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Wicked St. Augustine: Bootleggers, Brothels & Gambling in the Ancient City

4.8 (74)
St. Augustine, US
4.8 (74)
St. Augustine, US
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Experience the hidden secrets of St. Augustine on the thrilling Wicked St. Augustine tour. Uncover the untold stories of bootleggers, brothels, and gambling that shaped the history of this ancient city. As you explore the streets, you'll be transported back in time to an era of illicit activities, where hidden taverns and private clubs operated under the guise of a religiously-driven community. Discover the locations of high-stakes gambling and speak-easy taverns that once thrived, all while the political powers turned a blind eye. This tour offers a fascinating narrative of the city's dark past, revealing the secrets that were carefully kept from the public eye. Don't miss the chance to delve into the intriguing underbelly of St. Augustine's history on this captivating adventure.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 1 hours 30 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-13 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Uncover the hidden history of the nation's oldest city
  • Hear stories of illicit industries that shaped St. Augustine
  • Explore the locations of high stakes gambling and speakeasies
  • Learn how political powers secretly supported these activities
  • Discover the thriving tavern, gambling, and prostitution industry
  • Guided narrative of the illicit activites that took place in the 'family friendly' tourist town'

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More about this experience

Introduction

Discover the hidden secrets of St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, on the thrilling Wicked St. Augustine tour. Unveiling the captivating untold history, this tour takes you on a journey through the city's intriguing past, where illicit industries thrived while maintaining an image of religious virtue. Prepare to be immersed in a world of bootleggers, brothels, and gambling that shaped the financial success of this ancient town.

What to expect?

With a duration of 90 minutes, this immersive tour will transport you back in time as you explore the historical landmarks and uncover the scandalous underbelly of St. Augustine. Led by an experienced guide, you'll stroll through the enchanting streets, soaking in the stories of high-stakes gambling, hidden speakeasies, and private clubs that pushed the boundaries of the law, even during the era of prohibition. Gain insights into how these activities were known to the political powers of the time, who discreetly supported their providers, all while upholding a pristine public image.

Who is this for?

The Wicked St. Augustine tour appeals to curious individuals seeking a unique and offbeat experience in St. Augustine. History enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to delve into the hidden tales of this historic city, while those with an appetite for dark secrets will be captivated by the intrigue of its underworld. This tour offers a glimpse into the lives of all kinds of locals, from upscale vacationers in search of excitement to the working men who frequented the establishments along St. George Street. Anyone with an adventurous spirit and an interest in exploring the secrets of the past will find enjoyment in this tour.

Why book this?

Embark on the Wicked St. Augustine tour and unveil a side of this ancient city that few have witnessed. This captivating adventure offers a rare opportunity to step into a hidden world, where vices flourished in plain sight. As an experienced traveler, you know that the true stories of a place are often the most fascinating, and this tour promises an insider's perspective. Through lively narration and engaging anecdotes, the knowledgeable guide will transport you to a time when St. Augustine teemed with temptation and forbidden delights. This immersive experience will leave you with a deeper understanding of the city's complex history and a thirst for more untold tales.

Good to know

During the 90-minute duration of the Wicked St. Augustine tour, you'll explore key locations that once played host to the indulgences of the past. The meeting point is the fountain in the front courtyard of the Lightner Museum, nestled between the museum and Flagler College. Along the way, you'll visit the historic sites of the Lightner Museum, Flagler College, St. George Street, and Plaza de la Constitucion. Prepare to be enthralled by fascinating stories of the hidden corners, as well as the gambling halls, speakeasies, and boarding houses that operated as the city's code for brothels. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking throughout the tour.

Reviews

Previous participants of the Wicked St. Augustine tour have raved about the experience, praising its informative and engaging nature. They marveled at the expert storytelling and detailed historical knowledge of the guides, who truly brought the hidden past of St. Augustine to life. Visitors were left fascinated by the tales of forbidden indulgence and impressed by the tour's seamless organization. Many stated that this was the highlight of their trip to St. Augustine, as they uncovered a side of the city that conventional history books often overlook. Join the enthusiastic ranks of those who have journeyed into the intriguing world of Wicked St. Augustine and be enchanted by its secrets.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Lightner Museum

The courtyard in front of the old Alcazar Hotel, now the Lightner Museum, also in full view of the old Ponce de Leon Hotel, now Flagler College.

Flagler College

Location of the old Ponce de Leon Hotel, built by Henry Flagler. This was the epitome of luxury and decadence during the Gilded Age.

St. George Street

Here the stories of the private clubs that lined this and the adjoining streets, gambling halls, speak easies, and boarding houses for upscale vacationers, to the working men of the city.

Plaza de la Constitucion

From here guests will hear stories of gambling halls, speak easies and boarding houses (which were code in the day for brothels).

Reviews

(74)

4.8 (74)

ASeidl105

Ann was fascinating and her inside knowledge of the workings of St. Augustine society was extensive to say the least. Her descriptions of events and the people involved in them was colorful and really brought her stories to life.

Meechelle_P

It was a great experience. Ann had so much knowledge of the area and had done extensive research. The one note, she has so much to share and is so passionate about the history of St. Augustine, she can't do the tour in an hour and a half....it will go longer so be prepared, but well worth it.

paulettepashwarren

Not when it’s as interesting and entertaining as Ann Colby’s wicked look at the life and times of St Augustine’s most prominent citizens. Researched and documented, Ann brings the previously unspoken secrets of people and businesses that made the city, naming names and showing places. A treat for tourists that might just be even more fun for locals. Go! Enjoy! We had a great time

margaret18499

This tour is absolutely amazing. Ann Colby our tour guide and author of the book WICKED ST AUGUSTINE is the best. She is a great storyteller who delivers a mesmerizing flawless commentary on life in St Augustine from the first landing of the Spanish right up to the 1960’s. I highly recommend this tour.

Melanie_H

Great experience from an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Things to know: the tour is 3 hours, not 1.5. Also, you only walk a total of a few blocks and sit for most of it. Recommend bringing a lightweight blanket if it's chilly outside. It was truly an EXCELLENT experience. Don't hesitate with this one.

msholder37

This was a GREAT tour! Be advised the tour is not 1.5 hours but closer to 3. Having said that, the guide was willing to work with our schedule. You also walk only a few blocks and get sit for most of the tour. The guide was engaging, fun, and knowledgeable. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Melanie

A748TWdavidj

Great evening, focusing on the history of a town I thought I knew. Beautiful architecture, great stories from past to present. Our guide was very knowledgeable, but then she did write the book Wicked St. Augustine (Ann Colby). Highly recommend. Warning: it is an Adult only tour and it will probably run more than 90 minutes. Would definitely go again.

Aubrey_H

I actually ended up being the only person participating that night so I got a very personal tour! I’m a quiet, awkward person so I was anxious to hear this at first but Ann made me feel comfortable and kept me very engaged with her storytelling skills. It wasn’t what I expected from a tour but as someone very interested in history I was very pleased. I will point out that the length is much longer than advertised but she let me know offhand and mentioned that if I had time restrictions she could condense the tour/information. As I’m solo and had all the time in the world I went with the Real McCoy! (the origins of which you will learn from Ann in the tour.) There was lightening out and Ann made sure to keep an eye out for its distance and keep us near cover in case of rain. She also mentioned that she had cold water and bug spray available! It’s not like other walking tours where you’re moving around constantly — there were about 5 stops and at each you could find somewhere to sit/lean while Ann spoke. I really enjoyed my time and highly recommend to people who are interested in REAL history and not just what they will teach you in school. I ended up buying Ann’s book on kindle when I went home.

gregoryrP569ZI

The endless knowledge, presented in a story format, resulted in 3 hours of history being presented while seemingly only spending 1 hour. It did not matter that it rained on and off during the walk.

williamdN4447YP

We had a fantastic time with Ann as a guide through the darker side of St Augustine. Very informative and she does not hold back on talking about the color of the town. And soooo much better than being trapped on a bus.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-29 11:41