Arts Destination: St. Augustine, Florida
The nation’s “oldest city” refuses to act its age.
At 447 years old, St. Augustine knows a thing or two about keeping its antique charm while keeping up with the times. The downtown area, with architecture emulating its sister city in Aviles, Spain, mixes art galleries, vintage and local designer boutiques, and culinary adventures fit for any foodie
Start exploring with the First Friday Art Walk, held every Friday in several walkable arts districts. If you work up an appetite, check out Casa Maya serving all organic traditional Mexican food from the Yucatan peninsula or The Floridian, a hip hangout with a local and seasonal menu with something for carnivores and vegans alike. Blocks away, two hidden gems sit down a cobblestone street, Gaufre’s & Goods, a Greek and Polish bistro, and De Noel Pastry Shop, a French café where the owner has been making éclairs since 1966.
From martini joints to dives, this port city has a wide range of drinking holes. San Sebastian Winery pours a local vintage on their rooftop bar overlooking the city. Take a trip back to the 1700s at Taberna de Gallo, where bartenders serve up a pint and a history lesson. If craft beers are your thing, JP Henley’s carries over 75 beers on tap and over 100 in the bottle. From girls’ night to date night, the Tini Matini Bar doesn’t disappoint with its pristine view of the bay front.
Bed and breakfasts are the mainstay for travelers downtown. Casablanca on the Bay sets the B&B standard with its Mediterranean revival gold and white décor. For all-you-can-eat pirate pancakes (gluten free option!) The Pirate Haus Innis a family friendly themed hotel.
The Casa Monica Hotel is a lavish option boasting Moorish Revival style furnishings with several art galleries, shops, and cafes on the ground level.
St. Augustine overflows with festivals and free music events. Uptown Saturday Night, the last Saturday of every month, keeps boutiques like Goldfinch and BOOMA in the San Marco art district open late. If you’ve ever dreamed of a mock running with the bulls and costume soiree, the 3rd Annual Fiesta de Aviles fulfills that with a block party. With art “from lace to limestone, crayons to crystal” from over 150 artists, the 47th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival shines over Thanksgiving weekend. Other activities include an Annual Greek Festival, and the Nights of Lights, a kick-off bash that illuminates the historic district with tiny white lights from ground to rooftop from late fall through the new year.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Aug 2, 9, 16, 23 Concerts in the Plaza
Aug 3, Sept 7, Oct 5 First Friday Art Walk
Aug 5, 12, 19, 26 Lincolnville Farmer’s Market
Aug 25, Sept 29, Oct 27 Uptown Saturday Night
Oct 7-9 Annual Greek Festival
Oct 13- Nov 3 Annual Fiesta de Aviles
Nov 17, 18 Holiday Open House Wine Tasting, San Sebastian Winery
Nov 18 Nights of Lights opening reception
Nov 24, 25- 47 Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
More information can be found at St. Augustine Art Association’s website, staaa.org. For festivals and city information, floridashistoriccoast.com is a great resource.
words: Taylor Berk
images: floridashistoriccoast.com
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