Discovering one thing new in America’s oldest metropolis looks as if a tall activity, however what about considered one of Florida’s undiscovered seashore cities, a stone’s throw away?
St. Augustine falls to the wayside for a lot of Florida guests, with that one amusement park with smiling big rodents and Miami’s vibrant nightlife attracting partygoers like moths to a flame.
After all, there are quite a few different hotspots too for seashore holidays, equivalent to Destin and Panama Metropolis, however not often do you hear a peep about Vilano Seaside, a spot that immediately makes you do Italian palms 🤌simply by saying it (you recognize you probably did!).
Nope — the stress-free city of Vilano Beach just isn’t in Italy, however simply outdoors St. Augustine and boasts a glowing mixture of white and coquina-sand shores alongside vivid blue water with far fewer crowds than any notable Florida getaway.
Oh, and an superior fortress. What different U.S. seashore city can declare that?!
One thing New In “Outdated Florida”
I have been to Florida quite a few instances and have but to find what’s usually described by locals as “Outdated Florida”.
Apparently, I have been doing it incorrect by hitting up the cluster of Southwest Florida’s well-known paradises, together with Orlando’s world-renowned sights, and Miami’s ritz and glitz.
That is the place Vilano Seaside is available in, capturing the essence of Outdated Florida and never simply because it neighbors America’s oldest metropolis.
We’re speaking retro motels and traditional seashore cottages, small city appeal, and laid-back beachy bars the place everybody will know your title.
How Vilano Seaside has slipped by means of the cracks this lengthy is anybody’s guess.
If I take a crack at it, I might say that individuals turn out to be so mesmerized by the timeless heritage of St. Augustine that they do not make it far sufficient outdoors the town limits.
These within the know completely adore it, although! One latest summer time beachgoer claimed it is their’ favourite seashore in St. Augustine’ on account of clear water, massive surf, and ease of entry being only a 10-minute drive from the town.
A Florida Unicorn: Pristine Seaside City With No Crowds
It appears Florida’s number of hidden gems shrinks 12 months after 12 months. Each time we at Journey Off Path really feel we have lined all of them, extra proceed to pop up.
Vilano Seaside is a rarity. Though there are undoubtedly some lesser-known shores to sprawl out on, Florida’s iconic shores, not many have prime actual property like that of Vilano.
Being so near a serious Florida vacation spot makes visiting right here a no brainer. Whereas it is completely appropriate to chill and loosen up, you’ll discover a good quantity of surfers on account of heavy drop-offs creating larger waves.
And surfers will not you your solely firm. Vilano Seaside is understood for wildlife recognizing and fishing (when you can snatch them earlier than the pelicans do)
Most notably, guests rave about dolphin sightings. Locals do too and convey their friends to the Vilano Seaside Pie to identify them, or you’ll be able to ebook a sightseeing tour with Red Boat Tours to extend your odds.
You will discover some seashores extra postcard-worthy than others. A lot of Vilano’s shores are lined with crushed shells, so correct footwear is a should until you wanna really feel like I do once I stepped on my nephew’s Legos (not really helpful).
Although, there have been sand re-nourishment projects offered by the federal government to stop such experiences and supply prettier aesthetics.
Citadel Otttis: Florida’s Unsuspecting Seaside Shock
On the off probability you are in the course of placing ending touches on a visit to Eire, possibly put these on maintain for now and fulfill your fairytale desires by paying a go to to what’s fairly probably Florida’s most underrated attraction.
Overshadowed by St. Augustine’s European vibes, Citadel Otttis (sure, with 3 T’s) would not get the eye it deserves.
The few who’ve discovered it rave about it, although. Whereas it claims to not be a correct fortress, preferring to be wrangled into the artwork world as a ‘landscape-sculpture’, it definitely passes the attention take a look at as a bona fide fortress in my ebook.
Although their very old-school website claims it is an ‘impression of an Irish fortress’ — truthful sufficient, I suppose.
The mastermind behind the challenge is Ottis Sadler, who should’ve pitied the idiot sooner or later and added an additional T to his title.
The challenge was meticulously constructed over a 4-year interval as an ode to Jesus Christ, with a 1,000-year-old Irish abbey-style inside and complex woodwork, making for very good photo-ops.
Mr. Sadler has since handed away, however his spirit lives on by means of his masterful work, because the fortress continues to be family-owned and open for excursions and weddings. One latest friends from July claimed, “There are 3 ranges when you depend the rooftop, the place you will note beautiful panoramic views of the ocean.”
Including, “It is a fortress based mostly on 1000 12 months outdated Irish castles. The tour is free however donations can be tremendously appreciated. A should see if you’re in St. Augustine. It’s a magical expertise.”
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