For anyone who has never been, I highly recommend you pay a visit to St. Augustine, Florida… the country’s oldest city! One of my best friends parents have an absolutely gorgeous house down there, so planning the trip is always a breeze for us… and basically a no-brainer, especially in this harsh Boston winter! It’s a great city to just walk around and explore because there are so many hidden shops and restaurants tucked away on side streets, not to mention some great Spanish architecture to feast your eyes on. The people are absolutely some of the friendliest beings I’ve ever encountered and the locals take you in as if you’re a local yourself. This was my third time going with two of the best childhood buddies… Melis and Katie 
Kate and myself lunching downtown on St. George Street
This guy was phenomonal! He sits down a little ally and plays his accordian. Obviously had to give him a tip!
The three of us, downtown St. Augustine
The last time we took this trip Missy’s parents took us to a restaurant called Zhanras (pronounced Genre). The concept of this place is great. They have artists’ work hanging around and also have artists in action creating their masterpieces, so you can stand around them and watch and interact with them. The front wall as you enter reads “zhanra-genre noun: A category of artistic composition characterized by a particular style, form or content”
We were lucky enough to get a table right next to the artists’ table so we could watch! Her name is Francoise. Check out some more of her work!
Me and Melis preparing to stuff our faces 
Baked brie with apples, pears and crostini
Bacon wrapped pork loin, served with an apple mango chutney (so good!) and teriyaki dipping sauce.
Citrus grilled sea scallops topped with a sweet citrus glaze
Sashimi Tuna Salad: Ahi tuna over spinach tossed in a Japanese ginger dressing with wonton crisps.
Teriyaki glazed shrimp over a bowl of white rice and stir fried broccoli.
108 Anastasia Blvd (Just East of the Bridge of Lions)
St. Augustine, Fl 32084
904.823.3367
The following night we met Missy’s parents and her brother Mark at the Tini Martini at the Casablanca Inn! First of all… love the name. Second of all…you can sit outside, right across the street from the water and have a great view. Third and most importantly, the martinis are terrific and creative!
The three of us sipping on our martinis… we got a little excited when they all came and we realized they were red, white, and blue… basically cause we’re dorks. 
Me and the roomie.
My FAVORITE new drink… keylime pie martini with graham cracker rimmer. Seriously is this for real?! I’d marry whoever invented this.
24 Avenida Menendez
St. Augustine, Florida 32084 904.829.0928
Now it’s time to talk about my all time favorite place, not only in Florida but on the east coast. It’s called Simple Gestures. If you’re an artist or you like Etsy you will be in love, love, love with this store. We make it a must to come here every time we take this trip because everything sold is so unique because it’s all handmade by artists, lots of them even local artists. On our way out, the owner of the store, Sue, gave us each a strand of love beads that matched our outfits. So adorable. They don’t have a website up quite yet, but I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for it to keep you posted!
I bought some sterling silver earrings and mini plant potters with candles in them!Simple Gestures
4 White Street E
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
904.827.9997
Next up… The Conch House! The home of Reggae Sundays, which we were lucky enough to be there for this year’s first one! Tons of people crowd the docks, sip some fruity drinks, sun bathe, and listen to a live reggae band play all day. Talk about lazy Sunday!
We ordered some fried calamari with banana peppers to get things started!
I got one of the signature Conch House drinks. Tastyyyy.
The three of us hanging out at the Conch House on our last full day of the trip.
57 Comares Ave.
St. Augustine, FL 32080
Random Sidenotes:
• If you’re of age… be sure to check out Panama Hatties and Dunes Cracker. I’ve never had food at either place but they’re good for “night life”. If you head over around 10:30-11pm…they’re pretty ridiculous hang out spots filled with locals, new music, and an eyeful of craziness!
• On our way home we got stuck at JFK airport in New York because naturally, there was a storm in Boston. Our JetBlue flight was delayed a few hours… and let me tell you, if you EVER have to get stuck in an airport, pray that it’s the JetBlue terminal at JFK (terminal 5). It’s like a mall and I was incredibly impressed by it! There were a good amount of stores such as Lacoste, and there was a full food court in the center of the terminal with a ton of REAL restaurants, not that typical unappteizing airport food. I got sushi at a restaurant/lounge called Deep Blue. Also, as we sat in the food court with my laptop thinking I’d either have to pay to get online or not go online at all I saw that JetBlue was courteous enough to have JetBlue hotspots with free high speed wireless internet. HELLO, geniuses. Why can’t more airlines think like this?
• Since we’re on the topic of airlines and flying… 36 channels of in-seat DirectTv on JetBlue flights plus extra leg room for my giraffe like legs??? That’s all that needs to be said about that!
[Chels]