Review by Danielle, Craig, and Group
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Our group, a set of history aficionados, had the fortune of experiencing a stay at the Sea Turtle Coastal Cottage, a place that not only welcomed us with open arms through its clean and meticulously maintained spaces but also served as a perfect launchpad for our historical excursions in St. Augustine.
The trip was a whirlwind tour through a rich tapestry of history; St. Augustine indeed held up to its title of the oldest “continuously occupied city” in North America. Our historical expedition took us to some remarkable places:
- Lightner Museum, housed in the former Alcazar Hotel built by Henry Flagler in 1888, mesmerized us with exhibits that spanned across geological marvels to Egyptian mummies.
- The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum where, after ascending 219 steps, we were greeted with a panoramic view that simply took our breath away.
- The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, a tribute to the region’s early Spanish roots, took us on a journey back in time, literally offering a sip from the fabled Fountain of Youth.
- The historic charm of the Oldest Wooden School House Historic Museum & Gardens gave us a peek into the educational setup from hundreds of years ago, including a surprising “dungeon” for unruly pupils!
- The Old Jail, built in 1891, told tales of past inmates through artifacts and intriguing stories shared by the period-costumed guides.
On a lighter note, we treated our gastronomic desires to the delightful array of restaurants in downtown St. Augustine, with the pizza there unexpectedly topping our list as the best we’ve ever had!
Back at the cottage, we found solace in the clean and hospitable environment, recounting our adventures and discoveries each day, with the pristine Vilano Beach offering us private moments of relaxation and connection with nature.
We can’t help but also mention our delightful stroll down Aviles Street, a paradise for art enthusiasts and food lovers, this oldest street in America narrated stories through its charming boutiques and art galleries.
Our stay at the Sea Turtle Coastal Cottage was indeed a rich tapestry of historical excursions, culinary surprises, and cherished camaraderie. It wasn’t just a vacation; it was a journey through time, a culinary feast, and a home filled with laughter and joy.
Thank you, Sea Turtle Coastal Cottage, for being more than just a stay — for being a gateway to experiences unforgettable, educational, and downright delightful. We promise to return for more explorations and, of course, more slices of the heavenly pizza!
