Before our chocolate tour, on Saturday, we were able to get in a trip to the St. Augustine Beach Farmer’s Market, a visit to the lighthouse, and some photography back in the Old Town and Spanish Quarter sections of the historic district. Here are some scenes from those places:

 

We also stopped by to see Café Alcazar, located in the deep end of what used to be the swimming pool of Alcazar Hotel!

Alcazar Hotel, opened by Henry Flager in 1888 across the street from his Hotel Ponce de Leon (now Flagler College), was the hotel where guests could stay for shorter periods, rather than paying to stay across the street for the entire high season. It was also the location for all of the entertainment and recreation facilities for his guests: A bowling alley, billiards room, casino, concert hall, and several other amenities- in addition to the 120’ x 50’ indoor swimming pool. It was the largest indoor swimming pool in the world at the time; no big deal for Henry Flagler who managed to get Thomas Edison to install electricity in his hotels before the White House even had it!

On Sunday, we returned to the waterfront to explore the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S.A. It was constructed from coquina, a type of shell stone indigenous to the area, by the Spanish between 1672 – 1695. Ultimately, the U.S. assumed control over it in 1821.

We then headed over to the community swimming pool; a normal 75 foot outdoor swimming pool NOT frequented by the wealthiest of wealthy; quite the contrast to what used to be the pool of the Alcazar Hotel.

And, finally, before a nice walk on the beach, we had an early dinner at Mediterranean Shish-Kabob Restaurant (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34599-d3840651-r152265838-Mediterranean_Shish_Kebab-Saint_Augustine_Florida.html ). If it hadn’t been for Isabelle, at St. Augustine City Walks, we would have never found this place. But, she recommended it highly, so we made our way to the other side of town to give it a try.

Walking into the restaurant was a nice surprise. The place was as clean and spotless as could possibly be. It was cheery and very pleasant to sit, relax, and enjoy a meal in.

We started with the spinach pie appetizer and I can honestly say that was the best spinach pie I ever had. I thought the same about my falafel sandwich, particularly enjoying the spices in the falafels and the flavorful tzatziki sauce. And, the pita must have been just backed that morning, as it was as fresh as it could be. Everything is made from scratch by the husband and wife, who serve as the wait staff, cooks, and managers. Even their young daughter gets in on the action, answering the phone and a assisting her parents.

Thanks for the recommendation, Isabelle!