Southern Surprise- How this Florida town holds its own against my favorite historic spots

Our Spring break last month was spent somewhere I didn’t even realize I wanted to go. Enamored with places like Savannah, Charleston and Antietam- all brimming with history- visiting a state known for seaside developments and beach life was low on the list. But cheap direct flights can be very persuasive and a daughter crazy about the ocean sealed the deal. Our pick to ease us into such a vacation was to rent a house in St Augustine, which just happens to be the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the United States. Our daughter got her fix of sunshine and sand while we got more than we could have dreamed of in terms of history and amazing architecture! Here’s a quick look at six distinct ways this Florida town peaked the designer (and history buff) in me!

Flagler college and Spanish style buildings

First of all- this was a walk-able town. And a great walk-able town is about the best way to appreciate historic homes or unique building details. Every time of the day was intriguing- from the outline of bell towers against a hazy dusk to the inviting storefronts at night.

Even under the harsh midday sun- the bright red color of the clay stood out proud and bold.

Cobblestone streets and a colorful shopping district

Old stone and brick streets were one of my favorite things about the river district of Savannah and some of that charm stays preserved here as well.

Uneven and messy (maybe even a bit of a hazard) but appropriate to take you alongside these old structures that have become modern restaurants and gift shops. All the while maintaining their time worn appeal.

Enclosed gardens

One thing I have come to appreciate about the cities of the south is their dedication to small beautiful garden spaces, often enclosed in courtyards. This hotel turned museum (above) had a koi pond and a whimsical stone bridge.

And this restaurant (above) felt like it was trying to capture some of the New Orleans magic of Cafe du Monde.

Additional hotels with outside dining have entrances in their stone walled courtyard to allow you to sneak in off the street for a meal or drink.

The Nightlife

Speaking of New Orleans (which I only visited once back in 2011) this was a town made for being photographed at night. Some of my favorite pics of that entire trip were after dark- the glow of patio lights strung up between buildings and the sparkle of streets lit by the neon signs of bars and restaurants. Similarly, St Augustine had its own charismatic night scene.

Vintage homes reincarnated as Bed and Breakfast resorts drew me down the side streets away from the hum of the eateries and retail.

The deep porches with their turned wood posts and gingerbread trim came alive at night with pastel facades and welcoming walkways.

Savannah has Jones Street, Charleston has The Battery and St Augustine has “our evening walk back to our VRBO.”

That one Restaurant that feels old and new at the same time

Do you ever just walk into a place and feel instantly at home? Like- everything is what you would expect it to be because it is so well done? That was this vibe here. Brick walls, concrete floors, rough sawn wood, coppery tin ceilings, old pulley light fixtures…

…a bathroom sink chiseled out of stone…

I know a lot of this design is part of the trendy reclaimed movement but it had that warm and layered feel that gives it license to be in a historic town that thrives on tourism.

The Details

New towns and developments don’t share these details. They just don’t.

Take for example the lion head motif that reappeared all over town.

Or these church doors that were from the 1500’s.

Notice how they weren’t snatched up and put in a museum, they were just a part of this old church in this old town, that we had the luxury of walking up to and touching. It’s where they belong and they have been allowed to stay.

St Augustine was a welcoming town.

The historical aspect was undeniable, and as much as it was preserved it also didn’t feel precious. The best old towns are like that. You read a plaque on a wall and know you are somewhere that was once very important.

But the best old towns don’t have ropes and guardrails to prevent you from feeling like you could blink and be transported back to another time…

…from imagining and appreciating another era, another lifetime, and the struggles that came before our modern conveniences…

To see how we have grown…

These southern towns always remind me of that.

To enjoy the ease of the visit, the beauty of the terrain and the marvel of architecture- but never forget the toll of time…

And appreciate how far we have come.