On Saturday July 21st Dogs and their Owners hit the beach to “Hang 20” for charity at St Augustine Beach, one of the best dog-friendly beaches along the East Coast offering perfect beginner level waves. …
Five cool things we discovered in St. Augustine
31 Dec 20188:38 AM
St. Augustine celebrated its 450th birthday in 2016, making it America’s oldest European city.
It’s one of Florida’s most popular destinations and thus many people probably think they know all about St. Augustine. I did too, before I made these cool discoveries on a recent visit.
Ponce de Leon was really short
St. Augustine’s waterfront is dominated by a status of Ponce de Leon, depicted life-size, which means very very short.
When you visit St. Augustine, you can’t help but soak up the history of the Spanish explorers. It’s everywhere – from the magnificent fort, the Castillo de San Marco, which commands the waterfront, to the narrow lanes that make the historic district so charming.
To read more on the 5 cool things to do in St Augustine and Bonnie’s adventure visit the Florida Rambler!
Pro team Member
Related Articles
Pro Team
Connect & Follow
Connect & Follow
General
Bon Appetit
Conservation Corner
Dive In
Got Photo
Get Hooked
Outdoor Adventure
SURF-UP
Travel Tips
![](mailto:?subject=Five cool things we discovered in St. Augustine&body=St. Augustine celebrated its 450th birthday in 2016, making it America’s oldest European city.
It’s one of Florida’s most popular destinations and thus many people probably think they know all about St. Augustine. I did too, before I made these cool discoveries on a recent visit.
Ponce de Leon was really short
St. Augustine’s waterfront is dominated by a status of Ponce de Leon, depicted life-size, which means very very short.
When you visit St. Augustine, you can’t help but soak up the history of the Spanish explorers. It’s everywhere – from the magnificent fort, <a href="https://floridarambler.com/northeast-florida-getaways/st-augustine-fort-castillo-de-san-marcos/">the Castillo de San Marco</a>, which commands the waterfront, to the narrow lanes that make the historic district so charming.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/st-augustine-ponce-de-leon-Bonnie-Gross.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5285" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/st-augustine-ponce-de-leon-Bonnie-Gross-300x215.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="215" /></a>St. Augustine’s waterfront is dominated by a status of Ponce de Leon, depicted life-size, which means very very short. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)
To read more on the 5 cool things to do in St Augustine and Bonnie's adventure visit the <a href="https://www.floridarambler.com/northeast-florida-getaways/five-cool-things-in-st-augustine/">Florida Rambler</a>! https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/five-cool-things-we-discovered-in-st-augustine/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Goofy foot sur-furs hit St Augustine Beach for a cause!&body=On Saturday July 21st Dogs and their Owners hit the beach to “Hang 20” for charity at St Augustine Beach, one of the best dog-friendly beaches along the East Coast offering perfect beginner level waves. Gathering directly outside the new <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com">Guy Harvey Resort</a>, beginners, first-timers and seasoned water dogs with their humans, joined Guy Harvey Resorts, <a href="http://www.surfstation.com">Surf Station</a>, <a href="http://www.Titosvodka.com">Tito’s Vodka</a>, <a href="http://www.k9sforwarriors.org">K9s for Warriors</a>, <a href="http://www.fauxpaws1.com">Faux Paws Pet boutique</a>, <a href="http://www.petco.com">Petco</a>, and <a href="http://www.delmarvethospital.com">Del Mar Veterinary</a> to raise money and awareness for K9s for Warriors, a local 501c-3 organization.
K9s for Warriors provides service canines to military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disability, traumatic brain injury, and other traumas as a result of military service post-9/11. They are the nation’s largest provider of service dogs for disabled American veterans and credited with matching 323 military veterans with their service dogs. The dogs are rescued directly from shelters, other rescue organizations, and select breeders. The dogs perform a multitude of tasks for their owners, including helping them to cope with panic attacks, waking them from night terrors, enhancing their physical mobility, and easing their anxiety in social situations.
Four-legged and two-legged contestants alike participated and took the term “goofy foot” sur-fur to another level while entertaining all with their personalities and talents. All shapes and sizes participated from a Miniature Australian Shepherd named Roxy to a 100-pound American Bulldog named Rocky. Dogs competed for prizes and awards provided by Faux Paws pet boutique, Starfish Vision maker of the Guy Harvey dog collar, Jared Jeffs Photography and Petco. There was even one dog loving cat on a leash named Boogie.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_678-706_29849494418_o.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5191" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_678-706_29849494418_o-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>
The Event kicked off with Captain Scott Cushine, the Adventure Coordinator at the Guy Harvey Resort St Augustine Beach and his helpful young mermaid Aria, playing a conch shell, the bagpipe of the sea, to signal the start of the event. A low, haunting blast rolled above the waves then faded into the distance as the competitors lined up and waited to hear their names called.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_709-724_41911065300_o.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5192" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_709-724_41911065300_o-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>
Then, the fun began as sure-footed and not so sure-footed dogs with their owners all competed to show off their style and skills for celebrity judges, who decided was worthy of moving on to the next heat. There was Chris Johnson from American Ninja Warriors, beloved St Augustine Author Gary Williams with his celebrity 4-legged sidekick Guen, and Faux Paws owners Mark and Lynn Small.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_156-151_29849730368_o.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5145" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_156-151_29849730368_o-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a>Celebrity Judge, Guen, looking on at the surf competitors. Photo by Terry Bottom
Many locals cheered on local favorite as Jake Scott, the yellow lab who surfed backwards and held his own leash, which is now affectionally called “The Leash Grab” within the St Augustine Surf Community. But all dogs were not local like first time sur-fur Jinks, who traveled from Gainesville to take park of the event and Lily from Stuart, who brought her own hot pink Hawaiian printed life vest and surfboard complete with custom paw print decals. She could hang 20 with the best of them!
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180722_082610_158.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5212" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180722_082610_158-300x183.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="183" /></a>Jinks. Photo by Jared Jeffs
Judges watched for best solo surfing, best tandem, best style, rookie of the year, crowd favorite, best wipe out, best trick, longest rides and more. A fun time was enjoyed by all and Guy Harvey Resorts is already preparing for next year’s event in July 2019. Watch for detail and don’t miss a fun day at the beach with your 4 -legged friends when visiting St Augustine Beach.
Surfing Recap:
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180721_230954_180.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5210" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180721_230954_180-300x170.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="170" /></a>Roxie, 1st place overall & 1st place tandem surfur. Photo by Jared Jeffs
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_593-576_29849543248_o.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5186" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_593-576_29849543248_o-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Lily, 1st place solo surfur and 2nd place overall. Photo by Terry Bottom
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_511-500_42816324095_o.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5173" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_511-500_42816324095_o-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Paul, Longest Wave & 3rd Place Overall photo by Terry Bottom
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180721_225014_869.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5209" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180721_225014_869-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Jake, Best Trick & epically now known for his signature trick the "Leash Grab" photo by Jared Jeffs
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180722_082312_096.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5208" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_20180722_082312_096-300x255.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="255" /></a>Queso, Best Wipe-out photo by Jared Jeffs
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_579-565_42816295155_o.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5182" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_07_21_pups-and-sups_579-565_42816295155_o-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Rocky, Hanging 20. Photo by Terry Bottom
https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/goofy-foot-sur-furs-hit-st-augustine-beach-for-a-cause/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Cuba Un-canned: See It With the Locals&body=Here are some of the locals you will meet during <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/">Guy Harvey Outpost's</a> guided people-to-people expedition to Cuba December 13-18:
--The son of Fidel Castro's official photographer;
--the director of the Cuba's Masonic museum;
--a rural tobacco farmer;
--a mixologist who will teach you how to make the perfect Mojito.
And the locales you will visit will combine mainstream stops (Floridita --creator of the daiquiri-- and Museo de la Revolucion, stone walls with 1950s bullet holes) with way un-trodden destinations (Cueva El Palmarito --the largest cave system in Latin America, and a fishing cooperative in Cojimar, where Ernest Hemingway's captain spent most of his life).
Your hosts will be Justin White-- operator of <a href="https://www.docfordscubaexpeditions.com/">Doc Ford's Cuba Expeditions</a> and nephew of best-selling novelist Randy Wayne White--and Sports Illustrated photographer Ron Modra.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/MG_1480.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4874" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/MG_1480.jpg" alt="" width="2100" height="1400" /></a>
"The people we are going to meet are incredible-- interesting, intelligent, diverse age groups," White said. "You'll see the monumental places but the targeted people and events introduce you to real people living their daily lives. The most valuable experience you can have is to be with the people and ask them questions. There are no airs put on."
With new U.S.-to-Cuba travel restrictions set to take effect in mid-September, White is taking special care to stay on the right side of the law: staying only in private lodgings, taking meals in private restaurants; interacting one-on-one with Cuban people; and travelling in a 12-member group.
"We will abide by all the policies and restrictions put in place," White said. "We focus on people-to-people exchanges."
The six-day, five-night itinerary is packed with authentic experiences: poring over photo albums with Raul Corrales, whose father shot reams of images of late Cuban leader Fidel Castro and his friend author Ernest Hemingway; walking the docks at Cojimar, the small fishing village where Hemingway's "Old Man and the Sea" was set and where the author's captain Gregorio Fuentes lived to be 104; visiting Finca Vijia where Hemingway's boat, Pilar, still sits; touring a tobacco farm and coffee plantation; and hiking to a huge cave in the countryside. It also hits some of the typical tourist spots such as the Tropicana nightclub and Old Havana. And there will be multiple opportunities to ogle (and photograph) all the old cars, with Modra coaching on the finer points of capturing images.
If you <a href="https://guyharveyoutpost.com/expeditions/cuba/">book your expedition</a> by Aug. 31, you'll receive free airfare from Fort Lauderdale to Havana. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.guyharveyoutpost.com">www.guyharveyoutpost.com</a> or call the Outpost Travel Desk at 800-513-5257. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/cuba-un-canned-see-it-with-the-locals/){kind=link}
 and <a href="https://guyharveyoutpost.com/lodging/beach-resorts/st-augustine-beach/">Guy Harvey Resort St Augustine Beach</a> are sponsoring two Waterworld Photo Workshops with Ben Hicks, Florida’s premier surf photographer. The workshops, on July 20 and 21, will be from 7:30 – 11:30 am at the Guy Harvey Resort in St Augustine Beach.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BenHicks-002.jpg"><img src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BenHicks-002-227x300.jpg" alt="" width="227" height="300" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5080" /></a>Based in Boca Raton, Ben is a renowned fine-arts photographer who has traveled to exotic locales to capture the beauty of nature, striving to portray the familiar in original ways, but also taking risks to capture the complex, often dangerous, situations including big waves and precarious animal encounters. Many of his photographic works are centered on ocean subjects, and Ben is particularly focused on using his photography to raise environmental awareness, especially the importance of sea turtle conservation since the turtles are one of the most important indicators of the health of the world’s marine and coastal ecosystems. His work can be seen at <a href="http://www.benjhicks.com">www.benjhicks.com</a>
Ben will speak to the July meeting of the camera club on Thursday, July 19, and teach the workshops the following two days. In the workshop, he will be discussing camera techniques, gear, lighting and post-processing. He welcomes photographers of all skills, and says to bring any camera (including smartphones) that you would like to use for the workshop. Ben will also have some waterproof covers to loan registrants. Many of the techniques discussed can be applied to any camera. Attendees can plan to get wet if they have a proper housing or camera, but others can shoot beach and wave photography from the shore line. After the beach photo session, registrants will move inside to hear Ben’s basic editing methods and advanced post-processing tips.
The cost of the workshop is $50 for SACC members, $75 for non-members. To register, go to http://www.saintaugustinecameraclub.com/workshops--fieldtrips.html. To book rooms visit
<a href="http://www.GuyHarveyResorts.com">www.GuyHarveyResorts.com</a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/waterworld-photo-workshop-with-ben-hicks-at-guy-harvey-resort-st-augustine-beach-july-20-21st/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Celebrate Independence Day by Looking after your Environment&body=
Help Save our Seas with a Community Clean Up with Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Fill a bag or bucket with trash from your local exercise route, neighborhood, lake, or beach.
Take a picture and post it between July 4th and July 11th.
Tag us @DrGuyHarvey and hashtag #GHCleanup2020 #GHOF
Automatically enter to win raffle prizes
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/GHOF-4th-of-July.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5565" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/GHOF-4th-of-July.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="1080" /></a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/celebrate-independence-day-by-looking-after-your-environment/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=THE KEYS TO PARADISE&body=Where U.S. Route 1 becomes the Overseas Highway, visitors are transported to paradise through a series of islands without ever leaving the states. While Key West reigns as the most well-known tourist destination south of Miami, there are a number of Keys well worth a detour along your drive to the southernmost point.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo2.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5400" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo2.jpeg" alt="" width="5219" height="3480" /></a>Photo by Katie McCafferty
Key Largo
Key Largo marks your first location for water adventure at John Pennekamp State Park where visitors can scuba, snorkel, sail, or view the beauty of the living coral reef from the park’s glass bottom boats. As you continue south along U.S. 1 to Key West, you will pass through a collection of islets that make up the premier fishing destination of Islamorada. The beautiful uninhabited islands that surround Islamorada provide the perfect backdrop for backcountry flats fishing on the Gulf side or ocean reef fishing in the Atlantic. For a thrilling adventure, try your hand at tarpon feeding from the dock at Robbie’s Restaurant and Marina before heading to Marathon.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo3.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5401" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo3.jpeg" alt="" width="2688" height="1738" /></a>Photo by Katie McCafferty
Marathon
Marathon offers unique ocean to table dining, wildlife and snorkeling ecoadventures, and the largest turtle hospital in the country. Dr. Guy Harvey is an advocate for marine conservation who has dedicated his life to the research and preservation of ocean life. A visit to the Marathon Turtle Hospital provides visitors the opportunity to share in Guy’s passion for turtle conservation and learn about the many species of turtles that you can encounter in Florida’s waters. The hospital offers a behind the scenes guided tour of its rehabilitation facility and concludes with a special opportunity to feed the turtles in its care.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo4.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5402" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo4.jpg" alt="" width="3967" height="3171" /></a>Photo by Katie McCafferty
Pigeon Key
While in Marathon, visitors have the opportunity to ferry to the national historic landmark of Pigeon Key. Pigeon Key is a hidden gem that will transport you back to a time when Key West was only accessible by boat and railway. Pigeon Key is the epicenter of Henry Flagler’s vision to create an overseas railway from Miami to Key West. This architectural feat expanded commerce between Cuba, Latin America, and Panama and ultimately overhauled the economy and infrastructure of the Keys. Once on the island visitors can take an educational tour, snorkel, or relax on what will feel like your own private island. This cultural excursion departs from the Faro Blanco Marin, where you can grab lunch at its waterfront restaurant, the Lighthouse Grill, before setting sail for Pigeon Key. The Lighthouse Grill serves delectable Key West cuisine paired with enchanting gulf side views. Visitors can snack on conch fritters and feast on delicious fresh fish while sitting poolside as yachts dock at the Marina.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo5.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5403" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo5.jpg" alt="" width="3967" height="3171" /></a>Photo by Katie McCafferty
Big Pine Key
After a day on the water at Pigeon Key, head south by crossing over the famed Seven Mile Bridge to neighboring Big Pine Key and Bahia Honda State Park. Big Pine Key is home to the National Key Deer Wildlife Refuge where lucky visitors can spot protected and endangered Key deer only found in the lower Florida Keys. At Blue Hole nature trail on Big Pine Key visitors can spot a variety of wildlife including the resident American alligators from the observation deck. One of the best ways to locate a Key deer is by driving the neighboring streets around Big Hole and keeping your eyes peeled on the surrounding bushes and vegetation. The National Key Deer Refuge asks visitors not to feed the wild deer and to use extreme caution when driving through Big Pine Key. The deer have become so familiar with human contact that they will walk right up to you or your vehicle. Please enjoy visiting their habitat and follow the rules of the Wildlife Refuge to help the species flourish in its protected environment.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo6.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5404" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo6.jpeg" alt="" width="5821" height="3880" /></a>Photo by Katie McCafferty
Bahia Honda State Park
Consistently rated one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Bahia Honda Key is the refreshing escape to paradise you’ve been waiting for. The spectacular panoramic views of the island display the shimmering clear waters that showcase the natural beauty of the Florida Keys. Bahia Honda is a true adventurer’s playground with kayaks, snorkeling gear rentals, and boat trip excursions to the reefs all readily available through the park’s welcome center. If you are looking to immerse yourself in the nature of the island, the park offers overnight cabins situated directly on the Gulf.
From watching as the sun sets over the islands to floating over the turquoise waves, the Florida Keys has a way of reminding you to slow down and relish its natural beauty. In the Keys where it’s always “5 o’clock somewhere” and flip flops and swimsuits are essential, you can be sure that the Florida Key’s state of mind will always follow you wherever you go. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/the-keys-to-paradise/){kind=link}
TRAVEL DESK : 800.513.5257
Connect & Follow