Places of Interest in Florida

Are you feeling tired and exhausted from your daily chores? Well, don't you think it is time to take a break and spend some quality time with your family, loved ones, friends or just want to be with yourself in a certain place? If so, then you may consider about going to Florida for a remarkable vacation to free your self from your tedious routine. Spectacular views, sports, unique culture and arts, wide variety of shopping options and a lot more await you there.

First things first!

One very important thing every vacationer has to consider prior to visiting a certain spot is to plan ahead. This is a must-do for you to make things smooth, from start until the end of your travel -- making it a noteworthy experience of your life. Hence, if you plan to take a break and go for a vacation in some interesting places, be sure to make all things set first. And this would include knowing where to go.

Introducing Florida

Popularly dubbed as "The Sunshine State", Florida is yet, one of the many interesting places to visit. Few things that make Florida a place of interest to many travelers are the remarkable views and other unique and exciting features. To name a few are the tourist attractions and momentous events, which every Floridian takes pride of.

Below are few of the many things that you could expect from visiting Florida:

• Spectacular beach views. This is one of the common reasons as to why many tourists come back and forth in Florida. The huge body of waters as such with the beautiful beaches lure visitors to stopover the place to enjoy more fun in their vacation. This gives way to everyone to enjoy fishing, snorkeling, surfing, boating and scuba diving.

• Fun and Entertaining places. Aside from the fine beaches, Florida is also proud to welcome tourists with fun and entertaining places including Everglades National Park, Florida Keys, Apalachicola, Fort Myers and many more.

• Golf courses and resorts. Florida seizes a hundred and seventy-six golf courses and resorts. Florida also seizes 23 golf academies, the reason why it is famous for hosting the prominent golf competitions. This could be the reason why several prominent golf tournaments are held in this place, which had ensnared various traveling golfers from across the globe.

• Culture and Arts. Impressive arts and culture are also promising in your future Florida visit. The place itself showcases various impressive artistry and cultural scenes situated in friendly scenery.

All these and more linger in your forthcoming stopover in the Sunshine State of Florida. If you think this is the best time to have a break from your tedious routines, then start planning everything and then ready yourself to fly to Florida. Rest assured, everything will flow smooth when you are already in the place. Indeed this would make your vacation a one-of-a-kind self-replenishing experience you would cherish in a lifetime.

100-year-old tree blocks homesite

A single live oak off Markland Place downtown has become a point of contention between property owners who want to remove the tree and build a house and Valencia neighborhood residents who want to preserve the 100-year-old tree.

St. Augustine's Planning and Zoning Board and City Commission have denied the owner's requests for a tree removal permit.

But the owners said Saturday that -- despite the tree -- they will put a house on that lot.

Gerald R. Leach of St. Augustine said he'd planned to build a $300,000 carriage house there for his family, "but they need a garage."

Now, he said, he'll construct a simple block house and rent it to college students.

"It won't be a pretty house," Leach said. "I'll have to build the cheapest thing I can."

His problem: A 30-inch diameter oak with a large root ball sits at the end of a 100-foot driveway that leads to his vacant lot.

Read more about it here: 100-year-old tree blocks homesite

Ke'e Grill in St. Augustine

The Ke'e Grill is located at 14020 US Hwy 1, Juno Beach Florida, 33408 (at Donald Ross Rd).

How do you know that it is an excellent restaurant? It is always crowded. :)

Casa de Solana, Yes!!!

Casa de Solana is one of the best (if not the best) B&Bs in St. Augustine, Florida.
Just check out what other are writing:
As a young couple trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of South Beach. We found a gem in the heart of old towne! Not only did they allow our little doggies, but they had a wine hour and free wi-fi!! 

Not sure what we loved more...the two amazing Inn Keepers (Luis & Mary), the outstanding breakfasts, the incredible ghost stories about the hotel, or the most comfortable bed! I'm even reluctant to reveal the room we stayed in because we want to keep it our little secret, but I'll divulge - The Confederate Room.

Can't wait to come back to this special little b&b!


-----------------------------------
My first trip to St. Augustine. I stayed at the Casa de Solana in "Theresa's Room" while my sister, husband and their little Yorkie stayed in another room. They are pet friendly!

I loved the atmosphere, the decor, the jetted tub, and the service. Old world elegance and charm. I really loved my room! Close to everything - shopping, museums, restaurants. I had such a wonderful experience and I fully intend to return!


-----------------------------------
and so on...
http://www.tripadvisor.se/ShowUserReviews-g34599-d120121-r84337190-Casa_de_Solana-Saint_Augustine_Florida.html


For sure one beautiful web site! Check it out here http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2010/07/casa-de-solana or here http://www.casadesolana.com

Go figure!

Due to expected high winds, extremely unstable atmospheric conditions and very low humidity the Bunnell district of the Division of Forestry is declaring a Red Flag Fire Alert for St. Johns, Flagler and Volusia counties from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday.


Fire danger is forecast to be very high.  Please put cigarettes out in ashtrays, do not burn yard trash and do not start outdoor fires.

You need to save a lot to stay here

If are wealthy or in and need a hotel for rich people :) the you just need to stay at the Casa Monica hotel in Saint Augustine: http://www.casamonica.com

I am not saying that to be nasty, not at all! Sometimes you just need to spoil yourself with luxurious stuff. 

And I wouldn't say that if this hotel wasn't great!

Hey, we only live once, right? 

The Grande Illumination – British Night Watch Parade

The 36th Annual British Night Watch Parade in The City of Saint Augustine to be held on Saturday Evening, The 4th of December 2010 8 o’clock PM.

Check it out and welcome to join us.

Golf in Florida

Golf: Truly the sport of a lifetime and very gentle on your body.

Florida, well known as vacation Mecca, is blessed by Mother Nature with a large coastal line, luxurious interior lands, year-round subtropical temperatures and annual sunshine.

Golfers visiting St. Augustine, in St. Johns County and Ponte Vedra Beach can tee off at the scenic and challenging golf courses of Florida. Playing golf in Florida offers exciting challenges to all golfers.

Playing golf in the beautiful landscape of Florida is a nice way to keep your body in shape and your mind at peace.

Golf is a game of discipline, balance and touch. A walk along the golf course burns off your calories, fill your lungs with fresh air and ameliorate your cardiovascular system to live life king size.

Carrying clubs provide strength to your hands and back, predominantly the upper part of body. And of course hitting the ball recuperates your hand to eye coordination.

Golf can be played with as many friends as you like. You can visit between each hole while you are waiting others to finish their holes and in mean time you can even discuss your matters with friends. Or if you get pleasure playing by yourself, you can enjoy open air, at your own pace.

Golf in Florida is well known because of its world-renowned golf courses including: The Players Championship, TPC Stadium Course at Sawgrass, the Radisson Ponce de Leon Golf, The Slammer and The Squire championship course and Donald Ross-designed course.

Some public and semi private golf courses are also there, where you can go and enjoy golf.

Some well known golf courses of Florida:

Ponte Vedra Beach

Ponte Vedra Beach is located along Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the internationally recognized golf courses. With 99 holes to access and an official hotel "Marriott at Sawgrass Resort", TPC is the highly esteemed golf courses of USA. Designed by Pete Dye Sawgrass, this stadium course ranks seventh among "United States Best Resort Courses" according to Golf Digest. The seventeenth hole of Sawgrass Stadium also known as "Island Hole" is recognized worldwide.

If you are at Marriott Sawgrass Resort you can also visit these two nearby private golf courses.

Ponce de Leon Golf Course:

This historical golf course was opened in 1916 and various golf legends had played here for pretty long time. Ponce de Leon is featured with practice bunker, putting green, pro shop and 9 hole pitch. This is a par-72 18-hole golf course.

The Royal St. Augustine Golf and Country Club:

This golf course is one of the newest courses in Florida with par 71 and 18-holes. A restaurant, pro shop and driving range are other facilities available in Royal St. Augustine Golf and Country Club.

Enjoy golf in Florida.

Source: Free Articles

New Pirate & Treasure Museum

Have you heard that Pat Croce's Pirate & Treasure Museum is visiting St. Augustine?
Well, you can read more about it here: Link to Pirate Soul >>
Check this intresting wuote:

Pat's loved pirates since he was a boy and he's been collecting their greatest treasures from across the globe for decades. He first shared them with you at the state-of-the-art Pirate Soul Museum in Key West and now we're moving them all the way to historic St. Augustine in northeast Florida with a few more surprises and A LOT more interactives.

Isn't that just great and worth a visit to the nation's oldest city?
Welcome and welcome back.

Thanksgiving Holiday in St Augustine

Happy thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday! What a spiritual renewal to take a day to reflect over the past year about just how good God has been to you and your family, to give you harvest and shelter, health and hope.


Welcome to this years celebration of thanksgiving in St. Augustine, FL.

Winter Wonderland 2010-2011 in St. Augustine

Enjoy our unique winter wonderland in Florida. You will see a lot of elfs, snow and slides.
I heard the even Santa is coming. :)

For more detailed program follow this link:
http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2010/11/winter-wonderland-st-augustine/

Things to do in St Augustine, Florida

When you arrive to the Nation's Oldest City you really don't know where to begin and what to start with as there are really a lot of things to do in St Augustine.
Try to ask the receptionist after the local current deals as you can get it cheaper when buying at the hotel.

Goodbye, interstate traffic

Here, in Saint Augustine, Florida, the weekend is yours and yours alone. Book a Bayview Suite at The Kenwood Inn on Marine Street. From your room you can see the blue waters of Matanzas Bay, you can hear the clop of horses’ hooves on the rough streets below, you can smell the pastries baking in the kitchen downstairs. The Kenwood is your home base for the weekend, your haven after an afternoon on the beach, your respite after long walks up and down the red brick-paved streets of the Oldest City. 

Welcome and welcome back.

Really old Florida

The term "Old Florida" generally denotes Florida the way it was at least two generations ago. It's a Florida from the 1950's and earlier with roadside attractions, hamburger stands and other reminders of a yesteryear that are quickly vanishing.

Below are some examples of "Old Florida". I will be adding more 

as we discover other locations that are worthy of this 

designation. Check the link on the site below to view:

http://www.nationsoldestcity.com

• Florida Fly Wheelers: Restored tractors, cars and equipment in Ft. Meade. Old Fashioned Village
• Honey Stand: from the 1940's, near Palatka.
• The Yearling: dining remnant from the 50's, near Gainesville
• Train Ride: aboard train cars from the '50s in Parrish
• Chateau de Lafayette: Restored courthouse, now an inn.
• Skinny's Place: another hamburger stand from the '50s.
• Marsh Landing Restaurant: Landmark in the tiny town of Fellsmere.
• Sea Sea Riders: Dunedin
• Ferndale Lodge: Bayside lodge from the '50s
• Lawrence Grocery: in the tiny town of Two Egg in NW Florida.
• Marjorie Rawlings: writer's homestead from the '40s.
• Spring Creek Inn: Restaurant on Florida's Forgotten Coast.
• Ivy House: Restaurant in Williston, near Gainseville.
• Chipley: Small Railroad town west of Tallahassee.
• Micanopy: "Little town that time forgot" near Ocala.
• Havana: Small antiquing town north of Tallahassee.

St. Augustine – Nights of lights

The Nights of Lights began this year on November 19 and continues through the end of January.
Excitement built all day long as the downtown streets became more and more crowded with visitors and residents alike. By late afternoon the Plaza already showed signs of being the center of a very big event. Families had spread blankets where toddlers could play and groups of seniors had their folding chairs in a circle as they conversed.
Check out this page for photos, schedule, dates and events:
http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2010/11/st-augustine-nights-of-lights
Welcome to the nation's oldest city! :)

About "La Florida"

www.nationsoldestcity.com

From earliest times, this has been a place of color - sometimes wild and untamed, often surprising, but always pleasing to the eye. When Juan Ponce de Leon first sailed along these shores in 1513, it was the splash of color created by thousands of exotic wildflowers that caught his attention and inspired him to name his discovery La Florida – a place of colorful flowers. Two hundred years later, it was still color that welcomed weary mariners to St. Augustine’s harbor – the alabaster walls and crimson towers of the Castillo de San Marcos rose above the waves and signaled that at long last another perilous voyage was at an end.

Today, colors help create the moods and atmosphere that make a visit to St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches so cherished. The reds of a memorable sunset viewed while sipping a Vintners Red created at the San Sebastian Winery provides a glow that can’t help but inspire those seeking romance in the Ancient City. For golfers, our greens, both literally and figuratively, are the background for endless stories of proud successes, as well as wistful what-mighthave-beens. (Plus, after leaving a frozen wasteland behind, what Northern visitor can fail to be warmed by the welcoming green of our tropical palms and towering live oaks?) And the blues! From the sky above the azure sea to the beckoning blue of Olympic-dimensioned swimming pools at luxurious resorts and the flash of blue-white flags at the annual Greek Festival, this is a shade that finds a way to brighten each day.

I hope that you will have the time during your visit to truly appreciate not only the obvious colors of this place, but also the subtle hues that those of us who live here are fortunate to experience. The chesnut-brown flecked with honey-gold in a carriage horse’s mane…the myriad pastels of tiny coquina clams dancing in the summer surf…the moist brick-red hue of ancient paving after a summer shower. They’re all here along with thousands of other shimmering shades and tints that form the palette of this special place in the Florida sun – a palette that visitors can easily use to create the unforgettable portrait of the perfect vacation!

Sunday: November 7 in St. Augustine

25th ANNUAL GREAT CHOWDER DEBATE

Satisfy your passion for great seafood at the Conch House Marina's celebrated annual Great Chowder Debate. More than 30 area restaurants come together to compete to see who has the best chowder.  Everyone can be a judge and savor  an almost limitless variety - from local favorites like Menorcan chowders to an assortment of New England chowders - made with clams, conch, lobster, scallops and crab and laced with secret concoctions of herbs and spices. The event starts at noon and runs throughout the day.  All proceeds benefit the Shriners' Hospitals for Crippled Children.  The Conch House Marina is located at 57 Comares Avenue in St. Augustine.  For more Information, call 904.829.8646.

http://www.nationsoldestcity.com

THOMAS PANDOLFI IN CONCERT

Pianist Thomas Pandolfi performs "the Revolutionary Piano" featuring music composed by Chopin and Liszt.  Part of the EMMA Concert Series, the concert begins at 8 p.m. in the Flagler College Auditorium, located at 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $25 per person. For more information call 904.797.2800 or visit www.EmmaConcerts.com.

Love to Golf? Try Saint Augustine, Florida

Any individual, family or group that plans to visit this popular area and falls into the category of being someone that is either a casual or even a die-hard golfer, will be happy to hear that there are several different choices in spectacular greens and fairways that await you at golf courses in Destin, Florida.

Golfing is a sport that has remained a favorite of all ages and genders all over the world for years. The level of “challenging relaxation” that is unique to golf has solidified its status as a sport that anyone can enjoy. Golfing offers health benefits through low impact recreational exercise that fit flawlessly into a vacation schedule and planned activities to be shared with friends, family, and business colleagues. A great day of golfing can be a wonderful addition to any vacation, day trip, or business outing.

One of the most popular choices in Destin for ardent golfers in the area is the Burnt Pine Course, located at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This acclaimed course is famous for offering the ultimate 18-hole challenge. Many enthusiastic golfers fall in love with this Bermuda grass course. It boasts a 144 slope rating with an overall rating of 74.7!

Seascape Golf Course is another popular 18-hole course that is conveniently located at the Seascape Resort. The slope rating of the course is 123, with an overall rating of 71.5.

To list just a couple of the other fantastic golf courses in St. Augustine, Florida that you will certainly not want to miss out on would include the popular Courses. 

-Walter L Mavis

Find out more concerning the golf in St. Augustine, Florida today!

Here are some photos:

http://www.dropmocks.com/mFivb

Enjoy!

Saint Augustine Hotels – Making Your Holiday More Enjoyable

One of the most picturesque places in the United States is St. Augustine in Florida. It is the perfect destination for almost any kind of holiday. You may visit the place for a weekend getaway or for your honeymoon. With a population of just above 12,000 and some really good beaches, this port city is calm and well equipped to cater to all requirements of the tourists.

Hotels form a key factor in the success of any tourist place. Saint Augustine hotels are not lacking in any way either. You can find properties from some of the best hotel chains in United States. There are also multiple locally run properties which provide a good mix to the accommodation options available in the city. Tourists can choose according to their preference because each hotel has its own specialties.

One thing that is common in all St. Augustine hotels is that every one of them strives to provide the best service to their guests. They have hired staff which is knowledgeable about the local conditions and history, places to visit and cuisine to enjoy etc. The hotel staff is pleasant and remarkably helpful. Guests who have stayed in any of the Saint Augustine hotels have been all praises for this experience of a lifetime.

On a visit to a new place, food becomes one of the major concerns. The hotels take extra care to deliver the best dining experience to their guests. Nearly all the hotels have their own, in-house restaurants which provide sumptuous cuisine. They also have tie-ups with many local specialty restaurants which means that you will get the best for your taste buds. For people who prefer the typical American platter, finding one would be a breeze.

Another remarkable business practice of Saint Augustine hotels is that they have developed good relations with local car rental companies. As a result, they are able to get preferential rates for their guests. Tourists visiting the city would not have any problems in finding a means to get around.

The best thing about the Saint Augustine hotels is that they are not expensive. If you visit a similarly equipped hotel in any other US city, you will be charged anywhere between 50 to 100% extra. Plus you can get the bookings done online which not only brings the comfort of easy hotel booking but also impressive discounts.

Saint Augustine hotels truly play a big role in making your vacations more enjoyable.

Check out more here: http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/category/accommodations

(ArticlesBase SC #2616017)

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Visit Castillo de San Marco

http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2010/07/castillo-de-san-marcos

Choosing the best from Saint Augustine hotels

The city of Saint Augustine is dotted with many hotels. You can get properties with extreme ease. The most important thing is to get the best of Saint Augustine hotels. What should be understood here is that the best hotel depends not upon the rating issued by some hospitality magazine or travel show on TV. It is the ability of a hotel to meet your requirements in the best possible manner, which makes it best for you.

Before anything else, check out which are the Saint Augustine hotels that fit in your budget. The city has a wide range so people can get options that suit their capability. Their are small, locally run properties which are extremely affordable and there are big name hotels which are expensive. Since most people prefer mid range hotels, Saint Augustine has many of those as well. All in all, there are multiple options to choose from.

Second important aspect is to check the dining options offered by or available near the hotel. This is particularly essential for people who are vegan or vegetarian. Whereas you can get typical American fare in most hotels, in case you have some special dietary requirements, you should only consider hotels which offer one.

Next you must consider location and accessibility of the hotel. Some people prefer hotels in prime locations. Others tend to look for hotels on the outskirts of the destination. It depends if you want to enjoy a lot of shopping or if you seek calm and comfort, just make sure you check the location of hotel. Accessibility is not an issue in case of any of the Saint Augustine hotels, thanks to the well developed local transport system. Note that beach side hotels in Saint Augustine might cost a bit extra but they offer the best of both worlds.

For the people who seek special views, with not much concern about any of the other factors, Saint Augustine hotels which provide a seaside view are the best choice. Other considerations that you may want to check about is if the hotel allows pets and if they provide special access for people with disability. Whereas all hotels have standard facilities for the disabled, some provide more than what is required by the law. If you will be accompanied by someone with disability, the hotels which offer these extra features are the way to go.

Conduct thorough research before you book any of the Saint Augustine hotels to see if it fulfills all your requirements. Only then can you find the best one.

(ArticlesBase SC #2689344)

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St. Augustine Florida

The City of St. Augustine is the nation's oldest permanently occupied European settlement, having been founded by the Spanish in 1565.

On Sept. 8. 1565, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles came ashore and named a stretch of land near the inlet in honor of Augustine, a saint of the Roman Catholic Church on whose feast day - Aug. 28 - land was sighted. The location has been pinpointed in recent years by archaeologists from the University of Florida as being where the present-day Mission of Nombre de Dios and the Fountain of Youth stand, several blocks north of the City Gate and the Castillo de San Marcos.

The emphasis on "first European settlement" acknowledges that the Timucuan Indians were here first and observed Menendez and his party of about 1,500 soldiers and colonists. Since, the city has been under the governments of Spain, 1565 to 1763 and 1784-1821; Britain, 1763-1784, and United States, 1821-present. Florida became a state in 1845. It was part of the Confederacy from 1861-1862 when it returned to Union control.

St. Augustine in the late 1880s had its birth as a resort community with the arrival of Standard Oil co-founder Henry M. Flagler. He built two hotels and took over another to serve as the base of his Flagler System hotels. He founded the Florida East Coast Railway as a means of transporting guests to and from the north to his hotels in St. Augustine, Palm Beach, and Miami.

Three of his former St. Augustine hotels are in use today as Flagler College (Hotel Ponce de Leon), Ligntner Building/City Hall (Alcazar) and Casa Monica, redone as a county courthouse in the 1960's. In February 1997 Richard C. Kessler of The Kessler Enterprise, Inc. of Orlando purchased the Courthouse. On December 10, 1999 Richard C. Kessler opens the doors to the restored Casa Monica Hotel. Flagler also developed a neighborhood of 19th and early 20th century homes, two blocks west of the Plaza called the Model Land Company tract.

The heart of the city is its downtown Plaza de la Consitucion with most of the historic buildings located within a block or two of the Plaza, to the north and to the south. The Castillo de San Marcos, built of coquina by the Spanish in 1672, anchors the city's north end of the bayfront. The Bridge of Lions, built in 1927, links the downtown with Davis Shores, a residential community dating back to the 1920s and St. Augustine Beach.

Today's city has over 12,000* residents. It is the county seat of St. Johns County which has 170,000-plus residents.

About St. Augustine. Florida

Some places are just blessed, it is as simple as that. Blessed by climate, blessed by the people who live there, blessed with the scenery, blessed by the sights and blessed by you, the visitor. St. Augustine is one of these blessed places.

Since being founded in 1565 St. Augustine has been one of the most idyllic spots on the continent, this is a reason that it is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the US. Because of its long history, it also has some of the oldest European built buildings in the continent, including the famous Castillo de San Marcos, which is the oldest masonry fort in the country. The Castillo de San Marcos was built between 1672 and 1695, and a trip to this significant piece of history is worth the visit to St. Augustine. Strolling down the boulevards of St. Augustine is a trip through history, with so many well-preserved historic buildings you will be entertained for days just walking around looking at them all.

St Augustine has a fantastic climate, making it the ideal spot to relax or explore. If you want to relax there are numerous beaches which you can laze around on. If on the other hand you want to explore there is plenty to do, from the wild beauty of the Anastasia State Park to the shopping splendor that can be found at the St. Augustine Premium Outlets. You can also go to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm to get up close with the mighty reptile or you might want to spend the day at Marineland where you can swim with the marine life.

st. augustine lodging provides that feel of affordable yet luxurious stay. hotels at st augustine beach fl is one of those which are better renowned for relaxing and rejuvenating. hotels at st augustine fl provides you with all those leisure activities that will help you enjoy and relax simultaneously. st augustine wedding receptions and st augustine meeting rooms are other services that hotels provide so that you need not worry about your visit if it is a personal one or you are on a business trip.

Luckily for a place that is so blessed with attractions and things to do, st. augustine hotels are well placed to cater for the guests various needs and wants. If you want to stay in one of the best hotels in St. Augustine, FL., you want to stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, it has the best rooms, the best location and the best staff, guaranteeing that your stay in St. Augustine will be the best it can be.

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