The Ancient City Is Always New

St. Augustine is America's oldest city. Founded by the Spanish in 1565, it retains many of its ancient landmarks like the old fort, Castillo San Marco. Although it is touristy and loaded with tee shirt and souvenir shops, it has a charm that has delighted visitors for centuries.

In the heart of town is the Old Slave Market, a reminder of a crueler time in our history. During the early 1960's, the town was the site of many organized civil rights demonstrations. Dr. Martin Luther King and others dropped in, and many northern activists came down from the northeast. Tensions ran high, and serious violence was only avoided by the diligent efforts of local and state police. Although St. Augustine was an ancient city, it was at its heart a small southern town whose residents did not appreciate the yankees coming down to demonstrate.

A short hop from the market is the city marina, with magnificent floating docks and a wonderful view of the historic Bridge of Lions. This marina has great facilities, and it is an unparalleled spot to dock a boat and visit this intriguing city.

Back in 1992 I spent a couple of weeks in my sailboat, Silverheels, a CSY 33. My youngest son and I visited the tourist attractions and ate at a different restaurant every night. We had sailed up from Melbourne. The first night of the cruise we spent the night in Titusville. I made the worst chili in the history of the world for dinner that night. It was inevitable after the chili that future meals would be in restaurants.

A favorite restaurant back then was Athenia. This small Greek place is across from the slave market, and serves wonderful and affordable meals. It was still there last time I checked in late 2007.

More about St. Augustine at http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/st-augustine-florida.html