This is part 1 of 3 cities we stayed at during this vacation:

Day 1: Sunday, Feb. 8 - We dropped off our Cutless Ciara at Steve and Kerry's near the airport and they shuttled us to Spirit Airlines at Detroit Metro for our 9:30am flight. The temp. was 19 degrees out and when we landed in Orlando, FL it was 69 degrees (a nice 50 degree bonus). We rented a car at Payless Car Rental and drove the scenic route along the Atlantic coastline North for 2 hours. Stopping 1/2 way for lunch at a beachside restaurant named "Betty's A1A Cafe".

We arrived at Grande Villas at World Golf Village, St. Augustine, FL, at 5pm. Here is the website:

http://www.bluegreenvacations.com/resorts/fl/grande-villas-world-golf-village

We checked in about 5pm, unpacked, relaxed with a cocktail. Then we went to dinner at Bill Murray's restaurant named Caddyshack. It was a perfect name considering we were surrounded by golf courses.

Day 2: Monday, Feb. 9 - We attended a 9:30am "Owners Update" for an hour, at the end they gave us a $40 PrePaid Visa Card and 2 Passes/Tickets for the Downtown Trolley Tour. So off we went to historic downtown St. Augustine. THE OLDEST CITY IN THE COUNTRY (who knew).

We parked at the trolley station and took the hop on/hop off tour of the city. Learned many interesting facts about this old city. We stopped for lunch and had delicious soup/sandwich combos on a balcony overlooking the Ocean. The restaurant is named: A1A House. Used our $40 Visa card so it was free!

Afterwards, we the trolley to the lighthouse and climbed it. A breath-taking view at the top. Then we walked over to the Fort - Castillo De San Marcos. Chuck enjoys real cannons and stone walls very much. Then we finished our trolley tour. We went past THE fountain of youth, historic hotels, churches, then back to our car.

Barnacle Bills Seafood House was recommended for dinner. We had shrimp dinners and they were wonderful. Then back to our hotel for some hot tub relaxation and adult beverages.

Day 3: Tues., Feb. 10 - We packed up, grabbed some coffee in the lobby while checking out. Drove 2 hours South, back to our car rental return where we caught a cab to the Amtrak Train Station 8 miles away.

Please read: Stop 2 - Surfside/Miami & Stop 3 - Marathon for the rest of our adventure.