St Augustine, Florida – the US does history | Florida Vacation Holiday Information and News

St Augustine, Florida – the US does history

Posted on : 12-03-2010 | By : florida | In : Florida Attractions, Florida Days Out, Highgate Park

Tags: attractions, quiet day out

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Most people think of Florida and all the modern day things like the theme parks but if you go to St Augustine, just off the I 95 on the Atlantic Coast you will discover the roots of America. It was a Spaniard who named Florida “La Florida” meaning Land of Flowers in 1513. In 1545 when another Spanish expedition landed it was the Feast of St Augustine and so the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the US was named after the saint. They also gave thanks with a feast and so it could be said that the first “thanksgiving” was held in Florida.

Luckily a lot of the old buildings have been preserved – many given to the local historic society by past owners and the whole area looks much more Spanish than American. The cobbled narrow streets (many pedestrianised) are a real shock after the wide highways. The streets are filled with antiques shops, art galleries and places to eat as well as bed and breakfast establishments if you need more than a day. You really could be in any old european settlement. St Augustine grew with the arrival of the railroad and became “the place” for the rich to spend their vacation – and a whole near era of building began.

There is good signage to car parking just on the edge of town and the easiest way to see the whole area is on a road train that allows you to get on an off at the various spots. These include the oldest home, the oldest wooden school and the authentic jail house. Other highglights include Flagler College – once a swanky hotel for the rich – which has some magnificent stained glass windows – book the tour as that is the only way to see beyond the entrance lobby. The Lightner Museum is housed in another former hotel. The Castillo de San Marcos and the Lighthouse (climb to the top for fantastic views)- plus they have a Fountain of Youth (no guarantees on that). There is also a local winery so you can taste their latest vintage. It is really a case of deciding what you can see in the time you have.

If you fancy a change from the theme parks it is really worth the trip – check out the “whats on” on the various dedicated web sites. It really shows that the US can do history.

Jean

Moorgate Villa 4 bed, Highgate Park, Florida

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