Bluegreen Colorful Places

Although it’s known for its historical aspects, St. Augustine presents visitors with some highly unique shopping experiences during Bluegreen vacations to the city. You’ll love the galleries and shops in St. Augustine FL, particularly in the old part of the city.

All the senses get a workout at the amazing Old City Remedies, along the northern edge of the historic district. Located in a former pharmacy with labeled antique bottles still lining the walls, Old City Remedies tantalizes customers with its boggling variety of teas, soaps, tonics and lotions.

It’s hard to describe this particular shop, but we’ll start with the many rows of large glass canisters, all containing exotic teas. Fruits, herbs, flowers, natural elements and exotic spices all come into play in the plethora of tea leaves from which to choose. Each jar is labeled by what’s inside, but also as to what that particular tea can do for whomever imbibes it. Some are so savory, you’ll be tempted to take them home as marinades.  The nose will be in heaven and Old City always has some tea brewed for sampling. Spend some time smelling the contents of the jars;  it’s fun.

Old City Remedies also has wonderful soaps made from natural elements that enhance rather than dry the skin. One particularly odd one from Africa is featured in live demonstrations throughout the day. Look for fantastic gift items here. The front room – more of a museum than anything – also makes for some interesting photo opps.

A related stop is a must-do for romantics who are in town for a vacation: a little place called Bath Junkie, where countless pure scents can be sampled until you find one or more which appeal to your partner’s sense of smell. Once that determination has been made, then you get to pick what type of product you want made with your scent or combo of scents:  lotion, bubble bath, or a refreshing scent.  (Try pear in a body spritzer).

The plaza near the Bridge of Lions is the area which holds many of the city’s finest galleries. Don’t miss King Street’s Grand Bohemian Gallery. Situated in the lobby of an impressive hotel, this gallery makes a fun stop where you can compare tastes in art.  But the main reason to pop in is the fabulous, one-of-a-kind jewelry found there, most of it in the $100-$300 range.  This is a wonderful place to pick up a special memento of your vacations St. Augustine. (Consider walking over after dinner at Bistro de Leon, across the street).

On adjacent Cathedral Place is Cutter & Cutter gallery, where the lush landscape oils of Catalan artist Ramon Villanova often feature dazzlingly bright flowers like his signature poppy. Villanova is collected by museums throughout the world.

This same area also holds Plaza Verde, the most tasteful gift shop in the Olde City. Home and kitchen accessories, products for the bed and bath, unique trinkets and artful items lead the eye throughout this delightful European-style shop. Savvy shoppers will be thrilled to find Savannah Bee hand cream, shaving sets, Laguiole knives, Nippon Kodo incense, and Voluspa candles, created using classic European candle-making traditions.

Hot Shots Bakery makes a tasty pit stop where you can purchase a snack made from the fiery locally-grown datil pepper, unique to the St. Augustine area.

Lastly, don’t miss Butterfield Garage, just west of Flagler University on King Street. Set in a midcentury former auto dealership, Butterfield is a fun art cooperative which focuses on affordable, original art by local artists, many of whom man the gallery.

On the outskirts of town is the St. Augustine Outlet Mall, where the variety of well-known stores draws a steady stream of consumers. You can easily shop ‘til you drop on your Bluegreen vacation in the St. Augustine area.

• Bath Junkie, 62 Spanish Street, 904.810.2284
• Bouvier Maps & Prints, 11-D Aviles Street, 904.825.0920
• Butterfield Garage Art Gallery, 137-A King Street, 904.825.4577
• Churchhill & LaCroix Antiquaire, 75 King Street, 904.599.5957
• Cutter and Cutter, 25 King St., 904.429.3745
• Grand Bohemian Gallery, 53 King Street   904.829.6880
• Hot Shots Bakery, 8 Granada Street, 904.824.7898
• Old City Remedies, 31 Orange St., 904.217.4518
• Plaza Verde, 18 Cathedral Place, 904.829-5535
• St. Augustine Antique Emporium, 62 San Marco Avenue, 904.829.0544