Unexpected Treasures: Our St. Augustine Adventure

Our journey to St. Augustine took an unexpected turn, but as they say, the best adventures often do. Initially planning to make a pit stop in Ft Pierce, Florida to break up our drive from Key West, a rainy day prompted us to push forward and reach our destination sooner. Little did we know, this decision would lead to a series of memorable encounters and experiences.

Our journey began with a minor setback—a malfunctioning wiper motor pump amidst the rain. After some quick thinking and resourcefulness, we managed to keep it running for the duration of our six-hour drive. A shoutout to Integrity RV Parts for swiftly providing a replacement motor upon our arrival in St. Augustine.

Our plans to stay at a Cracker Barrel in St. Augustine hit a roadblock when we encountered difficulty accessing the location, coupled with a lack of suitable RV parking. Upon arrival, navigating to the site proved challenging, as the area was not accommodating for larger rigs and featured potholes reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in their parking lot. Fortunately, no damage was incurred to our rig despite the less-than-ideal conditions. A note to fellow boondockers at Cracker Barrel: if you're in a van, please consider utilizing regular spots rather than occupying RV spaces reserved for larger rigs. This proved to be a challenge, as numerous smaller vans occupied the RV spots, leaving little room for vehicles like ours. However, our perseverance paid off as a frantic search led us to the St. Augustine RV Resort—a hidden gem that surpassed our expectations.

St. Augustine RV Resort: A Hidden Gem

Discovered through Campspot, St. Augustine RV Resort offered us a sanctuary amidst the unexpected chaos. Securing the last available site—a spacious 95-foot pull-through—we were greeted warmly by Lynn, who guided us to our spot with impeccable hospitality. The resort boasted impressive amenities, from spacious pull-through sites to well-appointed common areas, a clubhouse, and immaculate bathhouses. Despite its higher price point, the resort proved to be a worthwhile splurge, especially given the last-minute booking.

Ruby Tuesdays

After settling in, we hopped into the toad and ventured out for dinner at the chain restaurant Ruby Tuesday. While not abundant in Texas, I always relish the chance to dine there, particularly for their renowned salad bar. After ordering our entrees, I eagerly made my way to the salad bar, reveling in the vast array of lettuce, vegetables, and dressings on offer. It never fails to impress! Overall, we were thoroughly pleased with our meal and the experience at Ruby Tuesday.

Sun Outdoors St. Augustine

We've stayed at a couple of different Sun Outdoors properties during our travels, and like those, this one lived up to our expectations. Nestled in a heavily wooded, tree-filled area, the campground offered a plethora of amenities. Our back-in site with full hookups comfortably accommodated both our rig and our trusty toad. Conveniently located near all the attractions, it served as an excellent base camp for our exploration of St. Augustine.

Welcome Center

During our travels, we've made it a habit to stop at various welcome centers in the areas we visit. This particular welcome center, centrally located, exceeded our expectations. We received invaluable assistance from the welcoming staff member, who expertly mapped out our routes, provided insightful recommendations, and equipped us with books full of coupons and maps to navigate the city streets. However, the center's central location came with a drawback: expensive parking in the attached garage, priced at $20 for the day. Despite this slight deterrent, the wealth of information provided proved invaluable. We eagerly utilized her recommendations to craft a delightful itinerary in St. Augustine, indulging in its myriad attractions, sites, and culinary delights.

The Great Cross

As we strolled through downtown, one of the first sights to captivate us was The Great Cross, nestled within the Mission Nombre de Dios established in 1565. Also known as The Mission Cross, this towering monument stood amidst a spacious, open area often utilized for large gatherings and events. We learned that the only structure surpassing its height is the St. Louis Arch. Erected to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Christianity's inception in this region and the founding of the City of St. Augustine, The Great Cross left us awestruck against the backdrop of a serene blue sky. Capturing its magnificence in photos, we marveled at this breathtaking sight.

Old Town St. Augustine - The Old Jail - 1891

Our next stop down the road was in the old town area of St. Augustine. The old jail was central in this area and while we did not take a tour inside, we were able to see several things outside the building, including the gallows at the back. It was pretty creepy.

Coffee at Fountain of Juice

Coffee at Fountain of Juice gave us a quick break before heading into the Fountain of Youth. I saw they served Cuban coffee which I’m a fan of so I couldn’t resist!  It was phenomenal. While I had my Cuban coffee, Shelly enjoyed a latte and we sat outside and took in the overhanging Spanish Moss Trees that created a beautiful canopy all the way down the street in front of the Fountain of Youth.

Fountain of Youth

What can you say about the Fountain of Youth? it’s a stop we couldn’t miss! I’m embarrassed to say that we didn’t really know that it was the highlight of St. Augustine. It marks the area that Ponce de Leon discovered for Spain in 1513 and now known as America’s first colony. Not only did we get to drink from the fountain, but we also were able to check out check out the the planetarium and the the Discover Globe show, which, for its time, was cutting edge.  The Discover Globe actually highlighted the travel of 1400s and 1500s explorers, and their paths to and from the New World. This archaeological part is definitely a must see if you were in the area.

BIn 39

Our next destination on our walking tour led us to Bin 39 on St. George St. in the Historic District. This charming bar offered both indoor and outdoor seating, and we initially opted to enjoy the lively atmosphere outside, accompanied by live music. However, as the evening chill set in, we migrated indoors to savor our wine and champagne flights. To stave off our hunger after a day of walking, we indulged in a delectable charcuterie board and hummus—a perfect afternoon snack. The attentive staff ensured our experience was nothing short of delightful, leaving us thoroughly satisfied with our impromptu stop.

Old City Hammocks

Adjacent to the wine bar sat a quaint shop named Old City Hammocks, beckoning us inside. As hammocks hold a special significance for us—marking the place where Shelly and I realized our connection over 14 years ago in Mexico—we couldn't resist exploring further.

Upon entering, we were warmly welcomed by Jeanette, the owner, who to our delight, hailed from our home state of Texas. Her gracious hospitality immediately put us at ease as she shared her story of relocating to Florida with her military husband years ago. Engaging in lively conversation, we found ourselves drawn to a colorful kite, a perfect gift for our granddaughter's upcoming visit during spring break.

To our surprise and gratitude, Jeanette presented us with a thoughtful gesture—a beach sheet and friendship bracelet—a tangible reminder of our encounter with a fellow Texan in the Florida hammock shop. If you ever find yourself in the area, I wholeheartedly recommend stopping by Old City Hammocks to experience the warmth and charm firsthand.

Prohibition Kitchen for Dinner on St. George St.

For dinner, we opted for Prohibition Kitchen, where the lively strains of live music spilled out onto the street, setting the perfect ambiance for a weekend evening out. The restaurant exuded a vibrant energy, making it an ideal choice for our dinner plans. To start, we indulged in a delectable appetizer of deviled eggs, with various tempting varieties and specials offered daily. The evening's special featured a succulent piece of fillet atop the eggs, adding an extra layer of flavor. For our main course, Shelly and I savored our side salads before digging into our burgers. I opted for their renowned PK burger, a delectable blend of meats complemented by bacon, jam, lettuce, and tomato—a true flavor sensation. Meanwhile, Shelly relished her black and blue burger, boasting generous chunks of blue cheese and grilled onions. Our dining experience at Prohibition Kitchen left a lasting impression, one we wholeheartedly recommend to fellow travelers.

Coffee from The Kookaburra

One of the highlights of our travels has been Shelly's newfound appreciation for a daily coffee break. While we always enjoy discovering local coffee shops, she never passes up the opportunity for a Starbucks fix. During our time in downtown St. Augustine, we stumbled upon Kookaburra, a fantastic coffee shop that quickly became a favorite. I opted for their Signature Honey Badger—a delightful latte infused with honey, cinnamon, and vanilla—while Shelly stuck to her beloved skinny vanilla latte. Both beverages were exceptional. Despite the tempting array of food offerings, we managed to resist indulging in a mid-afternoon snack—though it was no easy feat!

In St. Augustine, every corner revealed a new discovery, from the towering Great Cross to the historic Old Jail. As we reflected on our journey, we realized that sometimes the most unexpected detours lead to the most extraordinary experiences. St. Augustine had woven its magic upon us, leaving us eager for the next chapter of our adventure.

Until next time, keep spinning the wheel of adventure!

Happy RVing!

2KidsatHeart 🚐💨