Mar
1
Things to do in St. Augustine, FL
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Living in the area, we sometimes forget that St. Augustine is a destination for visitors from the area and vacationers. But, sometimes I like to take a step back and give readers some actual value for stopping by. That’s right, I do it all for you!
Here’s 5 cool things to do in St. Augustine:
Castillo de San Marcos
The Castillo de San Marcos was built by the Spanish to protect the city of St. Augustine, and was never defeated in battle. Today, it serves as a national historical monument and is open to tours year-round. We’ve been there a number of times, and I even proposed to my wife in one of the lookout towers. Very interesting, and the time goes by faster than you expect. You can wander the fort or take an interpretive tour with a Ranger.
Take a ride on Ripley’s Sightseeing Trains
This is a great way to see the city, and an even better way to get around the city. Parking can be difficult in the old section, so Ripley’s Sightseeing Trains allow you unlimited on/off privileges at stops all over town. Better yet, a ticket is good for 3 days, so you can keep the car parked while in St. Augustine and use the sightseeing train to get around. We did this as part of a mystery shopping assignment, and enjoyed every minute.
Carriage Rides
As you walk along Avenida Menendez and the Matanzas Bay, you will see a number of horse-drawn carriages available for hire. Another nice way to get around town, albeit a bit more expensive (and shorter!) than a sightseeing train. But, infinitely more classy and romantic. My wife hired one for our wedding, and was picked up with her mother and sister and carried to the venue wearing her wedding dress. Afterward, we were carried away and had a leisurely ride around town until dropped at our B&B for the wedding night.
First Friday Artwalk
I’ve written about the First Friday Artwalk previously; On the first Friday and Saturday every month, participating galleries offer tours that start at 5 p.m. There are complementary shuttles from St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolley Tours if you’d like to ride between stops on the Artwalk. Galleries have exhibits that include local artists, including painting, photography, and music. Dates for the remainder of 2008 are:
March 7th | April 4th | May 2nd | June 6th | July 4th | Aug. 1st | Sept. 5th | Oct. 3rd | Nov. 7th | Dec. 5th
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is a favorite attraction for the kids. My family has been there many times, and the kids are always fascinated by the feeding show. In true Pavlovian fashion, the alligators congregate just below the feeding platform when they see a park worker step into view. The worker throws chunks of meat down to the gators, who jump, scoot, and swim to get their share. There’s plenty more to see besides alligators, though, and most people find something of interest.
Nov
14
Only in FLA: Man trying to escape from police, eaten by alligator
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It’s all over the news in Florida today: A guy was breaking into cars at the Miccosukee Resort and Convention Center and was chased by tribal police.
Let me stop for a moment and just say that down here, we assume every body of water has an alligator. It’s safer that way. Those suckers turn up in every place imaginable.
So this guy is running from the police and jumps into a lake and a 9-foot alligator swims alongside and grabs his head. Divers found the torso two days later at the bottom of the lake. Of course, Florida law requires that the alligator be destroyed because the assumption is that once they’ve tasted human flesh they’ll keep seeing humans as prey.
They ought to be giving that gator a medal.
May
6
Only in FLA: Go Gator!
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My brother got a couple a-little-TOO-up-close-and-personal shots of this Florida Yard Dog as it patrolled the lawn outside his office building. I’ve heard on the news that it’s mating season, so you’ll see these suckers pop up from time to time, looking to get their rut on.
