The Palace Saloon in Fernandina Beach, Florida

The Palace Saloon, Florida's oldest bar, opened in 1903 in Fernandina, a bustling 20th-century port town. It was known as the "Shipcaptain's Bar" among the many establishments near the docks. Uniquely, it was the last bar in Florida to close before Prohibition, generating significant revenue on its final day of legal sales. During Prohibition, the saloon survived by selling other goods like gasoline and ice cream, then resumed normal operations after the ban was repealed. Historically, it was a "gentleman's establishment" offering amenities like towels for mustache foam and a large spitting jar. It attracted a diverse clientele, including prominent families like the Carnegies and Rockefellers. Despite a devastating fire in 1999, the Palace was successfully restored thanks to new ownership. Today, it preserves many original features, such as mosaic floors and tin ceilings, with a 40-foot bar illuminated by gas lamps. The saloon is adorned with hand-carved figures, historical memorabilia, and a pirate statue at its entrance. Legend also tells of "Uncle Charlie," the resident ghost of a former bartender who continues to interact with patrons and staff.