Discovering one thing new in America’s oldest metropolis looks as if a tall process, however what about one in every of Florida’s undiscovered seashore 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 seashore holidays, resembling 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 probably did!).
Nope — the stress-free city of Vilano Beach is just not 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. seashore city can declare that?!
One thing New In “Previous Florida”
I have been to Florida quite a few occasions and have but to find what’s usually 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 points of interest, 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 seashore cottages, small city allure, 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 would say that folks turn out to be 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 like it, although! One current summer time beachgoer claimed it is their’ favourite seashore in St. Augustine’ resulting from clear water, huge 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 number of hidden gems shrinks yr after yr. 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. Despite the fact 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 relax and loosen up, you’ll discover a good quantity of surfers resulting from heavy drop-offs creating larger waves.
And surfers will not you your solely firm. Vilano Seaside is thought for wildlife recognizing and fishing (in case you can snatch them earlier than the pelicans do)
Most notably, guests rave about dolphin sightings. Locals do too and produce their visitors to the Vilano Seaside Pie to identify them, or you’ll be able to ebook a sightseeing tour with Red Boat Tours to extend your odds.
You will 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 advisable).
Although, there have been sand re-nourishment projects offered by the federal government to stop such experiences and provide prettier aesthetics.
Fort Otttis: Florida’s Unsuspecting Seaside Shock
On the off probability 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 goals by paying a go to to what’s fairly presumably Florida’s most underrated attraction.
Overshadowed by St. Augustine’s European vibes, Fort 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 citadel, preferring to be wrangled into the artwork world as a ‘landscape-sculpture’, it actually passes the attention take a look at as a bona fide citadel in my ebook.
Although their very old-school website claims it is an ‘impression of an Irish citadel’ — truthful sufficient, I suppose.
The mastermind behind the mission is Ottis Sadler, who should’ve pitied the idiot sooner or later and added an additional T to his identify.
The mission 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 excellent photo-ops.
Mr. Sadler has since handed away, however his spirit lives on via his masterful work, because the citadel remains to be family-owned and open for excursions and weddings. One current visitors from July claimed, “There are 3 ranges in case you depend the rooftop, the place you will note beautiful panoramic views of the ocean.”
Including, “This can be a citadel based mostly on 1000 yr previous Irish castles. The tour is free however donations will probably be enormously appreciated. A should see in case you are in St. Augustine. It’s a magical expertise.”
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