Page 83 - 2024-2025 Travel Guide to Florida

busier I-95, and you get to cruise along the scenic route while stopping off as needed for meals, souvenirs or to snap an ocean shot.
Take in a country view for more than 60 miles along U.S.-17 between Orange Park and Crescent City. Along the way, view the picturesque St. Johns River, enjoy rolling hills (hard to come by in Florida), and stop at places like the Log Cabin Farm, Vineyard & Winery in Putnam County.
On the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail in the Flagler Beach area, take the double loop along scenic roads where you’ll pass by the Atlantic Ocean and Old Dixie Highway. Other highlights include driving past the winter home of John D. Rockefeller, the historic Ormond Beach fire station and sunset views near Granada Boulevard Bridge.
Head off on SR-13 just south of Jacksonville, and leisurely make your way to the small town of Spuds. This route gives you a near constant view of the St. Johns River, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you drive past older homes and trees covered with Spanish moss. A highlight along the route is the winter home of writer Harriet Beecher Stowe.
SHOPPING
St. Augustine Outlets, off I-95, carries 30 brand-name retailers. Nearby, St. Augustine Premium Outlets has 85 stores, including Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Nike Factory Store and Polo Ralph Lauren.
Ready for some unique finds? Then head on down to the pedestrian-only St. George Street in St. Augustine’s Historic District. Find a bohemian piece of jewelry at Earthbound Trading Co. Nearby, stop by the Spice & Tea Exchange, an 18th-century-like trading post with displays of teas and spices that will stimulate your taste buds. At Bath Junkie, you can personalize bath and body products with customized scents. Find a gift for the artsy folks in your life at any of St. Augustine’s numerous galleries located in the historic district.
The St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville is the place to hit for the latest upscale merchandise from shops such as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and Nordstrom. The center also includes bargain stores such as DSW Shoes.
Minutes away from downtown, Jacksonville Farmers Market is the oldest operating outdoor farmers’ market in Florida. Since 1938, vendors have offered fresh produce, herbs and local favorites, such as Mayport shrimp. Browse for crafts and handmade goods daily from dawn to dusk. For more market exploration, check out Jaxsons Night Market, a craft market held on the third Thursday of each month. There’s also Riverside Arts Market. Held on Saturdays, find local arts, crafts and food galore. The view isn’t too shabby, either—it’s right beside the St. Johns River.
INTERNATIONAL
GATEWAYS
Jacksonville International Airport:
flyjax.com
Jacksonville Port Authority:
jaxport.com/cruise
FOOD TRUCK, ST. AUGUSTINE MARINA • VISIT FLORIDA/MATADOR NETWORK
SURFBOARDERS IN JACKSONVILLE BEACH • VISIT JACKSONVILLE/RYAN KETTERMAN
2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA 81