Christmas Day at the Sawgrass Marriott in Ponte Vedra

Ponte Vedra Sawgrass Marriott, lower lobby

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Driving the Usina Bridge over the Tolomato River (and the St. Augustine Inlet) is a sight I’ll never tire of. It connects the mainland with the Old Florida town of Vilano Beach, two miles northeast of St. Augustine. This North A1A stretch of unspoiled coastal road runs along the panoramic tall barrier dunes and the Atlantic. It brings me directly to the stunning Sawgrass Marriott for a 2:30 p.m. reservation. The resort property, a golfer's haven, is landscaped beautifully and the interior is bright and cheery. The lobby's lighting fixtures are gorgeous.

Seated for a grand buffet in a window-filled spacious dining room — tasting stations reveal a row of salads, including a delicious twist on the old-fashioned Waldorf, plus a carving station with turkey and prime rib along with all the fixins’ and a dessert spread with everything you can imagine including red velvet cake (a favorite of mine and a perfect homage to Santa). The venue was packed and lively with families, hotel guests and lots of locals.

After, we took a drive to St. Augustine to see the twinkling holiday lights known as Nights of Lights, which take over the oldest city’s historic downtown — draping trees and buildings. All in white, it is spectacular and should not be missed (Note: the holiday lights are up through January 31, 2012). We couldn’t leave St. Augustine without a stop at the Mill Top Tavern, where we listened to Chad, a hip solo guitarist with lots of passion. He won us over with his phrasing (his Damien Rice version of "Delicate" was incredible). Back at the Sawgrass Marriott we decided we’d take it easy the next day; hang out by the heated adult pool and have a leisurely lunch at Aunt Kate’s on the river. Christmas 2011 had come and gone leaving us all with wonderful memories. Happy New Year!

Tags: Aunt Kate's | Nights of Lights | North A1A | Ponte Vedra | Sawgrass Marriott | St. Augustine | Tolomato River | Usina Bride