St. Augustine, Florida - Nation's Oldest City

At the heart of the Sunshine State lies a city steeped in history, culture, and charm: St. Augustine, Florida. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, it proudly holds the distinction of being the nation's oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement. With its cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, St. Augustine offers a unique blend of old-world allure and modern delights.

A Walkthrough History

Discovering St. Augustine's Past

Immerse yourself in an enchanting journey through time as you explore the fascinating historical sites and landmarks that define St. Augustine. Begin your adventure at the Castillo de San Marcos, a remarkable stone fortress that has guarded the city for over three centuries. Marvel at its sturdy walls and intricate design, which stand as a testament to the city's endurance.

Continue your exploration at the heart of St. Augustine's historic district, known as the "Old Town." This pedestrian-friendly area is a treasure trove of architectural gems, including the grand Flagler College, once a luxurious hotel built by railroad magnate Henry Flagler. Stroll along St. George Street, lined with charming shops and restaurants housed in restored colonial buildings. 

http://www.ancientcitytours.net

St. Augustin's founder, Don Pedro Menendez, came ashore on September 8, 1565, and chose to name the settlement after the patron saint whose feast day coincided with the day of landing. Of course, before the Spanish ever set foot on Florida soil, the Timacuan Indians had already been here and they watched Menendez and the roughly 1500 colonists and soldiers settle here. Over the last few centuries the city experienced governments from different countries, including Spain, Britain, and since 1821, the United States.
The real rise of this community came in the late 1800s when Henry Flagler (1830 to 1913) built two hotels and took over a third as part of the Flagler hotel chain. Flagler was the co-founder of Standard Oil, and although not as well known as some of the other early magnates of capitalism, he was one of the wealthiest individuals of his time. Flagler had a major impact on Florida: he founded the Florida East Coast Railway as a means of transporting guests to and from the north to his hotels in St. Augustine, Palm Beach, and Miami. A honeymoon visit to St. Augustine in 1881 with his second wife inspired Flagler's vision to transform this sleepy town into a winter playground for the rich.

Three of Flagler's former St. Augustine hotels are still in use today: Flagler College (the former Hotel Ponce de Leon), the Lightner Building - St. Augustine's City Hall (the former Alcazar) and Casa Monica, redone as a county courthouse in the 1960s, and reopened in 1990 as the restored Casa Monica Hotel. During the late 19th and early 20th century Flagler also developed a residential neighbourhood called the Model Land Company tract.

Within a few short years Flagler's dream of a resort town for northerners faded and he, and the wealthy northern visitors, moved further south. He continued to develop the Florida East Coast Railroad down the peninsula, into and across the Florida Keys, creating hotels and communities along the way.

Nation's oldest city St. Augustine is centered around the Plaza de la Constitucion, which anchors the Lightner Museum / City Hall, Casa Monica and Flagler College, three stunningly beautiful structures. Located in the former Alcazar Hotel, the Lightner Museum houses collections of legendary hobbyist and antiques collector Otis Lightner.


Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park exhibits foundations and artifacts of the first St. Augustine mission and colony. It also houses the Landmark Spring, Explorers Globe and Navigators' Planetarium. St. Augustine also houses the Oldest Drug Store and the nation's Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, built more than 200 years ago while Florida was under Spain's rule.


This city welcomes around 2 million visitors every year who come to discover a unique historic part of America. A settlement with authentic Spanish roots, complete with Castillo and all, is a truly unique sight in the U.S. and it was definitely worth the detour.

St. Augustine Film Festival

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – St. Augustine Film Festival have announced the selections for 2017. They will be screened from Jan. 19 through Jan. 22. The venues involved are the Lewis Auditorium, Gamache-Koger Theater, Corazon Cinema and Café, The Lightner Museum and Flagler College.

On Jan. 19, films at St. Augustine Film Festival consist of:  “A Wing & A Prayer”, “A Hell of a Mess”, “Loro Chi?”, “California”, “One Wild Moment”, “Family Film”, “Le Confessioni”, “Kiki, Love to Love”, “Mirage D’Amour” and “Human”.

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For Jan. 20, motions pictures being shown at St. Augustine Film Festival are:  “Caprice”, “A Hell of A Mess”, “Family Film”, “Our Mother”, “The Great Walk”, “Le Confessioni”, “A Royal Night Out”, “Two Lottery Tickets”, “What Could Possibly Go Wrong”, “Women Who Kill”, “El Soñador”, “One Wild Moment” and more to be announced.

“Demimonde”, “A Royal Night Out”, “Family Film”, “Datuna:  Portrait of America”, “Le Confessioni”,”The Scent of Mandarin”, FSU Shorts, “In Greed We Trust”, “Klandestine Man”, “Dreamland”, “Loro Chi”, “Born to Dance”, “Mirage D’Amour”, “Mimosas”, “FunkyTown”, “El Soñador”, “Kiki, Love to Love”, “What Could Possibly Go Wrong” and “Dreamland” will be shown on Jan. 21 at St. Augustine Film Festival.

Two screenings of “Bulgarian Rhapsody”, “In Greed We Trust”, “Mimosas”, “The Scent of Mandarin”, “Foster Shock”, “A Wing & A Prayer”, “Caprice”, “Death by a Thousand Cuts”, “Tomorrow Ever After”, “Our Mother”, “California”, “Una Noche De Amor”, “Demimonde”, “Women Who Kill”, “Two Lottery Tickets” and two films to be determined will be viewable on Jan. 22 at St. Augustine Film Festival.

Events taking place at St. Augustine Film Festival includes food, drinks and parties. On Jan. 20, opening drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served at The Lightner Museum for $20 per person. The opening night party at The Lightner Museum Ballroom for $45 each will also take place, on Jan. 20. The Centerpiece Party takes place at The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens on Jan. 21 and tickets are $35. The Wrap Party is scheduled to take place at The Solarium atop Ponce Hall on Jan. 22 and is free to attend. The Great Walk and FunkyTown Electric Zumba (free) will both take place at Lewis Auditorium.

Read more: http://www.aqdpi.com/st-augustine-film-festival-2017-selections.html

Attractions You Probably Didn’t Know Existed in St. Augustine

St. Augustine, FL is a major US tourist attraction, appealing to travelers all over the world who come to fall in love with its historical character and romantic charm. As America’s oldest town, a wealth of well-preserved buildings provide a glimpse of life in the 18th century, and spectacular white sand beaches stretch for miles, contributing to some of the most pristine coastline Florida has to offer.

Castillo de San Marcos is an impressive Spanish Fort which has stood for the past 500 years, and pedestrians enjoy St George Street which is the focus of the historic district, with heritage museums, shopping galore and an authentic Old Jail.

It’s likely you already knew about highly publicized St. Augustine attractions such as the Colonial Spanish Quarter and the Fountain of Youth. But to limit your visit to only these attractions would be a shame, as St. Augustine has so much more to offer.

Here are the top attractions you probably didn’t know existed in St. Augustine, and note that if you’re looking for ways to get a cheap hotel in St Augustine, go to Hipmunk’s St Augustine Hotels guide page.  There you’ll find out what the average price per hotel is during the season, and whether or not you should tempt fate with lodging at a hostel.

Drive onto St. Augustine Beach

A town boasting a world-class coastline, St. Augustine Beach on Anastasia Island is one of the main tourist attractions in the area. But what many people don’t know is that you can actually drive onto the beach.

Drive onto the beach.

Surprisingly fun, and not as irresponsible as it sounds, beach goers can turn their day into a 4WD adventure and access more exclusive sections of the beach that would otherwise require a decent hike. Vehicle day access is seven dollars per day.

St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum

While the majority of visitors to St. Augustine take in the Old Florida Museum and Old Jail, the Pirate and Treasure Museum also deserves a visit.

Providing a detailed history of piracy through the ages in St. Augustine, the museum boasts the world’s largest exhibition of authentic pirate artifacts. Touch a 400-year-old pirate chest used for the transportation of gold, fire a cannon, or hold actual gold pieces recovered from lost Spanish loot.

Mission of Nombre de Dios

This religious site is the spot that saw the first religious ceremonies after the arrival of the Spanish to St. Augustine.

The Gregorian chapel is quiet and peaceful, and it is completely covered in vivid green moss and vines.

Fragile graves are located onsite, many of which are dedicated to Confederate and Union soldiers.

It forms part of a cemetery full of fragile graves, many of which are dedicated to Confederate and Union soldiers from the Civil War.

Fort Matanzas

Visitors to St. Augustine flock to the gates of Castillo de San Marcos, but did you know that the city plays host to another must-see fort?

Fort Matanzas is a national monument that lies just 15 minutes south of St. Augustine. It boasts an incredible history that is just as fascinating as that of Castillo de San Marcos.

Fort Matanzas. Photo CC by Eccentric Scholar

While it was never used in battle, it was built as a Spanish outpost to guard the inlet from British enemies attacking from the South. It was also the site of a French massacre almost 500 years ago.

Note that your ticket to Castillo de San Marcos will allow you entry to Fort Matanzas, so why not combine both?

http://www.mappingmegan.com/offbeat-attractions-st-augustine/

Happy New Year 2015

Let St. Augustine inspire your New Year’s Eve celebration.

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebrating with friends and family while saying goodbye to 2014 and ushering in 2015.

New Year’s Eve or Old Year’s Night is observed on December 31, the final day of the Gregorian year, the day before New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve is a separate observance from the observance of New Year’s Day.

New Year’s Eve is celebrated universally December 31 according to the year numbering of the CE (Common Era), or AD (Anno Domini) convention, even in non-Christian nations. Traditional and religious celebrations for e.g. the Muslim and Jewish new year, which occur on different dates, are still celebrated separately in the cultures that observe them, on the appropriate dates each year.

In modern practice, fireworks, music, alcoholic beverages and other forms of noise making is part of the New Year’s Eve celebration. New Year’s Eve is celebrated with parties and social gatherings spanning the transition of the year at midnight.

New Year celebrations are done globally and each country prides in observing the traditions of their culture. Some people feel New Year brings good luck and some pray for prosperity. Here is the New Year traditions around the World for you to explore the different customs practiced worldwide.

NationsOldestCity.com wish you a happy and prosperous year 2015

NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FL

BEACH BLAST OFF 2014: Kick off 2014 in seaside style at this St. Augustine Beach event. Enjoy a blast of flavor with local food vendorsa Chili Cook0ff and fireworks at the St. Johns County Fishing Pier and Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., in St. Augustine Beach. Hours are 2 to 10 p.m. The fireworks will begin at 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call 904-829-5681 or go to beachblastoff.com.

MASQUERADE AT THE STANDARD: A night of mystery and intrigue will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 31 during the 2nd Annual Masquerade at The Standard, 200 Anastasia Blvd. The night begins under the stars at an outside bar for preshow cocktails. Next, guests will be ushered inside to receive a mask and instructions for the evening’s festivities. Guests are encouraged to dress in costume, and are asked to stay masked until the midnight hour for the grand unveiling and balloon drop. Photographers will be on hand; please dress to impress. VIP and on stage seating are available by reservation. Call 904-274-2090 or go to thestandardfl.com.

ANN O’MALLEY’S PARTY: Scuttered the Bruce will perform from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. during a New Year’s Eve party at Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 23 Orange St. Free party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Admission is free. Call 904-825-4040 or go to annomalleys.com.

THE GAME’S AFOOT: “The Game’s Afoot” is on stage at 7:30 p.m. at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave. This comedy/mystery by Ken Ludwine tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette, admired for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes. He has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities quickly turn dangerous. For New Year’s Eve, appetizers, champagne and dessert will be served. Cost is $50 per person for the New Year’s Eve performance. The show runs through Jan. 5. Call 904-825-1164 or go to limelight-theatre.org.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PUB CRAWL: Ring in the New Year with a visit to some St. Augustine taverns from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Enjoy tales of the city’s history mixed with traditional “pub lore,” and find out how beer is made. All premium beers, ales, wines and sangria (and some snacks) are included at each watering spot on the tour. Presented by St. Augustine City Walks, the cost is $39 per person. Reservations ar required by calling 904-825-0087 or go toStAugustineCityWalks.com.

AMERICAN LEGION EVENT: American Legion Post 37, 1 Anderson Circle, will host a prime rib dinner with party favors, a champagne toast and DJ. The event takes place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 31. Cost is $40 per person for the dinner and extras; or $20 for champagne toast and party favors. Tickets can be purchased at the post or by calling 904-824-0680. All proceeds will go to veterans programs.

TRES AT DOS: DOS Coffee & Wine, 300 San Marco Ave., will host an New Year’s Eve party with live music by the band Tres. Hours on Dec. 31 are 7 a.m. to noon and 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. No cover charge.

BALLOON DROP IN PONTE VEDRA: The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach will host a New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop from 11 to 12 p.m. at 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. Children can snap, crackle and pop in a bubble-wrap room, create a hilarious hat with eyes that wiggle or make party masks. Hundreds of balloons will drop at noon. Free to members; $5 per person or family of four for $15 for non-members. No pets or strollers please. Call 904-280-0614, ext. 203 or go to www.ccpvb.org.

CONCH HOUSE: DJ Ragamuffin will be at the Conch House, 57 Comares Ave., beginning at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31 for a New Year’s Eve celebration.

RHETT’S LIVE MUSIC: Amy Hendrickson performs at 8 p.m. at Rhett’s Piano Bar & Brasserie, 66 Hypolita St.

FLAGLER COLLEGE NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA: Ring in the New Year and celebrate 125 years of the Hotel Ponce de Leon with an evening of historic elegance. Flagler College’s New Year’s Eve Gala takes place in the Ponce de Leon Dining Hall from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Black tie or Great Gatsby Attire. The evening will include cocktail hour, dinner and dessert buffets, open bar, dancing and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $200 per person and benefit the Flagler College Scholarship Fund. Call 904-829-6481.

LIVE MUSIC

Ann O’Malley’s, 23 Orange St – Scuttered the Bruce  8:00pm No Cover, Free toast at Midnight

Arnold’s Lounge, 3912 N Ponce de Leon Blvd – Red River Band 9:00pm Tickets available at the bar ~ $15 includes Party Favors, Balloon Drop and Champagne Toast at Midnight

The British Pub, 213 Anastasia Blvd, Karaoke nightly 9pm

Café Alcazar, 25 Granada St – Rick Kuncicky (acoustic) 12pm – 3pm J.P. Henley’s, 10 Marine St – $3 Guinness Pints from 4-7pm

Jackson’s Garage Bar, 223A W. King St – Dart league night & $2 Tuesday Specials: $2 Bud Light Drafts, PBR tall boys, Miller High Life tall boys & $1 off craft drafts on tap.

Meehan’s Irish Pub, 20 Avenida Menendez – DJ (Party) 9pm

Mi Casa Café, 69 St George St – TBA 1-5pm

Milltop Tavern & Listening Room, 19.5 St George St – David Dowling (Folk) 1pm; John Dickie(Acoustic) 5pm; 2/3rds (Cover Band) 9pm

O.C. White’s, 118 Avenida Menendez, Mike Howard (acoustic folk classic rock) 6:30-10p Prince of Wales Pub, 54 Cuna St – Brent Blackshear (Acoustic) 3-7p

Spy Global Cuisine & Lounge, 21 Hypolita St – Clayton Bush (Acoustic) 3pm; Chad Alan (Acoustic) 10pm Stogie’s Cigar Bar & Listening Room, 36 Charlotte St – Side Pocket (Acoustic) 8pm

Tropical Tradewinds Lounge, 124 Charlotte St –Mark Hart 5pm, Matanzas 8:30p

The 38th Annual British Night Watch

In the City of Saint Augustine to be held on Saturday Evening, The 1st of December 2012 at 8 o'clock PM.

The British Night Watch is an Historic Reenactment commemorating the British Period of St. Augustine, 1763 to 1783. The main feature of the event is the British Night Watch~a Grande Illumination Parade, which is a reenactment of the ceremony used on special occasions and Holidays.

Every night, the town was secured by guards marching by lantern light to lock the gates, but on special occasions, it was made festive by involving the entire population in a candle or lantern lit parade that ended with volleys of muskets, singing, and much merriment.

For a history of this event, click on the History tab to the left. An encampment of British Troops, period Sutlers (vendors), and various Historic Persons is held in Francis Field, just west of the Parking Garage.

Gather in the Plaza de la Constitucion at 7 p.m. The parade starts at 8 bells from the St. Augustine Government House circling Plaza then proceeds down St. George Street to the St. Augustine to the City Gates. Participation is free.

For more information see www.britishnightwatch.org

19 TH ANNUAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS IN ST. AUGUSTINE FLORIDA

ST. AUGUSTINE’S NIGHTS OF LIGHTS 2012 RETURNS TO FLORIDA’S HISTORIC COAST WITH SURF ILLUMINATION, WINTER WONDERLAND AND FESTIVAL OF TREES. 

St. Augustine’s famed Nights of Lights will sparkle to life at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 17 when the flick of a switch will illuminate the nation’s oldest city’s historic district with the gentle glow of more than three million tiny white lights, providing a luminous setting for an exciting agenda of holiday events and fun through January 31. 

Nights of Lights continues to gather praise from travel leaders worldwide:

• Last year, National Geographic declared St. Augustine one of the Top 10 Places in the World to view holiday lights. 
• Also in 2011, the American Bus Association named the annual spectacle one of the Top 100 Events in the U.S. 
•  In 2009, AAA called St. Augustine one of the 12 best places in the U.S. and Canada to experience holiday cheer 

Along with the lighting of the beautiful historic city, Vilano Beach and St. Augustine Beach will provide displays to be enjoyed by all. Vilano Beach is celebrating holiday coastal living with an inaugural event called “Dressing of the Palms” as palm trees along Vilano Road and A1A are decorated in whimsical holiday array. St. Augustine Beach will light-up on Saturday, December 1, during the Surf Illumination, where there will be a festive atmosphere, the official holiday lighting, and a visit from Santa. The St. Johns County Convention Center at the World Golf Village is the setting for dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas Trees and Holiday Wreaths. From November 30, through December 10, visitors can vote for their favorite display, or bid on one of the entries through a silent auction. 

 

In addition, on November 23, Winter Wonderland returns to the St. Augustine Amphitheater with even more fun than before. Outdoor ice skating, a giant Ice Chute, carriage rides, fun for all ages and snow each evening – guaranteed through January 6. For more information, visit www.WinterWonderlandFL.com

 

During the nearly 250 years when St. Augustine served as the capital of Spanish La Florida, the residents marked the holiday season with a single white candle burning in a window at each home. 

 

Today, the Nights of Lights continues that happy tradition in a grand style that reflects the city’s 446 years of history. In addition to the enjoyment that comes from strolling the ancient streets lit by the glowing lights or enjoying thenightly reflection of lights on the waters of Matanzas Bay, both visitors and residents can enjoy a wide range of memorable events. For a complete list of Holiday Events, visit www.NightsofLights.com.

Bicentennial Commemoration Of The Spanish Constitution of 1812

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the naming of St. Augustine's Plaza de la Constitucion with a full day of educational and inspiring activities. Hosted by the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine along with the Puerto Rican Bar Association, the festivities will begin with a moot court competition. Legal scholars will debate the constitutionality of the Puerto Rican Territory within the context of the United States.

The competition will be held in the Alcazar Room in the Lightner Museum located at 75 King St. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. At 2 p.m., an Ecumenical Prayer Service will take place at the Cathedral Basilica located at 38 Cathedral Place. The Most Reverend Felipe J. Estevez, Bishop of St. Augustine, will preside as leaders of various faith traditions throughout the area ask for blessings on all nations and peoples of the world. 

City of St. Augustine Vice-Mayor Leanna Freeman will speak at the event along with the Consul General Garrigues and clergy from numerous area churches. The Chancel Choir of the Cathedral, under the direction of Dr. Bernard Sans, will provide music, including a metrical version of the Te Deum in English. All events are free and open to the public.

https://sites.google.com/site/staugustine450/News/celebrating-200-years