A city that boasts a Bacon and Ale Trail, a Chocolate Trail and a Maple Trail has got to be a foodie’s delight. I’d flown to Toronto, Canada and couldn’t wait to begin tasting my way through nearby Stratford. The farmers and producers in Perth County are known for pasture fed organic beef, Amish-raised goat milk, organic fruits and vegetables, heritage pork and artisanal
breads and cheeses.
St. Francis of Assisi gave up all the trappings of a privileged lifestyle to follow God. Not necessary for guests at the St. Francis Inn in St. Augustine, Florida. In fact, the St. Francis Inn lavishes lodgers with more amenities than one might pray for.
The cozy Bed and Breakfast, located in the oldest section of America’s oldest city, offers a bountiful breakfast buffet for a few hours each morning (time depends of day of the week). Guests do not need to sit and eat with others in the dining room unless they choose to. Lodgers have the option of using a tray to take their breakfast goodies out to the courtyard, into their room, or for that matter anywhere they choose.
Afternoon snacks include hearty hors d’oeurves plus wine, beer, ice tea, soda or flavored water. Cucumber and melon flavored water were beautiful displayed in glass containers when I visited. Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks remain available throughout the day.
Desserts are offered each evening from 8:00 – 9:30pm. The scrumptious baked items are masterful homemade creations by Janice, the chef at the Inn. She makes special birthday, anniversary or other occasion delights upon request. Her chocolate covered strawberries are some of the best I have ever tasted. And, late night snackers may help themselves to chips and soda.
But St. Francis extras don’t stop with food. Guests at the historic area inn are offered the option of exploring St. Augustine Beach, about 8 miles away, with access to reserved parking, beach chairs and full bath/shower facilities. This is a real plus in my mind because beach parking can be difficult. The Inn also offers beach sleeping options. Reserve their Beach Cottage and you’ll get 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, living and dining room, plus indoor Jacuzzi.
Complimentary high speed WiFi runs throughout the inn and the St. Francis has their own solar heated swimming pool. Guests also have complimentary use of bicycles in the Old City, free tickets to the Lighthouse and 50% off discounts for tours of the Oldest House.
A special promotion in 2013 gives Inn guests who stay for two nights Sunday thru Thursday at regular rates a complimentary admission (valued at $59 plus tax per person) for a two-hour Segway Through History ride. Advance reservations are required but this is a way cool way to see America’s oldest city.
Innkeepers Joe and Margaret Finnegan maintain a generous spirit and like to spoil their guests with abundance. Guests clearly feel welcome and many find they simply must return to re-experience the charm of the St. Francis Inn in St. Augustine.
279 Saint George St, St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Toll-free: 1-800-824-6062
Tel: (904) 824-6068 • Fax: (904) 810-5525
Email: info@stfrancisinn.com
Mobile Site: stfrancisinn.mobi
My stay at the St. Francis Inn Beach Cottage arranged by Leigh Cort Publicity.
Oh, please don’t throw me in the briar patch, but do stop at the town of Eatonton, Georgia to see the Uncle Remus Museum. It consists of a log cabin made from three Putnam County slave cabins and captures “de critters” humanized by native author Joel Chandler Harris. You’ll see lots of Harris memorabilia and woodcarved dioramas of scenes from the folktales. There are first editions of Harris’ books on display, a sampling of the stories in many other languages, and a large portrait of Uncle Remus from Song of the South signed by Walt Disney.
But…if you’re lucky, Ms. Georgia Smith will be there telling tales of Brer Rabbit. She is truly a treasure and I hope someone will record her voice.
Joel Chandler Harris was born in Eatonton in 1845. He dropped out of school at age 17 to work near his hometown on Turnwold Plantation, where he met the slaves. He came to love African-American folklore and the tradition of storytelling. He later used these memories in his work.
He also learned the newspaper business at the plantation, setting type and writing for The Countryman, one of the largest circulation papers in the Confederacy during the war.
Harris was employed by a handful of newspapers across the South after the war and ended up at the Atlanta Constitution, where he was associated editor for nearly 25 years. It was there he first began writing his Uncle Remus stories, which were released in 1880 in a book entitled Uncle Remus: His Songs and Sayings.
As a child I watched the Disney version of the Uncle Remus stories: The Song of the South. Like most kids, the story of the Tar Baby was my favorite. The film’s catchy tune “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” won the 1947 Academy Award for Best Song and became a universally recognized favorite. However, some folks considered the movie and tales racist and controversial. Disney re-released portions of the movie but never made the full version available for home video.
In my opinion, the stories are folktales and like those from different cultures must be understood for the time and place they define. Uncle Remus tales are both adult and children’s literature because they work on multiple levels. Let’s just enjoy them and their “laughing place.” I recommend a visit to the Uncle Remus Museum to learn more about the author and his body of work.
214 Oak St, Eatonton, Georgia 31024
706 485-6856
Call for hours. No photography inside the museum
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Disclosure: Many thanks to the Georgia Department of Economic Development for my trip to this area.