Amiyah Golden
Words & photos by Amiyah Golden
One of the many reasons I love our great city of Jacksonville is the proximity and access to a variety of experiences: I can hop in the car and enjoy the springs, beaches and historical landmarks to tantalize my curiosity.
I grew up here, so I feel like my wonders have grown stale over the last couple of years, but I’m also entering adulthood, so my explorations aren’t limited to repetitive school field trips and watered-down lectures about history but unlocked gems in the Jacksonville area and beyond. And though it’s only a hop, skip and jump away, St. Augustine is sometimes a forgotten neighbor. Fortunately, author Amy Angelilli, author of “100 Things to do in St. Augustine Before You Die” has aided in the unearthing of numerous activities found beyond the Duval County line.
St. Augustine is known for its rich history, but its vibrant people, cuisine and present-day activities can also make it the perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
I’m no stranger to the city as every pupil begged their parents to sign permission slips to crowd into yellow school buses to see Fort Castillo de San Marcos. It was cool the first two times but got old quickly (no pun intended). I’m a huge history nerd so little me wasn’t receiving the full picture, making it unamusing by the fourth time I visited. I was led to believe that the fort was all there was to the Oldest City, but as I got older and procured my driver’s license, allowing me to soar like a free bird (or whatever Lynyrd Skynyrd said) and opening my eyes to sites unseen and a whole new perspective.
But if you’re looking for a straightforward directory for the places to be, Angelilli has got you covered. I highlighted some places I’ve never been, as well as my favorite destinations on my latest trip to St. Augustine. From food and drinks to spooky finds and serene nature spots, “100 Things To Do in St. Augustine Before You Die” provided me with the perfect itinerary for a cloudless (but extremely hot) day trip.
I love food — this is no secret — so obtaining the best eatery was critical to ensuring I wouldn’t end up hangry. Angelilli features numerous suggestions with seemingly endless fare from high-end options to affordable bites. Conch House Marina Resort and Caps on the Water were, of course, mentioned, but my interest was more piqued by Sarbeez and Cousteau’s Waffle and Milkshake Bar. I’ve heard of both through Instagram reels and aesthetic photos floating on the internet but chose Cousteau’s.
The historic city bustled with travelers, laughter from children, and a mixing pot of culture. Good coffee also solidifies the success or downfall of a city for me. With cute coffee shops nestled in unsuspecting houses and alleyways, it made the experience more captivating.
My favorite coffee shop is the Kookaburra (and my mind will not change on the matter.) Since my trip was limited to a day, I cheated and went to my favorite coffee shop, The Kookaburra (and, no, my mind will not be changed).
Turns out, I was right in the matter because the most perfect cup of matcha touched my lips and in that moment, I contemplated moving to St. Augustine just for the promise of The Kookaburra’s matcha every morning.
Angelilli compiled other suggestions which I’ll be sure to pursue on a longer trip.
Brewery culture is alive and well in St. Augustine as well, as in, you can’t miss one even if you tried. Many breweries offer more than just pilsners, IPAs and stouts; they offer an entire experience where you can gather with friends and family to listen to local bands live at places like as Dog Rose Brewing Co. If you want to geek out on history while drinking beer, you can schedule a history tour on the makings of beer with St. Augustine Craft Beer and History experience. My taste is changing slightly, and I enjoy a good cocktail over a beer so places like The Tipsy Duck Parlor, Prohibition Kitchen and The Tini Martini Bar hit the mark for me.
With the insane heat we’ve been experiencing, drinking wasn’t in my best interest this day so, the water was calling me. Cruising down A1A with a killer playlist is listed as self-care for me. That cruise often leads to one of my favorite state parks and beaches, Anastasia Island. I’m able to relax on a spotless beach or paddleboard. Depending on the day, I’m able to boat to the shoreline and tune out cares and worries. Anastasia Island has truly become my safe space and Angelilli stamps it as an “Award-Winning Natural Experience.”
Long days spent being kissed by the sun always warrant a sweet treat. Angelilli proposes that I “Get [my] Willy Wonka on at Whetstone’s Chocolate” a family-owned chocolate shop that offers a tasting tour.
Angelilli makes this choice hard with a compiled list of other dessert options — making this indecisive girl right here sweat. I use my trusty choice wheel to decide where I go in this matter. Landing on Mayday Ice Cream, and I’m not mad at the decision because I am a proud stan of the local ice cream company.
While this brief trip didn’t allot the time to experience everything that Angelilli recommended, it made my exploration a lot less stressful having the keys to the city in terms of guidance. I can attest to many of the suggestions with my personal experiences, but you’ll have to read the full book for yourself to pick out your favorites.
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