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Book It Now!
Experience life in St. Augustine in a time when the town was a vital outpost of the Spanish Empire. This exclusive Railcar 90 experience allows you to immerse yourself in the life of a St. Augustinian in the 18th, 17th or 16th century - wear the clothes of the period, prepare and enjoy the foods that were standard fare here long ago, work with the tools that were part of everyday life, and understand the hopes, fears and dreams of the brave people who insured the survival of St. Augustine.
The exclusive four-day Once Upon a Time experience is available October 12-17, 2008.
Cost is $599 per person.
Day One:
Begin your Once Upon a Time experience with an expert orientation on the lives of St. Augustine’s residents during the city’s two Colonial Spanish periods - 1565-1764 and 1784-1821. You will physically explore the area and gain an understanding of the dimensions of the colonial city and its key landmarks - including a visit to the Mission of Nombre de Dios, the place where St. Augustine’s founder Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles first came ashore on September 8, 1565. You’ll sample the tastes of early Spanish foods and learn about daily life of these periods - including fiestas, holidays and fun! The day includes an opportunity to dig deeply into the archives of the St. Augustine Historical Society’s Research Library where an amazing collection of manuscripts, microfilms, art, photos and digital images will be available for you to accurately create your Spanish Colonial identity.
Day Two:
Historic site visits are the theme of the day and you’ll begin with experiencing coquina - the building block of colonial St. Augustine. You’ll travel across Matanzas Bay to Anastasia Island to visit the original quarry where this coarse, seashell and limestone rock was removed by 17th century Spaniards to build the city’s Castillo de San Marcos. You’ll touch coquina and feel its unusual properties - properties that insured the Castillo could withstand even the most determined bombardment by Spain’s enemies. Next, a boat will take you to Rattlesnake Island where you can explore Fort Matanzas - an 18th century Spanish fort that prevented enemy fleets from sneaking into St. Augustine from the south through a watery "backdoor". While there, a hike along picturesque nature trails will acquaint you with a natural world that has largely remained unchanged for centuries. Your Fort Matanzas experience will include a visit to the site of the 1565 massacre of the French by Spanish forces based in St. Augustine. The afternoon will include a visit to the beautiful Fountain of Youth Archeological Park where the story of Florida’s early settlement is told beneath a magnificent canopy of live oaks. While here, you can assist in an actual archeological dig, contribute to a better understanding of the past and learn more about some of the city’s most exciting Archeological discoveries!
Day Three:
Armed with your new and in-depth knowledge of colonial St. Augustine, this day will focus on the clothing and day-to-day lives of the military and civilian citizens who in past centuries called the city "home". You will determine the exact clothing you will need to "fit in" in your selected St. Augustine colonial time period. Then, working with a tailor, you will prepare an historic wardrobe that will fully immerse you in history. A visit to the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum will provide you with a living history experience from the year 1740. Destroyed by the British, this section of the city has been re-built on its original foundation and provides hands-on experiences in working with tools of the period, cooking and gardening. Your day ends with a tour of the Castillo de San Marcos - the massive coquina fortress that has successfully defended the city for more than 300 years. Built 1672-1695, the Castillo remains the best example of Colonial Spanish military architecture in the United States. While there, you will learn what life was like for the Spanish soldiers who lived in St. Augustine and served at the Castillo. You’ll also see and hear the weapons that were the tools of St. Augustine’s Spanish defenders.
Day Four:
Today you will travel back through the centuries to apply what you have learned and participate in an historical re-enactment at Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose - or Fort Mose (pronounced Moh-Say). Hidden away in the marshes just north of the city, Fort Mose was founded in 1738 as a home for runaway slaves from the British colonies. In addition to serving as a beacon of hope for those held in human bondage in the north, Fort Mose was also a vital link in St. Augustine’s defenses. To reinforce the importance of the African-American contribution to St. Augustine’s history, you’ll get a special tour of the Tolomato Cemetery, Emancipation Park, and the Lincolnville historic district. You, along with other Once Upon a Time participants, will complete your experience by presenting your historical character to the St. Augustine community in the Plaza de la Constitucion -followed by an evening of merriment and folly at the Taberna del Gallo, an authentic 1740s-era Spanish pub.
The Once Upon a Time living history program will be presented to Railcar 90 members by Tour Saint Augustine.
- Program dates are October 12-17, 2008.
- Advance Reservations are required.
- Additional dates are available for groups of 10 or more.
Cost $599 per person
- Includes all tours, educational programs, costuming, two lunches, and a farewell reception.
- All other meals are on your own
- Accommodations are not included, but we can make housing arrangements for you at one of our area bed & breakfast inns, hotels or other lodging facilities.
For more information or to book Railcar 90’s Once Upon a Time program, click here.
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