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Tag Archives: travel

October 12, 2011 Sojourn With Stacey

Please visit http://sojournwithstacey.wordpress.com/2011/10/12/a-little-romance-and-scenery-by-jenn-smith/ where today I am honored to be a guest blogger.  Learn about my three favorite on location romantic movies.  It’s all about the setting!

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July 17, 2011 Seeing St. Augustine in Style

This past week I had the opportunity to join seven other dynamic women from my place of employment at the Florida Society for Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing’s annual meeting in what I consider to be one of Florida’s most beautiful destinations: St. Augustine.  Situated in the Casa Monica Hotel, the convention was educational and a great bonding time for co-workers.  But the real treat was the location.

Casa Monica Hotel

The Casa Monica Hotel is a beautiful four-star hotel that reflects the heritage, culture and architectural history of Spanish-inspired St. Augustine.  With walls lined with incredible artwork, a stellar location across from Flagler College and incredible amenities, this hotel exceeded my expectations.  As is the entire city of St. Augustine, the Casa Monica was like stepping into an old European city.

An added bonus is that the hotel is one of the city’s greatest haunts.  In fact, it’s stated that the original owner, Fred Smith, is known to roam the halls of the fourth floor.  Thankfully, I was not treated to an introduction to Mr. Smith, but there were some strange noises in the middle of the night that did have me questioning whether ghosts do exist.

As breakout sessions wound down, I immediately left the hotel to venture out into historic St. Augustine.  (The pristine beach will have to wait for another visit.)  Founded by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565, St. Augustine is probably best known for Ponce de Leon’s quest to find the Fountain of Youth in the same region.   Everything in St. Augustine reflects the dynamic Spanish culture, as well as the incredible wealth that the city once possessed.  Although the shopping has become much more touristy, with many of the artisans I remember from years ago now gone, the museums, tours and decor make up for the loss of these talented artists.

Flagler College in St. Augustine

Finally, because the convention I was attending provided our meals, I only had one opportunity to get out and sample the local fare.  May I strongly, highly, emphatically urge you to visit Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille.  A two-story restaurant situated on the Intracoastal, the restaurant boasts a beautiful outdoor courtyard, as well as fantastic vistas of the city and water.

Although the wine list was a tad limited, the menu was incredible and definitely had a New Orleans vibe.  I started with the She Crab Bisque, followed by Pasta Chicken Louisianne, blackened chicken over pasta in white mushroom cream sauce, per the recommendation of our gracious waiter.  I concluded the meal with a gorgeously flavored Bananas Foster.  All in all, a grand slam conclusion to a great three days in this wonderful town.

For more information, visit:

http://www.casamonica.com

http://www.augustine.com

http://www.hookedonharrys.com

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June 27, 2011 Are You Ready to Sojourn with Stacey?

There is really nothing better than a vacation.  Just thinking about a v.k. puts you in a relaxed state.  But in contrast, the word “travel” can have quite the opposite effect.  Mention “air travel” and now you’ve gone from relaxed to stressed to all out panic.  But it doesn’t have to be that way!  Too often our independent natures and the belief that we can and should do everything on our own is largely what causes our should’ve been lazy days holiday to become a tactical nightmare.

I’ve become smarter than that through the help of a friend, who just happens to be trusty travel agent Stacey.  My rationale has become: why should I stress when she can do the worrying for me (no offense, girlie!)?  And another thing: all those travel agents who got relegated to the side with the boom of the Internet really do know all the best spots, get the best rates, etc.  Should I leave my European vacation to an online review, or do I belive the friend who’s been there, done that?

So, whether you’re planning to beach it in the Caribbean, do the Disney deal or cruise away to some foreign port, leave the planning to a pro…preferably my gal Stacey.  And make sure to check out her brand spankin’ new blog at http://sojournwithstacey.wordpress.com.  The self-described travel Yoda, this blog is sure to be packed with travel tips, destination ideas and more!

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