Florida
 

We are planning a trip to Florida in April. We have visited many times but never to the Panhandle or St Augustine. We will have 3 days in Cape Coral area(with friends ), 2 days in Venice (with friends), 2 days in St Pete area , 2 days in St Augustine and then to the Seaside area for 3 nights. We have one more day to add some place and am thinking of adding it to the Seaside area since we have not been there before. I know that it will be cooler there but I think we will plan to golf, explore and maybe bike. Any thoughts on this or recommendations of restaurants, hotels (Grayton or Seaside) or things not to miss.
We will both of had the vaccination by then, yahoo.
Thank you,

Harry's in St Augustine, the outdoor area is spaced and nice. The only place I have eaten at since Feb...We love Vilano beach but if you have never been St George Inn is nice and you can park in the parking garage.

well, I like Columbia's in St Augustine, sort of a FL institution, but they have one over in tampa area, also.

https://www.columbiarestaurant.com/M...toric-District

Has anyone spent much time in the Panhandle or the Crystal River area?

It has been years but went snorkeling and the manatees were everywhere. They loved the bubbles I think. You can't touch them now but then you could and they felt like a pig. Greek food there is the best.
Christina, The salad at the Columbia is my fav.

thank you, I like Greek food.

St. Augustine Restaurants
 

Here are our restaurant recommendations, based solely on our personal preferences... and 30+ years of enjoying their cuisine:

For Lunch

Café Alcazar (25 Granada St, Saint Augustine, FL 32084-4387) is a true hidden gem…and is definitely off the main tourist path. It is a small restaurant located in what was once the deep end of the world's largest indoor swimming pool, now the Lightener Museum building. The food is quite good (I love their curried chicken salad.) and the atmosphere is absolutely unique and very conducive to conversation. They don't take reservations and only serve lunch. If you have trouble finding them, you can phone them at 904-825-9948. Check out their Trip Advisor reviews: http://tinyurl.com/5qlvrq

For Dinner

The Raintree Raintree Restaurant - St. Augustine, Fl Casual Uptown Dining -

La Cocina International Restaurant La Cocina ? International Restaurant

The Reef http://www.thereefstaugustine.com
The food is very good, and the ocean views are even better. Be sure to arrive before sunset (or for Sunday brunch) for best views. Request a window table when making your reservation.

Saltwater Cowboys
(My personal favorite for ambiance and value combined)
http://www.saltwatercowboys.com/

Llama Restaurant LLAMA RESTAURANT | St Augustine | ? Offering a variety of delicious Peruvian dishes, desserts, and drinks. Delicious and fresh Peruvian cuisine in St. Augustine.
This small, but authentic Peruvian restaurant is relatively new but serves up some very tasty dishes. Reservations are a must most nights.

Purple Olive http://www.purple-olive.com

Casa Maya
This tiny restaurant offers fresh, organic ingredients to make the most delicious Mayan dishes.
17 Hypolita St
St Augustine, FL 32084 (904) 217-3039

And, for a special treat...you should try Collage http://www.collagestaug.com/ It is strictly a special occasion restaurant, but if you like good service, warm & relaxing ambiance and a creative, eclectic menu, this restaurant is a wonderful experience. This is absolutely the best restaurant in town.

Honorable mention

O'Steens
(Perhaps the best shrimp in town. ZERO ambiance, no reservations, reasonable prices)

You'll notice that I did not mention the Columbia restaurant. IMO, their food is good, but not as good as any of the other restaurants I have mentioned. Their 1905 salad and black soup are very good however.

Also, it is somewhat of a tourist trap and one of about 6-8 other Columbia's around the state. This may qualify them as a chain restaurant. I know a lot of people eat there, but the other restaurants I have given you are all better.

thanks so much for all your recommendations.