When I inform people I guide tours in St. Marys, they often reply “But doesn’t St. Marys have only one main street?” Well, yes, Osborne Street, but it’s a cute one! Plus, there is so much fascinating history packed onto this one street that it is difficult to fit into a single tour.

Below find five reasons why St. Marys is so attractive and why you should add it to your list as a day trip or weekend destination!

1. My Town is Older Than Yours

This area’s history starts 2,000 years ago with the Timucua Indians, who had a settlement here when the first Europeans – the French – arrived in the 1560s. Although they did not settle here, the Spanish most likely did soon after. If so, that would make St. Marys the second oldest European settlement in the U.S. after St. Augustine.

2. Like Scenes From an Action Movie

For such a small town, St. Marys has seen LOTS of action, from the first Europeans exploring these virgin lands 500 years ago to World War II, as locals were called upon to watch out for enemy planes.

For example, during the War of 1812 the British occupied St. Marys, but their hundreds of troops were beaten back by just thirty American soldiers. Fifty years later, locals averted disaster when Union soldiers attempted to burn the town’s oldest church during the Civil War. The parishioners prayed for rain to put out the fire and astonishingly, it did!

St. Marys’ charming centuries-old buildings attest to this long and rich history, and you may still enter them and soak up their stories yourself!

Gain exclusive access to some of these sites on our St. Marys Walking Tour.

3. Sleep in a Murderer’s Bedroom

Vice President Aaron Burr stopped in St. Marys on his flight South after killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel. The home where he stayed in the early 19th century still has a bedroom named the “Aaron Burr Room,” and you can sleep in it yourself! Come on a walking tour to find out which house it is!

St. Marys has plenty of adorable bed and breakfasts and rental properties which you can use as a home base to explore the area.

4. “Enter as Strangers, Leave as Friends”

Locals are just so friendly and welcoming! A sign over the door of one of St. Marys’ most popular bed and breakfasts, the Goodbread House, reads “Enter as strangers, leave as friends,” and this motto applies to the whole town, as locals love to connect with visitors.

Stop in one of St. Marys’ many enticing local shops or restaurants to experience this hospitality first-hand!

5. Sunset Central

St. Marys’ picturesque centuries-old buildings set against its river backdrop make it a truly peaceful and beautiful place to visit. Stick around for a sunset over the St. Marys River – you won’t regret it!

---

If you think all of this sounds appetizing, St. Marys’ food scene is yet another draw! Tune in soon for an article on its quality restaurants!

Looking for things to do in St. Marys? Click here for a comprehensive list!