Become a Historic City News Explorer, learn about our city and its history, and enjoy a week doing some sightseeing with family and friends, or plan a day becoming an expert on the authentic history of America’s Oldest City.
All Historic City News readers are admitted free-of-charge to the daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery, as well as the Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum.
And, Historic City News readers who are St. Johns County residents with a valid ID, are admitted free-of-charge to the Oldest House, the Lightner Museum, the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, City Walks History Mystery Murder Evening Tour, Journey: 450 Years of the African-American Experience Exhibit, and the Hotel Ponce de Leon Legacy Tours at Flagler College.
Did you know locals can enjoy a day of education and entertainment at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and take 50% regular admission? Be sure to ask, because many other local attractions offer discounted admissions to St. Johns County residents with valid ID.
| Monday – Sunday: July 7 – 13 |
| The Award-Winning Journey: 450 Years of the African-American Experience – Recognized by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation as an outstanding heritage education program, Journey: 450 Years of the African American Experience covers the long and storied history of African-Americans in St. Augustine. The story of African-Americans begins in St. Augustine with the first Africans both free and slave among founding colonists in 1565. The exhibition is designed for cultural and heritage visitors interested in the full history of America and its beginnings and comprises four themes: Genesis of the African-American Experience; Fortress of Freedom; Breaking the Chains; and Crossroads of Change. Tickets are $5 for adults; $4 for seniors; $3 for youth 7-12; under 7 free. Free admission for military in uniform. Located at the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center, 10 West Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. www.Journey2014.com
El Galeón and Nao Victoria Tour – Tour full-sized replicas of 16th and 17th century Spanish tall ships. Docked at the St. Augustine City Marina, El Galeón Andalucia and Nao Victoria are both open for daily tours. El Galeón is an exact replica of the famous galleons that played an important role in the creation and maintenance of the Spanish Empire. Built in Spain, it is similar to the galleon that brought Pedro Menendez to Florida where he founded St. Augustine in 1565. The Nao Victoria is a replica of the first ship to successfully circumnavigate the world commanded by Ferdinand Magellan in the 16th century. The ships are available for tours beginning at 10 a.m. daily. El Galeón admission is $15 for adult and $8 for youth. Nao Victoria admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth. A combo ticket for both ships is available for $20 for adults and $10 for youth. 111 Avenida Menendez. 904-824-1606 www.elgaleon.org. |
| Wednesday: July 9 |
| Farmer’s Arts and Crafts Market – Farmer’s Market located at the ocean-side St. Johns County Pier Park featuring selections of fresh produce, plants, baked goods, fine art, jewelry and more! Open 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. rain or shine. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. 904-347-8007
Music by the Sea Concert Series 2014– Every Wednesday night through September 24, live concerts take place from 7 – 9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion. This week’s entertainment is Steam the Band playing rock and roll. The Purple Olive Restaurant will offer signature dinners for $10. Admission is free. For comfortable seating, bring a folding chair. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach 904-347-8007 www.thecivicassociation.org
Movie by the Bay – Ripley’s St. Augustine Attractions and the St. Augustine Municipal Marina present free movies each Wednesday throughout the summer. This week’s feature is “George of the Jungle”. The movies are shown at 8:30 p.m. at the Marina behind Bayfront Mini Golf, 111 Avenida Menendez. Bring beach chair and blanket for comfortable seating by the bay. 904-824-1606 www.facebook.com/saintaugustineripleys |
| Thursday: July 10 |
| 2014 Concerts in the Plaza – The 24th season of Concerts in the Plaza continues with a free live performance every Thursday night from 7 – 9 p.m. in St. Augustine’s historic Plaza de la Constitucion. Bring a chair or blanket for seating. This week’s performers are the Ancient City Slickers. 904-825-1004 www.plazaconcerts.com
Lighthouse Dark of the Moon Special Ghost Investigation – This special three-hour investigation at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum takes place annually on the anniversary of three tragic deaths that occurred here in 1873. Explore the tower, keepers’ house and nature trails with your own ghost hunting equipment or rent an EMF meter on site. The investigation begins at 10:45 p.m. Space is limited. Call or go online to purchase advance tickets ($35 non-members/$30 members). 81 Lighthouse Ave., St. Augustine 904-829-0745 www.staugustinelighthouse.org |
| Friday: July 11 |
| First Friday Art Walk (Note date change for month of July only) – From 5 – 9 p.m. on this special 2nd Friday edition of the First Friday Art Walk, the Art Galleries of St. Augustine feature new exhibits, refreshments and live music at more than 20 galleries. The event is held rain or shine inside the member galleries and is a free, self-guided walking tour (tour maps available at participating galleries). Plus, free Art Walk Trolleys and Trains provided by St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys provide free transportation throughout downtown for the art walk. 832-779-2781 www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.org
Amiro Art & Found Debuets Cabinet of Curiosities – As part of St. Augustine’s Art Walk from 5 – 9 p.m., Amiro Art & Found creates a modern-day Cabinet of Curiosities when they fill the gallery with art, oddities, and other objects of interest. 9C Aviles St., St. Augustine. 904-824-8460 www.amiroartandfound.com |
| Friday – Sunday: July 11 – 13 |
| 2014 Annual Ancient City Game Fish Challenge – The Ancient City Game Fish Challenge, formerly known as the Kingfish Challenge, takes place at the St. Augustine Marina and features a two-day SKA-sanctioned Kingfish Tournament along with an Inshore Tournament. Junior anglers compete on July 11. This year’s Challenge will be in memory of Jerad Revels, a local high school student who lost his life while working on his family farm. 111 Avenida Mendez Ave. http://acgfa.com |
| Saturday: July 12 |
| Old City Farmers’ Market – Features locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, plants and more. Located at the St. Augustine Amphitheater. Open 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Admission is free. 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. 904-471-3733
GTM Reserve Guided Trail Hike – Join GTM Research Reserve volunteers from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. for a 1.5 mile guided walk along the Guana Trail. After the walk, visit the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center. There is a $3 parking fee. 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach 904-823-4500 http://gtmnerr2ndtrailhike.eventbrite.com
Second Saturday: City Walks Pet Friendly Tours – Bring Fido to join City Walks for a free pet friendly Tour of St. Augustine’s Historic District. The tour departs at 10 a.m. from Tour Saint Augustine’s office. Pets must be leashed, and reservations are required. 4 Granada St., St. Augustine 904-825-0087 www.staugustinecitywalks.com
Living History Day at Fort Matanzas – From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad reenactors demonstrate Spanish cannons at this fortress that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. Admission is free including the ferry ride to and from Rattlesnake Island. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A, approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. 904-471-0116 www.nps.gov/foma
Flip Flop Till You Drop – Go on a pleasant beachside walk, enjoy live music, food and drink specials and more while raising funds for Kids Bridge Family Visitation Center. The annual 1 p.m. event begins and ends at Jack’s Bar-B-Que on the corner of A1A and A Street in St. Augustine Beach. 904-501-0923
Sunset/Moonrise at St. Augustine Lighthouse – Enjoy the sunset and moonrise from the top of the Lighthouse! The $25 admission includes a champagne toast, provided by San Sebastian Winery, hors d’oeuvres from The Reef and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. 81 Lighthouse Ave., St. Augustine 904-829-0745 www.staugustinelighthouse.org |
| Sunday: July 13 |
| Free Community First Night Owl Cinema at the Amphitheatre – The Goonies is the featured film to be shown at 8 p.m. on the big screen at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre (gates open at 7 p.m.) The free cinema is presented by Community First Credit Union and the Amphitheatre. Admission and parking are free and no tickets are required. A variety of concessions will be available for purchase. 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine 904-209-0367; www.staugamphitheatre.com |
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