Historic Coast Culture

06/04/2025

The perfect place to celebrate the red, white and BOOM! 💥🇺🇸

Why be anywhere else this 4th of July? St. Augustine’s is one of the most spectacular shows on the East Coast. Watch the sky light up above the historic Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and see the reflections dance across the bay!

🎶 The festivities start at 6pm with a free concert by The All Star Orchestra in the Plaza de la Constitución.

🎆 Then at 9:30pm, the fireworks launch, capping off the night with color and magic.

Make your plans now, and get all the details you need–from best viewing spots to parking and road closures–right here: https://bit.ly/StAugJuly4Fireworks

📸 Merriam Multimedia

06/03/2025

Seven concerts. One historic setting. All Free. 🆓🎶

Enjoy summer nights and world-class sound for free in the heart of the nation’s oldest city. The St Augustine Music Festival returns for its 19th season this June, bringing seven unforgettable evenings of classical music to the Cathedral Basilica of St.Augustine.

All concerts begin at 7:30 pm and are made possible by music lovers and generous support from the TDC and St. Johns Cultural Council. ✨

🎻 The concerts include:

June 19: Juneteenth with the Ritz Chamber Players
June 20: Season’s Best featuring fan favorite violinist Nigel Armstrong
June 21: Piano Spectacular
June 22: Bach to Mozart
June 27: Celestial Sounds with the Indianapolis Children's Choir (shown)
June 28: Perfect Balance and Beauty featuring Alex Cooper’s Rhythmic Colors
June 29: Mozart and More including the return of Piotr Szewczyk’s St. Augustine Suite (shown)

📍 Plan your visit at https://bit.ly/StAugMusicFestival2025

05/30/2025

This , we celebrate a beacon of light that has stood the test of time, and the community of people who refused to let it fade.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum has guided mariners since 1874, and it still does today. With its original Fresnel lens shining from 165 feet above Anastasia Island, it remains an active aid to navigation and a powerful symbol of our maritime heritage.

Saved from demolition in 1980 by the Junior Service League of St. Augustine, the lighthouse was carefully restored over the next 15 years. The League raised more than $1.2 million and took a hands-on role in preserving the Keeper’s House, the lighthouse tower and the original lens. Thanks to their work, the lighthouse recently celebrated its 150th year and is a Smithsonian Affiliate and accredited museum dedicated to preserving the stories of the Nation’s Oldest Port.

We’re proud to join National Trust for Historic Preservation in celebrating the who make it all possible.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/StAugLighthouseAndMuseum

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05/28/2025

Congratulations Caroline Hatchett and The Bitter Southerner on your James Beard Award nomination!

Caroline’s article, “Clam South,” is up for the MFK Fisher Distinguished Writing Award. The piece tells stories of southern clam culture, including that of St. Augustine’s Mary Ellen Masters, who has been serving her famous Minorcan Clam Chowder at the St-Ambrose Catholic-Church Spring Fair for over 40 years. Originally writing about Mary Ellen without attending the fair, Caroline promised she’d return… and did so this year (see photo). She then wrote about that trip for her "hometown paper," the The New York Times!

This nomination celebrates not only Caroline’s skillful storytelling but also the rich food traditions that connect St. Augustine’s community.

Read the article here: https://bit.ly/StAugBitterSouthernerChowder

📸 Caroline Hatchett with Mary Ellen Masters (on right)

05/28/2025

The final show of our concert season is going to be so very special! Please make plans to join us for the long-awaited return of interntional touring artists Sparky and Rhonda Rucker with Veronika Jackson! Ticket link below. As part of the St. Johns County Juneteenth celebrations, Sparky and Rhonda will bring history alive with their gifted storytelling and musicianship. Veronika Jackson will bring her unique style of Piedmont blues guitar and compelling vocals to educate and inspire you too. Come and enjoy an inspiring evening as our final event of the season! Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sparky-and-rhonda-rucker-live-from-the-waterworks-st-augustine-62125-tickets-1278215650419?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

05/25/2025

This , we remember. 🇺🇸

In the heart of St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitución stands a quiet but powerful reminder of sacrifice. The WWII Monument, dedicated in 1946, honors the St. Johns County residents who gave their lives in World War II. In the years since, plaques were added to commemorate those lost in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, making this a lasting tribute to generations of local heroes.

Take a moment to reflect, remember and give thanks.

Read more about St. Augustine’s wartime legacy here: https://bit.ly/StAugWWIIMilitaryStories

📸 Brandon D. Cross

05/23/2025

Once a hotel. Now a museum. Still a masterpiece. 🏨

In celebration of , let's walk through how the 's Hotel Alcazar was transformed into today’s Lightner Museum.

Built in 1888 by Henry Flagler, the Alcazar (Flagler's second hotel in St. Augustine) was famed for its Moorish Revival architecture, grand ballroom, luxurious bathhouse and the world’s largest indoor pool at the time. After closing in 1931, the building was purchased in 1946 by Otto C. Lightner, the publisher of Hobbies magazine. Lightner renovated the space to showcase his vast and eclectic collection, opening the Lightner Museum in 1948.

Today, the Lightner Museum continues to preserve and celebrate history, and we’re proud to join the National Trust for Historic Preservation in celebrating the who make it all possible.

05/22/2025

Forks up. 🍴 Shades on. 😎 It’s patio season! ⛱️

Your table is ready, outside! From rooftop cocktails to waterfront, fire-grilled feasts, the restaurants of St. Augustine and St. Johns County are serving al fresco perfection.

Dine in style at local favorites, like Cap's On The Water (shown), Pesca Rooftop and River & Fort. Wondering where to start? See our list of 10 restaurants with a view: https://bit.ly/StAugAlFrescoRestaurants

05/22/2025

Check out Samantha’s visit to our charming, historic town!❤️

Travel Itinerary for This Episode: https://samantha-brown.com/episodes/season-6/st-augustine-florida/I’m in a city where wandering is encouraged and time mea...

05/20/2025

There's a reason they call us Florida's Historic COAST. ⛵️🌊

Make your visit to St. Augustine more memorable by getting out on the water. Soak up history, nature and coastal beauty on vessels ranging from tall ship sailboats to catamarans to kayaks and paddbleboards. Outings include sunset cruises with live music, wine tastings, dolphin and marine life spotting and historical tours of the coast. A perfect activity!

For a rundown of options and tour and rental operators, take a look this new article on our website: https://bit.ly/StAugBoatTours

📸 Schooner Freedom Charters, Inc. taken by Merriam Multimedia

05/16/2025

Forging the perfect brew. 🔨✨☕️

During this , we’re celebrating Crucial Coffee Cafe, where history and coffee blend seamlessly.

Almost 50 years ago, their building on Charlotte Street was constructed by recreating the carpentry practices of the late 1700s to make a blacksmith shop from that era. Initially, the structure served as a working blacksmith–complete with a double forge–and people could watch the work being done.

Today, the shop has been beautifully preserved and repurposed as the home of Crucial Coffee and so continues to serve the community.

📸 Lewis

We’re proud to join the National Trust for Historic Preservation in saluting the who make it possible to experience these treasures.

05/15/2025

"We were just there. All the photos are beautiful. It is just so peaceful. Love St.Augustine. ♥️♥️♥️" – Julie Bee

There’s something truly special about St. Augustine that captures the heart of anyone who visits. Whether it’s the historic charm, the tranquil atmosphere or the breathtaking beauty, it’s easy to fall in ♥️♥️♥️ with this city.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Plan your next peaceful getaway here: https://bit.ly/StAugPlanYourTrip