Flagler's Legacy

St Augustine was quite interesting and we certainly covered some miles.  As a result, we knew you'd be keen to see a few extra photos....

Flagler College

Flagler College, once the grand Ponce de Leon Hotel, was a luxury resort built for the wealthy and famous by Henry Flagler in 1887.  Its artwork, architecture and Tiffany windows are a sight to behold.   We marveled at the decorative detail both inside and out, extravagant fountains and plush furnishings.  Gold leaf was used with wild abandon and frescoes cover ceilings and walls.  Fabulous oil paintings, clocks, sculptures and candelabras hang everywhere.  Wood is highly carved and polished within an inch of its life.  Oh, to be rich!

Stunning Bronze in Lightner Museum

The Lightner Museum, formerly the Alcazar Hotel, was also built by Flagler in 1888. His signature style, a sort of wild Spanish version of Rococo, was clearly evident in this casino come pool/spa resort, a welcome diversion for his wealthy guests.  The Museum contains an interesting collection of Victorian period memorabilia and items that were in everyday use by guests at the Hotel in its heyday.  Collections of vases, glassware, cutlery and crockery used in the hotel were displayed along with other items used or collected by wealthy owners  over what is now known as the Guilded Age.  We walked through its grand ballroom that once overlooked a huge indoor swimming pool (now sadly concreted over), and were amazed by complicated plumbing in the bath and steam rooms.  No luxuries were spared.

Dinner Guest at Ripleys...everything has a story attached!

Ripley's (of Believe it or not! fame) Mansion dates from 1887 and is now converted into a museum of oddities - such as the moose, once frozen in that very window.  I think he's well and truly stuffed now!  I'm not sure that he sings though, Paula....

We crossed 2 bridges, clutching handrails to keep from falling - only to discover it was a trick that confused our brains (and that's not too hard, really!).  The Cap'n was so miffed, he tried it a second time only to discover that he couldn't get 2 steps onto the bridge before going weak at the knees.

Oldest School House

There was quite a collection of oriental bits and pieces and although it seemed "usual" to us (living in the Asia Pacific region), the life and times of the far Orient must have been, and probably still is, quite a mystery to many.   Other oddities around town included the oldest school house in US.  (That's not the world's oldest pupil beside it however!).  As you can see, we had lots of fun exploring St Augustine - it's highly recommended for a visit.   

Other ways to see the ICW, me hearties!