Published on www.PhotoandTravel.com , December 2006.  By Rhonda Pipkin

I heard a wonderful tale about the old city and how one could find the mysteries of the ancients either rattling around in the old fort or feel the slightest of shivers as ghosts passed by you in one of the bed and breakfasts homes, or along your stroll past several centuries old cemeteries. St. Augustine, known for its historical steadfastness as the oldest garrisoned city in the United States, weaves quite a spell over the tourist as each step takes you through the cobblestone streets, winding through narrow turns, while finding obscure gardens with their whispering secrets. Step by step, hints of romance begin to invade the air. Is it the romance of mystery or romance of history? I don’t think you’ll be able to identify the precise cause of why St. Augustine invades the senses. It just does.

Perhaps it is the beauty of architecture hundreds of years old which tell stories of conquest by Spaniards and the British. Maybe it is the victorian lure of the varied bed and breakfasts inns such as Inn on Charlotte Street, the Westcott House, or the famed bed and breakfast where their resident ghost loves to mingle with the guests. The lure of the old city could be its bayside cruises in tall ships for those wanting a romantic evening on the water – watching the lights of the city as they light up the inland. Per chance it is the romantic notions of lighthouses in the mist of the evening sea; you won’t be disappointed. Standing tall and stalwart is the oldest working lighthouse in our country. Take an hour or more to visit and climb to the top. It takes a hearty constitution to climb that spiraling staircase! The old lighthouse emanates its own romantic aura to those who visit.

People of St. Augustine are like any other across America with the exception of their heritage. Familial histories date back to those Spaniards and Brits who came to conquer and build. Vagabonds and wanderers have traversed many miles to settle down in the old city. Yet, on the horizon if you look long enough, you’ll see progress for the 21st century as new building sites are going up where any inch of ground can be retained. Citizens frequent the old city to renew their romance and love for each other as well as for their love of history. Many of the city’s residents have made a niche for themselves with remarkable flair. Uniting their own histories with this eternal city of battles and victories; here again the romantic embellishments of heritage and purpose stand out timeless against the sea’s horizon.

The Inn on Charlotte, is welcoming seniors and second time around honeymooner’s for a romantic visit to the old city. The Inn on Charlotte (circa 1914) in historic St. Augustine, is honoring 2nd Honeymooners during the famed month of romance - February 2007. The 2nd Honeymoon on Charlotte Street package is planned for any 3 nights during the month. (Sunday-Thursday in the Verandah or Southern Royal rooms).

Owner, Lynne Fairfield, will be indulging her 2nd Honeymooners with:

1. Welcome Gourmet Basket - including Claude’s French Chocolates

and Fine Champagne

2. Romantic Horse and Carriage Ride through the Historic District

3. 2 tickets for the Red Train Trolley (valid for 3 days) including a stop at the

famous fountain of youth

4. Romantic Candlelight Dinner for 2 at one of St. Augustine’s premier Romantic Restaurants

The cost per couple is $595, which includes romantic accommodations, gourmet breakfast daily, off-street private parking, late afternoon Happy Hour wine and hors d’oeuvres reception.

Inns of Elegance are seven beautiful historic inns designed to bring romance to those who love bed and breakfast hide-a-ways. One of my favorites is the Wescott House and the Isabella room which overlooks the Matanzas Bay. During the Flagler era, this Victorian home was built for Dr. John Westcott, a prominent citizen in the 1850’s, he was interested in bringing politics and transportation to St. Augustine. Now the Westcott House brings guests and the bayfront together to sit quietly on the verandah and watch the harbor work its magic, and to watch the occasional horse drawn carriage take two lovers out of sight along the historic streets of St. Augustine.

Bayfront Westcott House
Florida Bed and Breakfast Hotel - St Augustine Inn in Florida, 146 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Website: www.westcotthouse.com | E-mail: info@westcotthouse.com

Since 1821, Florida has been a part of the United States of America. With pride, people of all Spanish and British heritage as well as the indigenous Indian tribes within Florida, can look back over their shoulders through time and envision a historical romantic tie with far away lands. St. Augustine will always be a gateway to history, revived, reborn, and rewarded. Happy Traveling to this romantic city!

(photos and captions from: www.visitoldcity.com, www.westcotthouse.com, www.innoncharlotte.com, www.innsofelegance.com, www.staugustinelighthouse.com, and www.leighcortpublicity.com)