This Week at TravelGolf.com: Aug. 14, 2008

St. Augustine's B&B scene opens eyes to another golf vacation lodging option

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - How many of you traveling golfers have ever stayed in anything other than a condo or extended hotel suite on a long golf trip?

That's what I thought. Not too darn many. True enough, you're going to spend most of the day on the golf course and much of the night in some bar, but as the U.S. population starts to age, we're starting to look around for something a little more personalized.

May I suggest something at the expense of ridicule?

St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, has a robust collection of bed and breakfasts to go along with all the great golf courses in St. Johns County, in northeast Florida.

Yeah, I know. I'm not really a bed-and-breakfast guy, either. But these St. Augustine B&Bs might change my mind. They're not just for old ladies or people "into" antiques. One cool feature is that many have "social hours." No, not happy hours, social hours, where you actually talk to people instead of getting sloshed on watered down bourbon.

Here are a few recommendations:

Casa de Solana (www.casadesolana.com) has an air of Spanish and English history, from the Minorcan Suite with fireplace to the Segui Room. It has a landscaped, walled courtyard on brick-paved Aviles Street, in the heart of old downtown. They serve a great Southern breakfast.

The St. Francis Inn (www.stfrancisinn.com) dates back to the 1700s, a pairing of old-world charm and modern comforts. The house is made of native coquina shells with a private courtyard and pool. It's located in the shady historic district and is within easy walking distance of shopping, dining and the pleasures of St. Augustine.

The Inn on Charlotte (www.innoncharlotte.com) was once a plush home that's been restored to reflect its original grandeur and each of the eight rooms is carefully decorated with antique furnishings.

These are just three. There are scores of others, mostly in the St. Augustine's historic downtown district.

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.

St. Johns Golf Club near St. Augustine: Honest price for an honest day's play

There are some very well-known and expensive golf courses around Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine. If you're looking for green fees on the lighter side, check out St. Johns Golf Club in nearby Elkton, Tim McDonald writes.

Course review: Ponte Vedra Inn and Club's Lagoon course

Revitalized Torrey Pines highlights the rising golden age of San Diego golf

The transformation of Torrey Pines South for the U.S. Open, renovation of The Grand Golf Club and opening of the luxurious Grand Del Mar Resort have launched San Diego into the upper echelon of U.S. golf dream destinations.

Column: Savoring San Diego and a new America

A St. Andrews golf vacation on three budgets: Plan a trip on any wallet size

St. Andrews is the world's most prestigious golf destination, but it doesn't have to be the most expensive. You can drop a pretty penny here, staying and playing on the finest links and hotels. But that shouldn't deter the more budget-conscious golfer from looking into a golf trip to the home of golf. You can enjoy yourself here too. Here's how to enjoy St. Andrews on three separate budgets.

Also: Planning a trip to the home of golf