Unforgettable Memories Await

Plan Your Visit to St. Augustine Now

With its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, captivating natural beauty, and exquisite cuisine, St. Augustine, Florida, stands out as an unparalleled destination. Immerse yourself in the nation's oldest city and embark on an unforgettable journey through time and culture. Plan your visit to St. Augustine today and experience a place where enchantment and fascination go hand in hand.

22 TH ANNUAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS IN ST. AUGUSTINE FLORIDA

Every Night from Nov. 21, 2015 to Jan. 31, 2016

ST. AUGUSTINE’S NIGHTS OF LIGHTS 2014 RETURNS TO FLORIDA’S HISTORIC COAST WITH SURF ILLUMINATION, WINTER WONDERLAND AND FESTIVAL OF TREES.

St. Augustine’s holiday season will sparkle to life November 22 with the beginning of the famedNights of Lights holiday festival. The illumination of millions of white lights throughout the historic district of the nation’s oldest city draws tens of thousands of visitors and holiday revelers each year.

The 22th Annual Nights of Lights celebration runs from November 21, 2015, through January 31, 2016, in St. Augustine, Fla. The festival starts with a countdown with Light Up! Night on November 21, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. in the Plaza de la Constitucion. Holiday music and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree add to the splendor of one of the world’s greatest holiday light displays.

Nights of Lights can be enjoyed on foot or aboard one of the trains, trolleys, carriages or vintage cars that run every evening from November 21 through end of January.

Nights of Lights continues to gather praise from travel leaders worldwide:

•     For the last two consecutive years, National Geographic Traveler declared St. Augustine one of the Top 10 Places in the World to view holiday lights
•     In 2011, the American Bus Association named the annual spectacle one of the Top 100 Events in the U.S.
•     In 2009, AAA called St. Augustine one of the 12 best places in the U.S. and Canada to experience holiday cheer

Many historic landmarks and locations are beautifully illuminated during Nights of Lights. The waters of Matanzas bay glow from the nightly reflections of lights along the bay walk and the Bridge of Lions. The Plaza de la Constitucion shines from the top of trees and throughout the famous center of St. Augustine’s historic district. The 125-year-old Hotel Ponce de Leon, now the campus of Flagler College, is outlined in lights. And the Lightner Museum, once a resort hotel also built by Flagler, is lit so brilliantly it is a favorite among visitors.

Nights of Lights is inspired by the tradition of marking the holiday season with a single white candle burning in a window at each home during the nearly 250 years when St. Augustine served as the capital of Spanish La Florida. Today, Nights of Lights continues that tradition in a grand style reflecting the city’s 448 years of history. Visitors and residents can also enjoy a wide range of memorable holiday events and activities during Nights of Lights.

Check out these local tours during Nights of Lights.

• Holly Jolly Nights of Lights Trolley
• Ripley’s Red Train Nights of Lights
• Nights of Lights Lovers’ Carriage Tour

Read more: 

http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2015/11/nights-of-lights-in-st-augustine-fl/

Things to See and Do in Beautiful St Augustine Florida

St Augustine, FL is the oldest city in the United States. It's also referred to as the Ancient City. The city is full of history, unique shops, Potter's Wax Museum, The Bridge of Lions, restaurants, art galleries, bed & breakfasts, ghost tours as well as a wonderful beach and pier, too.

You can visit and take tours of the oldest house, as well as the oldest school house which is located not far from Castillo de San Marco. While visiting St Augustine, take a tour of Castillo de San Marco (just north of The Bridge of Lions). Make sure to stay for the cannon shooting and weapons demonstration. If you're lucky, you can often catch a glimpse of dolphin playing in the waters nearby.

Castillo de San Marco

The Old City Gates are located at the north end of St. George Street (which is now the Historic Walking Mall full of unique shops). The Old City Gates used to be the only entrance into St. Augustine.

The Fountain of Youth is a 15 acre historical Site where St. Augustine got started in 1565. There's lots to do and see there. I'd plan a good portion of your day to visit. Make sure to stop in the Planetarium, Timucua Village, see them shoot a cannon, take a walk through the waterfront park section of the site and enjoy the monuments and peacocks that stroll the grounds. You can also drink the legendary waters from the fountain, though I personally found it nasty tasty!

Flagler College is now in what used to be The Ponce de Leon hotel, St. Augustine's first hotel. The college houses famous Tiffany Windows from NY. Flagler College offers majors & minors in studies emphasizing liberal arts, business and education.

You can visit the St Augustine Lighthouse & Museum. I'd suggest that you allow at least one hour to tour the site and climb the tower Lighthouse.

This post was written by Guest Blogger, Tara Burner. Tara is an Author & Certified Inspiration & Health Coach who enjoys traveling as well! You can visit http://www.taraburner.com/ to see what else she's up to or where else she's going and been.

Blog post copied from: http://pennsylvaniaandbeyond.blogspot.se/2011/02/beautiful-st-augustine-florida.html

Tours available during Nights of Lights

Exciting tour options available during this year’s Nights of Lights Celebration:

Nights of Lights Tours -  The City of St. Augustine shines a little brighter during Nights of Lights. There are several tours available that make the holiday experience even more brilliant during this special time of year.

Through January 31

Nights of Lights Sunset Sail See the Nights of Lights from aboard the Schooner Freedom’s daily sunset cruise on Matanzas Bay. The two-hour cruise departs from the St. Augustine City Marina at 4:15 p.m. and are priced at $45 per adult; $35 per child (ages 2-12); under 2, free. All cruises include complimentary soda, water, beer and wine. 111 Avenida Menendez, 904-810-1010 www.schoonerfreedom.com

Through January 31

 Nights of Lights Boat Tour Take a boat from Vilano Fishing Pier at 6:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. for a 1-hour tour through the Bridge of Lions, and along the Bayfront and Fort. Tickets are $39 weekdays and $49 weekends. You may BYOB if you like and dress warmly. 254 Vilano Road. 904-332-7194 www.JaxWaterTours.com

Through January 31

Lights, Carriage and Holiday ‘Cheer’ Step aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage and meander the historic streets of St. Augustine while enjoying the spectacular Nights of Lights display! Indulge in a bottle of delicious boutique wine (red or white) and souvenir Tasting Tours wine glasses while enjoying the sparkling view and intriguing history. The group tours are up to 8 guests max per carriage. $49 per person. The schedule is Sunday - Thursday 6 and 7 p.m.; Friday - Saturday 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. Private tours for two are also available. This tour starts at Isabela's Bar Cuba, 19 Cuna Street. 904-325-3911 www.thetastingtours.com

Through January 31

St. Augustine Vintage Car Nights of Lights Tours Celebrate the holidays and see St. Augustine’s fabulous Nights of Lights on a relaxing and romantic ride in a comfortable electric vintage car replica. Tours begin and end at the Villa Zorayda Museum. Tickets are $15 per person (maximum of six passengers per tour). Call for reservations and times. 83 King St. 904-430-3542 www.staugustinevintagecartours.com

Through January 15

Gold Tour’s Private Nights of Lights Tours See the world-renowned St Augustine lights on a tour aboard a quiet electric tour bus. Travel the narrowest and quaintest streets of the ancient city to see all the lights and historic buildings up close. These narrated tours last 45 minutes and accommodate a maximum of 7 passengers. Reservations are required. Tour times vary. $15 per person, $80 for the whole bus. 31 Orange St. 904-325-0547 www.staugustinegoldtours.com

Through January 5

Santa’s Big Red Christmas Train See St. Augustine’s spectacular Nights of Lights aboard Ripley’s Big Red Christmas Trains. The tours start from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum and include magic lightseeing glasses, snow, family friendly-movies and marshmallow roasting. The tours are Sunday – Thursday 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights include holiday classic movies on the Big Screen like Frosty, the Grinch, Rudolph, etc. Tickets are $8 adults and $4.50 for kids. 19 San Marco Avenue, 904-824-1606 www.ripleys.com/RedTrains

Through January 4

The Holly Jolly Nights of Lights Trolley Explore St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights in the comfort of the Holly Jolly Trolley. Tours depart nightly 6 - 8 p.m. (and later on weekends). Complimentary hot apple cider and homemade cookies, visits with Santa, and magical viewing glasses. Stops at the Old Drugstore and the Colonial Quarter. Weekend tickets (Friday & Saturday) $12 adults and $4 children; weekday tickets (Sunday – Thursday) $9 adults and $4 children. Tours depart from the Visitors Information Center, 10 W. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. FREE parking and shuttle to the tour is available from the Old Jail, 167 San Marco Ave.; the Welcome Center, 27 San Marco Ave.; and the Welcome Center 1700 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd. 904-829- 3800. www.trolleytours.com.

CANNON FIRING

CANNON FIRING DEMONSTRATIONS AT CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS

Rangers and Garrison volunteers will demonstrate the weapons and relate the experiences of the colonial Spanish soldier of 1740s St. Augustine. 

Historic weapons demonstrations will be presented at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30. Firing times are subject to change depending on weather conditions and staff availability. 

Location: Castillo de San Marcos 

Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 

Admission: $6 for adults, children under 15 free when accompanied by an adult

Old Drug Store in St. Augustine, Florida

The Authentic Old Drugstore takes you back to the early days when St. Augustine was but a Spanish hamlet.

It was built by Antonio Gomaas in 1739. He built it as a place of revelry, within the the jurisdiction of the city, for protection, but away from the actual settlement. They sold liquor, tobacco, medicine and Indian remedies.

 

They also sold their own medical concoctions. T.W. Speissegger, a pharmacist, bought the building from Gomaas decendant. In 1880 he moved the building to 46 1/2 Bay Street and then the moved it to 31 Orange Street during the fire of April 1887. The firm was registered August 1, 1875 in the Centennial Autographic Register and the National Directory. This Book was deposited in the archives of The Smithsonian in Washinton, D.C. The building went through many owner changes and many renovations. It was purchased in the late 1980′s by and is still owned by the Harris Foundation. They made many repairs and opened this facinating Museum free of charge to the public. The Authentic Old Drugstore is maintained and supported by the sales in the gift shop. The gift shop is contained in the area that was once a courtyard and has made no impact on the original historic building. 

 

The Authentic Old Drugstore takes you back to the early days when St. Augustine was but a Spanish hamlet. It was built by Antonio Gomaas in 1739.He built it as a place of revelry, within the the jurisdiction of the city, for protection,but away from the actual settlement. They sold liquor, tobacco, medicine and Indian remedies.They also sold their own medical concoctions.

T.W. Speissegger, a pharmacist, bought the building from Gomaas decendant.In 1880 he moved the building to 46 1/2 Bay Street andthen the moved it to 31 Orange Street during the fire of April 1887.

Be sure to visit the gift shop where you can pick up collectibles, jewelry and seasonal items.

Read more here >>>

More info about St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine has a wealth of historic and architecturally interesting structures. The most historically significant structure in St. Augustine is the Castillo de San Marcos, built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695. The 19th century Lighthouse Museum is located in the St. Augustine Lighthouse on Anastasia Island east of town across the Bridge of Lions. St. Augustine also houses the oldest store in town dating to the turn of the last century. Talking about old buildings, St. Augustine is home to the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, dating back to 1727, known as the "Oldest House Complex", a National Historic Landmark.

The Mission of Nombre de Dios is located on the west bank of Matanzas Bay, and it is said to have been the site of the first Catholic Mass in what is today the United States. The Spanish Quarter Village is a living history museum composed of a collection of colonial period houses where guides recreate the dress and lifestyle as seen in 1740.

2012 New Year's Eve parties and events

Beach Blast Off 2012: Enjoy a blast of flavor, icy sculptures and fireworks when several of St. Augustine’s favorite restaurants serve up chili for tasting and judging at the Fire and Ice Chili Cook-off from 4 to 10 p.m. The fireworks, synchronized to music, begin at 8:30 p.m. at the St. Johns County Fishing Pier and Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. Call 829-5681 or go to www.beachblastoff.com.

New Year’s Eve Noon Balloon Drop: The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach will hold the annual New Year’s Eve Noon Balloon Drop from 11 a.m. to noon at the Center, 50 Executive Way, from A1A North, in Ponte Vedra Beach. Stop by for a bite of Brucci’s Pizza Pie or decorate a cookie a mile high. Snap, crackle and pop in the bubble-wrap room as you jump to the jingles of house band tunes. Create a hilarious hat with eyes that wiggle or make party masks that will make everyone giggle. Hundreds of balloons will be dropped at noon. Admission is free for members, $5 for non-members, or $15 for a family of four. The public is invited. Call 904-280-0614, ext. 204 or go to www.ccpvb.org.

New Year’s Eve bash: A New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music by the Mojo Roux band will begin at 8:30 p.m. at The Groove Cafe, 134 SeaGrove Town Center, St. Augustine Beach. Cost is a $10 cover charge. Call 547-2740 or go towww.thegroovecafe.com.  

Kayak adventure: End 2011 with a two-hour kayak tour into the salt marshes of St. Augustine. Experienced guides, state-of-the-art equipment and local habitats make this trip one-of-a-kind. The tour is good for experienced or beginner paddlers. Cost is $35 for adults and $30 for children ages 6 to 12. Call St. Augustine Eco Tours at 377-7245 or go to www.staugustineecotours.com. 

New Year’s Eve Comedy show: Comedian Ron Feingold will be on stage for a New Year’s Eve show at 8:30 p.m. in Jackie Knight’s Comedy Club at Johnny’s, 3009 North Ponce de Leon Blvd. Cost is $65 and includes an open bar from 7 to 8 p.m., a dinner including appetizer, entree and dessert, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and a dance party after the comedy show. Opening act will be Brian Thomas. For reservations, call 461-8843 or go to www.thegypsycomedyclub.com.

Flagler College tours: The Hotel Ponce de Leon is a a national historical landmark famous for its Tiffany Windows, ornate murals and Spanish-Renaissance architecture. Tours depart at 10 and 11 a.m., and noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. daily through Jan. 2. The last tour departs at 1 p.m. on Dec. 31, Jan. 1, and Jan. 8-10. Tours will resume at only 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Jan. 11 and daily thereafter. Tours depart from the main lobby (Rotunda), at 74 King St. Tickets may be purchased at this location 15 minutes prior to each tour, or at Flagler’s Legacy, 59 Saint George St. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for St. Augustine residents with a valid ID, and $1 for children under the age of 12, which includes a complimentary Flagler College coloring and activity book. Individual reservations are not required. For group rates, call Samantha Palmer or Whitney Warren at 823-3378. Call Flagler’s Legacy Tours at 819-6400.

Theatre and barbecue: Start the New Year right with lots of laughs and barbecue when Limelight Theatre presents a special presentation of Duck Hunter Shoots Angel - the hilarious story of two Southern hunters who believe they have shot down an angel! In keeping with the show’s theme, the buffet dinner will feature barbecue with Krispy Kreme donuts for dessert. Tickets for the show and buffet are $50 and may be purchased by calling the box office at 904.825.1164 or online at www.Limelight-Theatre.org. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.   

Diamonds, Denim and Decades: Welcome 2012 at an exciting New Year’s Party at the AAA Four Diamond-rated Renaissance World Golf Village Resort. From 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., the resort’s St. Augustine Ballroom will be the liveliest place to be when the Murray Goff Connection Band performs high-energy music and popular songs from nearly every genre The Diamonds, Denim and Decades package is $319 per couple and includes one night accommodations at the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort, admission to the party; a welcome libation; fantastic culinary fare at 12 different food stations, created by the resort’s Executive Chef Brett Smith; a champagne toast at midnight; and a late night snack buffet. Two-night packages start at $448. Tickets for just the Party are $75 per person, plus t & g. The Renaissance is located at I-95 Exit 323. For more information and reservations, call 904-940-8696, or visit www.WorldGolfRenaissance.com.    

Casino for a Cause: Ring in the New Year at Ponte Vedra Beach’s newest event facility, the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. A fun-filled evening will be had by all, starting with a cocktail reception from 8 to 9 p.m. Then, throughout the night there will be live entertainment by Orlando’s Top Jazz & Swing Band, heavy hors d’oeuvres, unlimited beer, wine and martinis, and a Champaign toast at midnight. Tickets are $125 and VIP tickets (which include unlimited full bar) are $175. The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall is located at 1050 S A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach. Proceeds from this exciting New Year event will benefit BEAM, Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry. For more information, visit http://www.CasinosForACause.com.   

Seaside Celebration: Greet 2012 from the seaside Holiday Isle Oceanfront Resort in St. Augustine Beach. The Beach Garden Restaurant has a special New Year’s Eve menu from 5-8 p.m. and then the party begins! From 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. there’s entertainment by Kenyon Dye, light hors d’oeuvres from 9-11 p.m. and a Champagne toast at midnight - all for only $29.95 per couple. For reservations, call 904.471.2555. www.holidayisleoceanfront.com 

Fine Dining: Bid farewell to 2011 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve dinner at one of the fine restaurants on Florida’s Historic Coast. Explore the exquisite tastes of Italy or take advantage of the Surf & Turf (Lobster and Filet Mignon) dinner at Amici’s, 1915 A1A South in St. Augustine. The Surf & Turf special is only $29.. Call 904.461.0102 or go to www.amicistaugustine.com for more information. At the beach, Café Atlantico (647 A1A Beach Boulevard, St. Augustine)offers a special five-course New Year’s Eve dinner with an entrée choice of Catch of the Day over Mediterranean ratatouille and cream of plum tomatoes or Beef Wellington with a mushroom,-cognac reduction - all for $75 per person. For reservations, call 904.471.7332 or go to www.cafeatlantico.net . Get a taste of France when Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard shares the award-winning menu he presented in November at the James Beard House in New York City. This special New Year’s Eve treat begins with a mise en mouche and climaxes with a pear poached in Beaujolais Nouveau -- all for only $69 per person, plus tip and taxes. Bistro de Leon is located on St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion at 12 Cathedral Place/ Phone: 904.810.2100 or www.bistrodeleon.com For more continental cuisine, enjoy fine dining with a Russian flair a Sara’s Crepe Café. From 10 p.m. until 3 a.m., enjoy a three-course pre-fix menu featuring appetizers like blini with caviar, fried potato with mushrooms, and shrimp cocktail followed by entrees including prime rib, Cornish hens in garlic sauce and pasta with fresh basil oil sauce. For the perfect conclusion, there’s dessert and champagne. The dinner package is $75. Plus, there is live entertainment throughout the evening! Sara’s Crepe Café is located at 100 St. George Street, Suite F in St. Augustine. Call 904.810.5800 or go to www.sarascrepecafe.com . And for the golf fan, there’s nothing more memorable than New Year’s Eve dinner at the beautiful TPC Sawgrass. From 5-9 p.m. enjoy a delicious a la carte dinner and live music in an unmatched setting. For details and reservations, call 904.453.5105   

Wine, Food and Carriages Too: Explore the Oldest City’s culinary, wine and beer heritage on a series of New Year’s Eve walking and carriage tours. Taste the best St. Augustine has to offer on the three-hour Vittles and Vino Carriage Tour. Sample wines and food at one-of-a-kind specialty shops and eateries with transportation provided by a horse-drawn carriage. Tours are priced at $99 per person and depart at 2 p.m. Nights of Lights Wine and Carriage Tours take you on a tour of the spectacular Night of Lights aboard a horse-drawn carriage while indulging in delicious Spanish boutique wines. These one-hour tours are available for $45 per person and depart at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. (Private tours can also be arranged.) Departing at 5 p.m., the Barley and Hops Beer Tours features a walking tour filled with fascinating facts about brewing as well as sampling of outstanding local brews. Tickets are $46 per person. Start the New Year’s Eve celebration at 4 p.m. with the Wine About Town tour - a 2.5 hour strolling tour featuring exclusive wine samplings gourmet cheese and fresh baked breads. Tickets are $56 each. For details, reservations and more information about these tours, call 904.325.3911 or visit www.thetastingtours.com  

Seagoing Celebration: Head out from Mayport aboard the Jacks or Better Casino Cruise and welcome the New Year at sea. Sumptuous buffet, wine & cheese, shrimp and sushi, champagne toast at midnight and much more! Book in advance at $60 single/$100 couple or at the door $75 single/$100 couple. For more information, go to http://jacksorbettercasino.com or call 877.605.6673 

The St. Augustine Ghost Tour with A Ghostly Encounter

A Ghostly Encounter, a wonderful St. Augustine ghost tour, is fun, not too scary and very entertaining. You're sure to have a great time. Your tour will begin at the Spanish Military Hospital Museum, a certified haunted building. Hmmmm.... yep, it's true! The building has been featured on TNT's Liars and Legends, The Travel Channel, The Today Show, First Coast News and SBC, CBS, and NBC local affiliates. And recently, the ghost hunter team from the Sci-Fi Channel came to investigate. Inside you'll visit the ward of the Haunted hospital then your knowledgeable guide will light the way as you safely travel through the haunted streets of St. Augustine. You'll hear stories of those who came before us and refuse to leave.

A bit of St. Augustine history: It seems in 1821 the City had to replace several water lines located directly under the original Spanish Military Hospital building. Once the walls were torn down and the digging began, a possible explanation was found for the many documented statements by patients and employees reporting something “evil” and “frightening” that seemed to roam the ward. I don't want to spoil your tour so I won't tell you any more.

St. Augustine ghost tours, A Ghostly Encounter, begin nightly from the Spanish Military Hospital - 3 Aviles Street and last approximately 90 minutes.

Sunday - Friday - Tours begin 8:00 p.m.

Saturday - 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Hauntings by Night
A Ghostly Encounter

3 Aviles Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 827-0807
(800) 597-7177
Ancient City Tours
ancientcitytours@bellsouth.net

 

History by Day
Spanish Military Hospital Museum

NOTE: Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the tour company.

 

16TH CENTURY ST. AUGUSTINE HISTORIC ENCAMPMENT

Visit Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archeological Park to learn more about the 1565 founding of the nation's oldest city through authentic interactive re-enactments and demonstrations. On Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be lively discussions on 16th century life ways featuring renowned speakers from many historic disciplines. On Saturday, the Official landing reenactment, formal Mass and presentation by Dr. Michael Gannon will take place at the Mission Nombre de Dios historic site next door. On Saturday evening, enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of a 16th Century Feast complete with costumed characters.

On Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a Distinguished Speaker's presentation where attendees can learn about the archaeology, people and events related to this important Historic Site and the founding of St. Augustine, Florida. The Fountain of Youth is located at 11 Magnolia Avenue in St. Augustine. Admission is free for St. Johns County residents with ID. 

For more information, call 904.829.2874

Check this page for future events: http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/events-in-st-augustine

446th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine

Witness the reenactment of the landing of St. Augustine’s founder, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, along the same shoreline where Spanish colonists came ashore in 1565. Following the reenactment of the Spanish settler’s arrival there will be a presentation about St. Augustine and America’s Spanish history, then a celebration of Mass at the Mission’s outdoor altar. Following the Celebration of Mass, there will be informative presentations guest speakers and a procession to the Mission Museum.

Location: Mission Nombre de Dios

Directions: Located off San Marco Avenue and various locations in Historic St. Augustine

Hours: Festivites begin at 9 a.m.

Admission: Free

http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/08/st-augustines-446th-birthday-celebration

A popular turist attraction

Why Old City St Augustine draws crowds year after year?

Have you ever wondered why destinations manage to draw flocks of visitors not once or twice, but again and again? It is a little something called character, and it is not easily defined despite what the average dictionary might have to say on the subject. A great example of what it takes to bring about a great amount of appeal through character can be found in the incomparable St. Augustine. What makes St. Augustine so appealing? In a large part it’s blending of a modern city with the Old City section that has tons to offer:

• Artists galore – The Old City of St. Augustine is home to art galleries, workshops, and even just plenty of artists.
• Amazing history – St. Augustine’s Old City has an amazing history that is unrivaled by nearly any other destination in the world.
• Vibrant night life – St. Augustine has a very vibrant night life that may not be as well known as Miami, but is almost equally diverse.
• World-class cuisine – The culinary arts are not neglected in St. Augustine. In fact, there are many top notch eateries that are well known for their offerings.
• Things to do – It does not matter if you enjoy intellectual pursuits, artistic endeavors, the great outdoors, fun in the sun, or aquatic adventures, but St. Augustine has it all in spades. About the only thing that St. Augustine does not have is snow.

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

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! :)

Great video about the city of St. Augustine

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

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

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.