St. Augustine, Florida . . .

A Must See

Whether you're planning a simple day trip, a weekend getaway. or a long adventure, St Augustine has it all - historic sites, fine restaurants, nightlife, hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, condos and more.

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. Forty-two years before the English colonized Jamestown and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish established at St. Augustine this nation's first enduring settlement.

 

The architectural legacy of the city's past is much younger, testimony to the impermanent quality of the earliest structures and to St. Augustine's troubled history. Only the venerable Castillo de San Marcos, completed in the late seventeenth century, survived destruction of the city by invading British forces in 1702.

 

 

To Learn more, visit the offical City of St. Augustine web site

Jacksonville, Florida . . .

With beautiful year-round weather and big time events, come see what Jacksonville is all about!

This spring in Jacksonville is action-packed!

The Southeast US Boat Show, One Spark, Welcome to Rockville, Springing the Blues Festival, World of Nations, THE PLAYERS Championship and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival - All happening this spring!

Plan your getaway today!

Visit Jacksonville

Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach . . .

Rich in history and natural beauty, northeast Florida’s Amelia Island invites you to reconnect with the things that matter most and create moments that stay with you for life.

With 13 miles of pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and clear, calm waters, Amelia Island and its quaint charm has been a beloved destination for generations.

 

 

Her upscale resorts, world-class spas, championship golf courses and exclusive restaurants combine with a charming collection of bed and breakfasts, historic sites and captivating festivals for an experience that’s uniquely Floridian.

 

 

 

 

 

Come experience why Amelia Island has consistently been one of Florida’s highest ranked island destinations.

 

 

 

Visit the Offical Web Site here for more details about the area

 

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens . . .

Escape to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida.

 

 

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens proudly opened its latest exhibit on Saturday, March 8th.

 

Go see tigers like you’ve never seen them before! 

 

Take a walk through Asia and experience wreathed and wrinkled hornbills, Visayan Warty pigs, Babirusa pigs, and Asian-small clawed otters.

 

The centerpiece of this newest addition are three Malayan and two Sumatran tigers that are free to roam through the area via an innovative trail system.

 

Guests will have the ability to potentially see a tiger from almost anywhere in this one of a kind 2.5 acre exhibit.

 

 

Discover the earth’s wildlife through interactive and educational experiences.

A true family adventure, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is growing and changing daily and is dedicated to consistently improving. 

Beginning in 2004 with Range of the Jaguar and continuing with Giraffe Overlook and Savanna Blooms garden, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is quickly becoming a world-class establishment. The Zoo has something for everyone with more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants.

Whether you are a visitor to Florida’s First Coast or a lifetime resident, we invite you to experience the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens through interactions with people, wildlife and the environment.

Visit the Jacksonville Zoo

 

Dunlawton Sugar Mill . . .

If and when you find yourself in the beautiful Daytona area, be sure to visit the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Ruins for a stroll through the extensive Botanical Gardens, home of stunning ancient trees, shrubs, exotic plants and flowers.

 

 More information here

Summer in North Florida: 2014 . . .

Whatever your passion, North Florida has it. Here are just some of the major events scheduled this month in the Sunshine State:

 

NORTH FLORIDA

 

5TH ANNUAL TASTE OF GAINESVILLE — When the students flee the University of Florida for the summer, the locals reclaim their now-sleepy college town and turn out to dine on signature dishes from 30 local restaurants spotlighting different regional flavors. Not to miss: the always-popular local Iron Chef competition featuring cheftestants Ray Leung (Dragonfly Sushi), Taylor Dukes (Great Outdoors Restaurant) and Valero Alises (Sabore).
When:  June 1
Where:  UF Hilton Conference Center, Gainesville
Web:  tasteofgainesville.com

BILLY BOWLEGS PIRATE FESTIVAL — As the website advises, “Keep Calm and Party with Pirates” when Billy Bowlegs and his band of swashbuckling scallywags storm the Fort Walton Beach coast for three days of parties, floats, parades, skirmishes, live music and fireworks.
When:  June 5-7
Where:  Fort Walton Landing, Fort Walton Beach
Web:  http://www.billybowlegsfestival.com/schedule.php

DRAKE’S RAID — In 1586, the English corsair Sir Francis Drake and his band of raiders sacked the city of St. Augustine, driving Spanish forces from their encampment, before they burned the city. The two-day reenactment begins on Friday with news of the arrival of the British marauders and continues on Saturday with a battle between the British and Spanish throughout the historic district of the city, ending at Plaza de al Constitucion.
When:  June 6-7
Where:  historic downtown St. Augustine
Web:  http://www.DrakesRaid.com

USA VS. NIGERIA: 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP SEND-OFF SERIES — Send the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team to Brazil with chants of “U-S-A” while waving the stars and stripes during their last match on home soil. The men will face off against Nigeria, the only team that they will play during their Send-Off Series of matches that also has qualified for the FIFA World Cup.
When:  June 7
Where:  Everbank Field, Jacksonville
Web:  ussoccer.com

PANAMA CITY BEACH BEER FESTIVAL — With Florida’s devotion to the craft beer craze an unstoppable force in the beer brewing movement, these festivals are a great way to sample dozens of brews from beloved brands like Cigar City, 7venth Sun, New Belgium, Founders Brewing and Ommegang. As for people watching, don’t miss the T-shirts — beer geeks will be breaking out their favorites. There’s bound to be at least one featuring a bear with deer antlers above the word “Beer.” Really.
When:  June 7
Where:  Fishale Gastro Pub
Web:  http://www.pcbbeerfestival.com

60TH ANNUAL CHIEFLAND WATERMELON FESTIVAL — Indulge in ice-cold watermelon, participate in the seed-spitting contest and cheer on the newly-crowned Watermelon Queen at the annual festival which features a community parade and arts and crafts festival.
When: June 7
Where: Chiefland Train Depot
Web: http://chieflandwomansclub.org/

21ST ANNUAL WELLBORN BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL — Indulge in all things blueberry: from cobblers and pies to ice cream and jellies to syrups and fudge. The highlights of the annual festival: crowning the blueberry queen, the blueberry parade, the blueberry bake-off and the famous blueberry pancake breakfast.
When:  June 7
Where:  Andrews Square, Wellborn
Web:  http://www.wellborncommunityassociation.com

24TH ANNUAL PENSACOLA VILLAGE OPEN HOUSE — Get a glimpse into Pensacola’s varied history with free tours of the Charles Lavalle House (a French Creole home from 1805), the Clara Barkley Dorr House (post-Civil War construction from 1871) and the Lear-Rocheblave House (Victorian middle-class family home from the 1890s). Tours will last about 20 minutes and free kids activities through the day include candle dipping, making calling cards and a photo booth.
When:  June 7
Where:  Historic Pensacola Village
Web:  http://www.historicpensacola.org

TALLAHASSEE LATIN DANCE FESTIVAL— Shake your moneymaker with workshops, evening parties and a performance showcase all dedicated to the salsa, mambo, tango, bachata, kizomba and cha cha cha for a wannabe or established dancer. Dance the night away to live music or DJs spinning Latin beats or watch an awe-inspiring performance by Colombian dancers Adrianita & Jefferson, the 2013 Salsa gold medalists at the World DanceSport Games.
When:  June 13-16
Where:  Hotel Duval, Tallahassee
Web:  http://tallylatindancefest.com

FLORIDA COUNTRY SUPERFEST — Required for the two-day country music event: cowboy hats and boots, a ready-to-rock persona and the ability to sing all the words to Mama’s Broken Heart. Country superstars Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Big & Rich, Eastin Corbin, Colt Ford and Joe Nichols will bring the epicenter of country music to Jacksonville for the weekend. The Superfest will also feature a Fan Fest and Tailgate Party outside the stadium.
When:  June 14-15
Where:  Everbank Field, Jacksonville
Web:  www.FloridaCountrySuperfest.com

WILD BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL — Do visions of blackberry pancakes, jellies and syrup make you hungry? They do, right? So load the family in the car and roadtrip to Jasper, located along the Florida/Georgia state line. The city is the heart of Hamilton County, the Wild Blackberry Capital of Florida. Festival fun also includes a classic car show, Miss Wild Blackberry Pageant and live music. Don’t forget to bring a piece of Hamilton County home with you when you purchase your own blackberry plant.
When:  June 14
Where:  downtown Jasper
Web:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wild-Blackberry-Festival/166354076751929

ST. GEORGE ISLAND MULLET TOSS — Start warming up your throwing arm. $25 gets you an event T-shirt and two mullet ($20 for children) to toss across the beach at this annual event. The winner in each category (You didn’t think the men and women competed against each other, did you?) gets bragging rights and some kind of prize. All proceeds go to charity.
When:  June 14
Where:  On the beach in front of the Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe, St. George Island
Web:  http://www.blueparrotsgi.com/calendar/mullet_toss.htm

ST. AUGUSTINE MUSIC FESTIVAL — Take a break from the seasonal deluge of jazz, funk, blues and country music fests to salute the world’s greatest composers — Beethoven, Brahms, Saint-Saëns, Vivaldi, Mozart and Mendelssohn —  at this eighth annual tribute. Featured international musicians like the Diaz Trio, pianist Eugenio Urrutia-Borlando and violinist Elissa Lee Koljonen will be joined by members of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Can’t make it in person? All six concerts will be streamed live over the internet.
When:  June 19-21, 26-28
Where:  Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
Web:  http://www.staugustinemusicfestival.org

COMMUNITY FIRST SEAWALK MUSIC FESTIVAL — Sun, sand, sea breeze and surf -- what better way to enjoy music in Florida than barefoot with the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean providing its own soundtrack during this beachfront music fest. The free, one-day event is a platform for local musicians such as the Ivey West Band, the Corbitt Brother Band and Be Easy. Also enjoy local eats and art.
When: June 21
Where:  Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach
Web:  http://www.communityfirstseawalkfest.com

BATTLE OF BLOODY MOSE — Attend the 6th annual reenactment of this 1764 battle between James Oglethorpe’s British forces and a Spanish militia comprised of freed former British slaves. The battle reenactment will happen twice on both days, as will scenes from one of Spain’s oldest plays, “Nuevo Mundo” by Lope de Vega and performed by Florida’s Living History with a Mission.
When: June 21-22
Where: Fort Mose, St. Augustine
Web: http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose

 

Original Source

 

 

Nation's Oldest City . . .

 

 

 

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. Forty-two years before the English colonized Jamestown and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish established at St. Augustine this nation's first enduring settlement.

 

 

 

The architectural legacy of the city's past is much younger, testimony to the impermanent quality of the earliest structures and to St. Augustine's troubled history. Only the venerable Castillo de San Marcos, completed in the late seventeenth century, survived destruction of the city by invading British forces in 1702.

 

 

Vestiges of the First Spanish Colonial Period (1565-1764) remain today in St. Augustine in the form of the town plan originally laid out by Governor Gonzalo Méndez de Canzo in the late sixteenth century and in the narrow streets and balconied houses that are identified with the architecture introduced by settlers from Spain. Throughout the modern city and within its Historic Colonial District, there remain thirty-six buildings of colonial origin and another forty that are reconstructed models of colonial buildings.

 

 



St. Augustine can boast that it contains the only urban nucleus in the United States whose street pattern and architectural ambiance reflect Spanish origins.

 

 

 

Historians credit Juan Ponce de Leon, the first governor of the Island of Puerto Rico, with the discovery of Florida in 1513. While on an exploratory trip in search of the fabled Bimini he sighted the eastern coast of Florida on Easter Sunday, which fell on March 27 that year. Ponce de Leon claimed Florida for the Spanish Crown and named it Florida after the Easter season, known in Spanish as PASCUA FLORIDA. This newly claimed territory extended north and west to encompass most of the known lands of the North American continent that had not been claimed by the Spanish in New Spain (Mexico and the Southwest).

 

 

In the following half century, the government of Spain launched no less than six expeditions attempting to settle Florida; all failed. In 1564 French Huguenots (Protestants) succeeded in establishing a fort and colony near the mouth of the St. Johns River at what is today Jacksonville. This settlement posed a threat to the Spanish fleets that sailed the Gulf Stream beside the east coast of Florida, carrying treasure from Central and South America to Spain. As Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés was assembling a fleet for an expedition to Florida, the French intrusion upon lands claimed by Spain was discovered. King Philip II instructed Menéndez, Spain's most capable admiral, to remove the French menace to Spain's interests.

 

 

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Gainesville Florida . . .

 

 

Gainesville is the largest city and county seat of Alachua County. It serves as the cultural, educational and commercial center for the north central Florida region. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including police and fire protection; comprehensive land use planning and zoning services; code enforcement and neighborhood improvement; streets and drainage construction and maintenance; traffic engineering services; refuse and recycling services through a franchised operator; recreation and parks; cultural and nature services; and necessary administrative services to support these activities. Additionally, the city owns a regional transit system, a municipal airport, a 72-par championship golf course and a utility.


Gainesville is home to Florida's largest and oldest university, and is one of the state's centers of education, medicine, cultural events and athletics. The University of Florida and Shands Hospital at UF are the leading employers in Gainesville and provide jobs for many residents of surrounding counties. Known for its preservation of historic buildings and the beauty of its natural surroundings, Gainesville's numerous parks, museums and lakes provide entertainment to thousands of visitors. Because of its beautiful landscape and urban "forest," Gainesville is one of the most attractive cities in Florida.

Official Website

 

 

Ravine Gardens State Park . . .

A must see North Florida experience . . .

A ravine was created over thousands of years by water flowing from the sandy ridges on the shore of the St. Johns River.

 In 1933, this ravine was transformed into a dramatic garden by the federal Works Progress Administration. Much of the original landscaping still exists as formal gardens and an extensive trail system. 

 A 1.8-mile paved road winds around the ravine, offering motorists and bicyclists a view of the gardens. The Ravine Loop is closed to vehicle traffic one hour before sunset, but remains open for pedestrians, bicycles, and wheelchairs.

The garden's peak flowering period is azalea season, late January to April. Numerous picnic sites, equipped with tables and grills, are available to visitors. The Roy E. Campbell Civic Center complex features a large covered pavilion, auditorium, and meeting rooms that are available for rent. Located in Palatka at 1600 Twigg Street.

Learn more . . . 

Jacksonville Florida Beach Activities . . .

 

Immerse yourself in Jacksonville’s 21 miles of wide, uncrowded beaches. Visitors will find plenty to do, with diverse activities, family fun, restaurants and nightlife, souvenir shops and oceanfront hotels blending into the scene without crowding views of the shoreline.

Start your exploration of the beaches with a refreshing walk along the wide, paved boardwalk or take to the sea on foot. The Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier launches out nearly a quarter of a mile into the Atlantic Ocean and offers great views of the coastline. Admission is only $1 for pedestrians, fishermen are $4.

Explore the beach’s colorful history with a stop at the Beaches Museum & History Center in Jacksonville Beach. With its replica boardwalk filled with photos and displays, visitors will be whisked back in time to an era when Jacksonville's beaches were the playground of politicians, celebrities, gangsters and socialites. The museum is also home to one of four Visit Jacksonville Visitor Centers.

If you prefer water immersion to dry land, take a surf lesson from a local surf shop like Aqua East or search the ocean for dolphins and sand bars that come and go with the tide. Kayak Amelia offers family-friendly guided excursions, including the Shell Hunter and Island Hopper tour where paddlers discover what the tide leaves behind on sand bars – sharks’ teeth, shells, crabs and more. Or head out to sea on the Dutton Island Dolphin Adventure. You'll not only catch glimpses of dolphin, but also Florida’s birds and manatees.

 Learn more about our beach activities

Scenic North Florida Drives . . .

Driving through northeastern Florida and the Panhandle provides a perfect balance between wild nature and human influence. When you think Florida you usually think of all the built-up areas in southern and central Florida. However, if you skip the northern parts of the state you'll miss these excellent scenic drives:

Scenic Drives from Jacksonville

If you're planning a trip down to central and southern Florida's attractions but you want to see some beautiful nature and old-time towns and attractions on your way south, you can take a detour between Jacksonville and Flagler Beach (north of Daytona Beach) on the coast. From I-95 on the eastern side of Jacksonville take Route 202 to Jacksonville Beach. You'll find yourself on historic Route 1, the first highway to travel from all-the-way north - Fort Kent, Maine to all-the-way south - Key West -. On this stretch of the highway, you'll pass through St. Augustine, lots of excellent beaches on the barrier island, and will end up in Flagler Beach, which boasts old Victorian-style buildings right off the highway.

Northeast Florida Scenic Drives

In the Gainesville area, toward the center of the region, you can take the Old Florida Heritage Highway. This 48-mile drive, which starts in Gainesville, takes Route 441, and goes through the historic towns of Micanopy, Rochelle, Evinston, and Cross Creek. Micanopy claims to be the oldest mainland settlement in Florida, with the first post office opening up in 1826. Old and respectful Victorian houses and buildings line the streets of these cities, with Southern charm dripping from the deciduous trees. It was the setting for the Michael J. Fox movie “Doc Hollywood,” where on his way to some great position in California he crashes his Porsche in … well, Grady, South Carolina. But it was filmed in Micanopy!

Florida Panhandle Scenic Drives

Around the city of Tallahassee are the “Canopy Roads,” so-called for the lush Spanish Moss overhanging. Many of these roads feature fancy and tasteful residences that add to the overall beauty of the scenery. For emphasis on archaeology and 19th-century houses, and the Spanish missions that rose up in the 17th centuries, drive the Native Trail. If you want to see the area's old cotton plantations, drive the Cotton Trail Loop. For a calm, enjoyable drive through a dense pine forest, take the Quail Trail. Give yourself time to take in the scenery on these loop drives, as, at a leisurely pace, each one can take up to two hours to complete. A Canopy Roads map will likely help you navigate the area better.

Pensacola Scenic Drives

In Pensacola, one great drive is to travel the length of Escambia Bay, where the river bluffs overlooking the bay provide an excellent view of the surroundings. You can reach Route 10A, which stretches from one end of the bay to the other, from I-10, the highway that leads from Jacksonville all the way to Pensacola. Lining the bay's beach are large bluffs of red clay, which play off the color of water to provide excellent views for miles. From where 10A meets the water to where it leaves off is approximately six miles.

Original Source 

 

Paynes Praire . . .

Paynes Prairie

This beautiful central Florida preserve was the first in the state and is known for its diverse community of plants and animals.

William Bartram the great American explorer and naturalist called Paynes Prairie "The great Alachua Savannah" when he first wrote about it in 1774. With over 20 distinct biological communities, over 270 bird species and home to wild bison and Spanish horse and cattle, Paynes Prairie is certainly one of the top places to view wildlife in Florida.

More information about Paynes Praire 

North Florida State Parks . . .

Florida is home to some of the best state parks in the south. Hiking, camping, fishing - you can do it all.



 



 

 

 

Visit Florida State Parks for more information