A recent trip to St. Augustine, Florida, for a special occasion offered a much-needed reprieve from all the snow and cold. After hearing so much about this historic destination — said to be the oldest city in the country — it was still full of surprises. The downtown felt like a combination of New Orleans, the Renaissance Festival and the movie “Big” with all the fortune teller machines.
When we arrived during the final weekend for the Nights of Lights display that we did not know was still happening, the place was packed. You could barely walk in the streets or get a reservation at the many restaurants. The locals told us it was even busier during the holiday season.
For me, design inspiration came right away from our hotel that dates to 1888, Casa Monica, where we took a tour on my birthday when it was 75 degrees and sunny. The background was as fascinating as the Spanish decor in the historic structure that hosts many weddings. The old churches in the area that were highlighted also feature unique architectural elements like shapely windows and doors.
Quirky shops that fill the walkable streets sold conversation pieces like the male mermaid ornaments we had never seen before. Thrift and antiques stores featured items we admired like old clocks and maps.
The people were so friendly, from the tourists who spoke to us in the hotel elevators to the locals. Our daughter was pleasantly surprised to find so many people there who were her age, including some we met from the Midwest who relocated for the weather.
A trolley tour shared more history and significant architecture like a stately former home turned museum and an old hotel that now houses a local college. We were told the Spanish fortress that dates back to the 17th century is the only one that remains there today because the others were built from wood instead of brick.
Even the restaurants were anything but typical, like Forgotten Tonic on the oldest street in the country that had a kids’ menu with choices like I Don’t Want That, I’m Not Hungry, I Don’t Know and I Don’t Care. Several restaurants were in former houses like the one called Sunday where I finally tried Shakshuka, which I really enjoyed.
The preservation of the historic buildings and streets in the downtown area added charm that has become increasingly harder to find. We also kept forgetting that we were in Florida because St. Augustine has such a European feel due to its Spanish roots.
Another perk for us was the fact that the downtown area was so dog-friendly. One night, we headed to the Tini Martini Bar on the bay early to avoid the inevitable line. Our server filled a giant martini glass with water for the dogs who were at the table next to us with their owners.
That reminded me that I gave away all the oversized brandy and martini glasses I once had for display. Now I want to replace them. I might even add some Spanish decor as a reminder of our stay.
Jeanine Matlow is a Metro Detroit interior decorator turned freelance writer specializing in stories about interior design. You can reach her at [email protected].
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