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OUT+ABOUT
A travel companion for points near and far
AT THE BRIDGE OF LIONS
ST. AUGUSTINE: DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES
If you have never discovered this Atlantic coast treasure or it has been awhile since you’ve visited, you may be surprised by the stunning architecture, culinary delights, family-friendly festivities, and an amazing history that has infl uenced Florida for 450 years.
STORY+PHOTOS: MARY ANN DESANTIS, SHEMIR WILES, AND TINA MORRISON St. Augustine means something different to everyone and just to show you how diverse the city can be, Style’s writers teamed up to share some of their favorite locations. We also invite you to tell us about your special St. Augustine places on our Facebook page!
MARY ANN’S FAVORITE:
It’s hard to pick one favorite spot in St. Augustine, but the most surprising “fi nd” for me was the Villa Zorayda, formerly known as the Zorayda Castle, located at 83 King Street. The history surrounding this 1883 building is just as fascinating as its Moorish architecture, which motivated Henry Flagler and others to conform to the city’s Spanish architectural heritage. It is also considered the fi rst example of “fantasy architecture” in Florida — a precursor, so to speak, for Disney World.
Inspired by the 12th Century Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, Boston architect Franklin W. Smith built Villa Zorayda as his winter residence. No detail was spared — most notably the cast plaster work that matches the Alhambra’s. The Moorish horseshoe arches and columns also are exact replicas of those in the famous Court of Lions found in Spain’s iconic palace. Now a museum, Villa Zorayda is fi lled with unique antiquities like a tent warmer and a 2,400-year-old sacred cat hair rug from Egypt. Smith’s legacy, however, is just as fascinating. Truly a Renaissance man, he was the founder of the YMCA and an early preservationist in St. Augustine.
On the National Register of Historic Places, Villa Zorayda was closed in 2000 for nearly eight years for extensive and detailed renovations. The hokey, touristy look of the 1960s has been replaced by an elegant venue that is popular for weddings and special events. The best time to see Villa Zorayda is during the holiday season when evening candlelight tours give the rooms an ethereal glow that seemingly transports visitors into a classic Washington Irving tale from The Alhambra.
SHEMIR’S FAVORITE:
My fi rst visit to St. Augustine happened only a few months ago over the Memorial Day weekend. While I spent most of the time wandering the cobblestoned streets looking at the various shops and snapping photos of all the interesting sights, the place that I fell instantly in love with is probably also one of the most shrouded sites in the entire city: the Mission of Los Nombres de Dios.
Considered the birthplace of Christianity in the New World, this Spanish Catholic mission traces its origins to the founding of St. Augustine in 1565 when Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed on the shores of the Timucua Indian village of Seloy and proclaimed it for Spain. Shortly thereafter, Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales, chaplain of the expedition, celebrated the fi rst parish Mass.
Though there is much to see at Mission of Los Nombres de Dios, one of the most striking features on the grounds is The Great Cross, a stainless steel cross that rises more than 200 feet above the Matanzas marshes. Guarding it is a massive statute of Father Lopez gazing devotedly toward the sky.
Also breathtaking is The Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, the fi rst Catholic shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the United States. The present chapel is a replica of earlier coquina chapels and provides visitors with a quiet place to pray.
Though it was only a brief visit to Mission of Los Nombres de Dios, I left feeling bathed in tranquility and humility. Whether you are deeply religious or just needing a place of solace, this serene spot is perfect for winding down after a full day of sightseeing.
THE GREAT CROSS AT MISSION OF LOS NOMBRES DE DIOS
TINA’S FAVORITE:
Driving into St. Augustine always puts a big smile on my face. My husband and I tied the knot there three years ago, and it is my favorite place in the world to be not just for the sentimental reasons, but for the gorgeous architecture and incredible food.
I have two favorites that are always on my must-do list when I arrive in this historical town: staying at Casablanca Inn and eating at 95 Cordova. The oldest bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, Casablanca Inn was built by Henry Flagler in 1914 to be used as his residence while he was constructing what is now the famed Flagler College. The inn is spectacular, the view of the bay is unparalleled, and I always feel at home when we stay here. Perhaps the best part of being there is enjoying the bay breezes on the front porch with a glass of wine while listening to the tale of the “Woman with the Lantern,” one of the most wellknown ghost stories in St. Augustine.
Once I am ready to leave our cozy room and peek out into the world, I head straight to my favorite restaurant, 95 Cordova. This gorgeous restaurant, which is situated in the renowned Casa Monica Hotel, exudes warmth and style. Being the creature of habit I am, I gravitate to the same three things on the menu: fresh pasta with cream sauce, the most incredible fi let ever (and I like to think of myself as a steak connoisseur), and a glass of red wine.
I am never disappointed when I come to this stunning city. Few places have the appeal and ambiance that St. Augustine does, and before I return home, I am already planning our next excursion to the “Nation’s Oldest City.”
CASABLANCA INN
VILLA ZORAYDA
95 CORDOVA
BOOM! Cannons are fi red on the half-hour from 10:30a.m. to 3:30pm, Fridays through Sundays, at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. However, if fewer than four visitors are at the monument, the cannons are silent.
Travel TIP
A HEART FOR SUPERIOR CARE
When Florida Heart and Vascular Center was in its infancy in the 1990s, Dr. David C. Lew, M.D., FACS, FSCAI, and Dr. Jose Rosado worked tirelessly to bring the most comprehensive, cutting-edge cardiovascular and peripheral vascular treatment to Lake and Sumter counties. To say they succeeded would be an understatement. They became the area’s fi rst physicians to perform cutting-edge cardiovascular procedures and equipped their practice with the latest technology and state-of-the-art diagnostic services.
But Drs. Lew and Rosado are never content to rest on their laurels. Realizing that you do not get to be the fi rst
name in health care by being second to break new ground, they formed Florida Heart and Vascular Multi-Specialty Group. This is undoubtedly one of their most signifi cant accomplishments to date. The group features an impressive staff of cardiologists, nephrologists, a surgeon, internal and family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants. Currently, a urology department is being added. Florida Heart and Vascular Multi-Specialty Group strives to provide quality medical care and comprehensive service.
The formation of a multispecialty group provides the patient a more complete medical experience since their overall care can be managed within the practice. This allows for better communication, faster diagnosis and peace of mind. It also permits the practice to offer additional services, which includes everything from treating varicose veins to conducting sleep study tests. In addition, the practice is now offering positron emission tomography (PET) and computerized tomography (CT) scans in The Villages. Both are state-of-the-art imaging tools that allow physicians to pinpoint blockages in the heart and legs. Its ever-growing staff of boardcertifi ed, fellowship-trained physicians is leading the way to better health care in our community. LEESBURG 352.728.6808 THE VILLAGES 352.750.5000 THE VILLAGES AT LAUREL MANOR 352.326.7850 www.fl heartcenter.com
is welcoming two new physicians to the practice.
DR. FOUAD SHAMI
is a urologist who has spent 41 years proudly servicing patients in Lake and Sumter counties. Throughout the years, he has developed an excellent reputation for his bedside manner, genuine concern, and medical expertise. A graduate of Saint Joseph’s University, Dr. Shami is a board-certifi ed urologist. This experienced, skilled urologist is excited about the opportunity to serve existing patients and form relationships with new patients.
DR. DAVID MOSKOWITZ,
who specializes in internal medicine and nephrology, is also happy to be a part of Florida Heart and Vascular Multi-Specialty Group with Dr. Fred Davis at Laurel Manor Clinic. He completed medical school at Harvard University and also completed an advanced residency in nephrology at Washington University School of Medicine. His areas of expertise include hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, consultative nephrology, cancer screening, adult medicine, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Your legs used to feel like this.
Now, they can again.
Summerfi eld 10435 SE 170th Place 352.854.4582
PIZZAMORÉ’S 5 MOST POPULAR PIZZAS
MARGHERITA:
(Pictured) Fresh tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil SUPREME: Green peppers, onions, mushrooms, ham, pepperoni, and sausage PALERMO: Sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, roasted onions, spinach, and a country olive medley
MEAT LOVER:
Pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, and ground beef ARTISAN: Different fresh toppings every week.
Read more about what this Mount Dora pizzeria is serving
ON PAGE 112
eats
IN THE KITCHEN’ 106 SALUTÉ 110 RESTAURANT REVIEW 112 DINING GUIDE 114
