David Kelly Consulting

Just over the Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine lies a magical highway. Most folks think of it as Florida Road A1A, but to locals it is simply The Boulevard.

And while it may be situated just outside of St. Augustine’s Old Town area, its atmosphere and vibe are miles away from the gift shops and Christmas lights that characterize the country’s oldest settled city.

Populated with timeless roadside hotels, edgy food joints, inventive outdoor venues, and classic throwback attractions, The Boulevard has cultivated an image that is eclectic and exciting.

We could not wait to see what it had in store for us.

‘STAY LIKE A LOCAL’

The Local was named the Number One Motel in America by USA Today's 10Best travel guide, so we checked it out. We found it to be a classic, nostalgic hotel situated at the center of the Boulevard’s action.

Built in the 1940s, The Local is a unique mix of historic roadside inn and innovative technology, and its retro-inspired yet clean and modern rooms allowed us to stay like a local while taking advantage of the best that this iconic district has to offer.

The combination of up-to-date amenities and the ambiance of the area made for the perfect getaway.

Owners of The Local encourage their guests to “Stay like a Local,” so we took their advice. The location is so convenient to everything on the Boulevard that we walked to most of our destinations. And for the others we took advantage of the onsite Drifters Beach & Bike Rentals outpost.

The inn’s remote check-in process is quick and easy, with your phone serving as your room key for extra security. Onsite amenities include a tranquil pool area and a well-equipped Hospitality Suite with free coffee, espresso, tea, and relaxing music. There is even a partnership with nearby Anastasia Fitness for complimentary gym access during your stay.

Top it off with a guest service team that you can reach 24/7 via their phone app, and you will see why The Local is The Boulevard’s best choice for your stay. (Continue reading below photos).

LATIN AMERICAN ROOTS

After getting settled, we headed out to explore. First up was Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen, a one-of-a-kind destination on The Boulevard. Owners Cesar Diaz and Asdrubal Martinez have created a unique location for craft cocktails and culinary fusion, with the concept based on embracing their Latin American roots and culture through the distinctive flavors of the spirits and the cuisine that they feature.

The art of craft cocktails is showcased by Odd Birds’ creative bartenders. With a heavy focus on agave, rum, and rare South American liquors, small-batch drinks are often created through a “bartender’s call”. Experienced mixologists ask guests questions about their taste palates and favorites, then fashion one-off creations based on these preferences. Even the glassware is different from one drink to the next. “Each bottle is a library” Cesar Diaz says of the distinctive and exceptional brands that he carries. “There are stories in them just waiting to be released.”

In addition to classics such as the Cuban and rotisserie chicken, Odd Birds features such authentic Latin fare as octopus and curry chicken tenders. They also host and produce monthly events in a plush, separately themed room, often highlighting Latin roots and traditions. This room is available for private rentals and parties as well.

Down The Boulevard and tucked into a lush location lies Osprey Tacos. Founded six years ago by the husband-and-wife-team of Erica and John Thompson, Osprey Tacos brings the owners’ Michelin Star restaurant experience to the local community in a casual fresh atmosphere.

While traditional Mexican street tacos are at the heart of their menu, the Osprey Tacos team often incorporates regional culture and flavor. “Tacos are a food that is appreciated across all demographics, with the tortilla being a vessel for delivering greatness”, says John.

In addition to classic traditional street tacos, Osprey Tacos also offers such unique fare as The Boise, made with crispy fried potatoes, and The Sprout, a vegan-based taco with crispy-fried brussels sprouts, black bean puree, and pickled onions.

Attached to the Osprey Tacos building is Old Coast Ales, a craft brewery featuring over a dozen varieties created and brewed here. In a casual collaboration with Osprey Tacos, many guests grab their tacos and meander over to Old Coast Ales to tip a pint or two while enjoying the sights and sounds of The Boulevard. It also features live entertainment on Wednesday nights and often kicks off new beer releases with local music acts.

CROCS AND THE AMP

For years, a mainstay of The Boulevard experience has been the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Founded over 125 years ago, it moved to its current location in 1920, ultimately adding crocodiles, snakes, sloths, and today even a zipline.

The 1970’s saw the addition of the Wading Bird Rookery boardwalk that is currently home to native herons, egrets, spoonbills, and wood storks raising their young.

Zoo guests will come from the public and the scientific communities to view and study the hundreds of animals. It is the home of Maximo the Australian saltwater crocodile that measures over 15 feet and weighs a whopping 1,250 pounds. There is even an exhibit honoring the life of longtime park resident Gomek, a massive crocodilian that pushed 2,000 pounds in his prime. You can even find rare albino alligators from Louisiana lazing in the sun.

Each exhibit is artfully curated, with most animals occupying large open environments as they would in the wild. Scores of school children frequent the park to learn more about the great beasts that inhabit it. The zoo also focuses on conservation efforts, working with over 40 organizations worldwide to ensure the survival and proliferation of these exotic species.

The area’s centerpiece for entertainment is the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Located in the heart of The Boulevard, “The Amp” features a huge lineup of concerts, special events, a farmer’s market/night market and more.

Situated on the edge of Anastasia State Park, the Amp’s verdant surroundings contribute to a serene onsite feeling that enhances the shows. With seating for over 4,000 and much of it outdoors but covered, it features such national acts as Jason Mraz, the Steve Miller Band, and John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival fame.

On our night visiting The Amp, we were treated to a remarkable evening with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Plant, famed lead singer of the English rock band Led Zeppelin, has transitioned into Americana, a genre that incorporates the best of traditional music styles including folk, bluegrass, and country. Joined by legendary bluegrass singer and fiddler Krauss, they excited the crowd with their artful musical blend late into the night.

The Amp also hosts a weekly Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, with dozens of vendors featuring locally sourced foods, crafters and artisans, and food-truck fare. Most weeks there is a jam session on the stage with talented local bluegrass musicians.

If you want to get away from the touristy crowds but still be in the middle of it all, check out The Boulevard in St. Augustine on Florida’s Historic Coast.

The Local

512 Anastasia Blvd St. Augustine

www.TheLocalInns.com

Odd Birds

200 Anastasia Blvd St Augustine

www.OddBirdsBar.com

Osprey Tacos

300 Anastasia Blvd St. Augustine

www.OspreyTacos.com

Old Coast Ales

300 Anastasia Blvd St. Augustine

www.OldCoastAles.com