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A Self-Guided Tour of the Best Desserts in St. Augustine

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on . Posted in Food, Oldcity, Restaurants, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Mortgage, Where to Eat.

Image of a tour group at Whetstone Chocolates watching chocolatiers at work making chocolates.

Watch chocolatiers at work before sampling some of Whetstone’s signature chocolates. Photo courtesy of Whetstone Chocolate’s website.

Historic landmarks are great, but fresh pastries before 10 a.m.? Also important. If you’re searching for the best desserts in St. Augustine, skip the debate over where to go and turn it into a self-guided tour instead. Coffee first. Chocolate later. Ice cream before anyone can talk you out of it. The city’s bakeries, chocolate shops, and frozen treat stops are close enough to string together into an afternoon that’s just as satisfying as any sightseeing itinerary.

Bring a friend so you can split a few treats, or keep every bite to yourself. We won’t judge. Just save a little space before each stop, because every bakery, chocolate shop, and ice cream counter has something worth trying.

Start at Alms + Fare

Exterior image of Alms + Fare Bakery St. Augustine Storefront.

Image courtesy of Alms + Fare website.

Starting your dessert tour with ice cream would be bold, but a pastry and coffee make a much stronger first impression. Alms + Fare opens the day with flaky croissants, seasonal pastries, muffins, cookies, and specialty coffee in a bright café on San Marco Avenue. The bakery unlocks its doors at 7:00 a.m. daily, so plan to arrive early. Favorites have a habit of disappearing before lunchtime.

Alms + Fare also stands out for its inclusive menu. Everything in the bakery is made in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, with dairy-free treats and several vegan options available as well. That means groups with different dietary preferences can order together without anyone feeling limited to a single menu item.

Don’t let the gluten-free menu fool you into lowering your expectations. The laminated pastries and baked goods have built a following well beyond diners with dietary restrictions. Depending on the day, you’ll find all your fresh-baked favorites alongside rotating seasonal pastries that give returning visitors something new to look forward to. Take your coffee to go if you’d rather start walking right away, or enjoy a seated breakfast before heading toward your next stop. Either way, you’ll have a solid foundation for the sugar-filled afternoon ahead.

Make Your Way to Crème de la Cocoa

After beginning with a pastry and coffee, it’s time to trade flaky layers for something a little more polished. Crème de la Cocoa has earned a reputation for beautifully crafted desserts that look almost too good to eat.

The bakery and dessert boutique at 299 San Marco Ave,  is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., making it an ideal second stop before the afternoon crowds settle into downtown. Inside the display case, you’ll find elegant entremets, colorful macarons, cheesecakes, tarts, cookies, cupcakes, and rich flourless chocolate cake, along with seasonal desserts that change throughout the year.

Crème de la Cocoa also makes it easier for groups with different dietary preferences to find something they’ll enjoy. Gluten-friendly desserts are available, though anyone with food allergies should ask the staff about ingredients and preparation since the bakery works with common allergens, including wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. This is the stop where you’ll probably spend a few extra minutes deciding what to order. Nobody ever said choosing between a macaron and a slice of cake was supposed to be easy.

Treat Yourself at Claude’s Chocolate

Bonbons and truffles at Claude's Chocolate in St. Augustine.

Image courtesy of Claude’s Chocolate website.

Pastries had their moment. Now it’s chocolate’s turn. Since opening in 2005, this family-owned shop has been crafting handmade French-style chocolates in St. Augustine, with display cases full of truffles, caramels, chocolate-covered treats, and other artisan confections that are almost impossible to leave behind.

Located at 6 Granada Street across from the Lightner Museum, Claude’s is open daily, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with extended evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Alongside its handcrafted chocolates, you’ll also find Belgian bonbons, rich Italian-style hot chocolate made with real grated chocolate, coffee drinks, and gelato for anyone tempted to switch things up.

Many visitors build their own assortment before heading back out to explore downtown, mixing classic milk and dark chocolates with favorites like sea salt caramels, chocolate bark, and hand-decorated truffles. Buying a box to take home sounds like a great idea. Keeping it unopened until you get there is a completely different challenge.

Visit Whetstone Chocolates

You’ve sampled handcrafted chocolates. Now it’s time to see how they’re made. Whetstone Chocolates has been a St. Augustine favorite since 1967, combining handcrafted confections with an interactive factory tour that gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the chocolate-making process.

On St. George Street, this downtown shop is open daily and is an ideal place to browse after spending time on the city’s busiest pedestrian street. The shelves are stocked with chocolate bars, truffles, fudge, chocolate-covered espresso beans, and other sweet souvenirs that travel surprisingly well… assuming they make it home.

The real highlight, however, is the Whetstone Chocolates Store and Tasting Tour located at 139 King Street. Visitors learn about the history of chocolate, sample chocolates from around the world, and watch chocolatiers at work as they discover what goes into each handcrafted creation. It’s a fun change of pace from simply picking out treats at the counter, giving this stop a little something extra before continuing your dessert tour.

Next Stop: Mayday Handcrafted Ice Cream & Cookies

A Florida dessert tour wouldn’t feel complete without ice cream. Mayday Handcrafted Ice Cream & Cookies is a welcome cooldown after a few chocolate stops, serving small-batch ice cream, fresh-baked cookies, and ice cream sandwiches that are worth the sticky fingers.

Right on St George St, Mayday is open daily, with hours extending into the evening for anyone whose dessert tour turns into an after-dinner outing. The menu rotates throughout the year, so alongside favorites like Sea Salt Caramel and Chocolate Brownie, you’ll usually find seasonal flavors that make every visit different. They also have two other locations if you happen to miss their St George Street location, 1765 Tree Blvd, #5 and 461 A1A Blvd.

Visitors looking for dairy-free treats aren’t left out, either. Non-dairy flavors made with oat milk are typically available, so groups with different dietary preferences have another stop where everyone can order something they’ll enjoy. A scoop in a cup, a cone piled high, or an ice cream sandwich between two warm cookies? That’s entirely your call. Just don’t be surprised if someone in your group starts talking about coming back before you’ve even finished the last bite.

Finish at The Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops

Photo of two ice pops being held in front of The Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops storefront.

Photo courtesy of The Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops website.

Ice cream may have cooled you down, but The Hyppo delivers a refreshing finish that doesn’t feel quite as rich after a full afternoon of desserts. Instead of scoops and cones, this downtown shop serves handcrafted gourmet ice pops made with fresh fruit, herbs, and natural ingredients.

About a five-minute walk from the Plaza de la Constitución, The Hyppo features dozens of inventive flavors throughout the year. Choices like Strawberry Dragon Fruit, Pineapple Cilantro, and Mango Habanero sit alongside classics, so there’s always something unexpected waiting in the freezer. Many of the fruit-based pops are naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, turning The Hyppo into another thoughtful stop for those with different dietary preferences. The lighter flavors also make it a satisfying way to wrap up the tour without feeling like you’ve overdone it.

A Sweet Ending to the Best Desserts in St. Augustine

You’ve made it from pastries and coffee to handcrafted chocolates, elegant desserts, ice cream, and gourmet ice pops without repeating the same sweet treat twice. Not bad for one day. The best desserts in St. Augustine turn “I’ll just grab one thing” into a pastry for breakfast, chocolates for later, and an ice cream stop that somehow seemed completely reasonable at the time. Good thing this tour builds in plenty of walking between stops.

There’s also a decent chance you’ll leave with a bakery box tucked under one arm or a bag of chocolates that was supposed to make it home untouched. We won’t ask how that worked out. After all, there’s no rule saying that sightseeing has to come before dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best desserts in St. Augustine?

Some of the best desserts in St. Augustine include the gluten-free pastries at Alms + Fare, elegant cakes and macarons from Crème de la Cocoa, handcrafted chocolates at Claude’s Chocolate and Whetstone Chocolates, small-batch ice cream from Mayday Handcrafted Ice Cream & Cookies, and gourmet ice pops from The Hyppo. Together, they create a self-guided dessert tour that offers a little bit of everything.

How far apart are the dessert stops?

Most of the stops are within or just outside the Historic District, making them easy to connect in a single afternoon. Crème de la Cocoa serves as the northern starting point, while the remaining locations are a short drive or walk from one another, with several clustered in the heart of downtown St. Augustine.

Are these dessert shops close to St. Augustine’s historic attractions?

Yes. Several stops on this tour are within walking distance of popular attractions like the Plaza de la Constitución, St. George Street, the Lightner Museum, and Flagler College. That makes it simple to enjoy a few historic landmarks between dessert stops without spending your day driving across town.

Should you share desserts or order your own?

Sharing is a great way to sample more of the tour without filling up too quickly. Split a pastry in the morning, trade bites of cake or chocolate later in the day, and save your own ice cream or ice pop for the final stops. Of course, nobody’s judging if you’d rather keep your dessert to yourself.

How much should you budget for this dessert tour?

Most individual desserts range from about $4 to $10, depending on what you order. Sharing a few treats can help stretch your budget while letting everyone try everything. Picking up an extra box of chocolates to take home may be the biggest temptation of the trip.

Can you finish the dessert tour in one afternoon?

Absolutely. Most visitors can complete the tour in about three to five hours, depending on how much time they spend shopping, sightseeing, or taking breaks between stops. There’s nothing wrong with stretching it across a full day, though. Dessert has a funny way of making the hours disappear quickly.

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information on the City Blog.
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The post A Self-Guided Tour of the Best Desserts in St. Augustine appeared first on St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com.

Swoon-worthy Spots to Spend with Your Valentine in Old City

Written by St. Augustine Mortgage Syndicated User on . Posted in Attractions, Attractions & Sightseeing, Beaches, Food, Holiday Events, Old City, Restaurants, Sightseeing, Special Events, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Mortgage, Valentines Activities, Valentines Day.

Aerial view of St. Augustine from the St. Augustine Lighthouse

You know that feeling when you’re planning something special for Valentine’s Day, scrolling through the same tired restaurant suggestions and generic date ideas? St. Augustine doesn’t do generic. While other cities might offer you a prix fixe menu at a chain restaurant overlooking a parking lot, this city delivers centuries of atmosphere, hidden courtyards, and sunsets that look like they were painted just for you and your person.

Whether you’re celebrating your first Valentine’s Day together or your fiftieth, we’ve rounded up the most swoon-worthy spots in the Old City that’ll make Valentines Week feel like the opening scenes of your favorite love story. These aren’t just places to visit. They’re backdrops for the kind of moments you’ll be looking back on fondly for years to come.

Climb to New Heights at the St. Augustine Lighthouse

View of a foggy sunrise from the St. Augustine LighthouseNothing says “I love you” quite like huffing and puffing together up 219 steps, right? But hear us out. The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum at 100 Red Cox Drive isn’t just about the workout. It’s about what happens when you reach the top, slightly breathless, and see the entire coastline spreading out before you like a watercolor painting. The Atlantic glitters to the east. Downtown St. Augustine unfolds to the west. And somewhere between catching your breath and taking in the view, you’ll probably steal a kiss at 165 feet above sea level.

The lighthouse is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Morning light is softer and perfect for photos, while late afternoon brings golden hour. After you descend, explore the keeper’s house and maritime hammock nature trails. Book tickets in advance during Valentine’s week, and bring a light jacket for the breezy observation deck.

Sip and Savor at San Sebastian Winery

Wine and romance have been going steady since, well, forever. At San Sebastian Winery (157 King Street), they’ve perfected the art of both. Founded in 1996 in one of Henry Flagler’s original East Coast Railway buildings, this spot has racked up over 957 awards for their wines made from Muscadine and hybrid grapes. But you’re not here for the statistics. You’re here for the experience.

The complimentary tours run every 20-25 minutes from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 11:00

AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays. You’ll learn about the wine-making process, sure, but more importantly, you’ll sample wines together and discover which ones make you both say “oh, THAT’S good.” Maybe it’s the Blanc Du Bois. Maybe it’s the Cream Sherry. Either way, you’re discovering something new together.

After the tasting, head up to La Cocina at the Cellar Upstairs on the third floor. This rooftop restaurant serves international cuisine Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and the views of St. Augustine’s skyline are the kind that make you forget to look at your phone. The open-air deck is especially lovely when the weather cooperates, which in mid-February usually means comfortable temperatures and gentle breezes. Pair your meal with a bottle of something you discovered downstairs.

Check out what’s happening at the winery during Valentine’s week, as they often feature special tastings or events. Even if you’re not big wine enthusiasts, the setting alone is worth the visit.

Find Your Sunset at Vilano Beach Pier

Forget everything you think you know about beach sunsets. The Vilano Beach Pier flips the script entirely. While most Florida beaches give you sunrise over the ocean, this spot north of downtown lets you watch the sun set over the water, specifically over the Matanzas River with downtown St. Augustine in the distance. The Castillo de San Marcos. The Mission of Nombre de Dios cross. The city skyline catching the last rays of the day. It’s the kind of view that makes you understand why people write love songs.

The pier is open 24 hours with free parking, which means you can show up whenever the mood strikes. But for Valentine’s Day week, time your arrival for about 30 minutes before sunset. Grab one of the two-seater swings (yes, they have swings on the pier), and just settle in. The Art Deco touches, the blue mosaic artwork in the pavilion, even the dolphin statues perched above the water all add to the charm.

If you’re feeling ambitious, make a whole evening of it. Walk the beach first, maybe do that barefoot stroll through the sand that everyone secretly loves but pretends is cliche. Then head to the pier as the light starts to change. Stay until the sky turns that impossible shade of pink-purple-orange that only seems to exist in Florida. And if you’re hungry afterward, Cap’s on the Water is nearby with waterfront dining that’ll keep the romantic momentum going.

Dine Like You Mean It

St. Augustine’s restaurant scene could fill an entire article on its own, but a few spots stand out for Valentine’s Day romance. Collage Restaurant at 60 Hypolita Street serves globally-inspired cuisine in a European-style atmosphere that practically demands candlelight and meaningful conversation. The seasonal menu means you’re getting the freshest ingredients, and the small size means reservations are absolutely essential during Valentine’s week. Think of it as the kind of place where you linger over every course and barely notice two hours have passed.

For something with a French accent, The Drunken Horse offers authentic French cuisine in a setting that feels like you’ve been transported to a Parisian bistro. The courtyard walls create an intimate atmosphere even though you’re in the heart of a busy area, and the music selection leans French, which somehow makes even casual conversation feel more romantic.

If you want waterfront views with your meal, The Reef and Cap’s on the Water both deliver fresh seafood with scenery that doesn’t quit. These spots are a bit more casual but no less special, particularly if you snag outdoor seating. No matter where you choose to dine during Valentine’s week, make reservations now. The popular spots fill up faster than you’d think.

Don’t Miss the Love Tree

Image of The Love Tree on Cordova Street: a palm tree growing from the loving embrace of a live oak.

Before you leave the historic district, make a pilgrimage to the Love Tree at 6 Cordova Street.

This isn’t just any tree. It’s actually two trees, a sabal palm growing straight out of the heart of an oak, so tightly intertwined that separating them would kill both. Legend has it that a couple planted these trees side by side as a symbol of their devotion, and now locals believe that a kiss in front of the Love Tree will seal two hearts forever.

It’s free, it’s a little bit magical, and it makes for a great story when people ask about your Valentine’s Day plans.

Take a Romantic Carriage Ride

Sometimes the best way to see St. Augustine is from the seat of a horse-drawn carriage, clip-clopping down brick streets while someone else handles the navigation. Several companies offer carriage rides through the historic district, and they’re exactly as romantic as you’d imagine. You’ll pass centuries-old landmarks, hear stories about the city’s past, and have about 45 minutes where your only job is to sit close and enjoy the ride.

Grab your sweetie and join us for a 3 hour food/wine pairing tour or a private carriage for your Valentine Carriage Rides and Culinary Tours with The Tasting Tours.

Companies like Coastal Carriages and Country Carriages operate daily tours that wind through downtown, showcasing the architecture and atmosphere that makes this city special. For Valentine’s week, consider booking a private carriage for just the two of you. Most tours accommodate up to four or six passengers, but having the carriage to yourselves adds an extra layer of intimacy. Some companies even offer wine packages if you want to add a toast to your tour.

The rides work in any weather (they provide blankets when it’s cool), and they’re particularly magical in the evening when the city takes on a softer glow. Book ahead during Valentine’s week, as these fill up quickly.

The Details That Matter

Valentine’s Day in St. Augustine can feel like you’ve stepped into a different era, which is precisely the point. A few practical notes:

  • Weather in mid-February typically runs between 55°F and 72°F. Perfect for walking around, sometimes requiring a light jacket in the evening.
  • Parking in the historic district can be tricky. Consider parking at the St. Augustine Visitors Center and taking the trolley into downtown.
  • Many restaurants and attractions offer Valentine’s Day specials during February 10-14. Check the Old City calendar for the most up-to-date event listings.

Making It Your Own

A couple making a heart with their hands

The spots we’ve covered are tried and true for a reason. They deliver. But the best Valentine’s Day experience in St. Augustine is the one you create yourselves. Maybe that means ducking into The Ancient Olive on St. George Street to sample olive oils and balsamic vinegars together. Maybe it’s booking a ghost tour because you both love a good scare and holding hands in the dark. Maybe it’s simply finding a quiet bench in the Plaza de la Constitución and watching people go by while sharing a bag of something sweet from Kilwin’s.

The beauty of Old City is that it rewards curiosity. Take a wrong turn down Aviles Street and discover a tiny courtyard you’d never have found otherwise. Follow the sound of live music and end up at a bar you weren’t planning to visit. Buy flowers from a street vendor not because it’s Valentine’s Day and you’re supposed to, but because they caught your eye and you wanted to see your person smile.

St. Augustine has been hosting love stories for more than 450 years. Couples have walked these streets through every conceivable era, wearing every imaginable style. But the essentials haven’t changed. Good food. Beautiful views. The chance to slow down and remember why you chose each other in the first place.

This Valentine’s Week, Old City is ready for your chapter. The lighthouse is waiting. The wine is breathing. The sunset over Vilano Beach Pier is warming up for its nightly performance. All that’s missing is you two, ready to add your own story to the ongoing romance of America’s oldest city.

 

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article. Please credit OldCity.com when sharing and re-posting.

The post Swoon-worthy Spots to Spend with Your Valentine in Old City appeared first on St. Augustine, FL | Oldcity.com.