Nation's Oldest City http://www.nationsoldestcity.com St. Augustine, FL Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:46:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= Spring on Florida’s Historic Coast http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2012/03/spring-on-floridas-historic-coast/ http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2012/03/spring-on-floridas-historic-coast/#comments Sun, 25 Mar 2012 20:47:55 +0000 admin http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/?p=2631 ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida – Florida’s Historic Coast has been welcoming vacationers for more than 125 years, but as any recent visitor will tell you “Our History Is Not the Same Old Story”. Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, spring visitors to these special 42 miles of northeast Florida coastline will quickly find there is much that is new and exciting to experience. Whether visiting the nation’s oldest city of St. Augustine, playing the world class golf courses of Ponte Vedra or soaking up the sun at one of the Historic Coast’s beach communities, exciting new attractions and amenities await. 

El Conquistador – now even more thrills!

Debuting last year on Matanzas Bay, El Conquistador will soon be offering passengers even more thrills! The high-speed tour boat with the distinctive conquistador helmets mounted above its twin exhaust stacks will feature a new 30-minute thrill ride that is more “thrill” than “tour”. More donuts, figure eights and high speed turns, plus louder music and engines, this exclusive El Conquistador tour is sure to get the adrenaline pumping. www.elconspeedboat.com

Freedom Trail Audio Tour

In 2014, St. Augustine will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and the pivotal role the city played in the passage of this landmark legislation. Today, visitors can follow a self-guided Freedom Trail and hear audio descriptions of what happened at 31 key sites throughout the area. Sponsored by Northrop Grumman and produced by the 40th ACCORD, Inc., the audio tour tells of tragedy and triumph during the summer of 1964 and many of the recordings feature the voices of actual participants. These include the voice of Dr. Robert Hayling, a young dentist in St. Augustine who played a key role in the local civil rights movement and was beaten for his efforts (even his dog was killed). Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Andrew Young were also present at many of these sites that will always be remembered as important stops on the trail to human equality.  For more information, go to www.accordfreedomtrail.com

Lost Ships

For the first time, a new tour at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum will give participants a close-up and personal experience with many of the artifacts from the 18th century “Storm Wreck”. Conducted by a professional underwater archaeologist from the Lighthouse Archeological Maritime Program (LAMP), the tour demonstrates both the methods used by marine archaeologist to excavate sites and the process they follow to identify and date what they have found. www.staugustinelighthouse.org

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth

For decades, visitors to St. Augustine’s Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park have been entertained and enlightened at this ever-popular attraction. Not only do they learn about the fascinating archaeological discoveries made there, they also hear the story of Ponce’s quest for the Fountain of Youth and get to taste a sample of the fabled water! This spring, visitors will find a new, 600-foot observation deck that gives a close-up look at the tidal salt marsh and leads to an authentic 16th century boat yard where a replica caravel, much like the ship that carried Ponce on his voyage of discovery, is under construction. Plus, there are lots of opportunities to interact with authentic re-enactors portraying Timucuan Indians and Spanish conquistadors. For more details, including upcoming special events, go to:www.fountainofyouthflorida.com

Golf Resort Adds Beachfront Privileges

This spring, guests at AAA Four-Diamond Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Beach Club in St. Augustine will enjoy privileges at the exclusive Serenata Beach Club, which features a breathtaking setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. All the privileges of the beach club will be available to all guests at the resort, no specific package in needed to enjoy Serenata. Springtime rates at the resort start at only $139.99.  For more information, go to www.worldgolfrenaissance.com

Indians of the Estuary

New for spring, this fascinating kayak tour take paddlers back to the time of the Timucuans – the original inhabitants of Florida’s Historic Coast. When Menendez arrived in 1565 to found the city of St. Augustine, the Timucuans had already called the area “home” for 500 years…or more. In fact, they had a thriving city named Seloy at the location of today’s Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Park. Regrettably, these remarkable people succumbed to European diseases. Created by Ripple Effect Tours, Indians of the Estuary shows the value of the estuary to the Timucuans and goes to the actual site of an ancient Timucuan encampment where the lifestyles of these long-lost people are explained and demonstrated.    wwww.rippleefectecotours.com

More Thrills, Chills, Brews and Food!

St. Augustine City Walks is known for their original, entertaining and educational walking tours of the Nation’s oldest city. This spring, the waiting list for these highly-popular tours will be considerably shorter – that’s simply because more tours are being scheduled daily. Choose from The Plaza Stroll that introduces participants to the history and secrets of the Plaza de la Constitucion – now twice daily! Tour de Chocolate is a new tour offering two full hours or decadent chocolate tasting in a city famous for its chocolates. History, Mystery, Mayhem and Murder – not for the faint of heart, this 90-minute tour looks at the darker side of St. Augustine and now you can experience it four times weekly. Savory Faire-A Food Tour With Taste features two-and-half-hours of tasting delicious foods that reflect the 450-year old culture of St. Augustine (yes, the tour includes walking too). Now available daily except Sunday. And to wash it all down there’s the St. Augustine Pub Crawl offered daily and twice daily on Friday and Saturday. And finally, for those who want a good scare (and some great beer) don’t miss the infamous Creepy Crawl tour of four haunted pubs. www.staugustinecitywalks.com

St. Francis Inn: New Menu Choices

The oldest accommodation in St. Augustine, the 18th century St. Francis Inn has been setting the standard for hospitality in the oldest city for centuries. In addition to the unforgettable rooms and impeccable service, this spring the multi award-winning inn has updated its popular menu. New offerings include Farmer’s Market Vegetable Strata and a Blueberry Pecan French Toast Bake. Plus, guests can now indulge themselves with an array of specialty coffees brewed to order in the kitchen. For more on this iconic St. Augustine inn, go to   www.stfrancisinn.com

Sail Away to Romance

Just when you think the Inns of Elegance couldn’t possibly be any more romantic, they come up with another addition that is sure to make any getaway one for the memory books. Beginning this spring, guests at any of the Inns of Elegance will have an opportunity to go on a romantic sailing trip aboard the beautiful Schooner Freedom. Two 2-hour cruises are offered daily and each comes with a complimentary bottle of champagne! For details on these outstanding inns and this unique sailing opportunity, go to  www.innsofelegance.com

Chocolate Adventures for Adults and Kids

In February, St. Augustine’s Whetstone Chocolate Factory was the only Florida stop selected by The Food Network for inclusion in their exclusive chocolate road trip across America – a guide to the best spots for chocolate lovers nationwide. Every Friday and Saturday this spring, chocolate fans can join St. Augustine’s original chocolate family for a Chocolate and Wine Pairing. The 90-minute event begins at 6 p.m. at Whetstone’s Anastasia Island store, 11 Anastasia Boulevard, and features four different wines paired with a unique chocolate piece. Tickets are $25 each and participants must be 21 years of age. Of course, kids and adults will enjoy the famous Whetstone Chocolate Factory Tour is available daily at 139 King Street.www.whetstonechocolates.com . And especially for kids, don’t miss Peterbrooke Chocolatier’s special selection of handmade chocolate Easter treats, including a giant chocolate egg stuffed with Peterbooke’s signature chocolate-covered popcorn. Plus, the Easter Bunny will be there for free photos from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 31. Located at 1011 A1A Beach Blvd, #3 in St. Augustine Beach. . Telephone 904-471-2830.

Live Concerts:

In addition to nightly entertainers in St. Augustine restaurants and pubs, Florida’s Historic Coast will feature spring concerts for every musical taste. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre will host Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt (March 23); Martina McBride (April 13); Rise Against (April 27); and The Beach Boys (May 2). Featured performances at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall include Suzy Bogguss (March 30); Gallagher (April 5); and Edgar Winter (May 20).  EMMA’s concert series held at Flagler Auditorium includes Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (March 25);State Street Ballet (April 22); Bella Voce (May 6).

Events:

As always, spring on Florida’s Historic Coast is filled with exciting events featuring the very best in golf, great food, music and history. For a complete calendar of spring events, go here Spring Calendar of Events.

Here are just a few highlights:

May 7-13: THE PLAYERS Championship

The world’s greatest golfers compete for the richest purse in the game at this exciting tournament held at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach. This championship week of golf gets off to a great start on May 7 when the 2012 Class is inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine. Among the game’s luminaries to be inducted this year are Phil Mickelson and Hollis Stacy. For more details and ticket information for THE PLAYERS, go to www.pgatour.com or call 800-741-3161. Special accommodations packages for this tremendous event can be found at http://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/golf_landing The packages start at only $99 per night and can be modified to include golf and admission to the Hall of Fame.

More events….

April 19-22: Sawgrass Wine Festival

More than 200 wine vendors will offer samples and a gourmet tent will feature culinary delights at the luxurious Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach.www.sawgrasswinefestival.com

April 25-29: Florida’s Birding and PhotoFest

Experience northeast Florida’s abundant bird life while learning from some of the world’s best outdoor photographers. Headquartered at Marineland, about 15 miles south of St. Augstine, the event’s more than 100 exciting birding and outdoor photography sessions make it one of the best of its kind.   www.FloridasBirdingandPhotoFest.com

April 27-19: Rhythm & Ribs Festival

The nation’s best barbecue chefs bring their tastiest concoctions to St. Augustine for this annual event. Great live music included! www.rhythmandribs.net

April 28: Taste of St. Augustine

Savor the unique tastes of St. Augustine as local restaurants serve samples of their signature dishes in a flavorful competition to win the coveted “Best Of” title. www.epiccommunityservices.org

May 3-6: Culturally La Florida: Spain’s New World Legacy

Flagler College, Florida Humanities Council, Florida’s Historic Coast and the City of St. Augustine will host a celebration of Spanish culture and heritage from the arrival of Ponce de Leon in 1513 to the present day. Presentations cover archaeology, cuisine, maritime history, culture and art and many others. www.CulturallyLaFlorida.org

May 4-6: Gamble Rogers Folk Festival

Enjoy the very best in folk music at this annual celebration of the music and stories that made Gamble Rogers famous. Concerts take place at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and at various venues throughout the oldest city.  www.GambleRogersFest.org

May 12: Taste of the Beach

Sample sumptuous creations from St. Augustine Beach restaurants in this annual competition for “Best of the Beach” honors.www.thecivicassociation.com

May 14-20: Romanza Week

Experience more than 50 productions and presentations featuring art and music of St. Augustine – the nation’s oldest and most romantic city. www.RomanzaFL.org

May 19: Lincolnville Street Fair

Immerse yourself in the African-American arts, culture and history of Lincolnville – one of St. Augustine’s designated historic districts. Sponsored by the Cyprian Center for the Expressive Arts. www.CyprianCenter.org

]]> http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2012/03/spring-on-floridas-historic-coast/feed/ 0 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.


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