We're driving up to Orlando for a couple days (where Patricia has some work) and then perhaps to St. Augustine for the weekend, where we've never been (any tips from Transterrestrialers in terms of places to stay or things to see/do would be appreciated). I expect to have Internet access when we get there, but one never knows...

Rand,
The fort there was pretty cool. I remember seeing that on a family vacation when I was 15.

~Jon

You must take a walking tour of the fort. I don't know how good your knowledge of Vauban fortifications, but this is an excellent one. I found it very educational.

BruceB.

I have family in Jax Beach and have therefore visited the Ancient City several times ... yes, the fort (technically the Castillo de San Marcos) is a must, and I would also recommend the "Oldest House," the tour of which is surprisingly charming. Then there's the inevitable walk along St George street.

Of perhaps more limited interest is the local Catholic parish, which can plausibly claim to have had a congregation continuously in existence since 1565, not something you see every day in the US.

Finally, the lighthouse is pretty cool.

The fort is fine and last time I was up there - about a week ago - the beaches north of St. A. were still pretty good. Probably been quite a bit of erosion with the wind and rain of the last few days.

Why Mousetown? Most of us are trying to leave it!

Forgot to mention the Lightner Museum.

For good food, try the Columbia restaurant. We had lunch there last year and it was excellent.

While in Orlando, check out the ribs at Uncle Jones and the lemonade at Oley's. Plus, a night of jazz music with the Cook Trio at the Ritz (Thursday nights) is always a good time.

In St. Augustine, I've consistently had good meals at the Gypsy Cab.