Nation's Oldest City http://www.nationsoldestcity.com St. Augustine, FL Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:18:37 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= World-Famous 17th Island Green http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2012/02/world-famous-17th-island-green/ http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2012/02/world-famous-17th-island-green/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:11:41 +0000 admin http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/?p=2608

SPECIAL GOLF PACKAGES AVAILABLE DURING THE PLAYERS

ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida. - Ponte Vedra Beach takes the world stage when THE PLAYERS Championship tees off May 7 – 13, 2012.  This year, the PGA TOUR and Florida’s Historic Coast are making it easier for golf fans to see their favorite touring pro up-close in action by offering special hotel packages that include tickets to THE PLAYERS tournament.

“The partnership with the PGA TOUR and Florida’s Historic Coast provides golf fans with packages that include hotel accommodations, tickets to the tournament, which is very accessible, and an opportunity to book tee-times on one of the dozens of championship courses located in the area” said Richard Goldman, executive director of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. “Combined with a trip to the nearby World Golf Hall of Fame, our PLAYERS Getaway packages are nirvana for golf fans”.

THE PLAYERS, which takes place on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, home of the world-famous 17th island green world-famous 17th Island Green,  is recognized by PGA TOUR members as “their” championship and awards the largest purse on the Tour ($9.5 million).

Hotel packages for THE PLAYERS start at $99 per night and can be customized to include rounds of golf and admission to the World Golf Hall of Fame. In addition to tournament grounds tickets, additional packages include access to the Hospitality House.  Benefactor and Clubhouse tickets are also available.

]]> http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2012/02/world-famous-17th-island-green/feed/ 1 Valentine’s Day in St. Augustine, FL http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2012/01/valentines-day-in-st-augustine-fl-2/ http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2012/01/valentines-day-in-st-augustine-fl-2/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:38:33 +0000 admin http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/?p=1950 Spend Valentine’s Day in Romantic St. Augustine, Florida

Spending Valentine’s Day in Romantic St. Augustine?


St. Augustine is one of the most romantic city’s in the south and if you haven’t made plans for St. Valentine’s Day, then maybe a few days away from it all would be the perfect romantic idea.

Whether you’d like to make sightseeing memories or relax in a comfortable hotel or bed and breakfast, you’ll have a Valentine’s Day to remember in St. Augustine.


Where to Stay?
For the cozy and romantic atmosphere many seek, consider one of St. Augustine’s, bed & breakfast Casa de Solana.  Or if you are looking for the ultimate hotel getaway that has a great location in historical district, then consider Quality Inn Historic.


What to Do?

Romance is in the air in St. Augustine and one of the best things we recommend for Valentine’s Day is a carriage ride & tour through the Historic District or St. Augustine. Go back in time and relax, snuggle and enjoy seeing the history of Nation’s Oldest City.

Need something for your guest, friends or family to do on Valentine’s day?
Join the professional Guides and Naturalists of St. Augustine Eco Tours for a one of a kind Valentine’s experience! Choose the excursion that’s perfect for you and your sweetie! Saturday through Valentine’s Day, paddle in a tandem kayak into the beautiful and tranquil salt marshes, look for wildlife as you explore the rivers and creeks on the Dolphin & Nature boat tour or kick back and relax on a peaceful 2 hour sail aboard our stable 27′ catamaran —the choice is yours! For rates and more information, visit www.staugustineecotours.com or call 904- 377-7245

The Perfect Dinner…

A wonderful fine dining experience is in order for this special day in St. Augustine, Florida.   Many fine dining establishments would be the perfect setting for celebrating your Valentine’s Day together or a lifetime of committment!
Local restaurants such as Old City House Restaurant would be excellent choices. Make Your Valentine’s Dinner reservations Today! Call 904-826-0113 or see VALENTINES DAY MENU.


Who to Take?
That special someone!
Approximately 141 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas.


Valentine’s Day — History
Saint Valentine’s Day, commonly shortened to Valentine’s Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrsnamed Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 500 AD. It was deleted from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI, but its religious observance is still permitted. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly loveflourished.
]]> http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2012/01/valentines-day-in-st-augustine-fl-2/feed/ 0 Bed and Breakfast Holiday Tour http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/12/bed-and-breakfast-holiday-tour/ http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/12/bed-and-breakfast-holiday-tour/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:08:09 +0000 admin http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/?p=1642 St. Augustine Historic Inns Bed and Breakfast Holiday Tour

18th Annual Bed and Breakfast

Holiday Tour

December 10 & 11, 2011, St. Augustine, Florida

There are 12 Inns to tour on Saturday and 13 Inns to tour on Sunday. The Inns will be open from 1:00-5:00pm each day


The Bed and Breakfast Holiday Tour has become a tradition in St. Augustine, showcasing the city’s array of beautiful Inns decked out in their holiday finery. This much anticipated two day event will be held on Saturday, December 10th and Sunday, December 11th from 2pm-5pm, and features half of the 25 inn locations each day.


Your two-day ticket includes tours on both days and a delicious signature treat from a leading local culinary establishment that partners with each inn. Advance purchase tickets are offered at a discounted price of $25 for the two day event and can be purchased online at www.staugustinebandbtour.com.
Old Town Trolley, a returning sponsor, will provide transportation for those who would prefer to ride to the multiple drop off points, and Winn Dixie Stores will once again be on hand to offer a complimentary grocery tote bag to each tour guest when they claim their tickets at the Visitors Information Center on San Marco Avenue at West Castillo Drive. SAHI, The Record, and Herbie Wiles Insurance, round out the generous sponsors that have made this year’s event possible and a “must do” for the 2011 holiday season!
Each year the St. Augustine Historic Inns (SAHI) select a charity to receive a gift representing a portion of the funds raised. This year they have once again selected the “Empty Stocking Fund”. This important St. Augustine Record initiative ensures the joy of the season with food and gift cards to local economically disadvantaged children and their families.
]]> http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/12/bed-and-breakfast-holiday-tour/feed/ 1 British Night Watch http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/british-night-watch/ http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/british-night-watch/#comments Sat, 26 Nov 2011 01:45:08 +0000 admin http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/?p=1526 The 37th Annual

British Night Watch Parade

in The City of Saint Augustine to be held on Saturday Evening, The 3rd of December 2011 8 o’clock PM.
Starting at Government House, at West End of the Plaza, looping through Downtown St. Augustine to the City Gates, and returning to the Plaza.  Loyal Citizens are asked to Partake of this Merriment, bearing Candles or Lanterns to light their way, making merry with Good Company.  The Parade shall conclude at Government House with Muskets firing Volleys of Joy, and Christmas Caroling in the Plaza.
In early December of each year, historic St. Augustine celebrates its brief 18th Century British occupation during the annual British Nightwatch and Grande Illumination. The event draws thousands to the streets of Florida’s ancient city that is already aglow with millions of tiny white lights for its Nights of Lights celebration.
Parade Route Information
The Grande Illumination – British Night Watch Parade will begin at the Plaza, in front of Government House, at 8:00 PM. The Parade will leave St. George Street in front of Government House, heading south across King St. to march down St. George to turn left on Cadiz St. to march down to tune left on Aviles St. Then down Aviles St. back to King, around the Plaza to Cathedral, then right onto St. George Street. Marching down to left on Hypolita St., right onto Spanish St. down to Orange, where we turn right & march to the City Gates, were we march through and back down St. George Street back to Government House
The BEST place to be for the parade if you are a spectator is in the Plaza, and plan to be in place around 7:30 PM to get a good spot. Once the parade gets started you may follow behind if you wish. The Tradition is to carry a candle or lantern as part of the parade. Candles will be available for a small donation.
For more information see www.britishnightwatch.org
]]> http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/british-night-watch/feed/ 2 Winter Wonderland St. Augustine http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/winter-wonderland-st-augustine/ http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/winter-wonderland-st-augustine/#comments Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:19:40 +0000 admin http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/?p=1502 Winter Wonderland 2011-2012 in St. Augustine

November 26th – January 1st

Bring the whole family to enjoy St. Augustine‘s Winter Wonderland which features a real ice skating rink, ice slide, Elf Express train rides, The Elf Village, sleigh rides and SNOW!  There are even scheduled visits from Santa.  Adults are welcome to relax and enjoy refreshments in the Igloo Lounge (21 and up only). St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located at 1340 A1A St. Augustine. Hours are November 26 through December 16, Monday through Friday 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 10 p.m..; and December 17 through January 1 from 2 to 10 p.m. daily except Christmas Day (5 – 10 p.m.) and New Year’s Eve (noon to 5 p.m.) Admission is free with activity participation fees.

Step into a Winter Wonderland this Holiday Season at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre!

Outdoor ice skating, snow every night, an Elf Village and Elf Express Train, carriage rides, Reindeer games, a s’mores pit and appearances by Santa will be some of the winter-themed offerings this year during the fourth annual Winter Wonderland at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre.


Hours of Operation

Subject to Change

November 26th – December 16th:

Monday – Friday: 5:00pm-10:00pm

Saturday & Sunday: 2:00pm-10:00pm*

December 17th – January 1st:

Daily: 2:00pm-10:00pm

Holiday Hours

December 24th: Christmas Eve: 2:00pm – 10:00pm

December 25th: Christmas Day: 5:00pm – 10:00pm

December 31st: New Year’s Eve: 12:00pm – 5:00pm

January 1st: New Year’s Day: 2:00pm – 10:00pm

The Following Activities Only After 5:00pm:

Santa   ·   Ski Lounge  ·   Sleigh Rides  ·   S’more Pit  ·   Snow

Santa Hours

November 26th – December 24th: 5:00pm to 8:30pm

Snow Hours

November 26th – January 1st

Daily:

7:00pm – Over the Ice Skating Rink and Elf Village

8:00pm – Over the S’more Pit

9:00pm – Over the Ice Skating Rink and Elf Village

(5-10 Minutes per Snowfall)

]]> http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/winter-wonderland-st-augustine/feed/ 2 The Holly Jolly Holiday Trolley http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/the-holly-jolly-holiday-trolley/ http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/the-holly-jolly-holiday-trolley/#comments Sun, 20 Nov 2011 02:28:53 +0000 admin http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/?p=1467 Explore St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights in the cozy comfort of  Holly Jolly Holiday Trolleys. Guests of all ages delight at the festive wonderland of the historic area glittering with over 2 million lights. This tour is an annual tradition for thousands, and is sure to be one of your favorite holiday outings. Caroling, hot cider, and homemade cookies add to the magic of your evening. Guests will receive complimentary magical viewing glasses, handcrafted by Santa’s elves exclusively for our guests. These amazing glasses will enhance the twinkle and glimmer of the lights, making this ride even more special. We’ll be riding nightly. Come share holiday cheer with friends or snuggle up with loved ones and make this your holiday tradition. We’ll warm up the cider!
Where: Tours leave from the Visitors Information Center, 10 West Castillo Drive.
When:
Continuous departures nightly from 6 pm to 8 pm: November 20, 2011 – January 1, 2012.
Private Charters available nightly November 20 to January 31.
Cost: Adults – $7 • Children – $4 (ages 6 – 12)
Park Free:
Old Jail Main Depot – 167 San Marco Avenue
Welcome Center at 27 San Marco Avenue
Welcome Center at 1700 Ponce de Leon Blvd. (US1)
For More Information On This Tour Call (904) 829-3800


BUY TICKETS NOW


]]> http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/the-holly-jolly-holiday-trolley/feed/ 1 Nights of Lights in St. Augustine, FL http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/nights-of-lights-in-st-augustine-fl/ http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/nights-of-lights-in-st-augustine-fl/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:52:57 +0000 admin http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/?p=2550 18 TH ANNUAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
IN ST. AUGUSTINE FLORIDA

will begin on Saturday, November 19, 2011.

Nights of Lights in St. AugustineNamed one of American Bus Association’s 2011 Top 100 events in North America, Nights of Lights is a 2-month long celebration of the Holiday Season. Millions of white lights create a magical holiday atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city during the 18th Annual Nights of Lights Celebration in St. Augustine, Florida. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a lighted white candle during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting reflects the city’s 446-year history while creating a beautiful setting for special memories.


A dazzling array of special events and activities await visitors. Night-time tours of ancient buildings and inns led by storytellers in period clothing, rollicking train and trolley tours through the narrow brick streets, art walks featuring more than 30 galleries serving free holiday refreshments on the First Friday in December and January, special Saturday night antique shopping events, a dazzling regatta, Florida ice skating, luminaries in the town plaza, holiday concerts, even a Christmas parade, are among the special events to be added to the memory books of visitors and residents alike.
Nights of Lights will sparkle in St. Augustine through January 31.


]]> http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/nights-of-lights-in-st-augustine-fl/feed/ 0 ST. AUGUSTINE MARATHON WEEKEND http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/st-augustine-marathon-weekend/ http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/st-augustine-marathon-weekend/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:51:38 +0000 admin http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/?p=2522 ST. AUGUSTINE MARATHON WEEKEND
On November 19 and 20, the nation’s oldest city will provide a beautiful and historic setting for a weekend of races and fun for running enthusiasts of all ages. Set for Sunday, November 20, both the Columbia St. Augustine Marathon and half-marathon have been certified by USA Track and Field making the event a qualifier for the prestigious 2013 Boston Marathon. In addition, 10K, 5K and Kids’ Runs are scheduled for Saturday. Together, these runs create an ideal weekend getaway for sports-minded families.
Athletes and fans will also experience the Columbia St. Augustine Expo featuring the latest gear and equipment at discount prices. Located in the heart of the event “village,” the Expo will also be an ideal location for runners and fans to socialize.
The marathon will be the first of the official events leading up to the 450th birthday of the City of St. Augustine in 2015. Founded in 1565 by the Spanish, St. Augustine features an authentic European look that includes Aviles Street, the oldest street in the oldest city; the iconic Bridge of Lions leading to Anastasia Island; the Plaza de la Constitucion; some of the best Spanish Renaissance architecture in the New World; a beautiful bayfront; the nation’s first national monument, the Castillo de San Marcos; and 144 square blocks listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Combined with great Atlantic beaches, outstanding restaurants and a wide variety of accommodations, both runners and their fans will find the courses to be truly memorable. As an added bonus, the three million tiny white lights that mark the holiday Nights of Lights will flicker to life in a special ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. In 2009, AAA selected St. Augstine and its Nights of Lights as one of the ten best places in the U.S. and Canada for “holiday cheer”.
Registration for the Columbia St. Augustine Marathon is $105 for the full marathon; $90 for the half; $35 for the 10K; and $30 for the 5K. Children under 12 run for free. For online registration, course maps, full details and tips on accommodations, go to www.staugustinemarathon.com . The first 1,000 runners will receive a free cap and winners in each category will get to drink from the soon-to-be-legendary Grail of Endurance filled with fresh spring water from Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine.
Organized by Miami Tri Events, the Columbia Restaurant and the Jack Wilson Family of Automobile Dealerships are key sponsors of the marathon along with Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine, Project Autism, Anastasia State Park, Coastal Realty, Flagler Hospital and the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council
.
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, 42 miles of pristine, Atlantic beaches and the location of Ponce De Leon’s historic discovery of Florida in 1513.
]]> http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/st-augustine-marathon-weekend/feed/ 0 Thanksgiving Holiday http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-holiday/ http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-holiday/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:38:26 +0000 admin http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/?p=1518 Thanksgiving Holiday in St Augustine
Every forth Thursday in November is designated as Thanksgiving Day in the United States.  This federal holiday serves as a time to give thanks and express gratitude as well as a remembrance of the Thanksgivings from past particularly the well known celebration of 1621 which included both Plymouth Pilgrims and Massasoit Native Americans.  However, this wasn’t deemed Thanksgiving, these same pilgrims wouldn’t have an official Thanksgiving celebration until 1963.
Thanksgiving holidays have been around for centuries, beginning as a celebration of the fall Harvest and as a way of giving thanks long before settlers came to America.  Some are surprised to find the first Thanksgiving in the U.S. which actually occurred in 1565 was conducted by the Spaniards when they landed in what is now St. Augustine, Florida.  There was also another Thanksgiving prior to the famous 1621 when a group of English settlers had a day of Thanksgiving when they arrived in 1619.
Thanksgiving Days were first official proclaimed by Congress as early as 1777 during the Revolutionary War to mark significant victories.  From that time until 1863 various Presidents also proclaimed days of thanksgiving throughout the year but there was no official date.  Then in 1863 President Lincoln set an official Thanksgiving Day to take place on the third Thursday of November which has remained the standard since.  The tradition of a Thanksgiving feast has also remained until this day.  In America Thanksgiving has become the marker of the beginning of the holiday season.


Why do we eat turkey for Thanksgiving?

Although juicy and tender butterball turkeys are the main cuisine of today’s Thanksgiving celebrations, these birds were NOT the most popular centerpieces on the first Thanksgiving tables.
In 1621 when the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians celebrated the first Thanksgiving, they were gobbling up many more foods than just turkey. Since lobster, goose, duck, seal, eel, and cod were plentiful during this time, these foods were most likely the main courses of this first feast. Deer meat and wild fowl are the only two items that historians know for sure were menu of this autumn celebration.
So how did the turkey become the main mascot of modern-day Thanksgiving if we don’t know for certain that turkeys were at this first feast?
One story tells of how Queen Elizabeth of 16th century England was chowing down on roast goose during a harvest festival. When news was delivered to her that the Spanish Armada had sunk on it way to attack her beloved England, the queen was so pleased that she order a second goose to celebrate the great news. Thus, the goose became the favorite bird at harvest time in England. When the Pilgrims arrived in America from England, roasted turkey replaced roasted goose as the main cuisine because wild turkeys were more abundant and easier to find than geese.


]]> http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-holiday/feed/ 0 St. Augustine wedding and QUINCEAŃERA Expo http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/10/st-augustine-wedding-and-quinceanera-expo/ http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/10/st-augustine-wedding-and-quinceanera-expo/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:14:27 +0000 admin http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/?p=2507 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 to www.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 to www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1.800.653.2489
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