Sunshine-n-Wine

The Tini Martini lit up for the holidays. We needed one more night in a Marriott brand from hubby to keep his Platinum status for the year, so we decided to take an overnight trip to St. Aug, a place we've been a couple of times already. Lodging Fairfield Inn - We usually stay outside the city, and this hotel is a good option.  Clean rooms, newer hotel, and continental breakfast to prep for a day of walking around.  It's a good affordable option. Restaurants The Back 40 Urban Cafe - I found this little gem on Trip Advisor a couple hours before leaving for St. Aug.   You will need a car to get here since it's a little outside of the old city downtown.  They have a happy hour hour each day from 3-6, and it's a hot spot for locals.  While we were eating, a couple about our age came in and ordered.  We asked them if they had been there before, and she said that they are there a couple times a month.  Hubby had the wet burrito, and I had the ta...

We just got back from a short weekend in Siesta Key for a friend's 30th.  She and her husband had booked the Bay Breeze house at Banana Bay Club, Waterside Villages, for a group of us.  The house sits on the Heron Lagoon and next to the community pool.  There are kayaks and canoes available for guests as well as a dock with chaise lounges over the water.  Bay Breeze is somewhat outdated and worn, but it's a vacation rental so you can't expect perfection.  The hubs and I slept on the pull-out couch, which was not particularly comfortable.  The house itself sleeps 8 comfortably and has a stocked kitchen with utensils and cooking- and baking-ware.  You will need to bring your own beach towels.  Next time we stay in Siesta Key, I'm going to look for other lodging options.  http://www.bananabayclub.com/ We ate dinner at the Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill and sat in the inside patio area.  The band was located near us, and it was so lou...

The highlights of St. Augustine (in my opinion) are: Fort Matanzas - recommend paying for admission into the fort and taking your time walking around.  It really is a neat, historical place. The Dow Museum of Historic Houses is one of my favorite places.  It's a walking tour through 200 year-old homes and sites, and each house has its own story and displays.  Plan for about an hour or so, and it's easy walking distance from downtown's main parking garage (by the fort). The Fountain of Youth is overrated.  Very disappointing. Old City House Inn's restaurant is fantastic.  Quite pricey, but well worth it.  Just thinking about the brie makes me drool! http://oldcityhouse.com/restaurant/ We usually stay in the Double Tree off of I-4 and drive in for the day. If you go during July 4th (we made that mistake one year), it's HOT, humid, and VERY crowded.  Take a picnic, some chairs or a blanket, and grab your spot for the fireworks next to the fort....

Our newly purchased annual passes go through September 2012!  Looking forward to getting back into these parks (we had WDW annuals last year).  So, here is a quick rundown from the local perspective of both parks and City Walk. A couple general tips: You are allowed to take backpacks with you, so pack wisely (bottled water, rain ponchos, and snacks).  There are free lockers available for rider use to store bags, hats, sunglasses, etc. when you are going on a ride that doesn't allow you to "carry on".  If the parks are busy when you are there, take advantage of single rider lines - you will be able to stand with your party until you are put onto the ride, and sometimes you actually end of up sitting with another member of your party. Universal Studios Newly added to the park is the Rip Ride Rockit, from which I had a headeache from about 1 minute into the ride until a week later.  I'm from Ohio and have been on old wooden coasters from both Cedar Point and K...

Please remember that I am a local, so the information contained here will not have hotel information. The Parks - General information to keep in mind: Disney allows you to carry in backpacks, so pack those wisely.  Bottled water, rain ponchos, and some kind of snack (cereal bars, fruit, nuts) should make your visit much more enjoyable (and affordable). Epcot - Geared toward adults, Epcot offers the most diversified entertainment experience.  World Showcase is home to restaurants and shops from around the world, but for some of the nicer restaurants, you may want to make reservations ahead of time.  Electric Umbrella is our favorite fastfood spot due to the reasonable prices for burgers and fries and the option to refill your soda before leaving.  For a healthier quick eat, the cafeteria-style options in The Land are great. If you plan to go on Soarin', head to The Land as soon as you get into the park.  You may be able to hop right on, but if you can't, gr...