I have traveled all over the Sunshine State, from Key West all the way up to Tallahassee. I’ve swam in the crystal blue ocean on both coasts and been to Orlando more times than I can count. Over the past few years of going to school in Miami, I’ve driven up and down the eastern coast a good handful of times and am familiar with most of the city names and highway exits. Never one to turn down the opportunity for an adventure, I figured a stop in Historic Saint Augustine was the perfect way to split up the long drive to South Carolina for Thanksgiving, and I was very pleasantly surprised.
I know I’m a resident (and now a registered voter!) of Florida, but if I’m being honest it’s absolutely not one of my favorite states. I would even go so far as to say it’s my least favorite state. I do enjoy my time here, though, and as I explain to everyone who asks me if I plan on staying here after graduation, I have loved my four years here as a student and I am glad I chose somewhere exotic and different to spend my college years, but I absolutely do not want to live here long-term. The culture (especially down in Miami) is something that aggravates and intrigues me, but ultimately is not anything I have patience for.
My opinions of this wild state were put to the test almost immediately upon exploring St. Augustine. It was like stepping out of Florida and into the Old South, where cobblestone streets with Spanish moss canopies lead the way through a maze of old colonial buildings, all nestled right along the shore. I was immediately glad I had added this city to my road-trip, especially because I instantly realized Millie wasn’t the only furry companion out and about, and I couldn’t wait to see more. Our first order of business was to get something to eat, and I chose Barley Republic Irish Pub after I had seen online that their classic pub food was delicious.
Luckily for me, they had a lovely outdoor deck with shade and high top tables and other dogs were there having lunch with their families, so Millie fit right in. Unfortunately for me, they had a Saturday brunch special that was $2 for bloody Mary’s or mimosas, which I would have taken FULL advantage of if I didn’t have to drive three more hours later in the evening.
I allowed myself one bloody Mary, which paired really well with the crispy, beer-battered, sustainably sourced fish and chips that I ordered. The fish and chips were honestly some of the best I’ve ever had, even rivaling the plate I had in London.
I finished 98% of my plate, sharing the other 2% with Millie of course, and we went on our way. The service at the restaurant was amazing, with super friendly and attentive wait staff that loved having Millie as an extra guest. If you’re traveling with your dog, don’t be afraid to stop here for some delicious eats (and as many $2 drinks as your body can handle).
Speaking of dog friendly stops in St. Augustine, we happened to stumble upon an awesome pet store while wandering through more of the cobblestone streets. It goes by the name of Faux Paws (I love a good play on words) and they have everything from treats to collars and leashes to Christmas pajamas for your pooch. I couldn’t leave without something for Millie, so we bought a bandana that says “Game of Bones” and another that says “Gryffindog”. Absolutely adorable. Of course the owners gave Millie a bunch of treats before we continued on our way.
Since I only had a few hours to explore, I didn’t spend any time really going into places but we really enjoyed just strolling along.
If we had had more time, I would have loved to stop at a few more bars with outdoor patios that looked fun, but we were really just passing through.
What I really wanted to see was the castle, called Castillo de San Marcos, which is the oldest masonry in the continental United States and a seriously cool structure that dates back all the way to 1672. To read more about the history of the fort, click here.
You can pay to go inside the fort, which I’m sure is really interesting and informative, but because I had Millie we just walked around the outside of it. The fort sits in a large grassy park, and when we were there, tons of couples and families were having little picnics or hanging out enjoying the nice weather while yards away from Castillo de San Marcos.
At certain hours of the day they set off a cannon from the fort, but I’m not really sure when because me and Millie had lost track of time and just happened to stumble upon the castle at the right moment. It was really cool to see the whole ritual, but Millie was NOT a fan of the loud cannon blast. She nearly ripped my arm off trying to run away. That was our cue to go get a treat and head on our way.
As a huge fan of Disney Parks, I’m also a huge fan of the classic Dole whip, and I had heard that there’s a dessert stand in St. Augustine that specializes in it. It was our final stop of the day and it was absolutely worth it. Original Likit Dole Whips is a must if you’re looking for something sweet, tangy, and refreshing. If you aren’t familiar with Dole whip, it’s a dairy-free soft serve made with pineapple juice so it tastes like a creamy pineapple sorbet. A few ladies nearby were audibly judging me for sharing my treat with Millie using my own spoon, but we still enjoyed it anyway.
It was a perfect ending to exploring this adorable city. The few hours I spent there made me want to return to see the many things I hadn’t had time to see, such as the Fountain of Youth and the famous beaches. St. Augustine felt like a Charleston in Florida, somewhere that made me feel so far removed from I-95 and the craziness of the rest of the state.
(Outfit: jean shorts from Pac Sun; sweater on clearance from Bershka, belt from Vineyard Vines Men's section)
If you’re ever looking for a getaway in Florida, maybe consider St. Augustine for your next trip. You can still get the gorgeous Florida beaches, but you also get history, art, and culture and you truly feel transported back in time.
TL:DR
Food:
Barley Republic Irish Pub
Fish & Chips
Bloody Mary
Original Likit Dole Whip
Dole whip soft serve bowl
Dog Friendly:
Barley Republic
Faux Paws
Castillo de San Marcos surrounding park
Most public spaces have water bowls for dogs
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