I've made a decision. I'm cutting out sugar. 

OK. Not all sugar. I love my Newman's Own Pineapple Salsa. I'm sure there is sugar in there. But I'm not going to ADD any sugar to anything. Not a thing.

Not even my tea.    GASP!!

I LIVE on sweet tea. I have spent my children's college education on McD's sweet teas.

BUT - no more. 

I will be a NEW PIRATE!! LEANER, and PEACEFULLER! 

Wish me luck.....

TEN THINGS TO SEE WHILE VISITING ST. AUGUSTINE, FL 

according to me, the Peaceful Pirate. No one twisted my arm, keel hauled, or lightly suggested I mention any of these choices. They are strictly my opinion. 

in no particular order:

1)  St. George Street

      Unique shops, nice people, great food

2)  Side Streets

      Don't forget to peruse the side streets. There are more wonderful stores and eateries around the corners.

3)  Flagler College

      Asheville, NC has the Biltmore House. St. Augustine has the Ponce de Leon Hotel - now known as Flagler College. Absolutely breathtaking. Including the largest private collection of Tiffany Glass.

4)   Lightner Museum (in the Alcazar Hotel)

       An eclectic collection of any thing and everything. Talk to the volunteers - they are very knowledgable! And take a listen to the large collection of music boxes - it's not what you think!

5)  Cafe Alcazar

       Hungry for  delicious spanakopitas or maybe homemade french onion soup? How 'bout having it served in what was once the deep end of the world's largest pool at the turn of the 20th century? If you look up you may just see the remains of the original rope trapeze that once entertained guests!

6)   Castillo de San Marcos

        My personal favorite. So much history. And the gun deck has arguably the best view in St. Augustine.

7)   Fort Mose

        The very first legally free black settlement in what would become America. 120+ years before the Civil War. And if you have never heard of Francisco Menendez -you should. Absolutely amazing man.

8)   St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum

        The largest collection of authentic pirate artifacts in the world. Under one roof. And I happen to know a tour guide there. Say hey to Mad Marie if you see her. :)

9)    Pizzalleys

       I love their pizza. It makes me happy.

10)  Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

         This is where it all began. Not Jamestown in my native Virginia. Right here where archaeologists found evidence of Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles' original settlement. In fact, after visiting here - check out the First Colony exhibit at the Government House off King Street. Here you will find many of the artifacts found on the FOY property.

OKAY - there you have it. These are some of my favorites. What are yours?? Please leave them in the comments! I would love to hear from you!