Dan Dowling
Google
There’s a secret spot in this town, and if you don’t pause and peek in to the little opening you might very well miss it as you walk down Saint George St.
There are no neon lights to flash you into its entrance, and if you are lucky enough to find it, you feel as though not everyone was meant to discover it. Once past the unassuming entrance, it all opens up into a beautiful seemingly private courtyard that you are secretly not sure if you should be in. But rest assured, you are.
If you’re a sucker, as I am, for the protective shield of the canopy of a large old oak, this may be the spot for you. Colonial Oak Music Park, so named for the large 300 year old oak tree with its furrowed bark and gnarled branches that hang in a shielding umbrella over the benches and tables that bear witness to the humble music stage along the back wall.
The stage Is always filled with different musical acts which, while good, are always secondary to the atmosphere of the place.
Ancient trees inspire wonder, especially in coastal towns like Saint Augustine. How many hurricanes, celebrations, funerals, auctions, executions, town meetings or secret rendezvous were held beneath these branches? Whether they were pirates or paramours , conquistadors or courtesans, titans or townsfolk, big old shady trees hold secrets. Their endurance assures us that chaos is only temporary. That the world will go on and, while not perfect, many good things will endure.
At night, as the sun sets, the string lights which hang just under the bows give the place a festive glow; one that mixes well with the libations and the general good spirit of the crowd. You’ll see everything here from the seasoned citizen to bikers, families to sorority girls, right on down to the 2 year old little dude in miniature Crocs playing in the dirt as his mother tries to keep him from getting too grubby. You’ll see the smiling and the dancing… all under the branches of a big old oak. This place is all atmosphere and you'd be doing yourself a disservice to not visit it for a while when in town. But once you duck in you’ll realize this is a place you can relax for a while, listen to music, smile, have a drink or five, and enjoy the ones you're with, even if that’s just you.
