No Golf at World Golf Village

We arrived home last evening after an 8 1/2 hr drive home from St. Augustine, FL.  The extra time in the car was well worth it to avoid the horrendous truck traffic and insane drivers who traverse hwy 75.  For much of the trip we had the road all to ourselves.  The only drawback was the total absence of good restaurants and gas station restrooms.  You definitely want to avoid that extra cup of tea before getting in the car and maybe pack yourself a picnic lunch.

We stayed at the Grande Villas at World Golf Village.  Our one bedroom villa had all the amenities and a lovely view from our second floor balcony.  The kitchens are well equipped, which was handy since we cooked all our meals, including a nice turkey dinner on Thursday. 

Our building was right next to the entrance to the Village.  I always enjoy the Walk of Champions, a circular brick paved walkway with the names and signatures of Hall of Fame members written in the stones.

It surrounds a small lake stocked with large fish that we enjoyed feeding.  We had perfect walking weather, cool enough for a light jacket.  Not great swimming weather, although the gorgeous pool was heated.  My grandson did brave the cool air a couple of times to go for a swim.

It is rather hard to see, but this shows a picture of Bob Hope who is featured in a special exhibit called “Bob Hope:  Shanks for the Memory”.   I just love that title.  There are more than 400 items, 300 vintage images and two hours of video that chronicle his life and love of golf.

When I said no golf at the Village, I was referring to the fact that the only golf any of us play is the miniature kind.  Here is my younger daughter taking her shot, hampered by mom’s shadow – she still managed a couple of hole in ones.  For real golfers there are lessons at the PGA Tour Golf Academy at the Village and a Challenge Hole and Fame Putting Course at the World Golf Hall of Fame. 

Just 15 miles south of our resort was St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles.  My hubby and grandson enjoyed visiting Castillo de San Marcos which is constructed of coquina (a shell-rock formation).  There are lots of museums, historical buildings, shopping, a winery, helicopter tours, trolley tours, interesting eateries, parks, etc. for those who like a busy vacation.

 There was a  loose tea and spice shop in the Old Town (Spice & Tea Exchange), as well as a Parisian style restaurant called Bistro de Leon that served tea and pastries in the afternoon.

So, if you are ever heading down the Atlantic coast of FL, it’s fun to plan a stop at the oldest continuously settled city in the nation.  St. Augustine will celebrate its 450th anniversary in 2015, a good year to plan a visit.