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JACKSONVILLE, ST. AUGUSTINE & AMELIA ISLAND
FIRST COAST
FLORIDA’S FIRST COAST 6 FIRST LOOK The First Coast is chock full of natural attractions and historic buildings. Here’s what not to miss as you navigate your way through Jacksonville, Amelia Island and St. Augustine.
14 HISTORY AT EVERY TURN St. Augustine stops you in your tracks. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEAN DARON FOR VISIT FLORIDA ON THE COVER: BIG TALBOT ISLAND’S BONEYARD BEACH ©JOHNHANCOCKPHOTO/ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM INSIDE COVER: FLORIDA’S BEACHES AT SUNSET ARE HEAVENLY. ©ROBERT CLAY REED/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM 2
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20 BEYOND THE BEACH Plunge into the First Coast’s inland waterways. BY NANCY DEVAULT
26 HISTORIC SITES ON THE FIRST COAST Where to go today to discover America’s oldest city. BY JENNIFER GREENHILLTAYLOR
30 WILLIAM MCRAE The Pirate Magician, better known as William Mayhem, is the face and voice of the Pirate Museum. He’s been spreading the tale of the pirate since 2006.
32 ALL ALONG THE COAST From Amelia Island to Jacksonville down to Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine, the First Coast charms visitors with its diversity and beauty.
48 PARTING SHOT The St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park is home to all 23 species of crocodilians.
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CONTENTS
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CHAIRMAN William S. Morris III PRESIDENT & CEO William S. Morris IV Where GuestBook® publishes editions for the following U.S. cities and regions: Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Colorado, Dallas, Florida Gold Coast (Fort Lauderdale & Palm Beach), Fort Worth, Island of Hawai‘i, Houston, Jacksonville/St. Augustine/Amelia Island, Kansas City, Kaua‘i, Los Angeles, Maui, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Northern Arizona, O‘ahu, Orange County (CA), Orlando, Philadelphia, Reno/Lake Tahoe, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle/The Eastside/Tacoma, Southwest Florida (Naples), Tampa Bay, Tucson, Washington D.C. ©2018 by Morris Visitor Publications. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions therein. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement. Printed in the United States. Where GuestBook® is produced by Morris Visitor Publications (MVP), a division of Morris Communications, Co., LLC. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901, morrismedianetwork.com. Where® magazine and the where® logo are registered trademarks of Morris Visitor Publications. MVP publishes Where magazine, Where® QuickGuide, IN New York, and IN London magazines, and a host of other maps, guides, and directories for business and leisure travelers, and is the publisher for the Hospitality Industry Association. In Jacksonville, Where Guestbook is pleased to be a member of the following associations. MVP IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF LES CLEFS D’OR USA
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CONTRIBUTORS
Nancy DeVault
Jennifer Greenhill-Taylor
Nancy DeVault is a Florida-based freelance writer and editor contributing to local, regional and national publications. She has produced award-winning work on a wide range of topics, including lifestyle, travel, food, health, parenting, relationships, disabilities and charity. With 20 years of communications experience, she’s held positions in radio, television, print and digital media, in addition to public relations. Married with kiddos, Nancy describes herself as a lover of the outdoors, fitness, news, traveling and binge-reading magazines while sipping coffee.
Jennifer Greenhill-Taylor is a journalist, travel writer and fiction writer who has reported on the lives of residents of the First Coast for more than 15 years. Her stories have appeared in the Florida Times Union, the Orlando Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Chicago Tribune and Edible Orlando, among others, and she is a contributor to several international travel guides. She was a resident of Neptune Beach, and although she has moved away, part of her heart will always remain on the First Coast, with its beautiful beaches, its long and diverse history, and the people who choose to live here.
“Beyond the Beach,” page 20
“Historic Sites on the First Coast,” page 26
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FIRST LOOK
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From top-notch beaches to the oldest city in the United States, the First Coast beckons visitors with its natural beauty and rich history.
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The Beaches Be the first to greet the sun as it rises above the Atlantic Ocean and the smooth sands come alive with color. The First Coast beckons visitors to its shores season after season. From Amelia Island to Jacksonville Beach, and Ponte Vedra to Anastasia Island, they’ll find local surfing hangouts, secluded beaches, posh resorts and meticulously maintained state parks and nature areas.
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Fernandina Beach
Amelia Island became known as the “Queen of Summer Resorts” when wealthy families such as the Vanderbilts, Carnegies and DuPonts vacationed here at the turn of the century. Ultimately, Flagler’s railroad diverted tourists farther south, preserving Amelia Island’s Victorian charm. Visitors can spend a day in downtown Fernandina Beach, shopping at boutiques, noshing at local eateries and enjoying a beer at Florida’s oldest pub, the Palace Saloon.
Fernandina Beach Marine Welcome Center and Shrimping Museum
Fernandina Beach is considered the birthplace of the modern shipping industry. The tiny Shrimping Museum, located in the town’s Welcome Center, teaches about all aspects of the industry, from net making to ship building. The free museum is part of the larger Amelia Island Museum of History, which offers a variety of exhibits telling the story of the island’s history, in addition to spoken tours. Drop by the Shrimping Museum in the evening for a breathtaking view of the sunset over the harbor from the front porch. 8
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FIRST LOOK
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Flagler College
While students now occupy this fabulous building, visitors can discover St. Augustine’s magnificent gilded age on an architectural tour, highlighting the former Ponce de Leon Hotel. Real estate baron, railroad developer and Rockefeller’s business partner, Henry Flagler built the hotel in 1888, with help from friend Thomas Edison and acclaimed architects John Carrère and Thomas Hastings. The extraordinary 68-foot rotunda, 79 Louis Comfort Tiffany stained-glass windows and Austrian-crystal chandeliers leave visitors pining for the past.
Fort Clinch State Park
Three of Amelia Island’s 13 miles comprises Fort Clinch State Park. The park offers shark-tooth hunting, fishing, swimming and a glimpse into the Civil War. Originally built in 1847 during the Seminole War, the grounds now offer insights into the lives of Union soldiers during the Civil War. Explore the rooms, galleries and grounds to see how they lived and worked. On the first weekends of the month, re-enactors demonstrate survival skills such as carpentry, masonry, cooking and canon firing. 10
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FIRST LOOK
Castillo de San Marcos
Climb into a watchtower, run your hands across centuriesold coquina and see re-enactors portray Spanish soldiers firing out to sea. The oldest masonry fort in the nation, the Castillo was built by the Spanish in 1672 to ward off English pirates. Re-enactments and demonstrations are hosted daily by the National Park Service.
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World Golf Hall of Fame
Lovers of the links will find much to explore at World Golf Village, including the hallowed halls of the World Golf Hall of Fame near St. Augustine. Not only can visitors explore artifacts related to golf greats and important events, they can tee up at the Hall of Fame Challenge, a monthly closest-to-the-pin contest with prizes. Special exhibits pay tribute to Arnold Palmer, Nancy Lopez and African Americans in golf. 12
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FIRST LOOK
Lightner Museum
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Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, the Lightner Museum is one of the most iconic structures in St. Augustine. Built in 1888, this Spanish Renaissance Revival masterpiece shelters a Victoria-era collection of antiques. Stroll through a Victorian village and view period wares through its windows, pass Native American artifacts in Gilded Age cases and visit a music room with mechanized instruments, in addition to Victorian art and stained glass work.
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Opposite page: Two marble Medici lions stand at the base of the Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine. This page: The Old City Gates now greet shoppers to St. George Street.
HISTORY AT EVERY TURN St. Augustine stops you in your tracks PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARON DEAN FOR VISIT FLORIDA
You know that saying “everything old is new again?” It fits St. Augustine to a tee. Among other buildings, centuries-old forts, churches and a jail take on a new life when visited with an open mind and some imagination. Here, you can redefine what it means to be a history buff. Open the door to the past— you won’t be disappointed.
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(OPPOSITE PAGE) FLAGLER COLLEGE’S PONCE DE LEON HALL; (THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) THE OLD JAIL OPERATED FROM 1891-1953; THE LANDMARK CATHEDRAL BASILICA; RECONSTRUCTED KITCHEN AT THE OLDEST HOUSE MUSEUM; HENRY FLAGLER DEDIDCATED THE MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TO HIS DAUGHTER.
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(OPPOSITE PAGE) A SHRINE WATCHES OVER THE WATERS AT THE MISSION OF NOMBRE DE DIOS; (THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF LA LECHE; LIGHT TUNNEL AT RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT MUSEUM; A RE-ENACTMENT AT CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS; THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH ARCHEOLOGY PARK.
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BEYOND THE BEACH Plunge into First Coast’s Inland Waterways
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BY NANCY DEVAULT
Appropriately called the “First Coast,” Florida’s northeast region boasts a pristine coastline. While there’s plenty of sand and surf recreation to enjoy beachside, residents and visitors can make a splash on inland waterways as well.
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Big Talbot Island State Beach is a barrier island with a “boneyard beach,� an eerie driftwood shore on its Atlantic side, and creeks flowing through the intracoastal side.
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JUST PARK IT One hundred and seventy-five state parks span 800,000 acres throughout the Sunshine State, many of which have water access. The Talbot Islands State Parks, nestled between Jacksonville and Amelia Island, include seven picturesque sites: Amelia Island State Park, Fort George Island Cultural State Park, George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park,
Little Talbot Island State Park, Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park, Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park and Big Talbot Island State Park. The latter is a barrier island with “boneyard beach,” an eerie driftwood shore on the Atlantic side, and Simpson and Myrtle creeks flowing on the intracoastal side. Jody Hetchka, owner of Kayak Amelia, said kayaks allow adventurers to become fully immersed in nature. “This area is a saltmarsh estuary [where freshwater meets the sea] so it serves as a nursery for shrimp and fish that then migrate back offshore,” said Hetchka. Kayak Amelia offers various three-hour tours, such as the birding paddle, tai-chi paddle, stand-up paddleboard yoga and full moon outings. Anticipate seeing speckled sea trout, leaping mullets, turtles and, in the wooded distance, deer, bobcats and other wildlife. floridastateparks.org|kayakamelia.com
Opposite page and above: Kayaking is a popular activity in Florida’s state parks, as is exploring beaches. This page: Head to Green Cove Springs to indulge in 77-degree natural mineral springs; some have visibility up to 28 feet.
CELEBRATE SPRING TIME Green Cove Springs offers the perfect balance between the city life and small-town charm. With visibility up to 28-feet-deep, the 77-degree natural mineral spring is believed to have a cave opening, but unlike other Florida WHERE GUEST B OOK
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WHY SWIM WHEN YOU CAN FLY? Above: Skim the swamps and coves of St. Augustine on an airboat tour, where you’ll encounter abundant waterfowl and wildlife.
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After a fun-filled day in Green Cove Springs, board an airboat and virtually fly over the water’s surface! Departing from Trout Creek Marina in St. Augustine, Sea Serpent Tours skim swamps and tributary waterways of the Matanzas, St. Johns and Tolomato Rivers, mainly exploring Six Mile Creek and a sunken pirate ship. “We show a side of ‘old Florida’ that a lot of people—even locals—typically don’t
see,” said Captain Mike Blount. The freshwater marshes are home to alligators, manatees, snakes, an abundance of birds and even wild boar. The 1.5-hour narrated trip features history, untouched land and tales of a greedy swashbuckler. Interested in a wetlands workout? Sea Serpent also rents hydrobikes. seaserpenttours.com In Jacksonville, Crazy Fish offers similar eco-thrills, cruising through the nooks of Timucuan Preserve, Mayport Naval Station and inlets off St. Johns River. “Airboats are the only boats that can do up to 70 miles an hour in just a quarter inch of water,” Captain Joshua Schrutt said of his 600+ horsepower vessel. The ride boasts views of ancient oyster mounds, dolphins, sharks and stingrays, plus rare roseate spoonbills. crazyfishjax.com
SET SAIL Powered by wind alone, “The sound of sailing is awesome,” said Kevin Conway, owner of First Coast Charters. “There’s
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springs, snorkeling and scuba diving aren’t permitted. Instead, swim in the city’s adjacent spring-fed pool (open May-September). “The spring flows into the pool, out into the spring run and then into St. Johns River beside Spring Park,” said Tiffanie Reynolds, the city’s communications coordinator. Drive into this sleepy settlement or dock your own boat at the public pier and enjoy covered picnic pavilions, a gazebo, soon-to-open beach volleyball courts and quaint shops within walking distance. greencovesprings.com
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no engine… just the ripples of water so you hear birds, jumping fish and other nature elements.” Aboard a 32-ft. sailboat for two to four hours, trek the widest part of the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville beside waterfront homes and the prominent Riverwalk. Fun fact: As one of the longest rivers in Florida, St. Johns is one of few in the U.S. that flows northward. Make sure to pack snacks and libations, and enjoy either a sunrise or stargazing excursion. firstcoastcharters.com If Fido is your preferred first-mate, head to Fernandina Beach on the Intracoastal shore of Amelia Island, where Amelia River Cruises & Charters offer several pet-friendly sightseeing tours. All tours voyage through portions of Amelia River and, pending the selected trip, exploration into the estuaries of Tiger Basin, Beach Creek and the Nassau Sound, said Kimberly Gustafson, the company’s marketing director. Listening to onboard musical entertainment, observe passing boats, Fort Clinch, wild horses roaming Cumberland Island and more. ameliarivercruises.com
FLOAT YOUR BOAT Submerge yourself in the First Coast’s marvels with a unique vantage point. Bluewater Adventure of St. Augustine rents two-person CraigCat catamarans, departing from the San Sebastian River. Exploring at 30-35mph, CraigCat co-owner Jeremy Haidon said, “We visit historical sites from the water, like the Matanzas and Tolomato Rivers.” Sites include Castillo de San Marcos, The Great Cross, Fort Matanzas and the St. Augustine Lighthouse, in addition to Bird Island (a fun sandbar). “At each stop, we link up like a floating barge to talk about America’s oldest city,” he said. bluewateradventurestaugustine.com Make yourself at home on the water—literally. Why opt for a standard hotel when you can have unparalleled splashtastic views aboard a houseboat in historic Palatka? Starting in early 2019, Boathouse Marina will send your stresses adrift down the St. Johns River, thanks to on-deck comforts and fishing and/or water recreations made easy. boathousemarina.com
Above: Touring Florida’s waterways is the perfect way to celebrate family togetherness.
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HISTORIC SITES ON THE FIRST COAST Where to Go Today to Discover America’s Oldest City BY JENNIFER GREENHILL-TAYLOR
The state’s earliest visitors first set foot on the land between Fernandina Beach and St. Augustine, causing the area to take on the name “the First Coast.” Here, you’ll find relics of first-contact sites, along with remnants of pioneer homes, circuit-rider churches and hotels that welcomed the state’s first tourists. Find examples on the following pages, all open to those curious about Florida’s diverse early years. WHERE GUEST B OOK
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Previous page: Fort Caroline is the starting point for those visiting the entire Timacuan Preserve. This page: The grandeur of Kingsley Plantation.
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At the northern tip of Fort George Island sits the remains of a cotton and citrus plantation owned by Zephaniah Kingsley and run by his wife, Anna Madgigine Jai—a freed slave— during the early 19th century. The white clapboard house predates Kingsley’s time and is described as the oldest plantation house in Florida. Of particular interest are the sturdy slave houses built of tabby, a cement-like substance created by burning oyster shells from middens left by the residents of an even older Timucua village. Open daily. Entry: Free 11676 Palmetto Ave., Jacksonville; www.nps.gov/nr/travel/geo-flor/21
FORT CAROLINE A year before St. Augustine was established by the Spanish in 1565, French Huguenots seeking refuge during the religious wars set up a colony on a bluff above the St. Johns River.
Concerned that the French had aims on the treasure-laden ships that passed nearby, Spain decided the Huguenots had to go. All that remains of the brief, and ultimately tragic, attempt by France to colonize the new world is a nearly fullscale reconstruction, which commemorates the people who died here. The Fort and Kingsley Plantation are part of the 46,000-acre Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Open daily. Entry: Free 12713 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville; www.nps.gov/timu/ learn/historyculture/foca
CASA MARINA HOTEL This two-story Mediterranean-style hotel has welcomed visitors for decades, starting with the 200 invitees who filled the ballroom at the grand opening in 1925. Lured by Florida’s land boom, people arrived by train to play on the broad sands and enjoy the boardwalk and restaurants. Famous guests included Jean Harlow, Charlie Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy.
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KINGSLEY PLANTATION
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The courtyard is a restful spot to contemplate its history. Open daily. Entry: Free 691 1st. St. N., Jacksonville Beach; www.casamarinahotel.com
AMERICAN RED CROSS VOLUNTEER LIFESAVING CORPS Operating from a two-story white building on the ocean at the end of Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach, the all-volunteer lifesaving corps was established more than a century ago and continues to train guards and serve the beach communities. Tours are available to the public, who can see memorabilia, vintage photographs and antique lifesaving equipment. Open daily. Entry: Free 2 Ocean Front N., Jacksonville Beach; www.jaxbeachlifeguard.org
BEACHES MUSEUM AND HISTORY PARK A collection of vintage buildings grouped around a glass-
enclosed steam train are home to a collection of archives and memorabilia documenting the lives of pioneers, fishermen, river pilots, hotel owners and ordinary settlers. Photographs from the turn of the last century show fancy seaside resorts, boardwalks and other images illustrating the lives of beach residents. Open: Tu–Sa 10 am–4 pm; Su noon–4 pm. Entry: Free 381 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach; www.beachesmuseum.org
OLDEST WOODEN SCHOOL HOUSE Built of silvery cypress boards with a shingle roof, this two-century-old building in the center of St. Augustine was constructed while the city was under Spanish rule. It is said to be the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the United States. Bordered by a garden with seating areas beneath a huge pecan tree, the building is now a history lesson on colonial life, with early text books on display. Open: 9 am–5 pm daily. Entry: $5 adults, $4 children, under 5 free.
Clockwise from top: A locomotive from 1911 is on display in Jacksonville Beach; The oldest wooden school house in the U.S. stands in St. Augustine; Jacksonville’s all-volunteer lifesaving corps still trains guards today.
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Q&A
WILLIAM MCRAE The Pirate Magician, better known as William Mayhem, is the face and voice of the Pirate Museum. INTERVIEWED BY LISA KAYLOR
You’ve been in the entertainment business all over the world for more than 40 years. How did you become a pirate?
The pirate aspect of things was quite an accident. When I moved back to St. Augustine in 2006, I attempted a Vegas-style show (having been in Vegas the last 20-plus years) that literally was not accepted in town at that time. To keep things financially stable, I would show up at a few of the historic-type taverns, pubs or bars here in town. Slowly my appearance and clothing began to take on the idea of a traveling gentleman of fortune, kind of a jack-of-all-trades. The character of William Mayhem began to emerge. I have used the name William Mayhem on and off for more than 25 years, from haunted house characters to an 1880s Old West gunfighter. 30
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What brought you to St. Augustine?
St. Augustine is my hometown. I have roots here that date back to the turn of the century. Vegas is a tough place to get work as an entertainer as you get older. In 2004, I brought my wife here for a family reunion. On the return trip, she told me how much she loved St. Augustine, so we started making plans to move to St. Augustine, and did so in 2006. What’s something that may surprise people about the pirates of yore in the St. Augustine area?
St. Augustine got its start because of pirates around 1563, and is the only city on the eastern seaboard to have been attacked so many times.
home was St. Augustine. With so many pirate attacks up and down the Florida coast, the Spanish finally—after 107 years—had to build a real fort [Castillo de San Marcos] and do away with the idea that wooden forts worked. What’s a typical show like?
Almost every show I do is 85 percent improv. I know the tricks or magic routines I want to do, but I do not know how they will come out until the audiences are involved. I have had a nearly 100 percent success rate with this type of attitude on my shows. I am just one part of the entertainment. The tricks or routines are another part of the entertainment. When you add the involvement of the audience, it becomes a grand experience.
What made the St. Augustine area so attractive for piracy?
What’s your favorite thing
St. Augustine was a primary target for pirates because of the idea that there was Spanish treasure here. The last land-based stop on their [the Spaniards’] trip before heading across the Atlantic for
about pirates?
Pirates were free-spirited men who, even though they were criminals, had control of their own destiny. Pirate crews maintained a sense of control because they operated under
THE Code, that, broken down, was the basics of a true democracy. Why do you think people are so fascinated by them?
People are fascinated with MOVIE pirates. Truly, most don’t know or even understand real pirate history. As the voice and face of the Pirate Museum, I do public tours, and during those tours we separate fact from fiction. It is truly fun and exciting to watch people as they become aware of the true difference between fact and fiction. Could you give some examples?
The most common is rum, although it was the most common drink of EVERYONE at the time. Pirates, while on ship and attending to duties did not drink to excess. When on land and not pirating they most likely did drink as much as everyone else, since drinking water was not always safe to drink. Walking the plank was not true. Pirates saying “Arrgh”—not true.
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William McRae—or William Mayhem, as he’s better known— is the face of the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. He’s been spreading the tale of the pirate since 2006.
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William (Mayhem) McRae has been a pirate reenactor in St. Augustine since 2006. He is the face of the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.
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ALL ALONG THE COAST
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AMELIA ISLAND, JACKSONVILLE AND ST. AUGUSTINE
Traverse the coast on Highway A1A, from Amelia Island through St. Augustine.
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Historic homes in Fernandina Beach
The First Coast is the quintessential Florida vacation spot. Glorious miles of beaches, classic oceanfront resorts, scenic golf courses and plenty of family activities such as riding horses, exploring historic sites, tromping through state parks and combing the sand for seashells. From the timeless allure of Amelia Island and the historic charm of St. Augustine to the big-city culture of Jacksonville, there’s something for every traveler. 34
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Amelia Island’s Timeless Beauty Approached from the south on Highway A1A, Amelia Island unfurls as a part of Talbot Island State Park, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean framed by maritime hardwood, pine forest and salt marshes. The highway, dappled by sun and shadow from enormous oaks, gives way here and there to narrow roads leading to the beach. Plush oceanfront resorts whiz by, followed by winter homes and, then, the charming town of Fernandina Beach. Just to the north, Fort Clinch stands as one of the oldest military forts in the country,
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ALL ALONG THE COAST
A tranquil and picturesque evening in Amelia Island
Located on the waterfront in historic downtown Fernandina
ALL ALONG THE COAST
12 North Front Street | 904-277-3811 www.thesaltypelicanamelia.com
• • • • •
Best Views for Sunset! Happy Hour Fresh local seafood Full Bar Open Daily from 11 am
Wicked BAO
Asian Street Food in Downtown Fernandina Beach Small Plates * Noodle Bowls * Rice Bowls * Baos Beer * Wine * Sake * Vietnamese Coffee
Come enjoy a new concept in food in a delightful, historical building Dine In or Take Out. Dinner and Happy Hour Nightly Monday-Saturday. 232 N 2nd St. • Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 • 904-775-5577 • WickedBao.com
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although it never saw a battle, and much of the land that surrounds is still undeveloped, calling visitors to come explore. Before it was a vacation spot, Amelia’s rich past included pirates, soldiers and real-estate barons. Timucuan Indians were the island’s first residents, but over the last 400 years, Amelia has been fought over by nearly all of the colonial powers, earning the name “Isle of Eight Flags.” The U.S. finally captured Amelia Island in 1817, but because of its contentious history, it retains a mix of cultural influences in its architecture, development and seagoing ports. In the following decades, the region morphed from a commerce center based around the fishing and military industries to a major tourism destination when the Mallory Steamship Line began bringing in wealthy travelers from New York to Florida’s first beach at the turn of the century. One of the best ways for visitors to learn about the area’s Victorian past is on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district of Fernandina Beach. After clip-clopping through town, step back in time with an old-fashioned cocktail at the Palace Saloon, considered the oldest bar in Florida, dating back to 1903. Local lore says Fernandina, a major shipping port at the time, was overrun by bawdy sailors looking for wine and women between deployments. The Palace was created as an elegant alternative, hoping to lure ship captains, yachtsmen and families like the DuPonts, Carnegies and Vanderbilts who vacationed nearby. Today, it still features its original tile-mosaic floor, embossed-tin ceiling and an elegant mahogany and oak bar. Another way to get familiar with Amelia’s fascinating past is at the Amelia Island Museum of History, the state’s first spoken-history museum, which offers ghost tours, private walking tours and daily docent-led tours. As one would expect in a Florida island town, most activities take place on or near the water. One of Amelia’s most iconic must-dos is horseback riding on the beach. Kelly Seahorse Ranch and Amelia Island Horseback Riding provide expert guides and gorgeous horses. Even if you’ve never been in the saddle, the well-trained, gentle horses are suitable for novices. While on your ride, you’re likely to see a host of seabirds, dolphins and, of course, sun-dappled waves lapping the sandy shore. While the ocean might be the first thing on many travelers’ minds when they think of Amelia Island, the vast marshland to the west offers endless peaceful creeks to paddle. “Time seems to stand still while taking in the natural via kayak,” said Kim Bullington, who, with her husband Mark, owns Amelia Island Kayak Excursions. “It is wonderful to peacefully glide on Amelia’s waterways to get the perspective of its flora and fauna that few are fortunate to see.” The beach scenes on Amelia Island are as diverse as they come. Whether it’s the lively Main Beach Park near town or the secluded natural dunes of Fort Clinch State Park, the island’s 13 miles of coastline pack an unbelievable amount of recreational possibilities and sheer natural beauty that keep visitors coming back time and time again.
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HORIZONS
AMELIA ISLAND
Between The Ritz-Carlton and the Amelia Island Plantation, our restaurant offers traditional continental fare with a twist. Choose from an assortment of menu items prepared by our Chef and Owner Courtney Thompson. You can visit Horizons for a fantastic lunch, dinner or fresh food. We have gourmet items to please everyone in your group, including beef, lamb, seafood, chicken, and even gourmet vegetarian choices. Our menu is full of excellent choices. Call for a reservation and we’ll be waiting. You can carry-out your meals as well. 5472 First Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Housed in the historic county jail, the Museum showcases the island’s 4,000 years of Florida history! Delve in to the lives of the Timucuan natives, experience the CivilWar in Nassau County, explore the Spanish Missions of La Florida, learn about the Birthplace of the Modern Shrimping Industry, of set Sail on the Discovery Ship. Feeling adventurous? Join our Ghost Tour. Tiptoe through dark streets as the past comes alive through skillful storytelling. This tour begins at 6pm every Friday and lasts one hour. Museum Hours: 10am-4pm, Mon-Sat, 1pm-4pm Sun Admission: $8 adults, $5 students/active militry (includes entry to the Museum and a Docent led tour at 11am and 2pm) Email: info@ameliamuseum.org.
horizonsameliaisland.com
233 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904).321.2430
MUSEUM OF HISTORY
904-261-7378
www.ameliamuseum.org
WHERE GUEST B OOK 37
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MENU FAVORITES Oysters On The Half Shell Rockin’ Lobster Roll Crunch Roll Woodgrilled Mahi Taco Beach Burger
Caribbean Shack Fish
Authentic Street Tacos
Boca Style Grouper Sandwich Hawaiian Shrimp Bowl
SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK Salt Life Food Shack is the perfect destination for locals and visitors to enjoy great dishes, cool drinks and the opportunity to catch up with family and friends. Developed as an extension of Salt Life, these locally owned establishments make it easy to understand why so many choose this sandy and salty lifestyle. Located just steps from the beach, our casual yet trendy open-air space accommodates all types of personalities from the avid seaman to the land lover. Our carefully crafted, eclectic menu is designed to match our diverse surroundings. Comprised of our favorite tastes found on countless surf and fishing trips both local and abroad, some menu selections include fresh seafood, authentic street tacos, fresh-rolled sushi, local fried shrimp, burgers, salads and more. If you’re staying close by in St. Augustine or Jacksonville Beach, either location offers a FREE shuttle for pick up. Visit our website for more information or to view our full menu.
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Drop in and experience firsthand what we hold near and dear to our hearts... the Salt Life. Eat. Drink. And Be Salty. Jacksonville Beach 1018 Third St. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
904.372.4456
Caliche Poke Bowl Beach Boil Asian Salmon Salad Southern Fried Shrimp Fried Grouper Basket Authentic Street Tacos
St. Augustine Beach 321 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080
904.217.3256 Fernandina Beach 17 N. Fletcher Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904.432.7385
Caribbean Shack Fish
Crunch Roll
Oysters On The Half Shell
Caliche Poke Bowl
Boca Style Grouper Sandwich
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Jacksonville: From River to Sea
One of Jacksonville’s many impressive bridges
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Jacksonville, the largest city by landmass in the nation and Northeast Florida’s historic urban economic engine, is a natural water wonderland that sports more shoreline than any other city in the U.S., with 22 miles of beaches, 40 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway and the longest stretch of the St. Johns River in the state of Florida. Founded in 1822, Jacksonville is home to the largest urban-park system in the country with more than 400 city parks, two national parks and seven state parks that are rife with watersports such as swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, scuba diving, boating and fishing in addition to land activities such as hiking, camping, biking and wildlife observation. Jacksonville is also a growing culinary destination, featuring hundreds of restaurants with tailored menus showcasing local produce, fresh seafood and provisions. A similar highlight are the many cocktail lounges and craft breweries. Downtown Jacksonville combines big-city offerings with small-town charm and Southern hospitality. With 9 million annual visitors, it is “The Winter City in a Summer Land,” a phrase coined in the 1870s during the rise of Florida’s tourism industry. The St. Johns River, which once buzzed with paddle wheelers, steamships and schooners, remains the lifeblood of the district as luxury yachts, water taxis and sunset cruises sail past the thriving cultural corridors. The Riverwalk and Main Street Bridge connect the north and south bank of downtown Jacksonville via a three-mile pedestrian pathway for walkers and cyclists. Another way to get from one side of the river to the other easily is to hop aboard a water taxi or the free Skyway automated tram system that glides above the river and city streets to connect various points of interest. On the Northbank is Jacksonville Landing, a riverfront marketplace modeled after Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Next door is the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, home of the Jacksonville Symphony. On the Southbank is St. Johns River Park with its stunning Friendship Fountain and MOSH, a science and history museum with a planetarium. Stretching across Downtown Jacksonville’s core are more than 50 venues that host the monthly First Wednesday Art Walk. On Saturdays, from March to December, the Riverside Arts Market, located under the Fuller Warren Bridge, presents an outdoor bazaar of live music, food and crafts. For modern art, check out Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)’s rotating exhibitions. The Florida Theatre, an iconic entertainment venue once home to vaudeville acts and silent films, now caters to all tastes in music, comedy and performance. On the city’s east side, find TIAA Bank Field, home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the annual Florida-Georgia game and big-name concerts. Downtown Jacksonville’s entertainment district, aka The Elbow, is a walkable juncture of award-winning culinary, nightlife, live-music and performance venues. Cultivated around the historic Florida Theatre, The Elbow encompasses restaurants and bars between Bay and Adams streets and Main and Liberty streets. Nearby, in the historic neighborhood of San Marco, Mediterranean influence meets a burgeoning dining district. Stroll along San Marco Square and discover incredible bistros, upscale boutiques and sensational art galleries.
©REHMNO/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
ALL ALONG THE COAST
Also located within the square is San Marco Theatre, an Art-Deco movie house, and Theatre Jacksonville, the oldest community theater in the country dating back to 1938. Don’t miss the San Marco fountain of lions, which reflects the neighborhood’s Venetian influence. Riverside Avondale is internationally renowned for its distinctive mix of history, culture, character and community, and is considered one of American’s great historic neighborhoods. During the peak years of Riverside’s development from 1895 to 1929, following the great fire that consumed downtown, the neighborhood became a laboratory for aspiring architects. The richness and variety of homes built during this period range from Colonial Revival, Georgian, Shingle Style to Queen Anne/Victorian, Bungalow and Tudor. Canopied residential streets lead visitors to pocket parks, some with river access, and quaint shopping districts where boutiques, restaurants and bars nest in 1920s-era commercial buildings. Nearby, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens offers world-class art spanning from 2100 B.C. through the 21st century. In the 1920s, Five Points began as a commercial district catering to the rapidly growing residential areas surrounding it. Although officially a part of the Riverside-Avondale Historic District, Five Points evolved into one of Jacksonville’s most vibrant urban-core districts. Tattoo parlors sit comfortably among fashion boutiques and Jacksonville’s finest independent film house, Sun-Ray Cinema, which first opened in 1927 as the Riverside Theatre, the first in the city to screen films with sound. The attractive 1920s-era commercial strip with its unique architecture and colorful storefronts ends at the Five Points intersection with its iconic blinking light. Just beyond is one of the city’s most scenic and restful spaces, Memorial Park, which overlooks the St. Johns River. To the east over on the city’s ocean side lie three beach communities, each with their own personality and style. A skyline of high-rise condos and hotels dips to its lowest point along the residential village of Neptune Beach, where building-height restrictions leave the sandy shores bathed in constant sunlight. Marking the division between Neptune and Atlantic Beach, the artsy entertainment district of Beaches Town Center is an inviting, pedestrianfriendly area housing boutiques, fitness centers, restaurants and two oceanfront hotels. Enjoy Atlantic Beach’s two miles of white sandy shore with 14 ocean-access points in addition to 65 acres dedicated to parks, including the Dutton Island Preserve on the Intracoastal Waterway. The relaxed coastal town of Jacksonville Beach is the commercial hub of the area’s three beach towns. Home to towering condos and hotels, Jax Beach sports a host of restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Check out the Sea Walk that runs north along the coast from the end of Beach Boulevard. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, with access to waterfront restaurants, surf shops and kitschy beach souvenir shops. Surfers, anglers and beach bums all live the “Salt Life,” a popular phrase that was coined here and can now be found on T-shirts and bumper stickers around the country. The historic Casa Marina hotel, previously a haunt for silent-film-era stars, is a great place to enjoy dinner while watching the moonrise on the Atlantic.
David Yurman
Rolex
Ippolita
Lagos
Roberto Coin
Mikimoto
Marco Bicego
Forevermark
CRANE RAMEN Craft Ramen & Cocktails
CRANERAMEN.COM • (904) 253-3282 1029 PARK STREET, Jacksonville, Florida 32204 WHERE GUEST B OOK
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DINE IN. MEET UP. WIND DOWN.
BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANT
RESTAURANT ORSAY
Located in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville, Bellwether is serving up elevated Southern classics that change seasonally to reflect emerging trends and flavors with Northeast Florida flair. Like its sister restaurants Orsay, Black Sheep, and BLK SHP at Intuition, Bellwether reflects chef and owner Jon Insetta’s focus on exceptional flavors, while spotlighting the culinary creativity of chef Kerri Rogers and the exceptional hospitality of manager Ashley Land. Rogers’ modern culinary chops are best tasted in dishes like ricotta gnudi, chicken and dumplings, and hot Italian beef sandwich, while other regional influences appear in Bellwether’s house-made kimchi plate and Korean fried broccoli. Bellwether also offers a full bar, extensive wine list and local beer and coffee on tap.
Black Sheep Restaurant is a modern American restaurant located in the historic Five Points district of Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood. The restaurant’s culinary philosophy is simple: use fresh, local ingredients to create handcrafted food and cocktails, and deliver both with gracious service. Black Sheep offers a full bar, signature cocktails, craft beers and an excellent wine list — not to mention a rooftop bar and lounge with beautiful views of Riverside, Downtown, and the St. Johns River. Since it first opened in 2012, Black Sheep has consistently earned recognition on various reader polls and “Best of Jacksonville” lists from outlets such as Jacksonville Magazine, Folio Weekly, and Void Magazine. Black Sheep is open seven days a week, serving fast-casual lunch Tuesday through Friday, brunch Saturday and Sunday; and dinner every night. Closed Monday’s.
Located slightly off the beaten path in the Avondale Historic District, Restaurant Orsay attracts regular locals and foodies from across the southeast by showcasing their French Cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere, without being pretentious or stuffy. Owner Jonathan Insetta, Managing Partner Jason Eddy, and Executive Chef Michael McKinney, work to bring locally sourced ingredients together with genuine southern hospitality. Recognized as Jacksonville’s best restaurant by locals in Folio Weekly for the last six years, Restaurant Orsay is a premier dining destination on the First Coast. The establishment is accredited by AAA with four diamonds, has won numerous awards for food, service and wine, and is the only independent establishment in North Florida with Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence.
1534 Oak Street, Jacksonville, FL
3630 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL
Bellwether, 100 N Laura Street Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32202
904.802.7745
www.bellwetherjax.com
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904.380.3091
www.blacksheep5points.com
904.381.0909
www.restaurantorsay.com
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THE SNOB
THE VAULT AT 1930
The Snob is an upscale designer clothing and accessories consignment shop. This chic boutique was founded in 1993, incorporated in 1994 and has been offering online shopping to our customers since 1997. The Snob offers a low cost alternative for women desiring upscale fashion clothing, shoes and accessories. All items are authentic and in good quality. Designer lines include Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Gaultier, Burberry, Hermes, Dior and many more. The Snob would love to resell your designer items! We will gladly accept your gently loved designer clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry, and accessories for sale or consignment. We pay cash for Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes and more.
Multidisciplinary Art Gallery, The Vault @ 1930 in historic San Marco is excited to offer an array of fine art and gifts. Shop our collection (contemporary, abstract, impressionist) of original multidimensional art including paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, glass, pottery, and wood by established and emerging artists. The Vault offers additional services including Art consulting and framing. Let the Vault help you find the perfect art for your home or business. Please call us today at 904-398-2890 for all your services.
904.398.2890 www.thevaultat1930.com
1981 San Marco Blvd. (across from the movie theater)
904.396.2249
www.theSnob.biz instagram.com/shopthesnob
WHERE GUEST B OOK 4 3
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WASABI Located in the upscale St. John’s Town Center, Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse has become a Jacksonville favorite for exceptional sushi and hibachi-style steaks. Originally established in Knoxville, TN in 2002, Wasabi has continually been awarded recognition as one of the top Japanese restaurants in the East Tennessee area. Wasabi has expanded to four contemporarily-designed locations in the Southeast and regularly redesigns itself and explores innovative flavors to continue giving customers a fresh, new experience when they come celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, proms, graduations, and more. With a dynamic menu range from exquisite sushi to succulent meats and delectable seafood, patrons can enjoy their meals at the energetic bar, the lively hibachi tables, the intimate sushi bar, or the outdoor patio. Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse is proud to call St. John’s Town Center home for its newest location. 10206 River Coast Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246
904.997.6528
www.wasabi-steakhouse.com
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BLUE ORCHID THAI CUISINE EXPERIENCE THAILAND
“Add a little spice to your life. Experience Thailand.” These words on our front door reveal our desire not only to impress you with great Thai food, but also to expose you to Thailand’s warm hospitality and exotic culture. They are a promise to serve you great food made from original Thai ingredients, to shower you with smiles, to expose you to Thai art and history, and to exceed your expectations. Pictured here are our Flower Buds, a traditional luxury for the king requiring hours of preparation. They are delicate, chewy rice flour pastries stuffed with chicken and toasted sesame seeds, peanuts, and coconut. When eaten whole, they take you on a journey of flavors and aromas, with a nutty crunchy sweetness exploding in your mouth on the second or third chew. 13475 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville
904.723.1300 www.blueorchid.menu
ALL ALONG THE COAST
©JON BILOUS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
St. Augustine’s charming environs
St. Augustine’s Historic Charm There just might be some truth to the Fountain of Youth after all. The oldest city in the U.S. celebrated its 450th birthday in 2015, and it’s never looked better. In preparation for its visit from the king and queen of Spain for the landmark anniversary, some of the city’s most notable buildings got major makeovers. Flagler College, the Government House, the mission, the lighthouse and other significant sites completed renovations totaling more than $20 million. Guests came pouring into a city that’s home to just 13,000 residents.
“All the publicity and attention surrounding St. Augustine’s 450th birthday celebration helped create awareness of the cultural diversity, the rich history and natural beauty surrounding the nation’s oldest city,” said Richard Goldman, president and CEO of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches Visitor & Convention Bureau. St. Augustine isn’t resting on its laurels. In this destination city, the celebration goes on. On any given day, tourists sip sangria from upstairs balconies, and bands play live on the bay and inside St. George Street courtyards. Costumed guides lead spirited ghost tours nightly, and Christmas is celebrated for two whole months as the historic district’s grandest landmarks dazzle in 2 million lights. St. Augustine has the feel of a European town, with the spirit and style of New Orleans without the bawdiness. Whether it’s admiring the city’s architecture, visiting the historic sites or spending a relaxing day by the ocean, there is much to see and do in this small but dynamic town. WHERE GUEST B OOK
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A fountain with faces in St. Augustine
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the famous guests were Thomas Edison, John D. Rockefeller, Theodore Roosevelt, Joseph Pulitzer, Mark Twain and Babe Ruth. Today, the city annually attracts 6 million tourists—families, history buffs and beach bums alike who want to experience the rich history, local flavor and lively atmosphere. Every eatery from tiny, Spanish bakeries to oceanfront seafood shacks and elegant dining rooms in Victorian mansions are serving up innovative cuisine that’s both thoughtful of the past yet on-trend. Foodies will find a melting pot of Southern, Spanish, Caribbean and Floribbean cuisines featuring local seafood and farm-fresh produce. After getting a taste of the city, tourists take to the streets with a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour or an old-fashioned horse-and-buggy ride. Visitors can choose from a dozen more historic sites to relive the story of St. Augustine, from obvious sites such as the massive Castillo de San Marcos and the bustling St. George Street to hidden gems such as the ivy-covered Chapel of Our Lady of La Leche. St. Augustine offers a plethora of attractions for children as well, from the country’s original Ripley’s Believe It or Not and first wax museum (Potter’s) to an 1874 lighthouse and the country’s first alligator farm, which is well worth an afternoon’s visit. Finally, no visitor to Florida can forget the beaches. It was, in fact, the beautiful safe harbor and smooth shoreline that drew those first explorers to the area more than 500 years ago. And the rest is history.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
©NATALIA BRATSLAVSKY/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM; ©LADDIO1234/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
Through the centuries, St. Augustine has reinvented itself time and time again. The Fountain of Youth, once a kitschy roadside attraction, has evolved into a living-history museum and park. Tales of 18th-century pirates have materialized into a popular bay-front museum for families. The five-star resort built by Henry Flagler is now the home of 7,000 college students. And in the country’s oldest city, the most popular attraction on Trip Advisor, the St. Augustine Distillery, is only a few years old. St. Augustine is proud of its strong foundation, but it continues to add layers of culture, cuisine and history that make it a rich and relevant vacation destination today. In April 1513, explorer Ponce de León landed near St. Augustine, staking a claim for the Spanish crown and christening the land la Florida in honor of his country’s Easter Feast of the Flowers. He sent word back to the old country that Florida was an ideal place for a new colony, and in 1565, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés returned to the very spot and established the first permanent European settlement in the United States, predating Jamestown by 94 years and Plymouth by 107 years. Over the centuries, St. Augustine was the center of Spanish and then British Colonial life in America and, in the 1880s, a vacation destination with the addition of a railroad and three luxury hotels developed by Henry Flagler. The daily rate at the Hotel Ponce de Leon for guests staying the winter season was $39, which equates to $100,000 today. Among
Now Serving David Yurman Roberto Coin Ippolita Hearts on Fire Rolex John Hardy Lagos Forevermark Just to Name a Few
Where Florida Tourism Began
FLORIDA’S FIRST AND FINEST LUXURY HOTEL NOW HOME TO FLAGLER COLLEGE
STEP INSIDE. AND STEP BACK IN TIME. Experience the magic of the Gilded Age. St. Augustine’s Hotel Ponce de Leon, built in 1888 by railroad magnate Henry Flagler, is today home of Flagler College. Open daily for tours.
(904) 819-6400 • 74 King St. • www.legacy.flagler.edu
GB_1.4sq.indd 1
5/2/18 2:43 PM
Going Gaga For Gators GANDER AT GRAND CREATURES FROM A SERIES OF RAISED WOODEN BOARDWALKS AT THE ST. AUGUSTINE ALLIGATOR FARM AND ZOOLOGICAL PARK, WHICH HOUSES ALL 23 SPECIES OF CROCODILIANS. THE STEALTHIER AMONG US CAN ZIPLINE OVER GATOR-INFESTED WATERS.
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©EVE WHEELER PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
PARTING SHOT
CELEBRATE GOLF’S
Greatest LEGENDS Special Exhibits | Putting Course Military, Senior, Student & Child Discounts
ARNOLD
PALMER
PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY. WORLD GOLF VILLAGE | ST. AUGUSTINE, FL worldgolfhalloffame.org
TASTE the Life Jacksonville Beach | St. Augustine Beach | Fernandina Beach
SaltLifeFoodShack.com