Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
incl breakfast from $179-219; )
Created by joining three old houses, this buttercup-yellow waterfront inn is dominated by
a bi-level wraparound porch with a commanding view of Matanzas Bay. Rooms are sump-
tuously decorated with four-poster beds and lots of rich brocades - for character, choose a
room in the 1700s-era wing with cool crushed-coquina-shell walls, or enquire about the
private Vilano Beach cottage.
Casa Monica
HISTORIC HOTEL
904-827-1888;
www.casamonica.com
; 95 Cordova St; r $179-379;
)
Built in 1888, this is
the
luxe hotel in town, with turrets and fountains adding to the
Spanish-Moorish castle atmosphere. Rooms are appropriately richly appointed, with
wrought-iron triple-sheeted beds and Bose sound systems in every room. Some suites have
decadent Jacuzzis and the location can't be beaten.
Eating
St Augustine has one of the best eating scenes in Florida, providing you know where to go
and which overcrowded, overpriced tourist traps to avoid. Many Floridians visit for the
weekend, just for the food. The listings below should help your tastebuds navigate their
way around this tasty town.
Hyppo
POPSICLES
904-217-7853;
www.thehyppo.com
;
48 Charlotte St; popsicles $4;
11am-10pm)
On steamy St Augustine afternoons, seek out the Hyppo, a slip of a popsicle shop with an
ever-changing whiteboard menu of outrageous flavors - pineapple-cilantro, rice pudding
and Kick (an energising blend of espresso, green tea
and
chocolate). Keep your eyes open
for anything containing datil pepper, a high-octane local chili beloved by Spanish settlers -
it goes great with strawberry.
Back 40 Urban Cafe
CAFE
