I wanted to start this post with a little bit of my personal background so you can understand my deep-rooted love for my city, Jacksonville. I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida and have lived here for all of my life — 25 years! There are many parts of Jacksonville, being that it is one of the largest cities in the country. The only downside to its massive size is the commute, but you get used to it after a while!

One of my favorite parts about Jacksonville is its crazy close location to the oldest city in the country, St. Augustine. One of my favorite things to do is to go to St. Augustine and just walk around. Even though it's a short drive from my home, I always feel like I'm on vacation when there. So I thought, why not share this amazing place with all of you?

J & S Carousel

Photo by Alexis Alexander

One of my absolute favorite spots in St. Augustine is the J & S Carousel. It's attached to a community park, Davenport Park, and is always filled with friendly families and has a magical feel in the air. This carousel is more historic than some may think. It was originally called the C.W. Parker Carousel and built in year 1927. Later, the carousel was purchased by a Ringling Brothers circus performer for $25,000. The carousel then travelled from a barn in Mystique, Michigan, to a children's zoo in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The carousel was restored by James Soules and Carl Theel in 1992, and brought to Davenport Park in St. Augustine in 1994. From then it was renamed the J & S Carousel.

The Florida Motel

Photo by Alexis Alexander

Another favorite part of St. Augustine is the iconic Florida Motel. When anyone thinks of a Florida motel, most imagine a brightly colored building with lawn flamingos hanging out at the front entrance and surrounded by palm trees. This hotel is literally that vision, and it’s amazing.

This motel isn't very large or grand, but it most definitely has a whole lot of character. Consisting of just a few rooms, you're sure to get an intimate experience; the person cleaning your room might possibly be the owner of this motel. This motel is located in walking distance from the heart of the historic downtown area, making it a great place to stay while visiting.

The Downtown

Photo by Alexis Alexander

Just walking through the streets in Downtown St. Augustine, you're sure to stumble upon countless stores including antique shops, clothing boutiques, ice creameries, delicious restaurants, and specialty shops. You will never be bored in this city!

One of my favorite restaurants is Casa Maya. This restaurant is nestled away on a quiet side street in downtown and provides a tropical oasis environment. The evening is one of the best times to go, when the outside patio is covered in lights that dispense a cozy glow for guests. Casa Maya serves Latin American dishes as well as local seafood and dishes featuring fresh ingredients. Be sure to try their famous oyster shooters as well as the hibiscus margarita.

The charm of St. Augustine is truly unparalleled. The buildings and streets are some of the originals that date back to the founding of the city. To walk through these streets feels as though you went back in time. These streets are filled with so much history and beauty that it makes even a short stroll an awe-inspiring experience.

So when planning your next vacation or considering a move to the Jacksonville area, this is just one of the many bonuses you get to enjoy while living here. St. Augustine and Jacksonville have so much more to offer than mentioned here, which means every day can be treated as an adventure.

 

Alexis Alexander is a fashion and lifestyle blogger based in Jacksonville, Florida. Follow her on Instagram or check out her blog for even more Florida fun!