Destination St. Augustine

I’m back in NY but thinking of my lovely week in St. Augustine, Florida . My best friend treated me to a shared birthday trip with her family and a friend, where we rented a condo.

My best friend of 23 years Alison (an amazing costume designer for films) and Justin (the fabulous star of Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nouba in Orlando) both to my left.

I have always had an affinity for Florida and its colorful landscape. I lived in Tampa for one month with Alison, just before our 2 month cross country trip when we were 22. I remember most vividly the dark green leaves and deep mossy brown of the palm tree in our yard. I also remember staying up so late that I welcomed some of the most beautiful sunsets.

My trip to St. Augustine had a most unique palette. Instead of the bright ‘in your face’ yellows I associate with Florida (it is ,after-all ,the sunshine state) I encountered the most serene earthy tones.

I really enjoyed the ocean’s palettes of warm blues, tans, and reds. The shallows of sand were masterpieces of neutrals. An unfortunate jelly fish has the most tranquil affect in the glistening water. An alien species for sure.

The jelly fish was only the first in my St. Augustine menagerie. A friendly dragonfly landed on Alison’s hand displaying colors of green and brown. Another alien looking creature. I have to admit that I became a squirming city girl at the sight of this animal.

I have to admit that I became a squirming city girl at the sight of this animal.

We took a trip to the Fountain of Youth, where we not only imbibed the restorative waters, but encountered many interesting , colorful creatures. Including these 1960s models of ancient Spanish explorers.

The official greeters of the Fountain of Youth parking lot are peacocks. I’ve never seen so many strutting young males in my life (except for the streets of Chelsea in the summer) . Peacocks roam freely throughout the grounds in various stages of showing off. One actually flew over my head , landing on the gift shop roof. It was exciting to see the rich jewel tones of blues and greens.

I also had never seen a white peacock. It’s albino feathers were a pure shade of white – not a speck of dirt.

Across from the peacock patrol, inside the grounds were a muted set of friends. Ducklings had hatched a few weeks before we arrived. Their dark striped downy was so rich and masculine. The yellow of their beak was a beautiful contrast to the dark stripes. I wanted to reach out and touch them.

The little duck’s neighbor was a feisty ostrich. She has such a beautiful coat of gray feathers, but isn’t so cuddly ; I had no desire to touch her. I also love the white feathers around her neck- she looks likes she dressed for the opera.

I can only imagine what Ponce De Leon thought of the native flora. The bright flowers and variegation of leaves is like nothing in the rest of the country. The bronze Indian adds a distinct royal touch to the woodsy surroundings.

After a severe sunburn squashed our beach plans, we all headed to old St. Augustine for some shopping and refreshments. Old St. Augustine has a cool old town artsy vibe with beautiful Spanish architecture. I am a sucker for the tiled roofs and elaborate iron work. Is there anything more relaxing than sipping a martini overlooking sailboats and a marina (an an old fort / prison)? I think not.

I wholeheartedly suggest you take a trip soon to St. Augustine before it’s pristine beaches are attacked by hungry developers. Right now, it’s an affordable sanctuary.

So, as I fly home to NYC, I wipe a tear from my eye. I can’t wait to get back to the beach, BBQ, and colorful memories. As I write this, I sadly report the untimely death of the greatest Pictionary teammate Mr. John Robbins of Southampton. He was my best friend’s grandfather and a true English gentleman. He will be sadly missed ! Here’s a picture of him at the beach house enjoying an afternoon cocktail. Cheers !

Where have you traveled that has an inspiring palette?