The Food, Fun, & Facts of…St. Augustine, FL

We hope these receipts of our adventure thus far will help you to budget your trip in greater detail.  Thanks to Danielle for wrapping up our road trip recap, we are now able to continue the journey further south.  Delicious food and beverages await in St. Augustine, Florida.

A highly recommended stop for lunch, dinner or a weekend brunch is at the eclectic and reasonably priced Gypsy Cab Co.  This venue offers a variety of urban cuisine as a “casual restaurant with diner friendliness.”  Gypsy Cab Co. was named the 1^st place winner for Global Cuisine, Best Restaurant Overall, Best Lunch Restaurant, and Best Servers in 2006 by the St. Augustine Record.  Try something off of the restaurant’s popular today’s cab fare menu section, such as the blackened chicken nachos for only $8.  http://www.gypsycab.com/

 

Located on San Marco Avenue, Raintree Restaurant has historic surroundings, a meaningful heritage, and a dessert bar to die for.  Taste one of the restaurant’s specialty made-to-order crepes for a concoction like none other.  I suggest the cinnamon-banana crepe with ice cream for $8.95 because the melt-in-your-mouth experience is worth much more.  Enjoy the outdoor garden patio and gazebo for an added pleasure. http://www.raintreerestaurant.com/

 

 

If you like live music and cheap drinks, Mill Top Tavern is an establishment worth looking into.  A full liquor bar for your enjoyment is available all day, including happy hour on Monday – Friday from 5:00p.m. – 7:30p.m.  With a selection of imported and domestic beer, wine, and champagne, Mill Top is sure to quench your thirst.  Check out this month’s music calendar for more details.  http://www.milltop.com/calendar.asp

 

St. Augustine Food & Beverage Receipt: Gypsy Cab – Blackened Chicken Nachos $8, Raintree – Cinnamon-Banana Crepe $8.95, Mill Top– Domestic Drafts $2 (Total $18.95)

 

Stay tuned for more insight on what to do while in town.

 

A little southern charm…

After leaving lovely Columbia, our trip moved on to Beaufort, SC and Savannah, GA. Both of these cities are a great representation of the hospitable south and have a lot to offer any traveler. Let’s see what we spent…

 

Beaufort, SC (Total $26.26) *without the boat tour! *with $61.26

Food

• Luther’s Rare and Well Done (burger joint) $8.95
• Donut Connection of Beaufort $2.81 for one donut and a cup of coffee
• Panini’s Cafe  *go for lunch and an entree will cost around $10

 

Fun

• Huntington Park Free to explore!
• ACE Basin Tours $35 for a boat tour
• Lowcountry Estuarium $4

 

Facts

• The Beaufort Museum 50¢ for students
• Milton Maxey House Free to explore the area

 

Savannah, GA (Total $44) *if you pick and choose your fun!

Food

• Lenny’s Sub Shop $5 average for a 7 ½ in. sub
• Savannah’s Candy Kitchen $6 for a pound of salt water taffy
• Jen’s and Friends $7 martinis

 

Fun

• Savannah City Market/Telfair Museum of Art $5 for students
• Savannah Ghost Tour $22
• Dolphin Magic Tour $22.64

 

Facts

• Savannah History Museum $4 average
• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist FREE to tour

 

I hope you enjoyed our recap and we ignited another flame to visit the places that we have covered so far. We look forward to bringing you more facts next week!

Continuing with the Recap…

 

I am going to pick up where Lindsay left off. The last recap she wrote about was in Pinehurst, North Carolina. After Pinehurst, we decided to head down to South Carolina.  We first stopped in Charleston and then headed west to the capital city of Columbia.  Let’s see what our final travel receipt was for these two spots…

 

Charleston, SC (Total $42.95)

Food

·       Hyman’s Seafood–$10 average

·       A.W. Shuck’s $14.95

·       Rooftop Bar Happy Hour

 

Fun

• Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum $15
• MOJA Arts Festival—Prices vary, but there are free events
• Piccolo Spoleto Arts—Prices vary, but there are free events

 

Facts

·       City Hall–Free

·       Fort Sumter/Fort Moultrie $3

 

Columbia, SC (Total $38.45)

Food

• Blue Marlin shrimp and grits $9.95
• Nonnah’s Desserts $6.75 or less
• Village Idiot—happy hour $2 drinks

 

Fun

·       Riverbanks Zoo $9.75

·       Columbia Museum of Art $2

·       Gervais and Vine Tapas Bar $8 or less per tapa

 

Facts

·       Fort Jackson Free

• House of Peace Synagogue Free

 

Next up…Danielle will finish the recap, continuing with Beaufort, SC and Savannah, GA!

Food, Fun, & Fact$ under FIFTY Buck$ - RECAP

I think its time for us to take a trip down memory lane and remember just how cheap every meal and attraction has been.  There’s nothing wrong with retracing our steps once in a while, especially if you never got the chance to travel with us in the first place.  We all know that the typical college person’s piggy bank has already been broken by this time of the year.  There is so much to do in so little time with very limited funds.  Our university handed out posters last week with a list of things to do before you graduate. (yikes)  On the list of must-dos was take a road trip.  If you’re still looking for some quality time in the car with your friends before exams, review the list below.

 

Harrisonburg, VA (Total $39.22)

Food

• Mr. J’s Bagels & Deli – Breakfast Special (sausage, egg, cheese bagel with homefries) $3.69 
• Kline’s – One Dip Cone $2.03
• Cally’s – Smokin’ Scottish $4.50/pint

Fun

• Shenandoah National Park – Day Pass $15 (Annual Pass $20)
• Reddish Knob - FREE
• Massanutten Snow Tubing – Day Pass $9

Facts

• Virginia Quilt Museum – General Admission $5
• Turner Ashby Monument – FREE

Staunton, VA (Total $45.4

Food

• Mill Street Grill – St. Louis Ribs (half rack) $13.99
• Wright’s Dairy Rite – Malted Milkshake $2.49

Fun

• Blackfriar’s Playhouse – General Admission $18
• Dixie Theatre – General Admission $6
• Jazz in the Park - FREE

Facts

• Woodrow Wilson’s Birthplace – General Admission $5
• Quick Staunton Scoop – FREE
• Virginia School for Deaf & Blind - FREE

Pinehurst, NC (Total $10)

Food

• May Street Market – Daily Special $6.50
• Dugin’s Pub – Import Drafts $3.50

Fun & Facts

• Malcolm Blue Farm & Museum – FREE
• Pinehurst Harness Track Horse Show – FREE
• Sandhill’s Horticultural Gardens - FREE

 

Look for our next blog post as Joanne continues to recap our adventures thus far.

Take a walk down these beautiful streets…

This past week you have had a drink with Lindsay and toured the fun with Joanne. Now, aren’t you wondering how this unique Southern city started? Give me a few minutes and I’ll fill you in!

         

On February 12, 1733, James Olgethorpe and 114 settlers from England landed on the banks of Beaufort, South Carolina and traveled the 18 miles up the Savannah River to what is now known as Savannah, GA. Their creative insight to how a city should be planned and built was ingenious and today the city still graciously stands with old charm.

 While you’re in town, you have to walk down MLK, Jr. Blvd. to the Savannah Visitors Center where the Savannah History Museum (http://www.chsgeorgia.org/shm/) is housed in the back of the building. The building details the history of Savannah from the beginning to the present. They even have a replica of the bench that Forest Gump sat on while they were filming. The museum is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Good news, if you’re at student, the admission is only $3.75 and $4.25 for adults.

  Another stop that a visitor has to make is down the street at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (http://www.savannahcathedral.org/). The sheer beauty of the cathedral catches your eye from blocks away and the splendor only multiplies once you walk through the front doors. The 124-year-old church was completely refurbished with all the original stained glass and murals still intact. It is completely free to tour and it is definitely worth the small walk from the river front.

 

Even if you do not have time to hit some of the spots I mentioned, just walking the streets of this cobblestone city is definitely worth it. The beautiful architecture puts on a show as you walk down each path.

 

Total receipt: Basically FREE minus a few bucks for museum entrance. Enjoy!

The Food, Fun, and Facts of…Savannah, GA

Crossing the border into Georgia, our road trip continues to arguably the most beautiful city in the South.  After touring the streets of Savannah, be sure to grab something good to eat (or drink).

 

Lenny’s Sub Shop may not be exclusively located in Savannah, but it encompasses the city’s southern hospitality and simplistic appeal.  Don’t let the popular shop’s “rough around the edges” appearance fool you because the delicious “made to order” sandwiches and hospitable service are a rare find.  Located on both Broughton Street and Abercorn Street, Lenny’s is a fast-service restaurant that is sure to satisfy.  Hot and cold subs range from $4.70 - $5.95 at the regular size of 7½ inches.

http://www.lennys.com/

 

Savannah’s Candy Kitchen can be found in two of Savannah’s most highly trafficked areas: River Street and the City Market.  These colorful stores are fun for the whole group, especially when freshly made samples of salt water taffy are handed out at the door.  With melt-in-your-mouth fudge, soft-serve ice cream, sugar free alternatives and various other candy assortments, Savannah’s Candy Kitchen is like heaven to those of us who suffer from an aching sweet tooth.  http://www.savannahcandy.com/  

 

On the corner of Congress and Bull, Jen’s & Friends is a hopping martini bar with edgy music and entertaining bartenders.  The bar’s creative lists of martinis are fun to taste test with a group of friends while having a night out on the town.  Want a blow pop in your Appletini?  Done.  Craving a piece of chocolate with your Chocolatini?  Done.  Be sure to get there in plenty of time since the place is packed on week nights and weekends.

 

Stay tuned for more fun ideas and interesting facts on one of the South’s most historic cities.

Historical Beaufort

Similar to the other charming South Carolina towns that we have talked about in the past few weeks, Beaufort has its own painted history. The settlement dates back to 1514 when the Spanish discovered the location and was chartered by the British in 1711. Since its discovery almost 400 years ago, the town has seen a plethora of our country’s most historic events.       

   The best place to go to learn more once you get there? I would first try The Beaufort Museum (http://www.historic-beaufort.org/beaufortmuseumpage.htm). The museum is housed in the Arsenal, which was originally established in 1798 by state order to create powder magazines and a laboratory to make shots and explosives. Now a visitor can go and explore the history of Beaufort and come in close contact with historical artifacts. The museum is open Mon.-Sat. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission for students is only 50¢.

Another great spot to hit if you are interested in Civil War history would be the Milton Maxey House (http://www.beaufort-sc.com/history/cvlwar01.htm), now known as the Secession House. History was made in this small town when the first meeting to draft the Ordinance of Secession (hint for all non-history buffs: when the South pulled away from the Union) was held here.  This home, along with many other historical homes, can be seen on any walking tour of Beaufort.

Stay tuned for Joanne’s ideas for fun things to do in Beaufort!

The Food, Fun, and Facts of…Beaufort, SC

Beaufort hugs the cost of the Atlantic just 200 miles south of Columbia.  Nestled in between Charleston and Savannah, this cozy town offers some surprisingly delicious foods from a variety of restaurants.  (Quick tip: sounds like Bu•fort NOT Bo•fort)   

If you’re in the mood for a good old-fashioned burger, take advantage of the assortment of specialty burgers at Luther’s Rare and Well Done, each priced at only $8.95.  With side items like fried pickles and sour cream and chive fries, Luther’s provides the added experience of the true South.  For one of “the best burgers in Beaufort,” be sure to try the restaurant’s Brewsky’s Burger topped with bleu cheese, bacon and grilled onions.  http://www.lowcountrydining.com/beaufort/luthers.htm  

Locally owned and operated, Donut Connection of Beaufort is a popular neighborhood spot that makes fresh donuts daily.  In addition to making tasty donuts, Donut Connection is a full service bakery with a large selection of desserts.  The franchise offers Wi-Fi, party packages, and tours at all three stores located in the Beaufort area.  http://www.donutconnectionofbeaufort.com/  

Open seven days a week, Panini’s Café is a new hotspot around town located in the historic Beaufort bank building.  The café has both a full indoor and outdoor bar overlooking the newly renovated Waterfront Park.  Serving hot and cold alcoholic beverages, Panini’s Café has something for everyone at a reasonable price.  Happy hour takes place from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. every day.  http://www.paniniscafe.net/  

 

Don’t forget to check back later in the week for more exciting information on what to do while in town.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that…

       Not only does Columbia, SC boast to be the hometown of famous individuals, such as Kristin Davis from Sex in the City and Leeza Gibbons, a past host of Entertainment Tonight, but it has a history that dates back a couple hundred years. Way back to 1790 to be exact when South Carolina moved their state capitol from Charleston to Columbia. Since that historic year, war has raged, troops have been trained, and a unique history has flourished in this quaint Southeastern town.

          Since the list of historical places that the city holds is over  100 locations, I only have the time and energy to focus on a few. Hopefully after you get a taste of what the city has to offer, you’ll want to explore even more!

 A place I would like to start is Fort Jackson (http://www.jackson.army.mil/). The fort was erected in 1917 and became the nation’s largest U.S. Army training facility and was started to prepare soldiers for World War I. It has a fascinating history that includes the tumultuous times it took to finish the construction, fires that destroyed pieces of the property, and how it went from housing a few hundred to well over 15,000 men.          Moving on from there is a more light-hearted location that has a vibrant history. Starting out as the House of Peace synagogue (http://www.historiccolumbia.org/rentals/bigapple.html), it was sold in 1936 under the condition that it never be used as a synagogue again. That promise was definitely held when it became the Big Apple dance club shortly after it was sold. Supposedly it is where the Big Apple dance craze originated and the building is open for tours today. It is also being used as a facility that members of the community can rent out for special events.          I hope you enjoyed your mini-tour of Columbia and check back with us later in the week for a fresh, new location!

 

Enjoying the Southern hospitality in Columbia…

Continuing our stay in the south, we have now reached Columbia, South Carolina, http://www.columbiacvb.com/  home to the University of South Carolina.  Columbia is known for its friendliness, charm and southern hospitality, and is filled with fun things to do! 

My first recommended stop is at the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens. http://www.riverbanks.org/ Adult admission is 9.75, which is a great deal for all that is offered here. Besides being home to a wide variety of animals and beautiful gardens, exciting events happen here all year round. Wine and beer tasting festivals, light shows, and special activities during holidays are just a few of the happenings going on here. Be sure to check it out at any time of the year.  

In an artsy mood? You don’t have to be in New York City or Paris to find great art masterpieces. The Columbia Museum of Art http://www.columbiamuseum.org/ is a great haven for people who appreciate art. This museum features works from all over the world starting from the Italian Renaissance to modern times. Monet, Botticelli, and Samuel Kress are just some of the well-known names that are featured here. Admission is $5 dollars for adults and $2 dollars for students.

  After a day full of sightseeing, people in Columbia are typically ready for a fun night on the town. Here you can find many tapas bars, restaurants and clubs. One tapas bar in particular that has been rated high on numerous websites is Gervais & Vine. http://www.gervine.com/   Located on Gervais Street, this trendy spot offers many wines, beers, and over thirty tapas that you can try.  

Be sure to keep checking “Food, Fun and Facts under Fifty Bucks” for Danielle’s next post on the history of Columbia!