St. Augustine. If you have lived in Florida or South Georgia
for any length of time you are familiar with the name. It is a place that
floats around the conscience like a good dream. Many people have visited it
at least once, long ago or they mean to soon. It is always there and everyone knows its name.
 |
| The original City gate. |
Rumor has it that this is a very old city. Sixty or seventy
years old. Maybe even eighty. I have my doubts. Did they even have traffic
lights and cross walks seventy years ago? I think not. I decided to look around
despite my misgivings.
Much to my surprise, most of the city had been covered up by
a fort. The fort was probably built by the WPA. Created by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, they built it
to look like a fort from the 1560’s to attract tourists to the mosquito feeding
grounds so popular during the early part of the twentieth century.
More checking turned up the fact that St. Augustine is actually the oldest
continually occupied city in the nation. Officially established in 1565, people
have lived here ever since. Not like those quitters in Virginia.
One of the nice things about St. Augustine is that
many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. Park at the
Historic Center parking garage near the Visitor's Center. You should be
aware that once you leave the garage
with your car, you will have to pay again. So plan to park there for as long as
you can. When I was there, the fee was $10.00 Not bad at all. The garage is
very convenient to the fort, literally right across the street. You can walk
through the Visitors Center just to the East of the garage and then on to the
fort. The people in the Center are very friendly and knowledgeable. It’s worth
stopping in and saying hello.
 |
| The stage at the Visitors Center. |
The fort is a little surprising at first. You would expect
this huge massive structure, but it is not. It’s built fairly low and close to
the ground. However, it has withstood many attacks over the years from the
British, the Indians and other ne’er do
wells looking to move in. It is surrounded by a moat that could have been
filled with tarantulas, but more likely water. Either way, it would have been
very difficult to breach those walls. Made of mortar and seashells, they
actually absorbed hits from cannonballs and other projectiles, giving the
invading Huns fits. The fort was also attacked by the governors of Georgia and
South Carolina, but it was never taken.
 |
| Draw bridge over the moat. |
There several options for getting around St. Augustine. You may go by horse drawn carriage, by bike,
on foot, by pirate ship, or
by trolley. You can fly over the city in
a biplane or ride in a helicopter
and prices are reasonable. If you can, tour the town on foot. It is a
relatively easy walk with lots of places to sit on St. George Street and of course
in the cafes, bakery shops, ice cream parlors and coffee stops. A little
something for everyone. Take one of the two trolley systems. The Old Town Trolley or the Ripley’s (of Ripley’s Believe
It or Not Museum fame) Red Trolley system. Neither is cheap, but you get three
or more days to use your passes. You could ride around on your first day, pick
out the spots you want to go back to and maybe walk on the second or third day.
If someone in your party is not able to walk in the heat and humidity of
summer, taking one is a great option. Hop on and off at over twenty different
stops.
On St. George St., the main avenue in old town, there are
variety of shops. From a magic shop to lady's fancy lingerie. There are plenty
of shaded areas to walk in and lots of benches to sit on. Take your time and
stroll. Most shops don't open till after 9:30 AM, so no rush to get in early.
A must see is the oldest
school house. Amazing that the kids could learn anything with all the
tourists walking around. Kids think they have it tough now, wait until they see
this. There is a real anchor and chain draped around the building. Why? To keep
if from being blown away during hurricanes. It must have worked as it’s still
standing.
The fort and Spanish town are rich in history and taking
them in at a comfortable pace it can make for a very full day. This is a great place for
history buffs, children and just strolling. Children can get bored easily,
especially in the heat, so go to a place like the Pirate’s Museum or if you are out and
about in the evening, a really fun adventure is the Ghost
Tour!
Close by to the historic district is Flagler College and the
Lightner Museum.
This is a must see stop for anyone interested in antiques and the history for
Florida in the 1800’s. A treasure trove of wonderful items from clothing to
home décor. Leave plenty of time to see this exhibit. At the above link is a
virtual tour which while not the same as being there, is quite good. Some of
the photos can be viewed in 360 degrees. Worth a look.
If you are older than you wish to be, try the Fountain of
Youth. It may help. I look 10 years younger now, A fresh and spritely 80.
How cool. Need a little redemption and historical art, try the Shrine.
Want to get on the water for a little while, take the tour on a sightseeing
boat, here.
 |
| The man can tell a story. Stop by and get his unique take on the history of the area. |
Of course there is also the Lighthouse. Nice grounds and
plenty of history also, along with ghost tours. Nice to be 200 feet in the air
and have the crap scared out of you by a ghost. There are 219 steps to the top
for great views. I think they made it taller since I was there over 30 years
ago. Well, at least it SEEMED taller. Stop and see the man on the path sitting
at a table for a great oral history of the lighthouse and surrounding area. He’s
a great story teller. You have to drive over to the beach but it is
definitely worth it.
Take at least one bottle of water for each person as walking
can dehydrate you quickly, especially in the summer months.
A note about the links in this article. There are several
that appear under the name St. Augustine. They are different, so explore. For a
comprehensive history of the city, go to this link:
History.
St. Augustine has a lot to offer. Make it your next family
vacation. I’m beginning to believe it might be older than I first thought. Such
rich history. Such fun. A rare combination.
