Discovering one thing new in America’s oldest metropolis looks as if a tall job, however what about one in every of Florida’s undiscovered seaside 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 large rodents and Miami’s vibrant nightlife attracting partygoers like moths to a flame.
After all, there are quite a few different hotspots too for seaside holidays, comparable to Destin and Panama Metropolis, however hardly ever do you hear a peep about Vilano Seaside, a spot that immediately makes you do Italian fingers 🤌simply by saying it (you understand you probably did!).
Nope — the stress-free city of Vilano Beach just isn’t in Italy, however simply exterior 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. seaside city can declare that?!
One thing New In “Outdated Florida”
I have been to Florida quite a few occasions and have but to find what’s usually described by locals as “Outdated Florida”.
Apparently, I have been doing it improper by hitting up the cluster of Southwest Florida’s well-known paradises, together with Orlando’s world-renowned points of interest, 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That is the place Vilano Seaside is available in, capturing the essence of Outdated Florida and never simply because it neighbors America’s oldest metropolis.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 seaside cottages, small city appeal, and laid-back beachy bars the place everybody will know your identify.
How Vilano Seaside has slipped via the cracks this lengthy is anybody’s guess.
If I take a crack at it, I might say that individuals change into so mesmerized by the timeless heritage of St. Augustine that they do not make it far sufficient exterior the town limits.
These within the know completely like it, although! One latest summer season beachgoer claimed it is their’ favourite seaside in St. Augustine’ as a result of clear water, huge 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 choice of hidden gems shrinks 12 months after 12 months. Each time we at Travel Off Path really feel we have coated 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 significant Florida vacation spot makes visiting right here a no brainer. Whereas it is completely appropriate to chill and loosen up, you’ll discover an honest quantity of surfers as a result of heavy drop-offs creating larger waves.
And surfers will not you your solely firm. Vilano Seaside is understood for wildlife recognizing and fishing (should you can snatch them earlier than the pelicans do)
Most notably, guests rave about dolphin sightings. Locals do too and convey their visitors to the Vilano Seaside Pie to identify them, or you’ll be able to guide a sightseeing tour with Red Boat Tours to extend your odds.
You may 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 useful).
Although, there have been sand re-nourishment projects supplied by the federal government to forestall 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, perhaps put these on maintain for now and fulfill your fairytale goals 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 check as a bona fide fortress in my guide.
Although their very old-school website claims it is an ‘impression of an Irish fortress’ — honest sufficient, I suppose.
The mastermind behind the venture is Ottis Sadler, who should’ve pitied the idiot sooner or later and added an additional T to his identify.
The venture 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 complicated woodwork, making for very good photo-ops.
Mr. Sadler has since handed away, however his spirit lives on via his masterful work, because the fortress continues to be family-owned and open for excursions and weddings. One latest visitors from July claimed, “There are 3 ranges should you depend the rooftop, the place you will note beautiful panoramic views of the ocean.”
Including, “This can be a fortress primarily based on 1000 12 months outdated Irish castles. The tour is free however donations shall be enormously appreciated. A should see if you’re in St. Augustine. It’s a magical expertise.”
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