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St. Augustine Journals

St. Augustine, the Oldest City

A travel journal to St. Augustine by willow

Quote: This ancient city is held by many to be the oldest continously occupied city in the United States. The city has a detailed 300 year history of Spanish occupation.

St. Augustine, the Oldest City

Overview

Quote:
From strategic points in St. Augustine, you can experience both the joy of sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean and the peace of sunset over the salt marsh.

Quick Tips:

It always seems cooler along the bayfront. Have a picnic here or on the grassy area around the old fort.

Best Way To Get Around:

Parking is hard to find, you may want to leave your car at your hotel and walk or take the trolley. Historic St. Augustine is best viewed on foot. For an added bonus, try one of the narrated tours, either trolley or ride a horse-drawn carriage.

Pirates House Youth Hostel

Hotel

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Housed in an historic building right in the middle of the historic district, this hostel has fast become a favorite accommodation. The hostel is located on the upper floor, the lower being occupied by speciality shops. The floors are beautifully painted tongue and groove, covered with scatter rugs. The high-ceilinged walls are painted in cheerful hues of blue. Efforts are made to maintain a maritine motif. The Victorian claw-footed tub is enormous! Our private room held a double bed, a set of bunks, a mini refrigerator and a coffee maker. No phone or T.V., but a pancake breakfast was included in the price. Now the best part...cost is $35 per night. They currently accept cash only, no checks o...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 19, 2000

Pirates House Youth Hostel
Historic District
St. Augustine, Florida

Kenwood Inn

Best Of IgoUgo

Hotel

Quote:
From the bedtime glass of sherry to the bountiful array of breakfast breads, the Kenwood lives up to its hospitality promise. The rooms are all distinctly different. We have stayed in Captain''s Suite, a king sized bed done in patriotic tones, a large bathroom with Victorian tub, and lots of room; the lavender room, which is romantic and private, has a queen sized canopy bed and a small shower bath; and the Country Suite which sports cheerful patchwork. None of the rooms have telephones, TV''s are provided upon request. We usually read or watch TV on the side porch. Innkeepers Mark and Kerrianne Constant are usually around the inn and available for a chat.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 28, 2000

Kenwood Inn
38 Marine Street
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
(904) 824-2116

Spanish Bakery

Restaurant

Quote:
This outdoor bakery and restaurant is a favorite with the locals and tourists alike. The bakery boosts, "the same menu for 20 years." Its hard to improve on perfection. Breakfast in served at 9:00, hugh cinnamon rolls topped with brown sugar frosting ($.50), of sausage roll-up ($1.50), coffee and drinks ($.50). Lunch is a choice of spanish chili or chicken and rice served with a mini-loaf of bread, a cookie and a drink ($4.00). Home baked loaves of bread ($1.00). The food and prices cannot be beat.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 23, 2000

Spanish Bakery
St. George Street
St. Augustine, Florida

Columbia Restaurant St George Inn

Restaurant | "Columbia Restaurant"

Quote:
The Columbia features Cuban dining at its finest. The heavy ornate furniture and the sweet sangria can set a mood. Casual dressed diners are seated upstairs. Dressed parties are seated near the fountain and serenaded by violin. My husband loves the 1905 salad (sort of like chef salad with an attitude). The restaurant gave me the recipe, but I've been unable to duplicate the dressing. I like to order different dishes; I've been surprised at times but never disappointed.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 28, 2000

Columbia Restaurant St George Inn
4 Saint George Street
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
(904) 827-5740

Florida Cracker Cafe

Restaurant

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Weather permitting we love to eat on the garden patio. Weekends and special dates a guitarist plays oldies and favorites. We like the coconut fried shrimp (no its not sweet) and homemade Key Lime pie. This is a great place to escape the heat and sudden showers while strolling St. George Street.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 28, 2000

Florida Cracker Cafe
81 St. George St
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
(904) 829-0397

Ghost Tours

Story/Tip

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There are two separate tour operators, Ancient City Ghost Tours and Ghost Tours of St. Augustine. The tour guides, outfitted in period dress, walk with groups of 5-20 through the historic district. They give a fair account of the old city's history embellished with tales of hauntings and humor.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 20, 2000

St. George Street

Attraction

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This 300 year old street is open to only foot traffic. It is home to some of the very best shops and restaurants. The Spanish Quarter Living History Museum and the Oldest School House are two of the long term tourist attractions. Some of our favorite restaurants are the Monk's Inn, the Columbia, and the Florida Cracker. All of which boast unique personalities and menus. If you have only a few hours to spend in St. Augustine, that time is well spent on St. George Street.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 20, 2000

St. George Street
Historic District
St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Attraction | "Castillo De San Marcos"

Quote:
The Castillo was built by the Spanish in 1672 as a protective fortress. It was considered a superior fortification to masonry forts and gained reputation as having the ability to "swallow" cannonballs. The Castillo was built of coquina (a shell substance which hardens when exposed to heat), which was quarried on Anasthasia Island. The fort offers daily tours and special events such as cannon firings and historical encampments. Adm. $4.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 27, 2000

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
1 South Castillo Drive
St. Augustine, Florida
(904) 829-6506

Flagler College

Attraction

Quote:
This private liberal arts college is housed in the former Ponce De Leon Hotel. This architectural beauty was built in the Spanish Renaissance style as a luxury hotel in 1888 by Henry Flagler. The grounds and many of the buildings are open to tourists. Adm. FREE.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 27, 2000

Flagler College
74 King Street
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
(904) 829-2424

Old House Museum

Attraction | "The Oldest House"

Quote:
The original structure was built of coquina and tabby prior to 1705. The history of the house, it's owners and occupants has been well documented. It was featured in Eugenie Price's novel 'Maria' as the favored home of Maria. Adm. $5.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 27, 2000

Old House Museum
14 St. Francis St.
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
(904) 824-2872

Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum

Attraction | "Spanish Quarter Museum"

Quote:
Dwellings and shops have been restored to Spanish colonial era. The authenically dressed interpreters demonstrate skills and answer questions. Demonstrations include gardening, cooking, spinning, carpentry and blacksmithing.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 27, 2000

Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum
29 St. George Street
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
(904) 825-6830

About the Writer

willow

willow
Nicholls, Georgia

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum

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Flagler College

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Old Town Trolley

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Lightner Museum

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St. George Street

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