Historic Inns, Dining, and Natural Beauty Await In St. Augustine, Florida.

by Melody Schubert
March 31, 2007
When planning a vacation we often look for a destination with a history. There's something romantic about walking the streets of an old town, where historic treasures await around every corner. Historic St. Augustine, Florida is such a place, where you'll find savory dining and beautiful and cozy Inns, and Southern hospitality.
The SeaClusion Escape.
For the perfect getaway for boaters and wanna-be boaters St. Augustine is a great destinations. From May thru September, St Augustine features a special Welcome Aboard Summer Break promotion, which includes the Sea-Clusion ‘bed and boat’ experience is a 2-night midweek onboard stay, offering 50% off the 2nd night and Dinner for Two at Columbia Restaurant, for a taste of Spain in historic St. Augustine, Florida. While this Promotion not offered on weekends or holiday periods it is a one-of-a-kind vacation aboard the SeaClusion, a 38’ Chien Hwa Flybridge trawler motoryacht.

The Sea-Clusion presents a unique “Bed and Boat” experience, an extraordinary destination for a private romantic getaway. Comfortable accommodations overlook the famous Bridge of Lions and Old City to the starboard, which is permanently moored at the St. Augustine Marina in the scenic Matanzas Bay which leads to the Atlantic Ocean.

From the SeaClusion, walk to the heart of the oldest part of the City. Navigate the narrow brick-paved streets that offer charming restaurants, shops, a multitude of art galleries, museums, historic sites, entertainment, special events and year round activities. A short drive over the Bridge of Lions takes you to Anastasia Island (one of Florida’s barrier islands along the Atlantic coastline).Here guests discover one of Florida’s quaint seaside communities with 14 miles of wide sand, gentle waves, and dunes of sea oats.

SeaClusion is a comfy home-away-from-home. Below deck, teak paneling and built-ins dominate the marine decor. The main cabin galley has sink, refrigerator, ice maker, microwave, and coffee maker. The adjacent lounge area has upholstered seating, dining area, cable TV and portable stereo CD player.

Sitting on the wide deck and bridge, the Matanzas Bay sparkles in the sunshine while visits from bottlenose dolphins frequently dance around you. Whether watching the sunrise over the St. Augustine Lighthouse or marveling as the sun sets over the ancient city skyline, the SeaClusion is the only bedroom on the water that will melt your heart. Turn out the lights and make a wish on the vast galaxy of stars and listen to the secrets of 400 years of history!

The 50th Anniversary Promotion At St Francis Inn.
Among the hidden treasures you'll discover in St Augustine is the St Francis Inn. It is here the owners, Owners Joe & Margaret Finnegan, recently deiscovered a piece of the Inn's historic past in a hidden box under the main staircase. The missing menu from the St Francis Inn’s former restaurant reveals a piece of history that is now coming to light 50 years later!

Estimated to be open to the pubic for many years during the 1940’s-1950’s, St. Augustine’s oldest historic inn had a restaurant in the Inn located on the corner of St. George and St. Francis Streets. The restaurant has been closed for decades, although its doorway is still visible inside the Inn’s breakfast dining room.

The vintage menu is a charming memory of dining prices that reflect an era nearly forgotten today:

* T-Bone Steak, served with French Fried Potatoes and Salad Bowl $1.75

* Sirloin Tip Steak Sandwich, served with Mashed Potatoes and Salad Bowl $ .85

* Ham Omelet, Toast and Coffee $ .65

* Homemade Pie a la Mode $ .30

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary this year, the Finnegan’s are offering a 2-night midweek stay at the following rates:

1st night at prevailing 2007 rate from $129-$189 (guest choice of accommodations)

2nd night 1956 rate of $29.

The promotion runs May – December 2007 (not including weekends or holiday seasons)

Amenities included with all accommodations:

* Southern breakfast buffet daily

* Evening Social Hour – wine & hors d’eouvres

* Evening Chef’s Desserts

* Swimming pool at the Inn

* Fresh Flowers & Sherry in each room

* Bicycles to Tour Historic St.Augustine

* Tickets to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum

* Admission to Anastasia Athletic Club

* Barnie’s Coffee and Fresh Baked Cookies all day

* Complimentary Private Parking

Casa de Solana Bed & Breakfast.
While staying on SeaClusion, you’re also considered a guest of Casa de Solana Bed & Breakfast (circa 1803), an historic inn just two small blocks from the Marina. The exceptional bed and breakfast amenities offered by the Inn – delicious Southern breakfast buffet, evening socials, bicycles, tickets to the Lighthouse, late-night signature desserts & coffee and parking - are complimentary and just for the asking. This is a perfect way to have the best seat in St. Augustine...a seaworthy romantic setting, a stunning view of the skyline and ultimate pampering by innkeepers who know how to make their guests feel at home!