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A historical vacation at St Augustine

The rich and eccentric history of St Augustine, Florida attracts thousands of visitors every year to its downtown that is adorned with museums, forts and cathedrals. There are many wonderful restaurants and shops here that are all within walking distance which makes it a favorite vacation spot. You will find yourself getting quickly acquainted with rich European history with the help of guided tours conducted across the city and can experience this historical grandeur by securing your stay at Cedar House Inn. Here is a quick glimpse of some historical sites that you must see.

  • Lightner Museum: This elegant museum is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel. In 1948, Otto Lightner purchased the hotel and completely converted it into a Spanish styled museum with an impressive collection of antiques and fine arts of the Victorian era. For the music lovers, this is an ideal place to explore as the museum provides daily demonstration of 19th century musical instruments and hosts live musical events every month. The museum is located on King Street, just a few steps from the Cedar House Inn
    and across from Flagler College.
  • Fountain of Youth: This historical spring housed within a beautiful archaeological park symbolizes hope and youth. It is believed that the magical water of this fountain can revive one’s youth and numerous tourists drink this mysterious water with a hope to reverse the aging process. This touristic destination is a 10 minute drive from Cedar. House Inn and it also includes a planetarium and a beautiful village.
  • Villa Zorayda Museum: Another famous historical attraction on King Street, the Villa Zorayda, a few steps away from the Cedar House Inn, is a Moorish-style mansion that is pure architectural splendor. In addition to precious antiques and paintings, the museum contains an Egyptian rug that is 2400 years old and was taken from one of the Egyptian pyramids. The museum also conducts traditional candlelight tours every year during the holiday season.
  • Castillo de San Marcos: The Castillo was built between 1672 and 1695 to counter the British military pressure from the north. It was made out of seashells called Coquina and is known as the rock that saved St. Augustine! Arguably St. Augustine’s most prized historical attraction, it is located on the waterfront of historic St. Augustine & is certainly the oldest structure here!

Enjoy a historical getaway in St Augustine by booking your stay at Cedar House Inn Victorian Bed and Breakfast

Top places in St Augustine if you have a sweet tooth

Apart from its rich cultural heritage and romanticism, St Augustine, Florida is also famous for its extraordinary delicious desserts. So, while exploring St Augustine, don’t miss out to treat your taste buds with some famous sweet delicacies of the province. Also, be it family, friends or your beloved, it’s always a wonderful idea to pamper them with some mouthwatering sweets!

Here are few dessert places you can stop by during your stay with us at Cedar House Inn St Augustine.

  • Le Macaron: Located within walking distance from Cedar House Inn, Le Macaron at Cathedral Place, is an ideal definition for European style macarons. After a sumptuous breakfast at Cedar House, take a lazy stroll around the Cathedral place and indulge yourself into some yummy brown chocolate and passion fruit macarons.
  • Peace Pie: Located at 8 Aviles Street, on the oldest street, with cobblestone streets. They offer indoor & outdoor seating! Peace pie offers a unique spin on ice cream sandwiches with a pie filling. It is absolutely delicious!
  • Mayday Ice Cream: Located at 100 St. George St across from the Columbia Restaurant. This is your go to spot for handcrafted ice cream,they have homemade sprinkles as well as waffle cones! A local favorite!
  • Claude’s Chocolates: After many hours of wandering the Lightner Museum, pop into Claude’s Chocolates right across the street for some coffee and some handmade chocolates. This artisan chocolate shop features various gourmet chocolates, pralines, and chocolate covered goodies. Additionally they have a coffee bar and are not as crowded as the more internationally-known coffee competitors across the street. Plus, these little chocolates make the perfect gift to take home from your vacation in St. Augustine or to share with friends back at Cedar House Inn.
  • Choco Lattes: Cozy spot with nice ambiance. They offer indoor as well as patio seating. They offer wine, beer, lattes, & they also have a refreshing frozen Rose! They have so many delicious desserts & absolutely beautiful as well as delicious cakes!! Wonderful place to relax!! Located at 47 Cordova Street.

In addition to all these dessert places across the town, don’t forget to experience the dessert delicacies at Cedar House Inn. Our freshly baked cookies and yummy chocolate cakes are every visitor’s weakness! So, if you’re a sweet lover and an explorer, then St Augustine, Florida won’t disappoint you. Along with lively music and romance, you will also feel the sweet smell of bakeries at every corner of the city. Hurry up and plan a ‘sweet’ flavored vacation at St Augustine with Cedar House Inn Victorian Bed and Breakfast.

Let us provide you with luxury and tranquility

In keeping with the heritage of this 1893 Victorian-style home, Cedar House Inn is equipped with a warm and inviting atmosphere that provides top-class service; including a two course gourmet breakfast everyday, a wide array of complimentary beverages, fresh baked cookies daily, and a wrap around front porch that serves as the perfect location for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing in St. Augustine.

Feel the love of this romantic city

In November 2018, Trip Advisor named St Augustine as one of the most perfect romantic vacation destinations for young couples, newlyweds and long time lovers. In addition, Cedar House Inn, located in the heart of the romantic city of St. Augustine, is the perfect location for the most intimate of weddings. Many guests have chosen this inn for it’s classic ambiance, small weddings reserved for those closest to you, a special Floridian Honeymoon Suite, with a king-sized bed, Jacuzzi tub, and a private sundeck where you and your partner can sneak away for some privacy.

If you are looking to enhance the quality of your stay, Cedar House Inn also offers several themed packages ranging from anniversaries, vow renewals, birthdays, romance, picnics, tour tickets, and carriage rides.

Make your stay memorable with live music in St. Augustine

A vacation at St. Augustine is incomplete without experiencing some of the city’s amazing bands and musicians. There are numerous live music concerts including The Sing Out Loud Festival , Culture Club + B-52’s + Thompson Twins and Violent Femmes + Echo & The Bunnymen etc. that attract thousands of music lovers every year to St. Augustin. The musical cafes and clubs across the city are something that every musicophile will fall for!

Witness the rich heritage of St. Augustine

St. Augustine is known for its artistic and cultural influence and has long drawn artists, writers, musicians, and art enthusiasts to its center. The mesmerizing architecture of historical monuments and an array of museums throughout the city speak out loud of its rich cultural heritage. The Old Florida Museum, The Ximenez-Fatio Museum and The Lightner Museum are some of the famous museums across the city.

Step back in time while you experience the oldest masonry in the US at Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monument. Aimlessly stroll down St. George Street, one of the premiere streets in the country’s oldest city where you can get that souvenir and other local products for your loved ones back home from the boutiques and gift shops here.

So, what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself into the ancient history of St Augustine by securing your stay at Cedar House Inn.

Why Book Direct

You’re planning a vacation with your family, and you’re done with your itinerary. However, you’re still unsure of booking your bed and breakfast accommodation because of the overwhelming booking apps and websites. So, you ask yourself, ‘what’s the best option for me?’

The answer is to book direct. Don’t get sucked into the realm of third-party apps and websites. Instead, book bed and breakfast direct on their website to get the best deals and prices. 

Here are our top 6 reasons why booking direct is the best option, especially at Cedar House Inn in St. Augustine, Florida.

  1. You Get Full Access to Specials and Packages

Aside from having access to discounts, you also get to choose add-ons and packages during your stay. For instance, Cedar House Inn has anniversary and romance packages for couples and 3-day trolley passes. 

These types of packages are exclusively offered on their website, an advantage you get if you book bed and breakfast accommodation in St. Augustine directly on their website. Enjoy this access and more!

  1. Best Price Guaranteed on their Website

Have you heard of the rate parity agreement between hotels and third-party apps? This means that the published rates on the hotel website are the same prices on third-party websites. 

So, why should I choose to book a bed and breakfast direct? The answer is loyalty. Become a member of the closed group for loyal customers in hotels to get program deals and discounts!

  1. Best Price for Same Day Booking

If you are looking to book a room on the same day, then we highly recommend booking directly on their website, especially if it’s late in the afternoon. The hotel has access to no-show bookings, which are unknown to third-party booking partners. 

Booking directly can also mean that you get the best price. Don’t forget to call your preferred hotel to book a room!

  1. Better Rooms

Most of the time, bookings made through third-party booking platforms are already set. This means that you can’t choose your room.

However, direct bookings for bed and breakfast accommodation on their website provide the best rooms and can even offer a free upgrade. Booking directly, sometimes, also means that you get better and faster service from the staff. You also get free WiFi access in your room!

  1. You Get Loyalty Rewards

Every hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation has loyalty programs, and it’s not a secret that every business loves their loyal customers. Most of the time, loyal guests get free food and beverage based on their loyalty rewards. 

  1. Exclusive Deals

Let’s admit it; we all love deals and discounts and vacations. And, if we get to have both, then it can be the best vacation. 

So, we highly recommend that you book bed and breakfast direct on their website, to get to see their deals and packages. Some contracts include a discount per room while other hotels include free meals when you book on their website. 

Experience the Victorian feel at Cedar House Inn now and book direct on their bed and breakfast accommodation website, or you can call +1(904)829-0079.

6 Things to Do in St. Augustine, FL

 

Planning on what things to do when you’re in St. Augustine, Fl means visiting historical sites and museums for the kids and, of course, relieving romance in one of the best bed & breakfast in St. Augustine, Fl. 

There is a lot of stuff to do in St. Augustine, Florida, and these are something that everyone in the family can enjoy. As home to historical landmarks, we suggest to miss out on some of the most exciting places to visit in the area. Here’s our countdown!

  1. Castillo de San Marcos

This is the oldest masonry for in the country and was declared as a National Monument spot. The fort is also a testament that St. Augustine is the oldest permanent European settlement. The tour on the grounds can take up to two hours for you to see the restored 20-acre monument. 

  1. Fort Matanzas National Monument

Another thing to do when you’re in St. Augustine, Fl is to explore Fort Matanzas and see the well-preserved sections of the monument. The 100-acre park houses gunpowder room, officers quarters, and a path where you can view one of the most significant barriers of the island – a mangrove forest. 

  1. The Old Florida Museum

Join the tours in the museum to learn more about the history of Spanish in St Augustine and let the kids join the hands-on activities in the tours. You can also make your kids join the museum’s summer camp. 

  1. The Ximenez-Fatio Museum

If you’re still asking for stuff to do near me in St. Augustine, Florida, then visit the Ximenez-Fatio Museum, which also accepts guests. Experience how people lived in Florida during the 19th century by visiting the rooms in the house as part of the tour. 

  1. The Lightner Museum

At King Street, you’ll find Hotel Alcazar that houses The Lightner Museum, which is listed as one of the Historic Places in the country. If you are a fan of the Victorian period, then this stopover is right for you. The museum houses historical Victorian items, science, and industry room of the era. 

  1. St. George Street

This is the premier street in the country’s oldest city and a friendly street to pedestrians. Two of the famous attractions here are the beaches and golf courses. We recommend stopping here on your last day to shop for souvenirs and local products from the local boutiques and gift shops. 

TIP: Be there early because it can become overwhelmingly crowded. 

Bonus – Things to Do Near Me in St. Augustine, Fl 

  • Alligator Farm

Started as a small reptile exhibition in 1893, today, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm had become a popular attraction in Florida. It has all the species of crocodilians alive in the world today. It is the only alligator farm in the world that houses 23 species of recognized crocodilians. 

TIP: Do the crocodile crossing activity to see the crocodiles!

  • The Hyppo

Cap off the day of fun and adventures with a popsicle from Hyppo. It’s a famous popsicle in St. Augustine as they make popsicles from seasonally available fruits and vegetables. 

Are you ready to experience St. Augustine, Florida? Don’t forget to book a room at Cedar House Inn, call us now at 1 (904) 829-0079 for a good night’s sleep after a long day of fun and adventure!

 

LOVE NOTE: “we will absolutely be back”

“Cyndi & Staff.

Thank you for everything! All the special details and warm welcoming atmosphere made for a most wonderful weekend. Your house is beautiful and elegant, we will absolutely be back. 🙂

It was a pleasure getting to know you and sharing stories. We loved The Alligator Farm (will be doing the zip-line next time) and the Haunted St. Augustine Ghost Tour, visited/walked all the way up to the light house and more memorable of all was Anastasia State Park…where he popped the question in the perfect spot between the sand dunes. I foresee future anniversaries being celebrated there.

Much much love,

Jen & Matt Rinder.

p.s. – Breakfast was fantastic! Thank you for accommodating our unique diet, truly delicious.”

Live Music All Summer In St. Augustine!

St. Augustine Amphitheater
St. Augustine Amphitheater

When you plan your next St. Augustine adventure (including a stay at TripAdvisor’s #1 Bed & Breakfast in the USA, Cedar House Inn), make sure you check into some of the amazing bands and musicians who are including the Ancient City in their tour plans. Here are just a few of the shows you might want to see:

There’s also the Anastasia Park Summer Concert Series, and performances all over the city at cafes and clubs. Music lovers will have no problem finding something to suit their tastes while visiting.
As always, we recommend that you begin planning your St. Augustine getaway at www.cedarhouseinn.com

Thank you!
Cyndi & The Cedar House Team

Love Note: “First-Rate Quality”

18-04 Love Note Odonnell
“Dear Cyndi & Staff,

This is our first B&B in FL (too many to count in Bar Harbor, Maine); Bravo to you all! This is a first rate quality property. Well preserved and updated for comfort and relaxing.

The breakfasts are food art pieces in themselves, self win service and the porches are another unique touch.

The restaurant suggestions of Collage and Perserve were both 5 stars; and the central location of Cedar House  was perfect, never took the car out once.

Two highlights that we cannot miss mentioning are the front porch and your World Series Ring, what a treat for real Red Sox fans like us.

Thanks so much for your hospitality.

Bruce and Irene McDonnell <3”

Romantic Throwback Thursday

Cedar House Guests Michele and Bill Hunter in town to celebrate their 25th Anniversary at Cedar House Inn. What makes this extra special…Every 5 years Michele wears her original wedding gown in an exceptional setting to commemorate their special day. This year they walked into breakfast and received  a round of applause from our guests then made their way to the garden to “Lock their Love” on our Love-Lock garden bench.

Congratulations Michele and Bill and thank you for sharing your amazing tradition!

We love helping our guests celebrate anniversaries!

Breakfast Bracket Tourney *UPDATE*: And The Winner Is…

The Cedar House Inn is getting some extra national notoriety this week from BedAndBreakfast.com! We submitted an amazing Tiffany Katz Photography capture of one of our most popular breakfast dishes and it was selected as a finalist in their 2018 Breakfast Tourney. It’s probably not a surprise to you if you’ve entered our dining nook to the sight & smell of our Ham & Cheese Souffle Truffle Roasted Potatoes with Dijon Hollandaise.

UPDATE [04/09/18]

Congratulations Open Gates Bed & Breakfast in Darien Georgia! It was our pleasure to be Michigan to their Villa Nova!

Thank you as well to the friends and guests who voted for us in the BedandBreakfast.com breakfast tourney! Here’s some news for you: this has inspired a new amenity at Cedar House.

Our guests have encouraged us to serve dinner at the inn for years so, beginning in September 2018, we will host occasional Pop-Up Dinners paired with local wine and distilled spirits! We’ll provide more info soon and you can start planning your next #StAugustine Adventure. Until then, thanks to all that helped us make the finals!

Xo-Cyndi

BedandBreakfast.com BreakfastTourney