Cathy and I have attempted to temper our purchasing resolve in St. Augustine, Florida, but planned on looking at houses while here (in advance of our trip) to potentially make an investment purchase. I would be lying if I said the beach bug had not bitten us shortly after looking at the first three homes, but we elected to take a deep breath and talk about what we want to accomplish in the short and long term. (Sometimes acting like adults is a terrible thing.)
With that, I have made it no secret how much I adore this small town, The Old City, the Castillo de San Marcos, the Fountain of Youth, and the very unique lighthouse that stands proudly on the west side of Anastasia Island. The residents of the town are wonderful, and we found ourselves hanging out with some regularity at Isabela's Cigar and Wine Shop. I was fortunate enough to have met Isabela, a wonderful Cuban immigrant who claims to be the only American female cigar shop owner, several years ago and was blessed to enjoy her company once again.
Just walking around town, you get a sense of the centuries old history of the area. The Minorcan Indian tribe that resided there before the Spanish Conquistadors arrived are an integral part of the city's feel. Brick and cobblestone line the Old City's roads and mom and pop shops keep the local economy vibrant and consistent.
On Anastasia Island, hidden bars tout "locals" hanging out, and it is clear that it is true in many cases. Smiles, a slow pace, couples young and old holding hands as they walk along the gorgeous beaches are all part of the reason we want to own a place here.
The truth is I have always wanted to be a pirate and love the pirate lifestyle; well, I would have to shower more frequently, but still, would it not be very Jimmy Buffet-esque to sail the St. Augustine Sound, fishing and singing about tourists covered in oil?
To sail the Atlantic off the coast of Saint Augustine is my dream. Maybe one day...
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