brave little girl while she was there and I’m so grateful to them for it!”
Social events like camps, birthday parties, after-school programs and Parent’s Night Out provide parents with safe and fun options for kids. Make sure to check out this amazing local business that provides love and encouragement while inspiring kids to develop self-esteem and confidence through gymnastics. WGV Gymnastics is located at 135 Center Place Way. You can visit their website at wgvgymnastics.com or follow along on social @WGVGymnastics
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We pride ourselves on having schools that are second to none! Did you know that the St. Johns County school district is ranked the best school district in the State of Florida? It’s also the second-best school district for student-athletes and we boast an average graduation rate of 95%! As a flourishing community, World Golf Village is home to numerous high-caliber schools that your child will be happy to attend in a neighborhood that is a great place to call home for families. Learn more about the amazing schools in our area and what makes them so unique.
Home of the Pirates! Palencia Elementary is a Silver-Certified LEED school. The LEED certification involves showing pioneering examples of sustainable design and demonstrating leadership in transforming the building industry.
Mill Creek Academy Mill Creek Academy is a K-5 school with a special needs pre-K. The Mill Creek Mustangs have a long history, starting with the first Mill Creek school, built in 1879 out of logs. This A-rated school has an active parent community and teachers committed to ensuring that all achieve their fullest potential through challenging, purposeful learning opportunities where lifelong learning becomes a passion.
The Picolata Pumas are students from VPK-Grade 5. Opened in 2017, this highly-rated elementary school boasts a student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1. Picolata Crossing is focused on inspiring good character and a passion for lifelong learning in all students, creating educated and caring contributors to the world.
The Wards Creek Warriors are committed to building and sustaining a school culture that provides a safe environment where all stakeholders collaborate to ensure growth and achievement for all. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1, Wards Creek welcomes students from VPK to Grade 5. It was opened in 2007 to relieve growth at Mill Creek.
Home of the Wildcats, this school offers a solid athletics program for students. The administration is committed to offering a fun student life with more than 10 clubs ranging in interests from running to art to Dungeons and Dragons.
Allen D. Nease High School of Ponte Vedra, Florida, aims to inspire all students to be globally-minded and socially responsible life-long learners by providing a rigorous and differentiated curriculum in a safe and nurturing environment. With a 97% graduation rate, Nease High offers AP classes, and dual enrollment through First Coast Technical College, an International Baccalaureate program, partnered with an extensive athletics program.
The Tocoi Toros represent the newest District school, opened to students for the 2021-2022 academic year. This new school offers a robust student life, with over three pages of clubs for students to join, including ASL, Photography, Special Olympics and Babysitting Crew.
The Bartram Bears moved into the school in 2000. Students will be engaged with a long list of clubs, advanced education activities and athletics. Bartram’s athletic facilities are NFL grade, with the location chosen as a practice site for New England Patriots in 2005. The team completed upgrades to the locker rooms, fields and overall facilities.
For parents looking for an early educational experience, Guidepost Montessori school is for infants through to kindergarteners. Their goal at Guidepost Montessori is to serve each individual child, to help them realize their limitless potential and the opportunities they will have to create real and lasting change throughout their lifetime.
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