Vacation VillagesIdyllic Vacation Villages For Your Perfect Holiday Getaway

Tired? Ready for a vacation? Lack of funds holding you back? Well, I would like to share a little secret with you. You can have a St. Augustine, Florida vacation without having to spend a bundle.

Eating will have to be in the budget, as well as lodging, but after those two major expenses you won’t have to spend much else to enjoy our historic city.

1. Trains or Trolleys

My very first recommendation is to purchase tickets for either the Old Town (green) Trolleys or Ripley’s Sightseeing (red) Trains. Now you might think this doesn’t fit within our frugal vacation plans, but let me finish telling you the good news. The tickets are good for three days and either company will send a shuttle to wherever you are staying, pick you up and deliver you back after your day of sightseeing. You’ll be treated to a one hour narrated tour of the city by licensed guides and then you can start stepping off and back on again at over 20 stops throughout the city; a bargain, right? Just think of all the gas money you’ll save.

2. Mission Nombre de Dios (free)

Look up from most any part of St. Augustine and will see the 200′ stainless steel cross rising up from the grounds of the Mission Nombre de Dios. This historic area was the site where Pedro Menendez landed and claimed the land for Spain in 1565. Shortly after landing, his Chaplin, Father Lopez, held the very first Catholic mass in America. There are many historic buildings throughout the grounds. Enjoy strolling around this beautiful historic site.

3. St. George Street (free)

Up for shopping? Wander down St. George Street, located in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic downtown. This is lovely street is lined with delightful shops to explore. Many old homes line the street some original, some restored and some replicas, all interesting. Oh, I must not forget to mention the Spanish Bakery. Stop in for a unique treat.

4. Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine (free)

Midway down St. George Street, on the east side, is the Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine. You won’t want to miss this. It is so beautiful…. the Byzantine style frescoes are exquisite. The Shrine is dedicated to the first colony of Greek people who came to America in 1768.

5. San Sebastian Winery (free)

You may be surprised to learn that there are wineries in Florida, I know I was. A very special grape, the muscadine, is grown in our state and makes a delicious wine. San Sebastian Winery farms several hundred acres of grapes to assure a plentiful harvest for their award-winning wines. Samples and tours are available daily.

So you see, there are fun and interesting things to do in St. Augustine, Florida that won’t break the budget. Make your plans to visit the nation’s oldest city; I know you will have a wonderful time.

Lynn Wettach is the author, publisher and editor of http://www.st-augustine-travel-guide.com a website which reflects her knowledge and love of St. Augustine, Florida. Lynn’s website is jam packed with insider tips, helpful information, and personal recommendations for visitors to her hometown. Visit http:http://www.st-augustine-travel-guide.com to find extensive up-to-date visitor information!

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