A sweet escape that you didn’t know you needed this fall, the Island Cottage Inn. It can be hard to find a place that is hidden and unknown in Florida. However, that is what this town and inn is, undiscovered. With the Florida beaches being overcrowded, it can be hard to find a place that can be serene. Now that summer has died down and the water is still warm, it’s the perfect time to take that much needed break.
About the Inn:
Once you start driving on A1A and have the beach right there, a feeling of peace just falls over you. Which fits perfectly with the Inn as well. The owners, Mica and David, started this business to be in a more peaceful environment and staying in their place reflects this. They recently renovated and re-opened the inn in March of 2022. I saw some of the before and after photos and they did a fabulous job with the place. My favorite spot was the café where breakfast and happy hour take place. They have an amazing mural that was hand done by David and the detail is incredible.
What your stay could look like:
The room designs and layout are so unique. I stayed in Suite 1, where I walked up some stairs and saw a large bathroom, a king-sized bed, a dining area and a fireplace with a couch. What I loved about this room was that you could see the ocean from the wet bar area and the patio. Personally, I love just being able to watch the waves crash, so being able to do this from my room was unreal.
Do not miss out on breakfast in the inn’s café. Mica makes homemade gluten-free muffins and fresh-baked banana bread. Yogurt and fruit are also served. Even if you do not eat gluten free, you must try the muffins. They are seriously so delicious. Mica has set up happy hours, so be sure to go during your stay! She hosted an impromptu one during the middle of the week since it was busier when I visited. Typically, the happy hours are on Fridays, but I was excited that one was added during my stay. I thought this was a great touch because you get to know the owners and it felt very personable.
What to do during the day:
Just a couple steps away is the private walkover to the ocean where you can hang out. If you choose to spend the day by the beach, you don’t even have to worry about bringing your beach chair. Mica has thought of everything, and the inn has chairs and umbrellas you can use. If a day at the beach isn’t for you, there is a pool with loungers to enjoy.
If you are not looking to go for a swim or lay out, you could always head to St Augustine to walk around. It’s only about a 45-minute drive, so it would be an easy day trip. This town in Florida is known as one of the oldest in the U.S. Another day trip idea would be to head to Marineland, which is only 25 minutes away. There you can sign up for kayak adventures or swim with the dolphins.
You may be thinking but it sometimes rains in Florida, what will I do? If you aren’t doing a day trip to escape the rain, they have you covered. Mica has games and books available for you to use during your stay. I thought this was such a great idea because sometimes you forget these items when packing.
Don’t forget to also stop by Flagler Beach’s downtown to walk around the shops and grab an ice cream. There is a pier where you are bound to see loads of surfers!
I hope you enjoy your stay at the Island Cottage Inn like I did!
