We moved to Orlando, Florida about a year ago so it's about time to explore our surroundings other than Disney. I'll be posting more sites as we continue to explore.
On this trip, we decided to visit St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, 1965 was St. Augustine's 400th Birthday. It also holds the distinction of being one of the nation's most charming. Known as the "Ancient City", St. Augustine's historic district has cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, bars, unique shops and bed-and-breakfast inns. It truly was very charming and unique. It has a European feel, yet you see the Spanish influence everywhere.
We did not get a chance to enter the historic sites as we got there late in the afternoon. So we just strolled the historic district and drove by the sites.
Castillo de San Marcos
The fort was built in 1672. Although we were unable to enter, they say that inside, you'll find a long narrow room and low doorway, hidden until 1932, when a cannon fell through the gun deck. Some say human skeletons were found inside.
The Oldest House
The González-Alvarez House is the oldest surviving Spanish Colonial dwelling in Florida. The site has been occupied since the 1600s and the present house dates to the early 1700s. Since 1893 visitors have toured the house to see evidence of the Spanish, British and American occupations of St. Augustine and to learn how the residents lived. In 1970 the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the house a National Historic Landmark.
The Old Jail
Completed in 1891 by the same company that later built Alcatraz, the jail housed 72 inmates in crowded cells with no indoor plumbing until 1914. When you arrive, a costumed deputy puts you under arrest, marches you by the creepy gallows, throws you in an iron-barred cell and threatens to leave you in the maximum-security area complete with shackles.
The Oldest Drugstore
The Oldest Drugstore is the oldest in the nation. Inside you will find an herbal gift shop that is surrounded by shelves of antique bottles, elixirs, lotions and cosmetics. You can purchase herbal remedies for whatever ails you – headache, stress, even pink eye. You can also stock up on herbal teas, natural black soap, shea butter and organic jellies.
Scenic Drive
This was the neatest thing. On our way to the Fountain of Youth is a tree lined street filled with old Oak Trees with moss dangling from them. It was just a unique experience to drive underneath all the old oak trees.
Fountain of Youth
As the story goes, while questing for the spring of eternal youth, Ponce de Leon discovered Florida in 1513. The site of his famous landing is now an archaeological park where you can visit the fabled fountain and drink the water. The 15-acre grounds feature historic excavations, a replica of a 16th-century shipwreck and a planetarium. Inside are intriguing artifacts surrounded by natural beauty. This is definitely one that I will go back to.
I was only in Flordia for a short time and was unable to see a lot of what Flordia had to offer. It was nice to see a city I have not had the opportunity to visit but is now on my list of places I want to visit. I also watched your YouTube spot on Theri Jewels and I can say having been to shows and seen many artists works that your pieces are unique and exceptional beautiful. I will be passing on your blog site to many of my friends and family that are also looking for that one of a kind piece either for themselves or as a gift. I look forward to your next post. Kim B...Salt Lake City, Utah
ReplyDelete