St. Augustine Ponte Vedra 2008 Travel Planner - (Page 8) Time After Time ST. AUGUSTINE By Lisa Codianne Fowler t. Augustine is not only the oldest city in the nation; it is the most charismatic. A coveted destination for hundreds of years, it now entices modern-day explorers to discover its picturesque, well-charted territory and timeless treasures. With big-city amenities and small-town charm, it enthralls history buffs, romantics, art-lovers and epicureans alike. And if you are all of the above, like I am, you’ll feel compelled to return, time after time. S Each time I stroll the narrow, brick-lined streets of this city I am reminded, at every turn, of its significance in the history of the country… and the world. But unlike ancient remnants of civilizations past, studied and static in textbooks, this unique microcosm is dynamic. Along with indelible marks of conquistadors and pirates, philanthropic magnates and architectural marvels, here, fresh love blooms, cuisine is re-invented, creative juices flow and new memories are made. Daily. Four Centuries Later, The City Still Inspires Contrast. Here, it’s not just between the then and now. Each period in St. Augustine’s history is awash in colorful hues, resulting in a grand and vibrant cityscape. A fun approach to gaining perspective is to follow a timeline of attractions. The Old Florida Museum presents an insightful overview of the area’s transition from pre-European times through the early 1900s, with hands-on exhibits depicting life here as far back as the Timucua Indians. Visit the González-Alvarez House at the Oldest House Museum to see the oldest surviving Spanish Colonial dwelling in Florida; take a tour to learn about Spanish, British and American occupations. The Peña-Peck House offers guided tours and a gift shop with everything from smocked children’s clothing to lovely linens, cookbooks and food. Kids of all ages will appreciate the Oldest Wooden School House in the USA, where an animated schoolmaster and his pupils will teach you a lesson you’ll never forget. 8
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.