So, you’ve decided to visit the nation’s oldest city? Congrats! You’re going to LOVE it. Just walking around Old Town is so much fun! I imagine living nearby in my winter years, and just blend in with the city while my sweetheart and I wear pirate garrrrb! It’s really fun to walk around Saint Augustine in historic attire; you’ll fit right in! I have visited many times so here is my tried, tested, and true list of how to maximize your experience.
* Edit… I’ve been to St. Augustine quite a few times since this blog was published. My book, The Five Treasures of Florida, dedicated a whole chapter to the ancient city. Be sure to get it to learn of all the details to properly plan your adventure.
1) Stay at the Howard Johnson near the Fountain of Youth (about $100 per night). The Old Senator, an Live Oak tree over 600 years old, lives here.This is the best price around, plus you get to wake up next to the misty alley of trees dripping with Spanish Moss.
2) Go to the Fountain of Youth ($25 per person) and have a sip of immortality! Enjoy the historic reenactments of the Native Americans and Spaniards. I personally love the Native American flute music and having my aura cleansed with smoldering sage. I also enjoy walking out on the boardwalk to see the bay, and the place where Ponde de Leon is said to have landed. Here is a video of my birthday in Saint Augustine; you will enjoy it if you’re a true culture buff!
3) Go to Our Lady of La Leche Shrine and light a votive candle, then say a prayer. You can buy various types of candles in the gift shop. I love feeding the cardinals; they bring their friends, too! I once also saw an eagle atop the enormous stainless steel cross. Grab a sprig of wild Rosemary and put it in your bottled water!
4) Enjoy the Legacy tour of Flagler College which was originally the Ponce de Leon hotel. Absolutely magnificent!
5) Admire the Memorial Presbyterian Church, also built by Flagler, inspired by the city of Venice, Italy. He and his daughter are buried there.
6) Go to the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and get your diploma after the tour!
7) Enjoy the Colonial Quarter historic adventure tour, and keep your admission wristband on for unlimited entry year-round. Here is a cool video of the tour. Then treat yourself to the dining delight of Taberna del Caballo in the Colonial Quarter. I like the chorizo in wine sauce and the tapas platter’s manchego cheese.
8) Go to the Pirate & Treasure Museum (adults $12.99). I love the educational videos, interactive displays, and especially the beautiful piles of gold!
9) Take a ride on the Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour (adults $26.78) that visits the Lighthouse and Old Jail. Take pictures of ghosts; they look like orbs in your photos. I took a great picture of a ghost floating around our tour guide!
10) Elope on El Galeon, an accurate reconstruction of a colonial, Spanish sailing vessel. Afterwards, party at Taberna del Caballo with your pirate friends! I suggest buying garb from The Pirate Store; have them create your wedding attire!
11) Go in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, and admire the stained glass windows and artwork.
12) Go to the Fort, Castillo De San Marcos ($10 adults for 7 days). Admire the walls made of coquina, practically indestructible! It’s also pretty spooky to walk around at night!
13) Visit The Sorting Hat fortune-telling machine located in one of the arcades near St. George street ($1).
14) Look up your family crest at the Coat of Arms Shop!
15) Kiss your lover at the Lover’s Tree, where one tree grows from the heart of another.
Check out my photos and create your own adventure!
If you want to learn about more places, check out The Five Treasures of Florida, Volume I, on the iTunes Store.
If you want to learn about more places, check out The Five Treasures of Florida, Volume I, on the iTunes Store.
