When I saw this article in the paper today, I was instantly transported to another time in my life. This was a time when I was just graduating from college, and the world was my oyster. I could go anywhere, do anything, be anything.

To make a long story short— where I ended up going was to St. Augustine, Florida, and what I ended up doing was freelancing for a newspaper. Then becoming a staff writer for another one. Then becoming a paginator for another one.

Clearly I was still searching for that perfect job—and my search continued for the two years that I lived there…..

I digress. The point is, much to my own sadness, it was only really after I left St. Augustine, a city so rich in history and culture, that I truly missed it and realized how awesome it was to spend the time there that I did. After the jump, a few of my fave photos, and some of my suggestions for hang outs should you ever find yourself in St. Augustine’s neck of the woods.

• Okay, so the first place that I was going to recommend to you guys when you find yourself in St. Augustine was Sharky’s Shrimp Shack. Turns out, not quite as many people share my opinion, according to certain reviews! But that’s okay, I still maintain that this little hole-in-the-wall had the best shrimp that I’ve tasted in St. Augustine, so I’d still recommend it any day.
• When in St. Augustine, heading downtown to the old section of the city and St. George St. is a must— but if you can do it on the first Friday of any month, that’s even better. Open art galleries (which are AMAZING in St. Augustine), free cheese and wine, local musicians and balmy Florida weather all combine to make the perfect downtown experience.
• However cheesy and touristy it might seem, hoping on board a Ghost Tour is definitely worth it. Go at night and the trip to the graveyard will give you goosebumps, I promise.
• Although the lighthouse is another touristy-type activity, the view of the entire city from the top is unparalleled.
• And even though the Alligator Farm is pretty cool (and also the only place in the U.S. (world? don’t quote me on this one) with all 23 species of crocodilian (yup, I wrote an article about it), unless you really enjoy alligators, I’d skip the steep entrance fee.
• If you’re in the area on a sunny Sunday, DEFINITELY check out Reggae Sunday at The Conch House. Grab a beer by the water, chow down on some local fishy appetizers and listen to the jazz-y melodies of local musicians. You’re sure to meet tons of locals there, too.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, a few of my fave St. Augustine photos, just for old-times sake: