Join us in the Peña-Peck House Garden for a wicked good time and great food and drink! Acclaimed author Ann Colby brings her captivating stories of Wicked St. Augustine to life, sharing new tales of crime, passion, and intrigue from the city’s shadowy past. Enjoy a delicious garden luncheon in the historic garden while uncovering St. Augustine’s darker secrets—perfectly timed for Halloween!
When Pedro Menéndez de Avilés founded St. Augustine in 1565, his New World survival kit included gambling, liquor and ladies for hire. For the next four hundred years, these three industries were vital in keeping the city financially afloat. With the cooperation of law enforcement and politicians, St. Augustine's madams, bootleggers and high-rollers created a veritable Riviera where tourists, especially the wealthy, could indulge in almost every vice and still bring the family along for a wholesome vacation picking oranges and gawking at alligators.
Historian Ann Colby's book, Wicked St. Augustine, is the story of the spots not on the standard tourist map, including hidden-in-plain-sight bordellos, speakeasies, casinos and the occasional opium den. Her book can be purchased at the Peña-Peck House Gift Shop or Purchase Wicked St. Augustine here.
Lunch will be prepared and provided by the super people from The Spot in St. Augustine. Your ticket includes lunch, including dessert, and tea or soft drinks. Guests are welcome to bring their own libations; in case you do not, we will have some available for a small donation as well. Guests are also invited to exclusive access to our gift shop.
Tickets are $45 + Eventbrite fees. Individual seats are available as well as entire tables for 8 guests. If you would like to reserve a table larger than 8 people or any additional information please contact: lunchinthegardenpenapeck@gmail.com. To request to be seated with specific guests, please email the names of the parties you would like at your table to lunchinthegardenpenapeck@gmail.com.
As always, all profits from our events benefit the Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine Historic House Museum & Scholarship Program for women 25 and older returning to school.
We look forward to seeing you!
