history
Romance on Every Corner S Story and photos by Raphael Cosme
aint Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, brims with unique historical sites, but for more than a century it has also been a city that radiates an aura of passion and romance. Saint Augustine caters to this archetypal image through ancient walls, streets, castles and many quaint cottages, creating the perfect environment for a couple in love and enjoying one another’s company. For centuries, one of the locations designated by Ponce de Leon as “Flowery Passover,” named the peninsula La Florida (the Spanish name for Easter) somewhere close to Saint Augustine’s shores. This claim sighted a beautiful area with romantic flowers. The Pedro Menendez-founded mother city destined European colonial couples to come to what is today the nation’s oldest city in the United States. Following the first settlements, a popular legend of a love story took over Saint Augustinians. In 1774, when the British returned Florida to Spain, Dolores, the wife of Colonel Garcia Marti, attracted the Chief Officer, Captain Manuel Abela, with the scent of her perfume, starting a strong, passionate love affair that ended in tragedy. Probably one of the first remarkable stories of love began in 1885 with entrepreneur Henry Flagler. When he visited Saint Augustine with his second wife for their honeymoon, he was inspired to build here, adding to the existing charm and creating a romantic city for vacationers from the north. In 1930, the local travelogue, Tourist Guide Magazine, ran a story of La Plaza de la Constitucion as one of the best places for entertainment. At that time, the first radio broadcast system produced regular programs inviting couples to dance in public. These dancing couples were often seen at the plaza – a romantic sight indeed. Without a doubt Saint Augustine is the ultimate icon of all romantic cities in the U.S. With hundreds of ancient sights, dozens of romantic courtyards dotted throughout the downtown historic district and 15 miles of beautiful beaches within five miles of town, there is something for every couple to explore and enjoy together. The city’s narrow streets with rich food, glamorous fashion,
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old city life
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and countless charming boutiques and cafés are just waiting for you and your beloved to come and explore. The nation’s oldest masonry structure, the Castillo de San Marcos, a fortification that was never taken in battle, has dominated the landscape of Saint Augustine. The Castillo’s thick coquina walls brought the romantic aura for young World War II soldiers who regularly dated and got engaged at the ancient sight where couples could enjoy the bay breeze during a romantic picnic. Some visitors have made Saint Augustine the “romantic city,” like Barry and Linda Stouffer, who came to Saint Augustine to touch the water of the “Fountain of the Amorino,” depicting Putto with a Dolphin, at the Dow Museum Complex. “Since this city has a Spanish background that is very romantic, and Spain is known as a romantic country, Saint Augustine has similar architecture and history that make it better romantically. Here at this renaissance fountain we’ll seal our love for eternity,” said Linda. Could Saint Augustine be one of the 10 best romantic cities in the world? “Why not?,” the Nelson couple asked. “We stayed in a nice Anastasia Island hotel, had a private beach and central room whirl-pool spa for our wedding anniversary. Then we continued the celebration romantically throughout the night with Saint Augustine sangria.” Joe Finnegan, owner of the St. Francis bed-and-breakfast, said he deals with romantic couples every day. “First, this building was built in 1791 with old world charm located in the nation’s oldest city. With romantic rooms and suites, private walled yards with lush gardens, balconies, whirlpool tubs, gourmet breakfasts and fireplaces, all these added amenities make couples feel romantic,” he said. “Plus, the classic Saint Augustine carriage can pick up the lovers at the front entrance. That makes this place the best romantic getaway.” In the last 10 years, the city has established a great reputation in the B&B industry, and has as many as 37 throughout town, some with beach or bayfront locations. Let’s not forget Saint Augustine’s “love trees,” growing together in different downtown areas. According to historians, the trees fusion is not an accident. There was a biologist who planted these unusual trees, probably to make Saint Augustine more of a romantic city, but locals made it a legend. If you kiss your loved one under the tree, you will have an everlasting romance. Generations of romantic couples have kissed under the love tree, and return on their anniversary to kiss again. And that’s not all. Many other unique, charming places with romantic atmospheres in ideal locations can be found all over Saint Augustine. So many choices, ready to meet the desires and tastes of any couple, makes Saint Augustine the perfect place to be a part of their love story. OCL 69