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Writer's pictureProducer Picks

A Sense of Place

Where should I stay? Isn't that the #1 question we ask yourselves when planning a getaway? If you find yourself in historic St. Augustine, Florida, let me offer this suggestion.

As a producer, one of the criteria in planning where to stay for our trips to Europe, Latin America, even in the U.S. is, when possible, to find an accommodation that isn’t cookie-cutter, but instead search for an establishment that gives you “a sense of place”. What does that mean? It’s simple, the property reflects and embraces the characteristics of the destination giving you a more authentic and memorable experience.

Don’t get me wrong, especially in these times, the cleanliness of a hotel or rental property is priority number one. Location and the friendliness of staff and owners are also top tier in my book. Of course, so is an extremely comfortable bed, but add in the element of a sense of place and you have upped your experiential factor for a more unique experience. One property that comes to mind, in terms of capturing a true sense of place is The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens.

A straight shot down U.S. Hwy. 1 from my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida and only an hour and half drive up from Orlando, nestled along the Atlantic Ocean is an area called Florida’s Historic Coast. This is where you’ll find the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States, otherwise known as St. Augustine. This quaint coastal town has plenty of old-world charm mixed with a little international flair and lots of history. .

A couple blocks from St. Augustine’s historic city center nestled in a neighborhood of century-old homes and landmarks is where you will find The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens. Now don’t be dissuaded by “luxury” in its name, this boutique property is as inviting, charming, and comfortable as can be.

What gives The Collector Inn its sense of place? The inn is actually situated on the site of what once was the Dow Museum of Historic Homes – a collection of nine historic homes dating from 1790 to 1910, clustered together within a city block. If you’re into history you’ll love this property’s colorful past – it once served as a 16th-century hospital, an 18th-century Spanish defense line, Mark Twain is said to have been an overnight guest in one of the homes, and situated on the property an historic marker identifies the spot where in 1863 the Emancipation Proclamation was officially issued in Florida, freeing the state’s slaves. A popular amenity of the Inn is its guided walking tour of the grounds. It’s complimentary, of course.

Within these 9 uniquely designed homes are 30 guest rooms each with its own personality and 21st century touches like: iPads, bedside charging stations, kitchenettes, rainfall shower heads, some even have original fireplaces. The exterior gardens are designed with mini courtyards and spots for sitting, bubbling fountains, garden art, an outdoor pool, even an on-property bar called The Well, is housed in a coquina stone building which was once one of St. Augustine’s first two-car garages.

It's almost as if The Collector Inn is your own "pied-à-terre" while staying in St. Augustine. It's location makes it easy to explore on foot the city's 400-years of history, eclectic shops and galleries and innovative dining spots. You can even borrow a bike from the inn and go pedaling around town.

An overnight stay at The Collector Inn truly embodies the St. Augustine experience. This little gem has the attention to detail of a luxury property but the intimate atmosphere of a one-of-a-kind B&B. Its sense of place allows you to settle in, get refreshed and feel inspired by your surroundings and is a perfect home base to explore and experience the southern hospitality and charm of St. Augustine.


Travel Tips

The Collector Inn is located at 149 Cordova Street in St. Augustine’s historic district.

Rated No. 1 on USA Today’s “Top 10 Best New Hotels,” and it is the only four-star AAA Four-Diamond Rated hotel in St. Augustine.

For added romance, try one of the South’s Best New Restaurants located just a few blocks from the Inn, Preserved Restaurant offers authentic Southern cuisine in the setting of the historic Jefferson House. Order Mayport Shrimp & Grits – divine! Check out: https://striverestaurant.com/preserved-restaurant/

A St. Augustine Holiday Tradition – Millions of white Christmas lights transform this historic town into the southern version of a winter wonderland with a myriad of holiday-themed events, including the coolest holiday boat parade. If this doesn’t get you into the holiday spirit, nothing will.


St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra Beach Florida Travel Information - Check out: https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/

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