The pedestrian thoroughfare of St. George Street is the natural focal point for any exploration of the Old Town. Beginning on the north at the Old City Gate, this narrow lane ends to the south at Plaza de la Constitucion. Spanning roughly six blocks, you’ll find an abundant supply of restaurants, retail shops, ice cream parlors, bars and historic sights. During the day, St. George is teeming with foot traffic, but I’ve never found it deserted, even late at night.
Architecturally, this is where you'll find the real Colonial Spanish flavor. St. George offers the highest concentration of early buildings in St. Augustine. Even in the 17th century, this was the town’s main artery. Near the northern end is the nation’s oldest wooden schoolhouse. At the southern end, on the plaza, is the Cathedral. In between them you’ll find typical tourist trap souvenir shops like any popular destination has. However, they are outnumbered by dozens of unique and worthwhile boutiques offering everything from kites to original works of art. For the true shopping enthusiast, you could easily spend two days browsing the many businesses along St. George and the little side streets that branch off from it.
The St. Photios National Shrine, the Spanish Quarter Living Museum and the Pena Peck House are among the historic sights of interest to be found along St. George Street.
There are a few drinking establishments if you get a hankering to wet your whistle, my favorite being the Mill Top Tavern. When hunger calls, there are a few eateries that are well worth mentioning as well.
The Bunnery is housed in an old Spanish bakery and their food is served in a relaxing courtyard. Don’t let the cheap prices fool you. The menu is full of delightful treats, from their huge cinnamon rolls to their sausage roll-ups. Breakfast starts at 9am, but if you miss it, you won’t be disappointed by lunch. Try the Spanish chili or chicken with rice. Fresh baked loaves of bread are available any time.
Columbia is a more upscale establishment on St. George. Casually dressed diners are welcome, but in the evening I’d recommend dressing up a bit. For one thing, the casually dressed are relegated to upstairs seating. Those who make some effort with their appearance are rewarded with tables in the fountain area, where you may be serenaded with violin music. Either way, though, the ornate furniture, candlelit arcades and flowing sangria are sure to please. Of course, there’s the menu, too. Fine Cuban and Spanish dining is the order of the day at Columbia. This is certainly one of the pricier restaurants in the Old Town, but the food and atmosphere are worth it.
St. George Street empties into the Plaza de la Constitucion to the south, which was the central plaza of colonial St. Augustine. Here you will find several notable sights to include in your walking tour.
The Government House Museum presents the history of the Spanish colony. The Lightner Museum, housed in the old Alcazar Hotel, displays a variety of finer arts. The more down to earth Oldest Store Museum, representing a 19th Century general store, is filled with a conglomeration of goods from the time period.
Aside from the indoor enticements of the Plaza, the outdoor offerings can be quite appealing. Vendors and artisans set up shop along the plaza's park area, along with street musicians and impromptu entertainers. More formal musical entertainment can be found many evenings at the band stand, providing a free activity that is suitable for the whole family.
Any time, day or night, you may find yourself walking along St. George Street or through the Plaza. Whether you're going from point A to point B, or as a destination in and of itself, there are a thousand and one reasons you’ll gravitate back to this area. Quite simply, St. Augustine wouldn’t be St. Augustine without it.