Shopping and Dining in the Ancient City

In the early days of St. Augustine the main thoroughfare was St. George Street, located near Castillo de San Marcos and Bridge of Lions. Today it is still considered the heart of the "Ancient City". Here you will find historic attractions, art galleries, handcrafted gifts, wonderful restaurants, yummy bakeries and shops for which the city is famous.

The bulk of the stores are on five blocks of St. George Street between Cathedral Place and Orange Street. With some roadways in the Ancient City approaching 300 years old and narrow, this is a walking mall and closed to auto traffic.

Let's Shop

You will find the shops listed below on St. George Street. I've probably left out twenty or more high quality shopping opportunities, so in advance please forgive me for only picking a few to put on my web site.

Ok girls, here is the place to start. Sunburst Crystal is located in the historic Sanchez House at 105 St. George Street. Here you'll find one of the most complete collections of Swarovski crystal anywhere. Prices from a few dollars to hundreds. You'll ooh and ahh throughout the store.

Another favorite boutique gallery is Saint Augustine Art Glass at 54 St. George Street. The gallery represents over 50 American artists with handcrafted pottery, engraved clocks, blown glass, stained glass and many more beautiful things.

For the guys, try H.W. Davis for resort and menswear or pick up the perfect fedora panama made by hand at Panama Hat Company.

Got a sweet tooth? Starting originally in Savannah, Georgia, you'll find our local Savannah Sweets home to plenty of pecan delicacies and chocolaty treats.

For your dining pleasure

I don't want to make anyone upset by leaving our their favorite restaurant, so let me say there are many fantastic places to eat in historic St. Augustine. Unfortunately I only have a little space (on this page and in my clothes!) for reviews, so here are a few of the more popular spots:

The Bunnery Bakery & Cafe is great for breakfast. Come in, grab a booth and then go up to order your food from the counter. I love the cinnamon rolls, fresh from the oven and with plenty of icing.

Try Florida Cracker Cafe for inexpensive, nice sized portions and great service. This laid-back casual dining restaurant makes for a fun destination on a hot summer afternoon. I especially enjoy the crabcakes, fish sandwich and they make a true southern sweet tea.

Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille at 46 Avenida Menendez is another local favorite. The restaurant offers New Orleans style cooking and delicious seafood entries. Try a Grouper Po'Boy and fried grit cake. Ask to sit on the patio.

Looking for Spanish cuisine? Columbia Restaurant is one of my favorite places for dinner on St. George Street. The 1905 salad is a meal all by itself or share with a friend. It is prepared right at your table. I also recommend the Palomilla and Ropa Vieja.

Collage Restaurant. Located in the old La Parisienne spot on Hypolita Street (a bit off St. George Street but in the area), this newcomer to the St. Augustine restaurant scene has captured the hearts of many discerning "foodies". Try their signature Lobster Ravioli. Pricey - main courses $24 to $36 - but excellent.

Looking for a yummy deal in St. Augustine?

My name is Janet Carey and I want to thank you for visiting my web site. I am a real estate agent and fourth generation Floridian. I specialize in the St. Augustine Florida area including Elkton, Hastings and the surrounding beaches of Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach, Butler Beach, Treasure Beach and Crescent Beach. If you would like to learn more about living in America's First City, please give me a call at 813.528.3331 or email Janet Carey.

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