Sometimes the most romantic places are best explored after the Valentine’s Day visitors have disappeared. Service at restaurants is typically more attentive, inns and hotels are less crowded, and parking is easier to find.

If you’re looking for a great couples’ weekend getaway, plan on a visit to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the country (founded in 1565). This romantic enclave is situated along Florida’s northeast Atlantic coast on the scenic Mantazas Bay about 50 minutes south (roughly 40 miles) of Jacksonville International Airport and was recently named by American Express as a “Top 10 Destination”—one of only two locations selected in America (the other was Virginia’s wine country).

The city is home to more than 25 bed & breakfasts, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since the town is small, it’s best discovered by foot, so you’ll want to choose a centrally-located B&B like the Casablanca Inn, a charming 1914 Mediterranean-revival bed and breakfast on Mantanzas Bay. The Inn features 23 rooms and suites throughout the Main House, the Coach House and the Secret Garden out back; rooms offer such amenities as private porches and sundecks, whirlpools, antique furnishings, and private entries.

After dinner, enjoy an oversized cocktail at the Inn’s Tini Martini Bar while taking in the panoramic view from the porch while listening to live music every Thursday through Saturday night.

Another way to view the spectacular cityscape is from the water. St. Augustine Eco Tours Boat and Kayak Excursions offers boat and kayak trips lead by certified guides on the inland waters surrounding the historic city. The one-and-a-half hour boat trip ventures through the scenic estuaries and is the best way to (possibly) see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins; the two-hour kayak tour (no experience needed) offers idyllic saltwater marsh views as well as views of the Spanish fort. Custom excursions, family beach combing adventures and photography trips are also available.

A culinary “don’t miss” is the casual yet elegant Bistro de Leon, owned and operated by award-winning, renowned chef Jean-Stephane Poinard. Named one of France’s top 100 chefs, Poinard’s unrivaled entrees and desserts are served in the “slow food” style where emphasis is placed more on savoring and tasting each dish as it is brought to the table.

Signature dishes include the pasta del mar; steak au poivre; and leg of lamb confit. The Bistro serves lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday; dinner only on Monday and Tuesday; and is closed on Wednesday.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Claude’s Chocolate.  Renowned chef Claude Franques makes his exquisite treats by hand using only the finest Belgian chocolate and the freshest ingredients.  Create your own mixture by choosing from the wide array of unique flavorful bon bon and truffle creations, including the popular Chewy Caramel with Sea Salt, Fresh Ginger (dark chocolate ganache with fresh ground ginger), Mayan Spicy (dark chocolate ganache with ancho and chipotle chili powder), and my favorite, Earl Grey Tea (ganache infused with a hint of bergamot and Earl Grey tea). Sugar-free selections are also available.

If golf is your game, catch The Players Championship at Sawgrass in nearby Ponte Vedra Beach from May 6^th through May 9^th, where you can watch the pros play on the recently-renovated Stadium Course. The Players Championship is recognized by PGA TOUR members as a signature championship tournament and is one of the most coveted titles today in pro golf. For ticket information, visit the PGA’s website.

Cheap Taba Heights Holiday - Cheap Taba Heights holidays will appeal to a wide variety of people.

Tags: Florida, hipster, St. Augustine, travel