Husband and I are visiting St. Augustine the first week of November. We have visited for just a weekend previously and took advantage of the toursity areas, but want to live like a local and check out some fun spots. We are 30 somethings that love travel, enjoy live music, drinks, and delicious food.. but like to do so on a (somewhat) budget. We are staying at a relatives beachfront condo, so lodging and rental car is covered. We are willing to travel 60 miles or so if there are places around that we MUST see. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Already planning Jacksonville for the FL/GA game and 1 night in Orlando for Disney. THANKS YA'LL!
Ashley in Austin

If you like golf, you're pretty close to the world golf hall of fame complex

OK, blunt time. You really want to be "like the locals?" You get OUT of town where other things are happening.

http://augustine.com/restaurants/live-entertainment

I have a friend that plays at the Milltop.

Hi ashleyjade,

Did you go to the Lightner Museum while you were there? When I visited in 2014, at 11 am, they had demonstrations of music players from the late 19th and early 20th century (Nickelodeons etc...). Truly masterpieces of technology from those time periods and a fun time.

I also enjoyed renting a bike at the Pit Surf Shop at the corner of A1A and A street and biking by the beach.

Have a great time! Daniel

Oh I wanted to add that if you're planning a bit of time in Jacksonville before & after the game, that I quite enjoyed the views of the wide St. John's River by the Alsop Bridge as well as at/near the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. The Riverside/Avondale area of the city I thought had some beautiful homes and river vistas; in that area, the Five Points area seemed to be a convergence point of a number of interesting independent restaurants/stores.

I ca handle the delicious food part of your question. Here are my restaurant recommendations, based solely on my personal preferences... and 24+ 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

Old City House http://www.oldcityhouse.com/
Outstanding breakfasts and dinners. Located just steps away from the Casa Monica.

The Raintree http://www.raintreerestaurant.com/

La Cocina International Restaurant http://lacocinarestaurants.com/index.html

The Reef http://www.thereefstaugustine.com/index.html?
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/

Gypsy Cab Co. http://www.gypsycab.com/

Creekside Dinery http://www.creeksidedinery.com/

Le Pavillion http://www.lepav.com/

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. They do everything right!


Honorable mention

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

http://tinyurl.com/2qtxgd


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.

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.

_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Thank you ALL so much for the recommendations!