A Traveler's Experience

A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway (FL)

St. Augustine on the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Highway was wonderful! I wish I could have stayed longer. My group stopped there on a Thursday afternoon, after driving down the coast and back again. I was fascinated by all the historic old places. The Spanish influence gave it an air like nowhere else I've been - the old cemetery with its eerie moss-dripping trees and lichen-covered tombstones, the formidable star-shaped stone fortress on the waterfront, the walled courtyards with their fountains and flowers.

I only had a few hours so I decided to visit as many historical places as I could walk to in the downtown area. On my way to Flagler College, I couldn't resist some of the shops on St. George and Cordova Streets. Two of my weaknesses -- chocolate-walnut fudge and used books! Then I had to stop in the fun toy store, and the fun cat-theme store, and the fun general store, and the fun "swords" store, and the fun "spooky stuff" store, and... well, you get the picture.

As you can see in this photo, Flagler College is quite a place. I couldn't go far inside, but the grounds and the courtyards are beautiful. I loved the mosaics next to the doors, the red tile roofs, and all the towers. I especially liked a roundish sort of structure with lots of windows, that you can ALMOST see in this photo (it's behind the trees.) Never did find out what exactly it was, but in my imagination it has paneled walls and cushioned window seats and tall shelves full of leather-bound books.

I wish I could go back and spend more time in this city. There's so much to see and learn and enjoy.