VISIT CASTILLO SAN MARCOS.
The...
by Michael_D
VISIT CASTILLO SAN MARCOS.
The fort is the oldest in the US and is the absolute cornerstone of the historic district of St. Augustine, Florida. As the oldest masonry fort and the best-preserved example of Spanish fortification in the US , it is quite a significant place to explore American history and much overlooked in my opinion. Though ground was broken in 1672, it was not completed until 1756 so it was many years in the making and underwent many alterations as it changed hands from British to Spanish to French control. It is an historical gem;-)A 'must see' in any trip to Florida!
The fort itself is a quadrangular with four-bastions and a now dry moat that used to ebb and flow with the tide. The outer walls are over 12 feet thick at the base, tapering to 7 feet at the top and are built of coquina blocks quarried on nearby Anastasia Island.
It reminds me a bit of the castillo in San Juan Puerto Rico and its 80 miles from my doorstep!
The fort protected St. Augustine from pirate raids throughout its existance and from the Spanish foe, British foe or French foe....depending on who occupied the area throughout its history. In its earliest days it was also a prison for American Indians.
It was also given a number of different names during its long history. After Florida was turned over to Great Britain in 1763, it was called Fort St. Mark. In 1825, it was named Ft. Marion, and in 1924 was declared a national monument, turned over to the National Park Service and restored to its original name Castillo de San Marcos.
Inspired by the Daytona Races
by M0B1US
The Daytona race weekend was about to be held just as we were leaving, so we decided to see what all the fuss was about and take a drive onto the beach just south of St Augustine.
It is easy to get onto the beach and, if you are careful, it is great fun driving right next to the crashing surf of the sea. Make sure you stay on the packed sand as opposed to the loose sand where you could end up stranded like one other car whose passengers were frantically trying to get unstuck as the tide started to come in - you have been warned!
Guitars and Cigars
by donpaul77 about Cigar and Guitar Bar
This cigar bar has a pretty cool twist. On the wall hang a variety of guitars, a bouzouki and a couple of ukuleles, all of which can be taken of the wall and played by the patrons. Also on the wall is a small, but loud, metal gong. If you get gonged, you can't play for 15 minutes!
It's a fairly small bar, with dark colored walls and comfy chairs, and a very effective smoke filter. They have Guinness and Yuenglings on draft, as well as a full bar.
I met a guitarist there, and I brought my wooden flute, and my friend brought his bodhran. We had a nice little session, and the owner was very appreciative of our music! So if you find yourself in St. Augustine, itching to play that guitar you left at home, this is a good place for you. casual
Hot Hot Hot!!!
by pete2636 about Mill Top Tavern
It was hot. Jungle hot. I visited with a buddy on 8/5/07, and we were sweating bad. There was a horrible acoustic guitar/vocalist "performing", and that made it even worse. Service was indifferent, which I can understand, since it was so hot. My beer was warm in less than a minute. Not a good experience. It does have a good view, and I bet it would be a lot better in the fall. Didn't eat anything.
Most beautiful courtyard for al fresco dining
by noidiotsplease about Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
Harry's is a New Orleans-themed restaurant offering a variety of American and seafood dishes. The restaurant has two parts: inside, located in an old historic building along the Bayfront, and outside, in a beautifully landscaped courtyard full of tropical flowering plants and shady trees.
I strongly recommend eating outside in the courtyard. The inside of the restaurant, while being New Orleans themed, is actually rather dull and boring with lots of white walls. In contrast, the courtyard is full of colorful plants and the sounds of chirping birds.
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Castillo de San Marcos
Our private beach ;)
Gun Crew Reenactment
st. augustine lighthouse
