St. Augustine: Sitting pretty with UF’s help
April 6, 2012
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The historic town of St. Augustine has been named one of America’s prettiest. The University of Florida hopes to make it even prettier.
With its work in St. Augustine, UF isn’t just helping preserve a national treasure. It’s also preserving one of the prettiest towns in America.
Forbes magazine has named St. Augustine to its list of “America’s Prettiest Towns,” alongside other picturesque places such as Newport, R.I., Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Key West. The magazine cites the town’s Spanish history as being among its top charms.
“We’re very proud of it,” said St. Augustine native Billy Triay, who oversees more than 30 historic properties in the city on UF’s behalf. “We’ve always known it. Now the secret’s out.”
The Forbes designation comes as UF and St. Augustine continue their joint effort to restore buildings and better present the town’s nearly 450-year history. The Florida Legislature made UF the steward of multiple state-owned properties in St. Augustine’s historic downtown, and the university — in partnership with the city — so far has spruced up several key buildings within the most popular tourist areas, including the Government House and properties along St. George Street.
“It lends to the importance of keeping these buildings up to a standard that matches that,” Triay says of Forbes’ list. “It’s that much more important that we get a fresh coat of paint and keep the windows clean.”
READ MORE ABOUT UF’S HISTORIC RENEWAL OF ST. AUGUSTINE
Forbes says it chose St. Augustine based on recommendations it received from the Travel Channel, National Geographic, Fodor’s and a travel writer. Nine other cities were also named, including Taos, N.M.; Columbus, Ind.; Longview, Wash.; and Tarrytown, N.Y.
“All offer not only aesthetic reward, but also memorable activities and destinations nearby,” Forbes says of its choices.
It’s the second time in recent months that St. Augustine has been singled out for such an honor — in December National Geographic magazine named the historic city one of the best places to view Christmas lights.