A Walk Through St. Augustine

[Metro Jacksonville]

A Walk Through St. Augustine



Metro Jacksonville takes a walk through St Augustine, one of the “Ten Most Walkable Cities in North America” according to AAA travel editors.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/1013

[Lunican]

Strapped for cash? Take a “Fakecation”

If you want to go to Spain, fake yourself out with St. Augustine, Florida.

You’d like to be baking in the sun off the coast of Spain in oversized sunglasses which reflect the villas lining the beach, a glass of sangria in hand. Go to St. Augustine Florida instead. The minute you feel those rays bearing down on you, you’ll be glad you got away and the feel of the place will quickly transport you to another time and place. Since the Spaniards were the first explorers to set foot in the US, it only makes sense that the oldest US city’s got that distinct flair; it was settled on the heels of Juan Ponce de Leon’s 1513 landing.

Why you will be transported: The balconies overlooking narrow streets in the Old City smack of Barcelona. Stop by the whitewashed Basilica of St. Augustine, a great example of old-school Spanish Colonial architecture. Grab a pint at the ancient Taberna de Gallo, where you can listen to Spanish folk tunes by torch or candlelight-this place is so staunchly old school that they’ve shunned electricity, too. If it is the posh beaches that you still dream of, there are plenty to go around in the nearby national parks, which you can get into for just $6. For a more close-up and personal encounter with Spanish history, check out the ghost tours, including the Ghost of the Matanzas boat tours.

All that and you’ll also get: A sip from the very Fountain of Youth the Ponce de Leon was looking for when he set out on his expedition. Oh, of course it’s here, in an orange grove with men in tights.
How much you’ll save: Buckets. Hotel rooms are very reasonable, as are the things to do. You’ll save many hundreds on the air ticket alone.

http://www.historicstaugustine.com

http://www.mint.com/blog/finance-core/strapped-for-cash-take-a-fake-cation/

[thelakelander]

I don't know if it would replace a trip to Spain, but it is an asset for Jacksonville.  If you ever get tired of seeing empty downtown streets, vacant buildings and surface parking lots, take a 30 minute drive south of town.  When it comes to vibrancy and walkability, its a different world down there.

[Jason]

I would say that the historic district of St. Augustine is about as close as you'll ever get to visiting a "Europeanesque" town here in the States.  I regularly run into Spaniards, Brits, French, and Eastern Eurpoean visitors.  They're always asking for the best parking and best hometown restaraunts/eateries.

IMO, a "fakecation" to St. Augustine, assuming you stay in the historic district and play tourist, is a great idea and you're sure to meet many interesting people, eat some good food, and hear some good live music.

[stjr]

Maybe our Chamber and City leaders, in these lean times, can save some $$$ on their annual pork barrel trip and learn some valuable lessons from the little town to our south, St. Augustine.

Where are all our historic buildings?  Oh yeah, at the landfill.

[floridaforester]

I loved the 6+ years I lived in St. Augustine on the east side of Lake Maria Sanchez (Lincolnville).  Living on the lake was great and it was an easy walk to everything in downtown St Augie.  Yes, there is alot of history there, but I wouldn't exactly hold it up as an example of city leaders protecting their biggest asset. The city leaders aren't exactly known for their progressive policies.  Anyone remember the Monson Motor Lodge (now a Hilton) or where Ray Charles played while in school @ FL school for deaf & blind (see the vacant lot across from the merry-go-round).  Savannah would be a much better example for Jax to emulate.

All in all, St. Augustine is fun for a weekend get-away.  Be sure to stay in the "haunted" room at the St. Francis Inn (Miss Millie's room??) and for a fun evening, take the haunted pub tour as well.  Good times!!

[billy]

Is the French bakery on the very narrow Artillery Lane still in business?

[billy]

Did the old Record building get redeveloped?

[thelakelander]

I don't know if the French bakery is open.  However, the old Record building has been converted into apartments.

[blizz01]

Is the French bakery on the very narrow Artillery Lane still in business?

I believe that it's called De Noel & yes it's still there.  In fact, I cruised through there last week on the way to the beach with the top back, idled in front, & my wife ran in to grab a couple of eclairs.  The owners are actually Belgian & have been there since the 50's or 60's..........

[billy]

I checked online, I first went there in the 1960's.

[hightowerlover]

It looks like the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is adding a major addition by opening a dolphin exhibit.  The sign said that the dolphins are coming from Marineland - does this mean Marineland is shutting down for good??

[billy]

What about the building next to the Casa Monica?

[Jason]

I haven't heard any news on Marineland closing.  I highly doubt they will be because their focus is mor on training, rehabilitation, and study versus tourism and shows.  Although they offer a "swim with the dolphins" experience and a few shows.  The new Dolphin Conservation Center is well done.  Everyone should go chek it out sometime.


http://www.marineland.net/

[videojon]

St. Augustine is local proof that whether its a one way or two way street, it makes no significant (if at all) difference in the health of a downtown. It's my opinion that people who blame lack of a good downtown on the fact that there are so many one way streets are being way too simplistic. If the supporting factors are there, it won't matter if it's a one or two way street. People will find their way. On the same token, if a street is converted to a two way street, it won't make much of a dent in things without the substance. I was in St. Aug again today and I was reminded of this.