Becoming a Part of the Story

I have fallen in love with many places in books that I'll never be able to actually visit (Yes Narnia, Hogwarts, and Middle-Earth, I mean you :).  But one of the things I love about my story is that it takes place in a real, live city.  I've been exploring these streets since I was a kid.  I used to write articles for a website about what to see, what to do, and where to eat.  I currently work at a B&B, and I've seen it's inner-workings.  I'm able to go to cool places like Nombre de Dios, the Castillo, and the Lightner Museum, soak in the atmosphere and history, and infuse that first-hand experience into my writing.

Below are some of my favorite places in St. Augustine that have inspired scenes in my story:

Nombre de Dios- landing site of Pedro Menendez de Aviles, where the first mass was held in the New World. There is an ancient church and cemetery here, as well as the tall bronze cross, beautiful grounds and ponds, and more recently, a gift store and museum.

The first chapter of my book takes place here, on the night of the carnival (which actually exists annually and used to always arrive on my birthday :)  During the day it's very peaceful, at night, pretty creepy.

The Castillo de San Marcos- this fort, which was begun by the Spanish in 1672 and took 23 years to complete, is now owned by National Parks Services.  You can walk around the grounds any time of day or night, but interior tours are usually available only during the day.  Reenactors roam, canons fire off twice a day, and lovers stroll the sea wall by night.

The 4th of July scene in my book is set here, the most popular place to watch the Independence Day fireworks.

Aviles Street- officially my favorite street in downtown St. Augustine, this is the oldest street in the city- and therefore the oldest street in the United States.  And yes, it actually is as beautiful in person as it is in this picture :)  Home to some awesome restaurants, unique shops and galleries, a commemorative mural, the Spanish Military Hospital, and no shortage of adorable entryways and picturesque balconies, this street is a great place to go for a stroll.  One evening a friend and I had the most amazing Mediterranean salad, pierogies, and coconut soup here, while a man played violin in the street and a horse and carraige passed along the brick street.  It.was.magical.

Alex and Simon have their first real discussion at the same restaurant- Gaufre's & Goods.

(more to come...)