We all want to find the Fountain of Youth, right? I found it in St Augustine, Florida, and learned a bit of history about it that was quite interesting, as well as unexpected.
When You Are in St Augustine, Head to Meehan’s Irish Pub!
Meehan’s Irish Pub is a must-go-to restaurant in historical St Augustine! The view is spectacular! It faces the waterfront, the fort and the Bridge of Lions, and best of all, the food is absolutely delicious. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed sitting out on the balcony, taking in the views and doing a bit of people watching as well. It was a perfect evening.
My waiter was Caleb, and he took very good care of me. He gave me some Meehan’s history. The restaurant became very busy as I sat there, puzzled about what to order. I wasn’t in the mood for a big meal, so I ordered Crab Chowder (which is among the very best I’ve ever had!), followed by a Tomato and Basil Flatbread. Both were incredible.
So, I had to have dessert, right? And I am embarrassed to admit that it looked so good I ate it before I remembered to photograph it! It was their homemade Jameson Bread Pudding.
After all of that food I was ready to go walk off the calories, but Caleb wanted me to try their homemade Irish Cream. At first I said no, but eventually I gave in. I could not believe how good it was! It was like a Bailey’s Irish Cream Milkshake, the cream was so thick! Needless to say, it was amazing, and worth the trip to St Augustine just for the Irish Cream.
So it must be said, if you are headed to the northeast coast of Florida, this restaurant is not to be missed! Bookmark this, and commit the name to memory: MEEHAN’S IRISH PUB in St Augustine, Florida!
St Augustine Florida Eco Tours Took me on a Wonderful Tour!
On my first visit to St Augustine I just had to get out on the water. I mean, it is Florida! With my love of animals and the ocean I decided I had to do a boat tour, and I chose St Augustine Eco Tours. I am glad I did! Not only were they unbelievably accommodating and friendly, but the tour itself was incredible. I’m taking you on a photo tour!
Casa de Suenos Bed and Breakfast in St Augustine Florida
I had a lovely experience at Casa de Suenos Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine, Florida! I loved the city, the architecture, the history of it all, and I loved the Bed and Breakfast I stayed at in the historic district. It was the perfect location! Casa de Suenos is an easy walk to the fabulous Old Town Trolley Tours as well as many of the sights and shopping areas. Perfect!
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Dwarf Minke Whales and Cod Hole in the Great Barrier Reef!
One of the most exciting events to look forward to on the Great Barrier Reef in July are Dwarf Minke Whales! As the name says, for a baleen whale they are rather small, growing to a maximum of 8 meters, or 24 ft, and on the endangered list, thank you Japan for slaughtering Minkes illegally every year. The ones I saw this year, off of the Spirit of Freedom, were not that large, but it was a thrill to see them. Sadly, I only had a few seconds to enjoy a close, eye to eye encounter. A few times we “snorkeled” (we were hanging onto a rope) in order to see them, and on the day whales came close, an event on board shut the encounter down.
A woman onboard who was also on the rope, had breathing issues. I’m still not sure what happened, whether she had a panic attack or a seizure, but she had a health incident and the crew got us all out of the water. I was the last person on the rope, so I was lucky enough to have a short encounter with two whales, a mum and a calf, but it did not last long enough. I was face to face with them, no more than 6 feet away, but I had to get out of the water so the boat could take off for Lizard Island so she could be airlifted to Cairns. The story had a happy ending, she was stable by the time we got to Lizard Island, thank goodness. But the whale story certainly was cut short! The crew was very professional and dealt with the emergency quickly and well.
After the airlift, the boat headed for famous Cod Hole. The dive site is famous for large (and I mean LARGE) Potato Cods who will come close to divers. The dive master feeds them to get them to hang around. Sadly, I only saw one Potato Cod, but it was a very cool experience being face to face with that big boy (or girl!). All of us thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle!
Visit Florida’s Crazy Food Festivals
Florida is home to about 20 million people, it has world-famous theme parks and a number of the craziest food festivals on Earth! If you are looking for creative gourmet food, you will find it in the small villages of the state.
Williston, Florida is a small town in central Florida, and has 3,000 inhabitants. What it lacks in size, Williston makes up for with original ideas. The proof: the “Central Florida Peanut Festival” . On October 1, 2016, everything revolves back to the peanut. Whether boiled, baked, roasted or fried – every first Saturday in October, each peanut Gourmet here his personal Mecca. In addition, numerous rides and live music make for the right atmosphere. Not crazy enough? Every year the “Little Peanut Royal Family” is chosen as a highlight, including Queen and King Peanut and of course Little Peanut Baby.
Fellsmere, about 130 kilometers southeast of Orlando, is only slightly larger than Williston. There is the annual “Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival”. And if you don’t like frog legs, you can try the alternative, fried alligator. Over 80,000 visitors are expected from 19 to 22 January 2017. The event is in the Guinness Book of Records – for the largest number of frog legs consumed in a day. Rounding out the event there are numerous competitions such as frog-hopping betting and numerous live bands.
“The Best Stinkin ‘Party in South Florida” – otherwise known as “South Florida Garlic Fest” is in Delray Beach. It takes place Feb 10 – 12, 2017. Even garlic connoisseurs will find many useful tips and tricks for using the “stinking rose”. Garlic ice cream, garlic barbecue, garlic cake, you can have whatever your taste buds desire. The event is organized by volunteers, the proceeds of approximately $ 500,000 goes to educational and arts organizations for young people.
You cannot forget the “Florida Strawberry Festival” which lasts a total of eleven days from 2 to 12 March 2017. The festival dates back to 1930’s. Of course, there are strawberries in every way: raw, pie, wrapped in chocolate, in a salad or as an earring. But beyond that numerous competitions take place. There is a Strawberry Queen, and a fastest pig race.
After so much food is a visit to the “Miami Rum Renaissance Festival” seems just right. Rum producers and experts arrive from 22 to 23 April 2017 from all corners of the earth to sample the rum festival and to talk shop. As a highlight, the RumXP International Rum Expert Panel will award prizes in several categories. Pur, “on the rocks” or as a cocktail – Cheers!
Written by VisitFlorida. For further information VISITFLORIDA.org and on the blog SunshineMatters.org or via the social media channels: Facebook and Twitter @FloridaTourism.
