The St. Augustine Interviews
John Stavely

Dr. Dewey Cheetum
aka John Stavely

John Stavely has been a part of St. Augustine tourism for many years.

If you happen to see Henry Flagler or Thomas Edison around town, more than likely it's John. He is extremely knowledgeable and is a great tour guide.

He recently decided to offer personalized tours for very small groups. You can choose from ghost and paranormal, photography, best pubs, the best of the downtown music scene or how about a two hour food fest.

Whatever you are interested in John will put together a tour you are sure to enjoy.

John is also a published author with two books already in print and three more on the way. John loves sharing St. Augustine.

Ladies and Gentlemen; John Stavely

Hi John, thanks so much for agreeing to our interview. Would you please introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi, I'm John Stavely. I lead local guided adventures in St Augustine, Florida for folks who want to experience the good stuff here.

You have been giving tours of St. Augustine for many years, what do you feel makes St. Augustine special?

Where would I begin? St. Augustine is a little, big town with lots of history, character and appeal. A place you can feel instantly at home. It just feels familiar. It's a great place for discovery if you know where to look.

We've seen you around town in "character". I know there are many different people you portray, very convincingly, could you tell us about them?

I enjoy portraying historical figures in "first-person" character. I attempt to bring history to life with a living, breathing representation of interesting people from our past. Henry Flagler is most popular and so is Thomas Edison. My two favorites are a pirate named John Kent and a Colonial Merchant named Jesse Fish. It's also challenging to recreate special characters for museums and group events. Being able to mingle with modern folk in an old fashioned manner is lots of fun!

You recently opened a new tour company offering your own up close and personal tours. What sets your tours apart and why are they special?

Love my Tours is all about the local's St Augustine on a flexible schedule. It's tough to visit a place and find the good food, cool music, most haunted sites or best bars. I lead these adventures personally and adjust them based on the interests of the group. You won't visit 20 attractions in two hours but you will get to see the best of our town in a relaxed way. For many visitors, this is a nice addition to the typical tours you find in most cities. It's more personal, fits your schedule and we like to have fun.

You are also a published author. Please tell us about your books.

I have two books in print right now with three more in the works. Both books are focused on ghost stories in a "round the campfire" style that's quick and easy to read. Ghosts and Gravestones in St. Augustine, Florida was the first followed by Ghosts and Gravestones of Savannah, Georgia. They're fun to read and good conversation starters.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our visitors?

Yes. I love St. Augustine and really enjoy showing off our town. I'd like to show it to you. Check out my website Love My Tours and let me know what adventures appeal to you. I'll suggest and you decide. Talk to you soon.

Thanks so much, John, for taking the time out of your busy schedule for our interview. I know our visitors will enjoy one or all of your many personalized tours.

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