America's Oldest City   by bweiss

Saint Augustine, Florida has the distinction of being America's oldest city. It is also one of America's most colorful and charming tourist destinations. Founded in 1565, this town founded by the Spanish is the oldest continually occupied European settlement in North America.

In 500 years much has changed in this little town where conquistadors would weigh in before heading back to Spain, their ships loaded with treasure. One thing which remained the same for centuries, however is the Castillo De San Marco. The original star shaped fortress built by the Spanish to defend themselves from pirates and English privateers is still here. Never having fallen in battle and enduring in tact for hundreds of years, this fort on Matansas Bay is part of the National Parks system and is open to visitors. History buffs will treasure exploring its courtyard and chambers, seeing marks left by canister shot in it's walls, and surveying nearby Anastasia Island from it's observation towers.

Also of note in Saint Augustine is the Mission De Nombre De Dios, founded by conquistador, Pedro Menendes De Avilles. One of the oldest holy sites in our nation. The old Saint Augustine Jail, The original Ripley's Believe it or Not Castle, and a host of other historic sites.

While not organized into one gigantic museum, like Colonial Williamsburg, Saint Augustine has as much to see and do and as many ways to go about it. Many local resorts offer vacation packages and ticket bundles. There are at least 2 trolley services on hand to get visitors from their hotels to the sights, and more restaurants than a family can visit in a week.

Historic Saint George Street runs directly through the middle of town and is home to shops, museums, tour services, etc. The street is open to foot traffic only, so it's a safe place to wander about with the family.

Nightly there are tours offered to take advantage of the towns rich history and it's huge log of hauntings and ghost stories. Cruises along the bay are available as well. The best ghost tours in America are to be found in Saint Augustine and at the Lighthouse nearby on Anastasia Island.

World Golf Resort is close at hand as well. Dad can spend the entire vacation on the course if he likes. Mom and the kids can enjoy the miles of pristine beaches in the area, or spend the day at the Alligator Farm on Anastasia Island.

A visit to nearby fort Matansas in a small open boat will probably get you a look at Dolphins who like to swim in the bay around the tourists. About an hour down the road at the Blue Springs State Park, manatees make their home in the St. John River and guests are invited to swim near them provided they do not touch the animals.

Saint Augustine is a city with a tremendous historical significance to all Americans. The history to be explored and experienced in this town is difficult to describe all at once. The food, resort accommodations and entertainment added in make it a place worth exploring for your next trip south.