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By Lisa Codianne Fowler
Lovers need look no further... St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches is dripping with romance. Saunter hand-in-hand down centuries-old streets; ride horses along the ocean's edge, take sunset sails and moonlit strolls. Savor creamy chocolates after a gourmet candlelit meal. Cuisine is as inspired as art and culture, and naturally, history speaks for itself. Come. Create some of your own. Here's a suggested itinerary to spark your imagination.
Day One
A full couple's treatment at the spa at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, with a soothing experience tailored to suit you, or the ultimate in relaxation at The Spa at Sawgrass is the perfect way to start a romantic retreat.
Next stop, a short drive to San Sebastian Winery. Time it right and you can follow the fascinating tour with some light bites and fruit of the vine in The Cellar Upstairs, noted for its top-rated live jazz and blues. For dinner and even more live entertainment, head back to A1A Ale Works, a one-of-a-kind restaurant and microbrewery featuring New World cuisine and exotic, freshly brewed beers.
Day Two
Some clichés survive for a reason: Horseback riding on the beach really is as romantic as it sounds. Arrange your couple's ride through Ponte Vedra Stables, just north of St. Augustine. Have an intimate lunch at the Sea Foam Restaurant, the Inn and Club's fine dining venue overlooking the cerulean blue Atlantic.
A sunset sail is another foregone romantic conclusion, and yours is on the Schooner Freedom. This 72-foot tall ship departs from the City Marina next to the Bridge of Lions and presents golden, sunbathed city views. End the night at the Raintree, an award-winning restaurant in a charming Victorian home.
Day Three
Today you'll discover the arts in the Ancient City, as galleries galore await your perusal. A café, galleries and shops populate what was once the swimming pool at Henry Flagler's Alcazar Hotel, now the Lightner Museum. The opulent Casa Monica Hotel houses the signature gallery of James Coleman of Walt Disney fame, as well as the renowned 95 Cordova restaurant, an elegant stop for a leisurely lunch. Afterwards, visit Rembrandtz, Butterfield Garage and Absolute Americana galleries for fine prints, glassware, jewelry, pottery and oil paintings.
The 1873 Old City House Restaurant is an appropriate choice for dinner, as its historic relevance is as captivating as its haute cuisine and cozy ambiance. Finally, a moonlit ghost tour is a must, and will leave you with visions of epic romance, adventure and endless love.
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