A visitor's guide to the World Golf Hall of Fame, St. Augustine, FL

Over the years golf has become one of the most popular sports. Many people regularly play the game themselves, as well as watch the professionals going about their business in the many tournaments that are held each season. Over the years there have been many golfers that have excelled in the game. If you want to find out about some of the stars that reached the very top of the game, a visit to the World Golf Hall of Fame is a way to do this. This museum celebrates the greats of the sport and whether you are golf fan or not it can be a great place to visit.

The World Golf Hall of Fame is currently located in St. Augustine in Florida and has a history that dates back to 1974. When it was originally established it was located in Pinehurst, North Carolina and run by a local board of directors. However it eventually came under the control of the Professional Golf Association of America (PGA) and moved to its present location in 1998. The Hall of Fame honors both male and female golfers and 13 golfers were inducted in the year of opening. Amongst these were some of the greats of the game including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Same Snead, Gene Sarazen and Patty Berg. 

Each year the Hall of Fame holds an induction ceremony at which further golfing greats are admitted membership. Golfers from the PGA tour, LPGA tour and international tours are eligible for selection as long as the meet the minimum criteria required. The number granted membership each year varies, with between 2 and 8 generally being admitted. These are introduced at a ceremony held around May each year. From the original 13 players inducted in 1974, the membership has grown to more than 130.

The World Golf Hall of Fame is located at One World Golf Place in St Augustine, Florida and is open year round. The hours of operations are 10.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday and 12.00pm to 6.00pm on Sunday. The cost of entry is $16.50 for adults, $14.50 for Seniors and students and $8 for children aged 5 to 12. The Hall of Fame has both permanent displays and a program of temporary exhibitions and some of the things you can view on a visit include the following.

Championship Moments Theatre

This is a short 10 minute film showing some of the greatest golfing moments over the years. This includes some of the best winning shots, iconic moments and dramatic endings in tournament golf. It includes the play of many of the members inducted into the Hall of Fame, with the likes of Nancy Lopez, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson being featured.

Recent Inductee Exhibition

Each year a new group of golfers are admitted to the Hall of Fame and this exhibition shows details of their achievements and some of the significant golfing moments from their careers.

Wall of Fame

This is one of the central features in the World Golf Hall of Fame. It is an 88 foot long wall which features a brass plaque of each of the golfers inducted into the Hall of Fame with details of their careers and the wins they achieved.

Golf around the World

This is a golf course simulator which lets you have a try at playing some of the most famous golf holes around the world. Using real clubs you can try your luck at some of the most iconic holes in world golf.

Members Locker Room

This display has authentic golf lockers featuring memorabilia supplied by the golfers who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. This is an ever changing display and shows little details and stories from some of the best golfers ever to play the game.

Walk of Champions

If you fancy a little fresh air, the Walk of Champions is the exhibit to view. It is a quarter of a mile walkway surrounding a lake which includes granite slabs with authentic signatures of the Hall of Fame members.

These and the other exhibits at the World Golf Hall of Fame make it a great place to have a day out. There is plenty to do and see and if you are a golfing fan it is sure to be an enjoyable experience. Even if golf is not your thing, it is still an excellent museum to visit and learn about some of the great sportsmen and women who have become famous names in America as well as around the rest of the world. If you are ever in St Augustine in Florida the World Golf Hall of Fame is a definite must-see while you are there.

For further details check out http://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org/

St. Augustine to be Featured in Two National Broadcast Programs

Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida's Historic Coast features historic St. Augustine and the place where Ponce de Leon first came ashore after his historic 1513 discovery of the land he named La Florida, an area whose boundaries included what would later become the eastern United States.

Our Nation's oldest city is becoming more and more popular with cruise travelers who sail from Jacksonville or who stop to visit the historic town (and shop in its expansive outlet malls) on their drive down I-95 to Port Canaveral. It's also become popular with national broadcast travel shows. In the past year, there have been at least six production crews that have visited St. Augustine to film nationally televised programs, both in English and Spanish. Two of them, HDNET's Drinking Made Easy and Univision's Despierta America!, will air this week.

The HDNet series Drinking Made Easy, features Zane Lamprey and his drinking buddy Steve McKenna as they travel the U.S. in search of the local drinks and drinking customs that have contributed to the birth, growth and distinction of our great country. In the episode to air tonight at 8pm, Zane visits St. Augustine and stops at several spots, including The Pirate Museum, where he downs grog with local pirates. Also featured are Salt Water Cowboys, Casa Monica's Cobalt Lounge (that's Casa Monica pictured above), and The Conch House.

Tomorrow morning at 10am, Despierta America, Univision's daily morning show, will feature correspondent Paola Gutierrez, touring the city and reporting about the "real" First Thanksgiving which took place in St. Augustine, Florida in 1565. The segment includes a reenactment of the Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles' 1565 landing and the meal shared between Spaniards and the native Timucuan Indians, a cooking segment featuring Michael Lugo and Chef Matthieu Landillon at The Tasting Room, and other highlights about the city's fascinating colonial Spanish history and culture.

HDNet networks are available nationally via DIRECTV and Dish Network. Univision Television Network airs nationwide and provides an extensive lineup of Spanish language programming produced in the United States and throughout the Hispanic world. Despierta America is a daily news, information, lifestyle, and entertainment program for Hispanics throughout the United States. Check your local listings for channels and broadcast times in your area.

City of St. Augustine Anchoring Ordinance Proposes Ten-Day Limit

As part of Florida’s recreational boat mooring and anchoring pilot program, the City of St. Augustine has submitted a proposed anchoring ordinance to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission that limits anchoring within city limits to ten consecutive days. If the ordinance is passed, once this time limit is reached a vessel would have to move to an approved mooring field or marina, or outside city boundaries for at least one full day, before the boat would be allowed to return to the area.

The nation’s largest boat owners group, BoatUS, is urging local and traveling boaters to speak up now about how this anchoring restriction might affect them. Current mooring fees for visiting (non-resident) boaters in St. Augustine are $20 daily and $120 weekly. Written comments can be filed online before Sunday, November 6, by going to www.myfwc.com/boating/anchoring-mooring/public-comment.

“The state is now asking for feedback from boaters on this draft local ordinance for St. Augustine,” said BoatUS Executive Vice President Margaret Podlich. “However, since it’s a pilot program, it’s really important for anyone who wants to anchor in Florida to give the City feedback.”

The City of St. Augustine is one of five cities in the state’s mooring and anchoring pilot project, which allows municipalities to develop ordinances that limit nearby anchoring. For more background information on anchoring laws in Florida, see the new BoatUS information sheet at www.BoatUS.com/gov/florida.

Expo Includes 2011 Miss Florida Quince Pageant!

 ST. AUGUSTINE TO HOST FIFTEEN AND FOREVER WEDDING AND QUINCEAŃERA EXPO

          ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Oct. 6) The romance and unforgettable beauty of St. Augustine will form the backdrop for Fifteen and Forever - a comprehensive expo devoted to everything needed for the perfect wedding or quinceańera in the Nation's oldest city. To be held November 4-6, the weekend-long expo will provide brides-to-be, wedding planners and quinces with an in-depth look at the incredible venues and wide array of services guaranteed to make their special day truly remarkable.

 

            The first recorded wedding in St. Augustine occurred on January 24, 1594. Needless to say, the city has a long history of providing an outstanding setting for couples to begin their lives together. Today, the city's impressive Spanish Renaissance and Moorish Revival architecture offers a unique and authentically European look and feel. Of course, the city's famous horse-drawn carriages, historic cathedral, Castillo de San Marcos, beautiful bay front and pristine Atlantic beaches add to the happy ambiance of weddings and quinceańeras.

 

            The Fifteen and Forever Expo gets underway on Friday, November 4, with a spectacular Welcome Reception at the new St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. Recently named one of the top family attractions in the Nation by Travel+Leisure magazine, the colorful and entertaining museum provides a perfect introduction to St. Augustine.

 

            The events for Saturday, November 5, begin at 9 a.m. with a two-hour tour of venues with wedding and quince photo vignettes that will give participants a detailed look at how their special day might appear at each venue. From 7-9 p.m. that evening, a beautiful and inspiring fashion show featuring the best in wedding and quinceańera attire will take place at the city's elegant Lightner Museum.

 

            Sunday will be a huge day for participants. Registration for the Expo begins at 10:30 a.m. and the doors swing open at 11 a.m. at the beautiful and historic Casa Monica Hotel. Throughout the day, vendors will be available with advice, products and packages that are sure to delight quinces and brides-to-be. Plus, great prize giveaways will be conducted.

 

            At 3 p.m., the Expo will conclude and at 6 p.m. the 2011 Miss Florida Quince Pageant will begin. This second annual bilingual event serves to unite youth from all cultures and maintain a rich Hispanic tradition that has important cultural value in many Latin communities. Young ladies age 13 to 16 from all cultural backgrounds are invited to participate. The reigning Miss Florida Quince, Desiree Leilani Gil, will be there to hand her crown to the lucky winner. Among the principal sponsors will be Telemundo 43 WDDT-TV Naple-Fort Myers. For more information on the pageant go to www.FloridaWeddingsandSpecialEvents.com .

 

            For the latest information on the Fifteen and Forever Expo, including special Expo hotel rate and online ticket purchases, go towww.FifteenandForever.com . Plus, check out the official Facebook page of the pageant at http://on.fb.me/oPrrva or simply search "Fifteen and Forever Expo Weekend" on Facebook. Additional information is also available from the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau at 904.829.1711.

 

Located between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida's Historic Coast offers authentic Old World charm, 42 miles of beaches, luxurious seaside resorts, world-renowned golf, historic hotels, charming bed and breakfast inns, fine dining, history on every street corner and the location of Ponce de Leon's 1513 discovery of La Florida. For details on lodging, dining, attractions and more go towww.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1.800.653.2489

FLAVORS OF FLORIDA'S HISTORIC COAST

FLAVORS OF FLORIDA'S HISTORIC COAST
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida

Chefs on Florida's Historic Coast are once again making history with signature dishes featuring local favorites and heritage-inspired flavors.  Throughout October, eighteen outstanding restaurants will present a prix fixe (fixed price) three-course menu that will showcase their best culinary skills. Great food, paired with a wide variety of lodging options make October an ideal time to experience the history, romance and charm of St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra on Florida's Historic Coast.

Called Flavors of Florida's Historic Coast, this special dining program will offer diners unique, delicious and affordably-priced dining choices. From Ponte Vedra southward through St. Augustine to Crescent Beach, some of the area's most popular restaurants will be offering exciting, new menu options featuring the delicious culinary traditions of this historic coastal area of northeast Florida. 

Participating restaurants offering Flavors of Florida's Historic Coast "Chef's Choice" prix fixe, three-course meals include: 500 South at the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort, 619 Ocean View on Ponte Vedra Beach, Augustine Grille at Sawgrass Marriott, Aunt Kate's on the Water, The Reef, Beaches on Vilano, Kingfish Grill at Camachee Harbor;  Raintree Restaurant, Aviles Restaurant at Hilton Historic St. Augustine Bayfront, Sara's Crepe Café, 95 Cordova at Casa Monica Hotel, The Tasting Room, Bistro de Leon, Creekside Dinery, Amici's Italian Restaurant, Café Atlantico on St. Augustine Beach, Saltwater Cowboy's, and South Beach Grill at Crescent Beach.

To learn more about the October 2011 Flavors of Florida's Historic Coast prix fixe dining celebration, including the prix fixe menus being offered, visit www.HistoricCoastFlavors.com or call 1.800.494.1420.  

Oldest Store Museum in St Augustine

Visit the "new" Oldest Store Museum Experience now located at Historic Tours of America, 167 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. Once a popular attraction in the Oldest City, the museum was closed for 10 years, but is now open daily in a new location. The Museum features more than 100,000 household items from a by-gone era - it's like walking into a Sears & Roebuck catalog from 1900! Plus, live actors add to the fun and charm of this wonderful museum. Admission is $9 for adults and $6 for children.

Live Actors! Over 100,000 Essential Items!

Watch in amazement as our friendly clerks, butcher and snake oil salesman demonstrate the very latest inventions for turn-of-the-century living. Meet the proprietor, Mr. C.F. Hamblen. Step back in time and discover the latest and best time saving miracles from 1900!

• Steam-driven tractors
• Tonics & elixirs
• Farm equipment
• Health underwear
• Worm syrup
• Corn sheller
• Collars & corsets
• Guns & ammunition
• Grain thresher
• Goat powered washing machine
• Bikes & trikes
• Gossip and so much more

"Step back in time and discover the latest and best time saving miracles from 1900!"

For more information on The Oldest Store Museum Experience, visit www.trolleytours.com or contact Dave Chatterton at 904-829-3800 or via email at dchatterton@historictours.com

Fourth of July Week Entertainment

Uncle Ray’s Family Variety Show

“Uncle Ray and his cast of characters will be the topic of conversations the whole summer!”

Uncle Ray has been featuring at

• Bonkerz
• Giggles
• The Deland Laughter Society and
• Numerous Guest Sets at the Improv in Orlando

He can be heard regularly on the

• Shannon Burke Show
• The Soul Brother Kevin Show on Real Radio 104.1 in Orlando. 
• “having a beer with Mike” and “Table for 3”, a talk show on channel 21 on the Brighthouse network.

His comedy is considered old school with a few new wrinkles. Audiences are quite surprised at some of the things that come out Uncle Ray’s mouth. He rarely curses but always keeps the content interesting as he talks about his troubles. His friends Ed and Hugo will be making an appearance along with others to make a completely hilarious night.

DOORS OPEN AT 6:30PM

SHOW TIME 7:00PM

All tickets for these shows are $10.00 Only!

All tickets will have a $5.00 coupon automatically applied to the $15.00 regular charge.

CALL 904-824-8874 for RESERVATIONS

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE DOOR BUT SEATING IS LIMITED

THE PLATTERS, THE COASTERS, THE DRIFTERS AND THE TEMPTATIONS SALUTE

Saturday July 9th, 2011

Experience this exciting musical salute to The Platters, The Coasters, The Drifters and the Temptations at The Pioneer Barn located in Fort Menendez at 259 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. Performed by Myles Savage, former lead singer for The Platters, this salute features the all time classic songs of these immortal groups. Don’t miss this special July 4th Week Concert. The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $40 with a limited time "buy one, get one free offer". To purchase tickets, CALL 904.824.8874

259 San Marco Avenue

St Augustine, FL 32084

904-824-8874

More info about St. Augustine, FL at http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION IN ST AUGUSTINE

Fireworks Over The Matanzas

St. Augustine’s July 4th Tradition Continues

6:00pm - The Music Begins in the Plaza Gazebo

8:30pm - Traffic detours begin

9:30pm - Fireworks Over the Matanzas

Holidays are built around traditions and few holidays have more great family traditions than the Fourth of July: great food, outdoor band concerts, a day with friends and family, and of course, fireworks! They all come together in a grand celebration and there’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than in the Nation’s Oldest City.

First, There’s Music

Starting at 6:00pm music returns to the Plaza de la Constitución for a two-hour show filled with all the traditional patriotic favorites. The performance from the Plaza’s Gazebo runs from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. The concert is free and those attending should bring lounge chairs for seating.

Then there’s fireworks!

Fireworks over the Matanzas, the highlight of St. Augustine’s traditional July 4th activities has become synonymous with celebrating Independence Day in the Nation’s Oldest City. The spectacular aerial display of pyrotechnics high over Matanzas Bay begins at 9:30pm.

The 20-minute display is tightly choreographed to a stirring soundtrack of great popular music delivered over an extensive sound system transforming the entire Bayfront between the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the Bridge of Lions into a theatre of sight and sound.

Enjoy downtown after the show

Since July 4th falls on a Monday this year, it is expected that many people will remain downtown at the conclusion of the show for a late dinner or to visit the shops that have learned the value of extended hours after the fireworks. Given the choice between spending time strolling downtown with friends and family or sitting in traffic wasting gas, more and more people are taking their time.

Keep it safe and legal

Those attending Fireworks Over The Matanzas should remember two important safety rules that will be strictly enforced:

• Alcohol is prohibited on public property, including parks, streets and sidewalks; and

• Possession of such fireworks will be subject to citation or arrest and will have the prohibited fireworks confiscated. Violation of the ordinance is punishable by a fine up to $500, imprisonment up to 60 days or a combination of both.

Simply put: Have a great time with friends and family, but keep it safe and legal!

In the event medical assistance is needed, the St. Augustine Fire Department along with St. Johns County Emergency Medical Services will have a base station at the main entrance to the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and will have personnel roving on bicycles throughout the evening.

Personal fireworks are prohibited in the city and to read the news release detailing information about personal fireworks.

Street Closures Monday, July 4th in effect from 8:30 pm until approximately 10:30pm

Street Closures

The Bridge of Lions

S. Castillo Dr. and Avenida Menendez north of the Bridge of Lions

Cathedral Pl. from Avenida Menendez to St. George St.

Orange St. from S. Castillo Dr. to Ponce de Leon Blvd. (U.S. 1)

Detours

• King St. will be two-way

• King St. eastbound will turn north on St. George St., then west on Cathedral Pl. (detour routed to Cordova St. to King St.)

• Avenida Menendez northbound will turn west on King St.

• San Marco Ave. southbound will turn west on W. Castillo Dr. to Ponce de Leon Blvd. (US 1)

• W. Castillo Dr. eastbound will turn north on San Marco Ave.

• Anastasia Blvd. westbound may not cross the Bridge of Lions

Parking

• The Historic Downtown Parking Facility at the Visitors Information Center can accommodate 1,200 cars. The cost is $7.00 for all day.

• All public parking throughout the city will be available at no charge the entire the day.

• The parking lot at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will be closed from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

Parking will be limited in the vicinity of the Plaza to facilitate traffic detours in the evening.

Se here: http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/06/fourth-of-july-celebration-in-st-augustine/

ST. AUGUSTINE MUSIC FESTIVAL

ST. AUGUSTINE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Friday and Saturday: June 17 & 18

Don't miss the opening performance of the 2011 edition of the St. Augustine Music Festival!  Musicians from the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, along with many guest artists, offer FREE classical concerts at the Cathedral Basilica over two weekends. 

The six-concert series opens Thursday, June 16, with concerts following on Friday and Saturday. 

The following weekend brings concerts Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 23, 24 and 25. All of the festival's performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, 38 Cathedral Place.

Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. For information about each night's performance, visit www.staugustinemusicfestival.org.

Marineland Dolphin Adventure

On the National Register of Historic Places, Marineland recently underwent a renovation that turned it into one of the most beautiful and modern dolphin facilities in the world Now, the historic facility where the word "oceanarium" was invented, has become an affiliate of the incredible Georgia Aquarium. With a new name and new plans for further transformation and evolution, Marineland Dolphin Adventure offers an unmatched heritage in dolphin research and a place where guests can experience unhurried interactions with dolphins which will build important connections and a better understanding of marine mammals.

Annual Easter Parade in St. Augustine, FL

Don't miss the Annual Easter Parade in St. Augustine, FL on April 24, 2011.


The parade begins at 3 p.m. at the Mission of Nombre de Dios and winds through downtown St. Augustine.


What I heard is that there will be trophies presented! :)

St. Augustine Deals

Did you know that you can get great deals if you want to visit St. Augustine?
Just surf to Jax Radio Deals to get the best deals.

Great video about the city of St. Augustine

http://exposureroom.com/members/skilled/09acae029af14587affdd46d0425b3d5/

Are you planning for spring break?

The unique Spanish culture housed in the oldest permanent settlement of America, Saint Augustine, Florida, is the perfect place to spend an exotic Spring Break right here in the states.

Whether you're looking to lay back and relax or party on the beaches, St. Augustine offers everything you'd ever need for Spring Break.

Whether taking part in one or all of the events of the Epic Celebration of Spring, you're sure to have the time of your life in St. Augustine. From gourmet cuisine and wine tastings to the phenomenal St. Augustine Garden Expo, you'll be amazed by the many sights and tastes you'll take in with the Epic Celebration of Spring.

Start making your plans today and don't miss a second of this great time in Northern Florida. Bring the whole family out for an event of unparalleled proportions.

This Spring Break, don't spend your days in the same old grind; make your time count with St. Augustine.

An interesting story

While building a ramp at the Pirate & Treasure Museum in Florida, workers unearthed parts of an 18th-century British sword, a compass, a tooth, a bottle, & some other glassware - The sword would've belonged to an enlisted man & was the type the British used when they took over St. Augustine in 1763.

First Free Black Settlement

In 1738, the Spanish established Fort Mose. This was an outpost in St. Augustine that consisted of 100 men, women and children who were mostly runaway slaves of the British. In order to keep their freedom, these former slaves were required to serve in the militia and convert to Roman Catholicism.

Read more About St Augustine, Florida

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!


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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!


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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

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.