A FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA
BY ALICE LEVITT
Searching for the Fountain of Youth? You’ll find it, literally, in
St. Augustine. Indeed, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological
Park marks the site of the very first settlement in this oldest
city in the United States, 42 years before Jamestown.
And yes, you can actually sip the water that conquistador
Ponce de Leon’s thought would grant him eternal youth.
Since the 1880s, St. Augustine has been a hub of winter
tourism, meaning hospitality is a well-established and
well-practiced tradition here. On your next visit, find your
own fountain of fun with this itinerary.
EXPLORE
Forty-two miles of oceanfront allow for lovers of sea and sand to
surf, swim, and sun. Anastasia State Park is four miles of white quartz
sands, while St. Augustine Beach offers a splashier affair with an actual
splash park. Perhaps the best swimming is inside at the St. Augustine
Aquarium, where you can snorkel with reef fish and rays.
DRINK
Whether you crave gin, vodka, whiskey or rum, you’ll whet your
whistle with what you want at St. Augustine Distillery. Tours take
place every half hour, propelling guests through the distillation
process, and a tasting room serving pours from port-finished
bourbon to Florida cane vodka.
There are more free tours and samples at San Sebastian Winery, which
uses Muscadine grapes — native to the southeastern and south-central
United States — to make premium, sparkling, and dessert wine. Save
at least one glass for the wine bar on the roof.
Beer lovers aren’t overlooked either in St. Augustine. Three-year-
old Dog Rose Brewing Company, located blocks from the historical
center, taps everything from traditional Hefeweizen to fruited sour
to West Coast IPA.
STAY
St. Augustine isn’t a destination that’s going to break the bank, so why
not spring for the nicest place in town? The adults-only The Collector,
in the heart of downtown, maintains an aura of history and romance.
There’s even live music in a restored amphitheater.
With kids in tow, aim for the upscale Casa Monica Resort & Spa, with
its plush furnishings and enviable amenities. These include spa, art
gallery, heated pool, and access to the Seranata Beach Club.
If you prefer a more intimate experience, try the smaller St. George
Inn, which boasts excellent views of the historic district.
Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine
Credit: Sean Pavone
For a quieter experience, visit the Castillo de San Marcos, the only
17th-century military construction still standing in the U.S. Though the
current chapel rose in 1915, the Mission Nombre de Dios has been around
in some form for more than 450 years. Find more reflection on free St.
Augustine Black Heritage Tours of sites from the Civil Rights Movement.
EAT
In 2019, Southern Living magazine named St. Augustine the best food
town in the South. You can’t start Sunday off better than with the
Mayport shrimp-and-grits at Preserved, or fill up at dinner there any
day with fresh, locally caught fish.
Excellent Peruvian cuisine is on the menu at Llama, especially its vast
ceviche options, made with fish, mangos, or mushrooms. Share the
giant fish sandwich at the brand new Bantam Chef with someone you
love. It’s that good — and that big.
GETTING
THERE
United Airlines offers nonstop service from Dulles
International Airport (IAD) to Jacksonville International
Airport (JAX). American Airlines also serves Jacksonville
nonstop from Reagan National (DCA). St. Augustine is a
one-hour drive south.
SPRING 2020 45 FLYWASHINGTON.COM