Historic St. Augustine

St. Augustine has been a favorite destination for my whole life. I grew up in Jacksonville. At least once a year we would travel to St. Augustine on a school field trip. I'd also go there frequently with my family. Jacksonville people love St. Augustine. I remember going to Easter dinner at the old Ponce de Leon hotel as a little girl. Mom says, she and dad, purposefully took us kids there in an attempt at civilizing us. There were finger bowls – tuxedoed waiters – and elegant service – oh my! Years later the Ponce de Leon hotel was transformed into a girls college, and then later on into a co-ed liberal arts college. Back then Flagler college did not have the prestigious reputation it does now. As I remember it, it was not considered a very good school, more like a respectable enough school for kids who flunked out somewhere else. I attended Flagler College – and we rocked that small town. My grades were ok, although, I don't remember doing much studying. Fast forward a few decades. In 2007, Dusty and I married on the bridge over the Koi pond in the courtyard of the Lightner Museum. We were even whisked away after the ceremony in a white carriage drawn by a white horse. Quite fairytale.

The history of St. Augustine is in all the brochures, so I'll be brief. It was first discovered by Spanish Conquistador, Ponce de Leon in 1513. He was actually searching for the Fountain of Youth, and the Indians convinced him that he had found it. The site of the Fountain of Youth is a well known tourist attraction. Castillo de San Marcos is the name of the old fort that was first built in the 16th century. It is positioned strategically within surveillance sight of the harbor and the sea beyond. The Alligator Farm is on Anastasia Island, just across the Bridge of Lions. Both of these are also historic. The Alligator Farm celebrated its 100th anniversary a few years ago; and the lions for the Bridge of Lions were donated by a prominent dentist back in the 1930's. So, now you can get an idea why the word “historic” so often precedes St. Augustine. And there's more, there's a lot more.

But, for many, myself included, the history doesn't fully account for the town's appeal. The look of the town, which is, yes, decidedly old worldy is a huge factor, but along with the appearance is the atmosphere. People are friendly and helpful, that's always nice. Floridians have come to expect friendliness, but its not that way everywhere, so I always like to notice when people are especially nice. And they are. Its a good walking town, and I like that too. If you stay in the historic section you can see a lot of this lovely town on foot, and may never need to drive anywhere. The way the town is laid out is unusual for American towns and very typical of Spanish towns. The plaza in the center of town is surrounded by shop filled streets, radiating in every direction. And, yes, the shopping is good. There are all kinds of boutiques, art galleries, import shops, and restaurants. And the street performers. I love a place with street musicians and artists. The street artists and musicians were banished by a mean city council for several long years, and now they're back. They make the atmosphere so fun and festive. Almost exotic.

There is a lot to see and enjoy. Here is a list of my favorites.

Restaurant – Spy; and Columbia Restaurant
B&B – Carriage Way
Gallery – Pasta Gallery
Museum – The Lightner
Architecture – Flagler College
Must See Every Time – The Courtyard at the Lightner - stand on the bridge and feed the giant koi.