July 29, 2016

Stained Glass Treasures

  

Memorial Presbyterian Church hosts many stained glass windows, each beautiful in their own right. These are two of my favorites. It’s nearly impossible to walk through this amazing church without noticing the architectural attention to detail . . . solemn and shadowy, the interior is brightened by these carefully-designed windows that each tell a story of their own. I highly encourage you to visit this historic treasure whether or not you consider yourself to be a spiritual person.

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays

July 22, 2016

Mission Nombre de Dios

“Sacred To the Memory of H. V. Graves.” Born April 5, 1855, died May 4, 1884. This simple tombstone on the Mission Nombre de Dios grounds is situated in a peaceful spot within view of the beautiful Lagoon and its stately white curved bridge. Unfortunately, this person’s identity, whether male or female, is shrouded in mystery. What might have ended his or her life at age 29 remains unknown.

St. George Street

If you’ve seen St. Augustine’s famous Bridge of Lions, you might recognize their “little brother” perched at the Queen Isabella garden on St. George Street. Note the Florida state flag at far left, and the palms which tower over the Marin-Hassett house whose roof can be seen at right. This is actually one of two lions . . . the pair of sentinels can be found watching over the garden entrance, vigilant at their posts.

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays

July 15, 2016

Castillo de San Marcos

  

Shown above is the terreplein between the watchtowers of San Carlos Bastion (seen at left) and San Agustín Bastion (out of view at right). The large bell-tower of San Carlos actually has its own name – San Marcos. Matanzas Bay and the Usina Bridge to Vilano Beach also make an appearance. I couldn’t have asked for a better sky, as weather in St. Augustine is often hit-or-miss: one day beautifully blue and 75 degrees, the next chilly with tornado warnings. (I’ve experienced both, and, not surprisingly, much prefer the former).

Fountain of Youth Park

As I’m sure I’ve said, visiting the “actual” fountain at the Fountain of Youth Park is one of the most kitschy things to do in St. Augustine, but you *must* do it, if not for the supposed health benefits than just to say you did. The park has so much to offer that this is, pardon the pun, a drop in the bucket. The fountain is set up rather nicely with colorful plants and a nice wooden barrier, and if you look closely you can see the so-called youth water dripping down in a crystal stream. No, it doesn’t taste good, but try it. Even if you don’t get any younger you’ll still have the memories.

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays

July 08, 2016

Memorial Presbyterian Church

 The Presbyterian church commissioned by millionaire Henry Flagler is one of the most beautiful structures in St. Augustine. When separated visually from the rest of the church, its towers stand out as particularly impressive. As with many buildings in town, you might think you’re gazing upon some ancient European cathedral instead of a structure dating from the relatively modern year of 1890.I don’t believe visitors have access to the towers, but even viewing them from the outside is an amazing experience.

City Gates

I’m not sure why, but I’ve always been particularly fond of the old City Gate. Dating from 1808 and in poor condition, this gate was once the boundary of St. Augustine, keeping citizens in and “undesirables” out. In colonial times the defenses were strengthened by a moat which was later filled in and which became the dirt walkway visitors use today. Photos from the 1800s show that the area beyond the gates was completely open.

(c) 2015-2016 St. Augustine Fridays