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I enjoy traveling to Europe, but the long-haul flights and peak travel times can be challenging.
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Instead, I visited St. Augustine, Florida, to get a taste of the Spanish flair of the USA.
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I loved seeing beautiful architecture and trying Spanish cuisine without leaving my home state.
A trip through Spain has been on my wish list for years, especially since I love wine, good food and beautiful architecture.
I passed through Barcelona on a Mediterranean cruise but was unable to see more of the country. Long-haul flights seem particularly stressful at the moment and I can’t spontaneously spend money on an international trip.
Luckily, I live near St. Augustine, Florida – the oldest city in the USA. It’s only about an hour from my hometown of Jacksonville, so I’ve been there many times. But I’ve never had the chance to really immerse myself in all the Spanish influences.
That’s what happened when I found a copy of a European vacation practically on my doorstep.
I have decided to visit the Villa Zorayda Museum
I have passed by the Villa Zorayda Museum many times while exploring St. Augustine, but had never ventured inside until this visit.
Amazingly, the museum’s architecture was inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain.
My $16 ticket included an audio tour of each room and some exhibits, and it took me about an hour to explore the building.
The audio tour was interesting enough that my mind didn’t wander while listening, but I was still able to take everything in at my own pace. I also loved that I didn’t have to read hundreds of little panels.
In the museum I saw opulent Moroccan-style lamps, lots of artwork and a room full of Egyptian relics.
The Spanish influence is visible everywhere in the city’s architecture
Other magnificent pieces of Spanish architecture can be found throughout the city.
One of the main attractions is Flagler College’s Ponce de Leon Hall, which was once the Hotel Ponce de Leon. The place is known for its Spanish Renaissance architecture.
A highlight of Spanish Renaissance architecture is located across from the college in the Lightner Museum.
In addition to changing art exhibitions, the museum offers yoga in the gardens and free tours of the historic swimming pools that were once located in the building.
I ate my fill of delicious food in a small bakery
As I walked down the famous St. George Street, the smell of freshly baked bread hit my nose and I followed my nose to the Spanish Bakery & Café.
The bakery is known for its empanadas, sandwiches and picadillos.
I chose a chicken empanada. The savory filling was wrapped in a shortcrust-style puff pastry and came with a side dish of choice.
Since it was hot the day I was there, I opted for the chilled tortellini pasta salad, which made an excellent side dish.
For a Spanish inspired drink I went straight to the Columbia Restaurant
When I feel like having a glass of sangria, I immediately think of Columbia Restaurant. The Flordia chain has been around since 1905, and there is a branch in St. Augustine on St. George Street in the historic district.
The sangria here is available by the glass or pitcher. I shared a pitcher of white sangria with two other people, and it was full of fresh citrus and a splash of Torres 10 brandy.
The wine – a white wine blend from Viña Sol – even came from the Spanish region of Penedès and therefore seemed very authentic.
I ended my day at Castillo de San Marcos for a bit of history
The Castillo de San Marcos – the oldest brick fortress in the continental United States – is located between the historic part of the city and the waterway.
The Spanish originally built the fort in 1695 and today it is open to visitors. I paid the $15 entrance fee and experienced lively historical exhibits and numerous educational displays inside the fort.
I was there during the week, but on weekends there are musket and cannon demonstrations all morning and afternoon long.
But my favourite place is the large green area outside the gates. It’s great for picnics before exploring the area or just relaxing and enjoying a beautiful day.
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