This Stunning Florida Hideaway Has A Beachside Castle & No Crowds
Discovering one thing new in America’s oldest metropolis looks as if a tall job, however what about considered one 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.
In fact, there are quite a few different hotspots too for seaside holidays, akin to Destin and Panama Metropolis, however hardly ever do you hear a peep about Vilano Seaside, a spot that immediately makes you do Italian palms 🤌simply by saying it (you realize 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 citadel. What different U.S. seaside city can declare that?!
One thing New In “Previous Florida”
I have been to Florida quite a few instances and have but to find what’s typically described by locals as “Previous Florida”.
Apparently, I have been doing it flawed 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 Previous Florida and never simply because it neighbors America’s oldest metropolis.
We’re speaking retro motels and basic seaside cottages, small city allure, and laid-back beachy bars the place everybody will know your identify.
How Vilano Seaside has slipped by way of the cracks this lengthy is anybody’s guess.
If I take a crack at it, I would say that folks develop into so mesmerized by the timeless heritage of St. Augustine that they do not make it far sufficient exterior town limits.
These within the know completely find it irresistible, although! One latest summer time beachgoer claimed it is their’ favourite seaside in St. Augustine’ because of clear water, massive surf, and ease of entry being only a 10-minute drive from town.
A Florida Unicorn: Pristine Seaside City With No Crowds
It appears Florida’s collection of hidden gems shrinks 12 months after 12 months. Each time we at Travel Off Path really feel we have lined all of them, extra proceed to pop up.
Vilano Seaside is a rarity. Regardless that there are positively 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 sit back and loosen up, you’ll discover a good quantity of surfers because of heavy drop-offs creating larger waves.
And surfers will not you your solely firm. Vilano Seaside is thought 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 produce their friends to the Vilano Seaside Pie to identify them, or you possibly can ebook 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 except 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 supplied by the federal government to stop such experiences and supply prettier aesthetics.
Fortress Otttis: Florida’s Unsuspecting Seaside Shock
On the off likelihood you are in the midst of placing ending touches on a visit to Eire, perhaps put these on maintain for now and fulfill your fairytale desires by paying a go to to what’s fairly presumably Florida’s most underrated attraction.
Overshadowed by St. Augustine’s European vibes, Fortress Otttis (sure, with 3 T’s) does not get the eye it deserves.
The few who’ve discovered it rave about it, although. Whereas it claims to not be a correct citadel, preferring to be wrangled into the artwork world as a ‘landscape-sculpture’, it actually passes the attention check as a bona fide citadel in my ebook.
Although their very old-school website claims it is an ‘impression of an Irish citadel’ — honest 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 identify.
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 way of his masterful work, because the citadel continues to be family-owned and open for excursions and weddings. One latest friends from July claimed, “There are 3 ranges should you depend the rooftop, the place you will note attractive panoramic views of the ocean.”
Including, “It is a citadel based mostly on 1000 12 months previous Irish castles. The tour is free however donations shall be vastly appreciated. A should see if you’re in St. Augustine. It’s a magical expertise.”
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