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St. Augustine, A Seamless Blend of Past and Present Preserved
Travel Excursion
Re-enactment at Castillo
de
San Marcos – St. Augustine Florida
By Patrice Raplee
A thick fog rolled across the bay engulfing
the gun battlements. The Spanish soldier wiped the sweat and mist from
his brow, keeping his musket pointed at the barely visible approaching
ship. Was it from Spain, or had another thieving murdering group of
pirates taken siege of a lone merchant ship headed for St. Augustine?
Pirates were rampant in the late 1600s and 1700s along the
Spanish Main, plundering ships and attacking cities. St. Augustine,
Fla. was frequently attacked and after the murderous 1668 raid by
(Dread) Pirate Robert Searles, the Queen of Spain ordered a stone
fortress to be built. Several years later, the Castillo de San Marcos
was constructed. The massive fortress did indeed cut down on the
pirates’ business opportunities but it took many years before the
last of the buccaneers disappeared. By that time, their history became
inextricably linked to St. Augustine. Today, the beautiful and semi-tropical
city still echoes events from her pirate past with intriguing historical
re-enactment events, the Castillo de San Marcos, ghostly moonlight
sailing adventures, Spanish Colonial Quarter, historical seafaring
trips on a replica Spanish Galleon and a
Pirate-themed inn.
St. Augustine’s thrilling, live historical re-enactments of
pirate Robert Searles’ raid on the city is fantastic. It is an enthralling
way to experience what it was like in 1668, when the Spanish battled
the murderous buccaneers. Visitors witness the closely authentic
battle re-enactment that follows the path the marauders took along
the Plaza de la Constitucion, where they looted the town, took hostages,
then fought the Spanish. The historically dressed actors are exceedingly
convincing and they draw you into a realistic drama that is absolutely
captivating. For a close look at pirate history, visit the buccaneer’s
encampment located at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
The exhibit features historically accurate garments, tools and weapons.
Ghosts of the Matanzas is a moonlit cruise that ferries visitors
onto the sea aboard a sailing ship. A ghost, who tells the tale of
his life as a pirate, hosts this interesting adventure. The voyage,
mixed with humorous moments and intersected with historical fact,
is based on the story of a real pirate. The cruise is about an hour
and is a fun activity for kids and adults. For additional information,
visit http://aghostlyexperience.com/stour.html.
The pirate legacy of St. Augustine is a significant part of
the city’s history and yet the layered history from many eras plays
into this incredibly beautiful location as well.
With a multitude of exquisite Spanish architecture, activities,
celebrated restaurants and fabulous bed and breakfasts, St. Augustine
is the past and the best of the present, seamlessly blended.
A gracious epoch in the city’s history reflects the Victorian
period. Elegant, white horse-drawn carriages clip down several of
St. Augustine’s streets in the historic district. And, richly ornamented
homes with large wrap-around porches appear as if out of a story.
Along these quaint streets, you’ll find several of the city’s wonderful
bed and breakfasts. Carriage Way Bed and Breakfast, located on Cuna
Street, is one of the most comfortable and charming B&Bs in St.
Augustine. This lovely two-story inn is situated on the corner of
a quiet street in the center of the historic district. The white
balustrade porch is inviting with round-back whicker chairs and linen-covered
tables for a leisurely breakfast or tea in the warm dappled sunlight.
The wispy Spanish moss hanging from the trees along the lane sways
in the light breeze, accenting the small picket-fenced homes and
unobtrusive quaint shops.
The Carriage Way Bed And
Breakfast –
Photo By Patrice Raplee
Carriage Way was the vision that Diane Johnson created with
her husband Bill over 20 years ago. After Diane’s passing in ’99,
Bill and his two sons Larry and John decided to continue as innkeepers
for the B&B and carry on Diane’s dream. Today, the inn offers
nine rooms adorned with wonderful antiques, period reproductions
and a two-room cottage three doors down. The cozy rooms are decidedly
Victorian-themed but without being fussy or too delicate. The bathrooms
feature thick, plush Turkish towels, plenty of space and a good supply
of usable amenities. The bed sizes range from queen to extremely
king, comfortable with either brass, canopied or four-poster frames.
Make sure to ask for a room on the Cordova Street side. As you lay
on the bed drifting off in the evening, you can gaze out the lace-curtained
windows and see the horse-drawn carriages slowly moving down the
empty street. The sound of the town clock distantly chiming and rhythmic
clopping of the horses ushers you back through time.
This veritable haven is complete with the scrumptious breakfasts
that Larry Johnson prepares. Homemade breads, baked aromatic delicacies,
omelet rolls and a bevy of changing breakfast cuisine has become
so requested and famous, Larry had to publish a cookbook. Many of
the breakfast recipes and afternoon treats served in the dining area
are featured in the cookbook. The inn feels like your own home once
upon a dream ago. The casual atmosphere of the inn and the friendly
disposition of the Johnsons draw guests back year-after-year. It
is no surprise that the Carriage Way is listed in the top travel
publications and one of the best B&B values around! For additional
information, visit www.carriageway.com.
There are many excellent restaurants in St. Augustine and
a variety of ethnic choices as well. For a causal lunch, visit the
Prince of Wales, located on the corner of Cuna and Spanish Street,
just off St. George. The restaurant is located in a steep-roofed
house with British and American flags waving in the breeze. The wrap-around
porch provides a wonderful outdoor scenic seating area to enjoy a
tasty bangers and mash or chicken curry lunch. Their beef and Guinness
pies are delightful as well.
For dinner, the exquisite Columbia Restaurant, located on
St. George Street, features marvelous Spanish cuisine. The century-old
establishment first opened in Tampa by Casimiro Hernandez Sr. and
then five subsequent restaurants were created, including the St.
Augustine location. The award-winning cuisine is set in an atmosphere
of beautifully Spanish designed rooms, such as the indoor patio dining
room. The arched arboretum room with opaque glass ceiling and towering
potted palms is the quintessential environment for savoring the Columbia’s
cuisine. The restaurant’s Tapas such as the Scallops "Casimiro" are
colossal fresh scallops baked in clay casserole with butter and topped
with seasoned breadcrumbs and white wine; the dish is fantastic.
In addition, Columbia’s signature salad, the Original "1905" Salad,
is mixed tableside with gems of julienne of baked ham, olives, cheeses and a
special garlic recipe. And, for entrées, the Paella Campesina is a luscious combination of Valencia
rice with tender bits of beef, pork, chicken and chorizo. Columbia’s
is popular and reservations are suggested.
On a warm balmy night, Harry’s New Orleans style restaurant,
located on Menendez Avenue, is the perfect spot for dinner. Although
Harry’s is a chain, the menu items are fresh and delicious. Make
sure to sit outside in the garden patio area. This large patio garden
is filled with trees, plants, tiki torches and an atmosphere that
is perfect for the folk guitarist who adds to the ambience.
St. Augustine is a premier Florida coastal town that hasn’t
lost its charming identity, history and grace. With so many sights,
activities and natural landscapes to experience, the town is a perfect
destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation or romance.
For additional information on St. Augustine events, activities
and monuments listed within the article, visit www.getaway4florida.com or call 1-800-653-2489.
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