Florida’s Historic Coast:
New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beaches and Amelia Island ast year 3.48 million Canadians Lremains visited Florida. The Sunshine State the go-to place for snowbirds, travelers and tourists and those seeking a reprieve from the cold Canadian winter. If you are regular visitor to the state, be sure to put New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beaches and Amelia Island on your Florida “places to visit” bucket list. You may end up loving them so much that you’ll decide to return for a full winter stay. New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach (NSB) is a small Florida beach community and surf hub thirty minutes south of Daytona Beach. We stayed at the Hampton Inn New Smyrna Beach, a spacious, comfortable and stylish hotel on Flagler Avenue, a five-minute walk from the beach. You can park your car here and just walk everywhere. NSB is famous for its 17-miles of golden sandy beaches and waterways that are a big draw for surfers, paddleboarders, and people who love sailing, kayaking and fishing.The town’s palmlined Canal Street historic district features art galleries, shops restaurants that are a foodie paradise. The vibe was relaxed and laid back as we ventured out on a three-hour food tour with a local guide. Ricky’s Canteen, Riverpark Terrace, Yellow Dog Eats, Corkscrew Bar and Grill, Little Drug Co., LaAbilie’s Tea Room and Bistro,Thai Mango,The Galley and 42 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020
Panheads Pizzeria did not disappoint as they all served exceptionally prepared local dishes with a flair that has made this place a culinary haven. We tried tapas, tasty tacos, seafood charcuterie, authentic Greek cuisine and some pretty impressive vegan dishes too. The next morning, it was off to surfing lessons with the pros from the Nichols Surf Shop. We headed out to catch a wave — well the waves caught me. I only managed to get up on the board twice but was laughing the entire time. It’s both fun and exhausting so pace yourself. Back on shore we reenergized with a visit to Café Heavenly, a local favourite where they make a killer homemade seafood chowder and serve up great burgers and cold beer. The New Smyrna Museum of History provides a glimpse into the early lives and hardships of early settlers. I was fascinated to learn the story of the Seminole Indian tribes and their relationship with the colonial people. Afterwards, we dropped into The Hub
on Canal, a local arts collective and incubator for more than 70 artists who foster art, education, music, support the local community and stimulate economic growth through scholarship programs and the sale everything from fine art to items sculptured from clay or wood, to jewelry, metal, pottery, and glass. NSB is also hub for craft beer and spirits. Drop into the Sugar Works Distillery for a tasting and tour. Dinner at the Third Wave Café and Wine Bar with its spectacular patio and their seacuterie of smoked and cured seafood selections capped off a perfect day. St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beaches
It’s a pleasant 90-minute drive from NSB to St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beaches along Florida’s Historic Coast. We spent two nights at the Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort, arriving in time for the daily complimentary cocktail reception (4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.).
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Castillo de San Marcos, St Augustine. Beach Pier at
sunrise. Kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing are just a few of the exciting and popular activities on the inland waterways along Florida’s Historic Coast.
PHOTO: STACEY SATHER FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM
PHOTOS: Stacey Sather FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM
travel by Dan Donovan
