A new event this summer “Vilano Sunset Celebration” is a big hit! Beginning in June vendors, musicians, and folks started gathering to experience the newly-established Vilano Beach Town Center and all its unique treasures. The fun-filled event is now being held every first Saturday of the month from 3:00 pm – dusk. Each Saturday celebration features new music and entertainment at the Vilano Beach Pier and Pavilion.
The Sunset Celebration includes artistic performers, local arts and crafts, and genuine Old Florida surprises all in one evening. Take the opportunity here to dine on food samples from businesses along Vilano Road and see why this beach is one of the best kept hidden treasures in St Augustine. To add a bit of history to your fun-time, floating docks are nearby the pier to allow for waterway transport from the mainland to the island – just as in the early Flagler days. Activities focus on music and ambiance with unique arts, crafts, and photography all available. To add to the appeal, this event is completely free to the public and locals and visitors alike are invited to join in the fun!
Vilano Beach Pier (Photo credit: stephg67)
Many do not know that Vilano Beach here in St Augustine has quite a long history behind it. It is often a quieter setting and less frequented by visitors than popular St Augustine Beach. Vilano is located just two miles north of St. Augustine’s downtown historic district.
Back when Henry Flagler attracted northern tourists to his hotels in St. Augustine, the seaside community of Vilano Beach was often their oceanfront playground. Ferries and horse drawn trolleys brought visitors to the beaches back in those days. In the 1920′s what is now Surfside Park of Vilano was also the home to a grand casino where big name bands from New York, vaudeville acts, theme parties and dances were hosted. Destroyed by a bad storm in 1937, a historic marker in its place now tells its story.
Sunrise @ Vilano Beach, FL (Photo credit: iwaswired – Don Dearing)
Beginning in the late 1940′s and continuing in the 1950′s, small motels and “motor courts” began to emerge along Vilano Road near the site of the new town center and today’s Sunset Celebration. Many of the locals remember “Newts Motel” with the large blue bird in front. Prior to 1995, a drawbridge brought visitors over to this very road. In 1995, the opening of a new and improved bridge diverted traffic away from the once popular road having a negative impact on the area businesses. The development of the new town center and the re-opening of hotels on this side, bring back fond memories of the Vilano that once thrived with visitors. The Sunset Celebration is a gathering to remind us what a treasure this beach is to St Augustine!
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