If you’ve ever been to an old cow town, you know the charm of seeing old buildings, the “run down look” and people in period costume. We live about 40 minutes north of Saint Augustine, the Nation’s oldest city. It isn’t a cow town but it has all of the relics of an old city including ancient city walls, a fort, and Spanish influence. It is certainly charming and has oh-so-much to see. It is that place with old buildings, ancient relics, period costume outfits and charm hard to match. It is the Nation’s oldest city dating back to at least 1513.
Ponce de Leon came to Florida and established a colony. Even with over 200 colonists, life was difficult as the Indians attacked causing injury.Even Ponce de Leon was wounded and upon return to Havana, died of his wounds. Later in 1565 St. Augustine was established by the Spanish and in 1586 Sir Francis Drake attacked St. Augustine destroying the wooden fort. Drake was an English sea captain who was encouraged by Elizabeth I of England to conquer the Spanish.
It is interesting to note that Sir Francis Drake may have brought one of the first Bibles to the area of Florida as the Holy Bible was mentioned in writings pertaining to Drake.
There is far much more history than that above but in telling just a snippet, you can see the reason that we often go to St. Augustine. And when I say often, I mean a couple of times a month. It’s always a pleasure and so interesting to see the tourism that is brought to this so-small town.
Today, we rode to the city, saw the trollies, watched tourists board the horse and buggies, eat ice cream, climb the fort steps, and shop in the unique stores. We were amazed once again of the number of people stopping traffic to simply cross the ancient streets.
We enjoyed the fun of it all and ended up where arguably the best shrimp in the United State of America is prepared- Schooners Seafood.
Fun time in the old city. Day tripping there never gets old.
Josie
