St. Augustine Florida- America's oldest city!

America's oldest city!  Just the thought makes you want to visit this city- as it should.  I expected a tourist paradise- but this city takes it to another level:-).  The city displays it's history everywhere, while also making it a true tourist destination.  And by tourist destination, I mean it is very touristy- LOL!  Examples are everywhere- the oldest pharmacy in America, with all the original items in a display case; it also a wax museum of historical monsters like Frankenstein and the Mummy.  The city is also very tourist friendly- they have a trolley (we took it) that is extremely well narrated and stops at every sight you would want to see.  Each of the sights is very well marked, with historical placards explaining the history of the sight.  In all, it is an excellent glimpse into America's past while also providing a tourists delight.  Also, since this area was part of Spain until late 1800's, you are provided a perspective much different from the England-oriented history of our education.  For instance, Sir Francis Drake, the great explorer, is described as a pirate murderer who killed many Spanish, and burned towns to the ground in the name of the King.  Guess it depends on perspective!


Flagler college- once a hotel, Flagler bought it and turned it into a liberal arts college.  It is really beautiful!  (http://www.flagler.edu/)

Claire and I on the trolley- when visiting St. Augustine, I really recommend a trolley ride- it takes you everywhere, is exceptionally well narrated, entertaining, and affordable.  We took the trolley several times to get around, and all of the drivers were entertaining and knowledgeable.

The oldest street in the US

O'Steen's restaurant was recommended to us for their excellent shrimp- it is true- the shrimp are excellent:-)

The lighthouse- excellent tour and renovated lighthouse complex- truly worth seeing!  It is a full museum complex with excellent story-telling and docents providing historical information.  the views from the top are excellent- only 219 steps to the top:-)

The lighthouse museum has restored rooms with period furniture, and recovered items from ship wrecks.

219 steps to the top of the lighthouse (no elevator:-))

every 50 or so steps is a landing letting you know where you are and providing interesting information

Views from the top are really great to see how much water is all around the area

The lion Bridge connects mainland St. Augustine with Anastasia Island.

The oldest settlement.  The question comes- what constitutes a settlement: 4 things are needed to be considered a settlement: a point of government (the governors house), a public square, a market, a church.  This oldest area has all 4.  While walking around this area, we ran into a reporter who explained a couple things not on the tour.  One of the monuments is actually a confederate monument, built significantly after the settlement, and the market was also used to sell slaves.

This is actually a confederate monument!  It, of course, was added centuries later. Not until we were talking with
a reporter who was covering the controversy of a confederate monument did we know what this was.

Claire, and I and a friend in the public square-  a person known to us took this photo.

Covered Market, old well, and canon in the oldest settlement

Lion Bridge as seen thru the market

St. George street- the pedestrian street filled with shops and restaurants, is the core of tourist St. Augustine.

The Cathedral is very nice- when visiting, be sure to look up at the rafters!

The rafters are beautifully decorated!

City Gates- this is really all that remains of the city walls

The city has so many "oldest" structures!

squirrel:-)  just one of the many distractions in the city:-)

More St. George street views.  Although very touristy, it is a nice street to walk down.  Plus- they have ice cream and gelato!

Ghosts and Gravestones was an excellent night time ghost tour!  Dressed in period costumes, they provided historical information on the ghosts who inhabit the area!!!  There were several stops- a graveyard, the oldest pharmacy (with a re-enactment of the garroting of a pirate!) and the old jail.

a "ghost" talks about the hangings that occurred in the jail.

According to the "ghost", the average sentence in the jail was 3 to 5 years.  The life span of a prisoner was 1 to 2 years, so the rate of death was VERY high-

The hang-mans noose!

Fort Castillo San Marcos- part of the National Park Services excellent monuments is a fully restored Spanish fort.  These forts were to protect the area from the British and French.  With docents explaining the history, museums, period pieces, and walls to climb, this is a must-see when in St. Augustine!  This fort is very easily accessible when in St. Augustine as it is right in the town.

The old Spanish flag of war!

The canons are all beautifully decorated

Always a bit of time for fun:-)

Ponce de Leon searched for the fountain of youth.  Luckily, there was a spring that he found that met his criteria:-).  Another complex of buildings and historical reenactments you must see.  They even have a canon firing every hour, as long as it is not raining.  It is loud!  They only use a small amount of powder, and no projectiles- they explained the Coast Guard becomes "upset" if they use projectiles:-)

Claire and I getting water at the fountain of youth.  Sadly, I am not 40 years younger!

St. Augustine has a winery!   I did not take any photos of it, but the wine was ok.  But the craft distillery was really great!  They make vodka, bourbon, rum, and a few other liquers.  It was a blast- especially all the samples!  LOL

dome at the entry of Flagler college

graveyard for the non-catholics

Fort Matanzas is a drive away south of St. Augustine.  On our way to Orlando, we stopped here.  You can only go tot he visitors center as the doc and ferry's to the fort were destroyed in the hurricane:-(.