St. Augustine, Florida is most famously known as the Ancient City, filled with an abundance of history. However, in more recent years, St. Augustine has become known for its restaurant scene. Foodies, you won’t want to miss these World Golf Village resident favorites! 

Simone’s Wood Fired Craft Kitchen

Located near the World Golf Village area of St. Augustine, Simone’s Wood Fired Craft Kitchen is a local, family-owned establishment that delivers delicious classic Italian dishes. All of the pizza dough, bread, and pasta at Simone’s are made from scratch in-house by hand daily. Every item on their menu is sure to impress…but we are definitely eyeing the Margherita pizza! 

Llama

When you walk through the doors at Llama you are instantly immersed in a fine dining Peruvian experience. Each item on the menu is carefully crafted using fresh, authentic ingredients to fill both your body and soul. You will be in awe of the Tallarine Con Chango (a pork belly pasta) and ceviches! Make a reservation soon because Llama will not disappoint. 

Cap’s On the Water

From the sunset views to the local seafood, this classic waterfront restaurant is a go-to for St. Augustine locals. Both the indoor and outdoor seating options provide an incredible setting to enjoy their signature oysters, a drink, and a fun night with friends. Once you visit Cap’s On the Water you’ll be making plans to come back! 

Harry’s Seafood, Bar & Grille

If you’re looking for a cozy courtyard date night spot, look no further than Harry’s Seafood, Bar & Grille. This St. Augustine gem has charm and something for everyone on the menu. With favorites like jambalaya, she crab soup, and fried green tomatoes this Creole-inspired restaurant will make your taste buds dance! 

Libby’s Thai Bistro

Next time you’re in the mood for Thai food, give Libby’s Thai Bistro a try! Fans love their Thai tea, pad thai, and green curry! Their fresh, authentic Thai cuisine will leave you wanting more. Visit Libby’s soon… it could be your new favorite Thai restaurant. 

 
 
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Northeast Florida is thriving and ready to be enjoyed! “Residents of World Golf Village live in the perfect location to conveniently explore each neighborhood that makes Northeast Florida so special. In such a fruitful area, all the activities, restaurants, and sites provide a unique experience to make lasting memories with friends and family,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. We’re sharing some MUST visit neighborhoods on the First Coast that you need to check out! 

Ponte Vedra Beach 

Known for its elegant shopping and fine dining, Ponte Vedra Beach is a luxury resort town with plenty to see and do! Ponte Vedra Beach is home of the pristine TPC Sawgrass, one of the most famous golf courses in the world, and the host course for The Players Championship. If you’re interested in a little outdoor adventure to take in the beauty of Northeast Florida, enjoy a hike at the GTM Reserve. Ponte Vedra Beach provides ample options for a night out with friends like Valley Smoke which offers classic Southern BBQ plus a variety of tasty cocktails. 

Downtown St. Augustine 

Even if you’ve visited historic Downtown St. Augustine before, you likely only scratched the surface of this charming city on Florida’s Historic Coast. Truly immerse yourself in the Old City by paying a visit to Villa Zorayda to see art from around the world, taking a stroll down St. George Street and having lunch at Columbia, and partaking in the #1 Whiskey Tour in North America at St. Augustine Distillery. There is always something new to find in Downtown St. Augustine.

Anastasia Island

Just east of St. Augustine, you’ll find a barrier, 14-mile-long island called Anastasia Island. Known for its breathtaking beaches, Anastasia Island gives visitors a taste of Historic St. Augustine without the crowds. To get the full Anastasia Island experience, visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, the Fort Matanzas National Monument, and Anastasia State Park. Oh and if you have some little ones with you, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is a MUST SEE! 

Riverside/Avondale 

New meets old in historic, eclectic Riverside and Avondale! While the area is most popularly known for being the home of the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Riverside and Avondale have the wonderful ability of making everyone feel like a local. From the charming Riverside Arts Market under the Fuller Warren Bridge on Saturday to the multitude of breweries (Aardwolf and Brewz are excellent choices!), there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Amelia Island 

Whether you are interested in a romantic getaway, a fun family vacation, or a day trip exploring, Amelia Island has it all! Amelia Island is a quiet piece of Northeast Florida paradise with a stunning beach and a quaint town. Enjoy a bite at Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro for a relaxed, island atmosphere and fresh seafood specialties. Visit the tranquil Amelia Island State Park – the only Florida state park that offers horseback riding on its beaches! Once you visit historic Amelia Island once, you’ll be longing for another visit. 

It doesn’t matter where you live on the First Coast, you’re always just a short drive to something new to discover.

 
 
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Each Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day, St. Augustine turns from the Oldest City into Music City USA! That’s thanks to Concerts in the Plaza, which is kicking off its 29thseason tonight.

Each Thursday evening, a different local and regional musical act performs in the gazebo of the Plaza de la Constitución in historic St. Augustine. The free concerts last from 7 to 9 p.m. Spectators are welcome to bring chairs, blankets and coolers (no alcohol please) to set up on the lawn and enjoy the show.

Here is this season’s lineup and the style of music for each:

May 30 – The Driftwoods (bluegrass)
June 6 – The Raisin Cake Orchestra (New Orleans jazz)
June 13 – The Grapes of Roth (classic rock)
June 20 – The Mike Hart Band (blues/rock/jazz)
June 27 – Timberwood (acoustic folk/rock)

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One of the great pleasures of Easter each spring is enjoying brunch with family and friends. This Sunday, April 19, there are plenty of Easter brunch offerings around World Golf Village, Ponte Vedra Beach and historic St. Augustine.

Don’t spend your Easter in the kitchen when you can enjoy a fantastic meal and spend a relaxing holiday with loved ones! Reserve a table at one of these restaurants offering Easter brunch specials. (Hop to it! All of these either require or request reservations!)

  • Villagio at the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $48 for adults, $24 for kids and $38 for seniors. Reservations are required. To reserve, call (904) 940-8623. Villagio is located at 500 S Legacy Trail, St. Augustine.
 
 
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Every spring for the past 37 years, historic St. Augustine has stood astheplace for great seafood, live music, and good times. This year, the tradition continues with the 38th St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival! It all goes down this weekend, March 22 to 24, at Francis Field.

Presented by Lions Club International, the festival is a staple for locals and tourists seeking games and rides, shopping, music and, of course, delicious local seafood. Dozens of seafood vendors will be present offering fish, crab, shrimp, mussels, calamari, and more, prepared in a wide range of cooking styles. For land lovers, vendors will also be selling Italian, Asian, and fair-style foods.

An Arts & Crafts Village will include more than 100 vendors selling handcrafted items such as housewares, pottery, artwork, and accessories.

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Twenty-two years ago, in the Spring of 1997, I moved my family to North Florida. We started our family in Boca Raton, Florida, then moved to Laguna Beach, California. Prior to the Centennial Olympic Games, we relocated to the Buckhead community in Atlanta, Georgia. After the Games, we decamped Atlanta for Ponte Vedra Beach. Once our children were literally off-and-running with their careers, we down-sized into one of Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods, first platted in 1921.

Before coming here, we did enjoy our lives in those very pretty, and often celebrated, places.  It is true – wherever you are – it is what you make of it. In that regard, it is extremely easy to make our place thoroughly enjoyable. Here are a few things that are extraordinary about this place:

10. Regionally, we are steeped in history, heritage and traditions – from the settlement of St. Augustine in 1565 to the friendly, southern hospitality of today.

9. Friends and family are eager to come for visits – knowing there are numerous local and/or near-by unique events to experience and interesting destinations to explore.

8. The citizenry is active and engaged with a business, manufacturing and military legacy creating a viable, strong economy and a safe and secure community.

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