“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

On today's post we talk about this awesome place called St. Augustine, FL. I’m sure most of you have gone to visit but have you really visited St.Augustine and its hot spots? Well stay tune after a quick history lesson and we will talk about some of the many awesome places to see and visit and eat in St. Augustine.

Sail Boat on Matanzas River, St. Augustine, Florida - iphone 7s by Bryan Garces

Attraction Spot Numero 1: Castillo de San Marcos

Quick History

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is a city on the northeast coast of Florida. It lays claim to being the oldest city in the U.S., and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture as well as Atlantic Ocean beaches like sandy St. Augustine Beach and tranquil Crescent Beach. Anastasia State Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary. The Castillo de San Marcos is a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress with views of the St. Augustine Inlet.

Did you know? that you can use one tank of Gas to go to St.Agustine.

Yes, believe it or not, you will only use on tank of gas going and coming back from St. Augustine. These are the estimated travel times from 2 of the many popular cities in Florida. (other cites that are further from these cites might need some extra gas)

From Orlando: 2 hours, 5 minutes and From Tampa: 3 hours, 15 minutes

The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay in the city of St. Augustine, Florida, the fort was designed by the Spanish engineer Ignacio Daza.

Castillo de San Marcos - The Gunpowder Room - The room was built to protect the gunpowder from enemies or fire. To get in to the room you squat down and lay flat on your belly on the floor and crawl into the room

We can go all day talking about this fortress and it will not end how much grim history is in this place, this one of the most sought out attractions in St. Agustine. Make sure you get there early to grab parking, also parking is about $10.00, they do take credit and debit cards. The Admission fee to the park is $10.00 for anyone above the age of 16 and up, 15 years old and younger is free. The admission ticket is good for 7 days. On national park day is free all day. At night there are ghost tours in the castle be sure not to miss that attraction.

Castillo de San Marcos- Watch Tower - Fuji X-A2 - Color Grade VSCO by Bryan Garces

Attraction Spot Number 2 : Ripley's Believe it or Not

Ripley's Odditorium in beautiful St. Augustine Florida is proud to be the very first permanent Ripley'sattraction! Set in a beautiful historic castle. Photo by Wiki Pictures — Ripley's Odditorium in beautiful St. *Augustine* Florida is proud to be the very first permanent *Ripley's*attraction! Set in a beautiful historic castle. Photo by Wiki Pictures

This is the most weirdest attraction yet but its really fun! We actually got a good groupon it was $20 dollars for 2 people! Their website also has great online vouchers, and it combines the Red Trains and The Ghost Train in the voucher packages. Be there early because it gets packed, best time to visit is during the week. We went on a Friday during the day and it was awesome! You will see shrunken heads, weird disease stories, space robots, weird cases and near death survival stories and a giant. Trust me you will not be bored.

Attraction Spot Numero Tres : Florida Water Tours

On the Osprey - Matanza River, St. Augustine, Florida

Sunset - Fishermen on the Matanzas River, St. Augustine Florida,

"Based in St. Augustine, Florida Water Tours offers amazing ecotourism cruises for vacationers year-round. Offering private and public services, Florida Water tours encourages you to explore the fun side of learning about nature and history through our travel packages." - Florida Water Tours

Groupon does wonders when you are traveling to the next attraction, I advise you to save some money grab the Groupon off the water tours Groupon site and go and sail to the sea. We did the sunset boat tour for $25. On get there 15 minutes early before your boat leaves. By the way, you do travel in style the boat that you sail in is called The ‘Osprey’ it is certified to hold 49 passengers with comfortable seats all around. There is also life jackets above your seat. The boat is fully enclosed and shaded except for the bow, with windows that can roll up or down and a restroom on board for your convenience. When you are sailing in the Matanzas river you will or might see Dolphins and Manatees, trust me is a sight to see. You will pass under the bridge of lions, which is beautiful architecture, and the beautiful sunset will have you at awww, so if you have a wife, girlfriend or a girl you like then take her on the sunset tour, its also great to experience with family and loved ones too.

Attraction Spot Number 4: St.Augustine Lighthouse

St.Augustine Light House Museum, St.Augustine Florida - Iphone 7s - VSCO film grade

"The St. Augustine Light Station is an active lighthouse in St. Augustine, Florida. The current lighthouse stands at the north end of Anastasia Island and was built in 1874; it is the most recent of a number of towers built in the area." - Wikipedia

The lighthouse is subject of numerous ghost stories and supernatural legends. But is it all really real? You will have to find out yourself by going on one of the lunar ghost walks or tour.

The Museum keeps the light burning as a private aid-to-navigation. In 2016 the museum changed its name to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Ready for a great work out? The lighthouse stands 165 feet above sea level, it has no elevators since it was build it 1874. So there is a total of 219 steps until you reach the observation deck. If you do take the challenge just pace yourself, some people have been known to get lightheaded and winded.

Admission is $12.95 and $10.95 for seniors and kids. There is a shop to buy souvenirs and a snack stand to buy some light snacks and park food. Parking is free but it is first come first serve.

Attraction Spot Numero Cinco: Lightner Meuseum

The Lightner Museum is a museum of antiquities, mostly American Gilded Age pieces, housed within the historic Hotel Alcazar building in downtown St. Augustine - By Wiki Commons

Lighter Museum is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel built in 1888 by Henry Flagler. Today it is home to one of the best collections of fine and decorative 19th century art in the country.

Did you know? that the 1st floor inside museum it used to be an olympic sized pool, the pool is nestled in the center of building so that everyone from all the quadrants of the hotel could see the pool. Now a days the first floor is reserved and rented out to do weddings and receptions, very romantic sight to see.

Groupon will save the day once again! If you are looking to go the Lightner Museum, you can snag a Groupon that pays $20 for 2 people instead of the $20 each for adults. The Groupon is available usually after the holiday seasons. Outside and Inside the museum, plan to bring a camera or your phone camera, and travel light cause they make you leave your belongings at the front desk.

One of the many cool things at the museum is the The Silhouette lady, she is usually sitting by the entrance before entering the front desk to redeem your vouchers. Jeanie Owen does amazing work, and she is very quick too! She is a certified master in making Silhouettes. The photo below does not give it justice, is an experience to witness and live.

Next stop...Food!! After all that exploring and walking you must be hungry, well you are in luck. Below we will be recommending our top 3 spots in St.Augustine to eat some delicious grub!! Our recommendations are based on cheap, quality, wholesome food!

Food Spot #1: Pizza time

Our first eating spot is Pizza Time, St.Augustine's legendary pizza restaurant, where the line goes out the door and outside around the corner. The pizza is handmade with fresh ingredients every day! Make sure you go there when its not peak time, cause you will have to wait, but words of reasoning says that this is the best New York Style pizza in town, believe me I have been there.

Pizza Time located on St. George Street in historic downtown St. Augustine serves great New York style pizza! This Italian restaurant creates pizza with fresh ingredients and a true New York style crust. They also serve calzones, cannolis and other Italian dishes but pizza is the most popular choice. They do not take credit cards so bring cash with you and you can have your own great slice of Pizza Time pie.

Food Spot #2: Burrito Works Taco Shop

Burrito Works Taco Shop Logo

UFO and Burrito - Photo by Rachel S. on Yelp

Store Front in St. Augustine's Historic Downtown

Kung Fu Taco - Photo by Throving S. on yelp

Burrito Works Taco Shop was founded in 2006 by Nicolas Kimball and his wife Robin. Today, they make all the the salsas, sauces, meats and beans with organic and sustainable products everyday, Everything is made fresh daily, all of their UFO's, Tacos, and Burritos are delicious and fulfilling. Their best thing in their menu that really pairs up with any of their featured food items is their guacamole! Its finger licking good and addictive.

I advice to visit them on a time that is not in peak season or that there is no major events going on in St. Augustine because its a tiny food shop. So the line will go out the door. Burrito Works Taco Shop is best place to grab some grub and it does not make a hole in your pocket. Its Cheap, Quality and Fulfilling food!

Food Spot #3: Mojos Tacos-Taco Vida

Mojos Taco on Anastasia Blvd, St.Augustine, FL Photo by Mojos Tacos

We are leaving the Historic Downtown District of St. Augustine and heading over to Mojos Tacos, another awesome and delicious food shop on Anastasia Blvd. Literally just drive over the Bridge of lions and once across the bridge like heading towards the St. Augustine's Light house, Mojos Taco Shop will be on your right hand side you can't miss it.

Mojos Tacos menu, it never changes.              Photo by Mojos Tacos — Mojos Tacos menu, it never changes. Photo by Mojos Tacos

Mojos Tacos is a small stop that offers some amazing tacos, taco salads, and burritos, they also offer fresh vegan-friendly options . The place is clean and it has wonderful customer service. It's always busy any time you go, but like other restaurants it has its peak times and slow times, we got lucky cause it was right before dinner time and it was calm. The service and food is just very great. Finally, Mojos Tacos grub it's just wholesome delicious food.

Chicken taco salad, with black bean, avocado, pico de gallo and rice. Photo by Bryan Garces

The cool fish Tank with Patrick the Gold Fish

Well we hope you enjoy your trip to St. Augustine, now there is many other options to go and explore. From Castillo de San Marcos, to the Lighthouse, then Mojos Taco shop, that could be a day of Fun, just saying. Its a wonderful city and on its festive time is just wonderful, it will be crowded but enjoy it and have patience with others.

If you have any suggestions or ideas on a place you would like for us to do a post about let us know and we will be happy to talk about and recommend more places to see, and places to eat and make memories that will last forever.

Can't Run on Empty

“Expect problems and eat them for breakfast”

- Alfred A. Montapert

Breakfast is the first meal of your day. Yes Bryan we all know that; Yes I know.

See, eating a nutritious breakfast sets the tone for the day. It fuels you for a full day at work, school or just errands that have to run and do; I mean it could be just anything that you will face on that given day.

This is why you cant run on empty when facing any adversities or life challenging decisions that you will encounter throughout the day. So why not fuel up with the daily bread called Jesus! His word is the best spiritual protein to counter any problem that will arise during and through out the day!

Hope these encouraging words will fill you up with support and courage to be hungry every morning!

Exodus 31:3

"I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship

Visit Trevi Pasta - Italian Artisan Pasta

“There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” - George Bernard Shaw

Road Trip: Visit St. Augustine, FL