Since 1565...or 2011. 

While this city specifically has deep roots in history, being the first city in our nation (established in 1565), it also has deep roots in the history of Bart Bridge!

That's right, a birthplace of friendship between two members on our team!

Ashley actually grew up in Florida, about 3 hours south of Saint Augustine. She went to college in Saint Augustine from 2008-2012, majoring in Communications and Media Production at Flagler College! If you haven't seen this school, the best way to describe it is a real-life "Hogwarts" of sorts! Nestled in the historic downtown streets, just steps away from Mantanzas Bay and a quick drive to the beaches (unless you get held up by that pesky Bridge of Lions!) 

During her Junior year, Ashley crossed paths with the California kid himself - Luke.

Luke is your Berkeley Native. He knows and loves all things California and Local, but in 2011 he found himself on the East Coast - more specifically in Saint Augustine, FL!

Ashley and Luke's paths crossed while working at a little hole-in-the-wall bar called "Nick & Brads Bar and Grill". (You won't find this establishment today - but it was located right along the main Plaza, on Cathedral Place, just around the corner from St. George Street's shopping)

Ashley became entranced with Luke's stories of his travels across the country, and the many little towns he grew to love along the way. They bonded over their wanderlust for adventure and new places. And a friendship was born.

While time and distance created space between them after 2011 - they stayed in touch through out the years!

Luke made his way back home to the San Francisco Bay Area - and began the first steps to creating what is now "Bart Bridge". After some years, miles, and many stories in between, Ashley joined Bart Bridge full time in 2021.

So, you may think you are just purchasing a hat from us, but truly you are igniting a flame in our hearts. When this design shows up on our order list, we are taken back to memories of working doubles in the gift shops on the cobblestone roads, to dancing away at Reggae Sunday's at the Conch House, and playing Trivia at Scarlett O'Hara's, walking down Cordova Street (probably late) for Class, and hanging with friends on the west lawn. We are taken back to late nights fishing (and only catching catfish) in the San Sebastian River... and many more timeless memories that were made in this Historic town.

Thank you for bringing us back to these special memories! We hope your time is Saint Augustine brought you many smiles as well! And we encourage you to share your story in the comments below!

(Go Saints! 😉 )