St. Augustine is one of those iconic cities people remember. Even if they have yet to visit, they remember conversations from those who have made the journey. Everyone that visits searches for its history and their connection to it. Visitors comb through cobblestone streets, through forts and back alleys, along the waterfront reading historical markers and wondering what it must have been like centuries ago.
     Tastes and flavors allow transport to other cultures who inhabited this land by way of hearty recipes and robust drink. We think, "We could have lived like this." And then we visit the blacksmith shop and hear harrowing tales of invaders and barricades that tumbled in the fight. We feel the width of the walls (made of coquina - seashells) of Castillo de San Marcos and understand that survival might have been as much about luck as skill.
     From the Lincolnville community to the Oldest House, from the Lightner Museum to Flager College, from a drink at the Fountain of Youth to a ride on the Old Town Trolley, you can't evade the stories that St. Augustine has to tell.
     Join us as these historic sites sponsor our adventure through a city oozing with stories.

Get Schooled at Flagler College

You can't escape the influence of Henry Flagler.
     When the Civil War began, Flagler's worth was $50K. A fortune.
     His associates were John D. Rockefeller and Samuel Adams of Standard Oil fame. By 1877, it was considered the largest and richest industrial company in the world.
     In 1878, Flager visited St. Augustine for the first time. He was very disappointed with the accommodations. In 1881, his wife Mary died. He remarried in 1883 to Ida Shourds and honeymooned in St. Augustine with the Rockefeller's. By 1885, he began purchasing railroads and large parcels of property in St. Augustine. Since he was disillusioned with the accommodations within the city, there seemed like no better place to start than to build a hotel of his own and run it in the manner he preferred. Construction of the Hotel Ponce de Leon was completed May 1, 1887, and opened in January of 1888 to rave reviews of Spanish Renaissance architectural prowess.
     There were electric lights. Murals by Maynard and Tojetti. Tiffany glass. A haven for writers and future presidents. Sites for Hollywood movies.
     The hotel closed in 1966, and now serves as the centerpiece for Flagler College (National Historic Landmark).
Historical Tours of Flagler College (60 people max) tickets are available at the gift shop inside the college at 74 King Street. It is advised to purchase tickets prior to the day of your visit. Tours, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., meet in the rotunda. $12 adults; free for children under 10. flagler.edu.

Live in the Past at The Colonial Quarter

Through living storytellers, experience time in a different era. Smell the gunpowder. Feel the heat. Catch your breath as the cannon fires.
     You'll connect with another time, but we must say, the blacksmith and musket demonstrations make us thankful we live in the 21st century. It makes the struggle for survival real as some of the most simple objects and tasks require much preparation and skill.
     And when all this work makes you hungry, remain in the quarter and visit the Bull and Crown (British pub) and our favorite, Taberna del Caballo (Spanish tavern translated to Tavern of the Horse).
33 St. George Street, St. Augustine; open daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; purchase tour tickets at 43 St. George St.; colonialquarter.com.

Take a Stand at Castillo de San Marcos

Part of the National Park Service, the Castillo de San Marcos stood as a defense barrier for the city of St. Augustine. It's original walls (17th century) is the oldest masonry in North America, a showcase of hundreds of years of military defense engineering. Rare in its construction, it was only one of two built from limestone call coquina (seashells). When it was first built, the governor of St. Augustine lived inside, providing a safe retreat for him as well as the people of the city.
11 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine; open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; entrance fee $15 for persons 16 age and older; nps.gov/casa.

Get Out on the Water

On the water with St. Augustine Eco Tours'  Zach McKenna allows you to get up-close-and-personal with the marine life that inhabits the city's shoreline. To McKenna, it's more than a job; educating visitors about the dolphins, exotic birds and other wildlife establishes the maritime history of the region. Plus, the more you know, the more you respect all creatures and work to take care of them.
    St. Augustine Eco Tours was founded as an educational resource to present on-the-water opportunities that focus on conservation and habitat protection. They offer private tours, boating expeditions, sailing and kayak adventures. They are also active in research (non-invasive and internally funded) of the area as well as educational programs with under privileged schools.
     Visit their website and read their Code of Ethics and Mission Statement.
111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine; contact available daily at 904.377.7245; reservations@staugustineecotours.com; staugustineecotours.com.

Hop On, Hop Off

Old Town Trolley will move you through the city with ease.
     Whether you want a one or two day ticket, the trolley will help you make the most of the time in the city.
     If a ghost tour is on the agenda, they'll be glad to scare the stuffing out of you.
Trolleys run from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Find the schedule online as well as purchase tickets.

Catch a Show at the Corazon Cinema and Cafe

Built in 1910, this unique venue is one of the coolest in St. Augustine. Located in Lincolnville, it retains its history as an art house featuring art as well as independent films and first run shows, too. From festivals to weddings (and especially the throwback to the yesteryear's cinema), The Corazon will take you back to when going to the movies was a grand affair.
36 Grenada Street, St. Augustine; open Wednesday - Sunday; serves food and drink. corazoncinemaandcafe.com.

Lunch in a Pool at Cafe Alcazar

Yes, a pool.
     And what a cool pool it is.
     Dubbed as the world's largest swimming pool in the 1800s, you can't help but hear and see those Gilded Age ladies and gents walking the catwalk and smell the sulfur water.
    Cafe Alcazar takes you back with a white-linen lunch at the Lightner Museum. You come for the food, but you stay for its once-upon-a-time allure of the rich and famous. And you can't help but think, you're eating in a pool. We'll take quirky any day.
     The Lightner Museum, located across the street from Flagler College, was formerly the Alcazar Hotel, built in 1888 by Flagler. The hotel was referred to as "the castle of happy returns" and offered everything from sulfur baths to massage parlor to a bowling alley.
25 Granada Street, St. Augustine; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; reservations recommended; thealcazarcafe.com.

Get a Local Artist’s Autograph

Visit local artist Wendy Tatter and discover her work as well as other creations of other local artists. You'll find the WB Tatter Gallery just over the Bridge of Lions going away from the historic district.
    The coolest selection of uniquely designed greeting cards (if you still practice the art of corresponding with pen and paper - and if you don't, you should) will be the perfect souvenir allowing you to share the city's local artisans with friends everywhere. And if you're a cat lover (and who isn't), Tatter has the perfect Cat Book for your little one. She'll even autograph!
501 Anastasia Boulevard, St. Augustine; Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; wbtattergallery.com

The Tie that Binds at Dinner

When you dine with Vito Arena and his sister Benedetta Dubetz at Amici Italian Restaurant, it's like going home.
     And whenever three Sicilians are in the same room (Vito, Benedetta and my husband Len), arms and hands illustrate the Italian way of communication, and food, unmistakably authentic.  From juicy tomatoes in the Caprese Salad to the the roasted garlic topping their homemade loaves of bread, Amici will fill your belly with sustenance and your heart with joy.
1915 A1A South, St. Augustine Beach; Closed Monday. amicistaugustine.com

Lay Your Head Down in History

Joe and Margaret Finnegan, owners of St. Francis Inn Bed and Breakfast, redefine hospitality.
     At St. Francis Inn Bed and Breakfast, the oldest inn in the oldest city wraps history around you and reminds you of the charm that is St. Augustine. Located in the heart of the historic district on the corner of St. Francis and St. George streets, the inn opens its arms to welcome visitors coming to explore the nation's oldest city. Dating back to 1791, the building's architecture is a enduring lesson of the tenacity of the city's people. The structure (as most in the city) was constructed to be a stalwart against Spanish invaders, therefore placing the walls directly on the street and hiding the courtyard and living quarters safe within its walls. Today, that courtyard, temperature controlled pool and green spaces provide a respite for travelers.
     Its light and airy atmosphere is reminiscent of the construction's time period. Of course, no corners are perfectly square; no two windows, the exact same dimensions; however, that's the old world charm that lulls you into rest. Each room is unique; little touches like a decanter of brandy in Elizabeth's Suite removed us from the ordinary experience. The structure's craftsmanship has stood the test of time, and its furnishings and decor welcome you back in time.
     Looking for a more modern atmosphere? Consider the sister property Casa de Suenos located at 20 Cordova St. Is the beach calling you? They can make that dream happen with one of the beach properties.
     We find that when we travel and trip across accommodations with free guest amenities that require little or no thought as to itinerary, we consider it gold. Coffee, tea and infused water throughout the day makes this writer giddy. A home cooked breakfast to ready the day, plus a wine/cheese mid-day pick-me-up, ending with desserts for sweet dreams make this the perfect getaway for a short weekend or a long stay.
     No shortcuts at St. Francis; it's simply refined Southern hospitality.
279 St. George St., St. Augustine; stfrancisinn.com