St Augustine, Florida

Having lived in Florida since 1969, I am an 'almost' native. I love taking day trips and one of the best was to St Augustine for a weekend in 1980. My ex had the children that weekend and was not impressed when I suggested he leave early bringing them back. I had rented a beachfront house on Anastasia Island for the summer - - 4 hours away!! Yeah, he was not happy at all.

The kids and I stayed three months, walking in the historic area, playing in the pool and laying on the beach at night listening to the waves and looking for shooting stars.

Then, for my third honeymoon (don't judge), we went to St Augustine for 4 days. So, I have some great memories of the town and witnessed the changes over the years.

One change I was sad to see was the closing of the Santa Maria Restaurant on the pier next to the Bridge of Lions. The place was always packed and the kids loved it. You would order extra fries or rolls and throw them out a small movable plexiglass window to the fish waiting below. These fish were HUGE! Mostly carp, catfish, etc., these fish would literally stack themselves one on top of the other until they were out of the water . . . . such piggies!

Another closed place was the Monk's Vineyard. Small and cozy right on St George Street. I was in there with friends and ordered the drink, "Hallelujah". There was soft 'monk' music playing and our waiter was in a monk's robe. Nice atmosphere. Allegedly after two of these drinks, you start to hear "Hallelujah" in the monk music background. Well, I did have two and I did hear the background and I did order a third. Now at the time, I was only 110 lbs and I might have been considered a 'light weight' or at least my waiter thought so. He said there was no way that I could drink a third Hallelujah and leave unassisted. I asked what the bet was for? He hesitated. I didn't. "Your monk robe", I offered. He was so sure that he agreed. If I lost, he received a $50 tip!

Folks, I not only drank that cocktail, but literally danced my way out of the place. He could not believe it! Did I get his uniform? You bet! And I used it for years in the winter because I could curl up with my feet tucked in, perfectly warm. I wonder what I ever did with that robe.

But I digress. St Augustine today is just as charming and not crowded at all! I found a lovely Irish Store (that's it's name) on Cuna Street and purchased my daughter a beautiful silver hair slip barrette with the Trinity Knot. The shop has something for everyone and not tourist trinkets. They have a beautiful selection of Keith Jack Celtic Jewelry. I fell hard for a small pendant, "Window to the Soul". If you're interested, contact https://www.theirishgiftshop.com or call (904) 824-5040. The Irish Store also carry gorgeous shawls, interesting Viking t-shirts, gifts for everyone (including your pet) and every occasion. OH, and they carry the brand, Shannonbridge, in tea pots and cups. I love the quality and designs, in fact, I bought my daughter a one of the gorgeous full-size tea pot in - of all places - Shannonbridge, Ireland!

Yes, please, Mr. Jack, I'll take one each!

Of course you have to see the Lightner Museum, which was originally the Alcazar Hotel built by Henry Flagler. I took my grandson's to lunch there and they could not believe they were eating in the pool area. The ground floor has this enormous, no, it's more cavernous, pool area that was quite the highlight when it was built. Nothing like it. Now, it's drained (naturally) and serves as seating for diners. Just looking around at all the alcoves, etc., kept them busy.

Some of the interesting displays are paintings such as 'The Return of Persephone' (1908), Yunque de Baracoa Mountain' (1890) and paintings by local artists 'Fort Marion' (1897). There is a section of vintage Turkish and Russian baths, a malachite urn from the Czar of Russia (1893), and a huge display of collectibles - everything from cigar labels to buttons!

One room is painted deep Wedgewood Blue with lighting to show off the brilliant cut glass created by Victorian era glass companies - oh, how they shine!!

The one thing I did not expect to see in this or any other small Florida museum was an Egyptian Mummy. It is believed this mummy was a 4-6 year old child. Circa 500 B.C.E.

Also preserved and on display is Rota the Lion. Yes, it is the same African lion that was presented to Winston Churchill for his victories in North Africa. Somehow, Rota ended up in St Augustine as a stuffed well-preserved example of the king of the jungle. You never know what you'll find just around the corner.

Gorgeous

courtyard

with bridge,

koi fish, and lush ferns everywhere!

THEN NOW

We took in the Catholic Cathedral and a beautiful Greek Shrine. We stopped at historic places, t-shirt shops, hand made gifts and even a cigar for my son-in-law.

Beautiful Greek Relics

The Columbia Restaurant. Mmmm GOOD!

Try their house Sangrias (love the red) and their Original 1905 Salad.

Great Paella, 'Ybor' Chicken with Yellow Rice and don't forget the Cuban Sandwich.

JR Benet sells the most unusual jewelry. I own several Fire Fly earrings in various beads and crystals. I love the new larger pieces and that purple!! They also sell Roman Glass (my daughter's favorite.)

A new favorite designer, Anne Koplik.

I adore dragonflies and her jewelry!

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The Castillo de San Marcos Fort (left) is a national park and very popular with tourists of all ages.

Construction began in 1672, and the fort has had many construction/renovations throughout the centuries. The interior of the fort is impressive. The walls are still incredibly sturdy and thick!

(Below left) The St Augustine Lighthouse, which by all accounts is haunted. It has been featured on TAPS (ghost hunting show). A long-time friend of mine was so frightened while touring the Lighthouse one night, that he left not only the Lighthouse but all aspects of ghost hunting. In fact, he won't even talk about his experience.

A limited number of people are permitted to go on the Dark of the Moon Ghost Tours. Check their website for availability as they can booked months in advance. https://www.

staugustinelighthouse.org/