Today may be "Black Friday," the day after Thanksgiving traditionally marked as the day when retailers finally move out of the red, indicating losses, and into the black, representing profits, but there is still a very calm quiet at the hotel.

After yesterday's record 800 guests enjoying the Thanksgiving Grand Buffet, it appears most are sleeping in or taking a leisurely stroll around the city. Later, the botique stores and unique shops around town are sure to get busy, as with the nearby Outlet Stores, but nothing like the malls and centers in nearby Jacksonville.

It's also a great time to explore some of the attractions in town, (http://www.staugustineattractions.net) and completely avoid the shopping frenzies! There are still some rooms available this weekend, so it's not too late to plan a nice long weekend getaway. (www.casamonica.com).

It's beautiful in St. Augustine today, 80 degrees and the sun is shining without a cloud in the sky. The hotel lobby is busy with guests who seem to be in the holiday spirit already. Saturday night was the start of the Nights of Lights Festival, which lasts until the end of January. As soon as dusk softens the city, millions of tiny white lights illuminate historic buildings, cobblestone streets and the horse drawn carriages that wait at the bayfront for visitors.

It's a great time to be in St. Augustine and The Casa Monica Hotel is the very center of it all. Thanksgiving is Thursday and our Thanksgiving Grand Buffet is promising to be as bountiful as always.