Escape to the Old City: St. Augustine, FloridaWritten by Nicole Brownfield
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§Colonial Spanish Quarter, a living museum where costumed interpreters relive a time when St. Augustine was a remote outpost in Spanish Empire, will interest both young and old. Visitors experience how families lived, how they grew and cooked their food, and how they tended their livestock in 1740 St. Augustine. §The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, built in 1874 and still in use by U.S. Coast Guard, preserves history of St. Augustine Light Station and its associated maritime, coastal, and social history. Those daring to climb 219 steps to top of lighthouse are rewarded was a spectacular 360-degree view of downtown St. Augustine and beach areas. §The Fountain of Youth, where Ponce de Leon used stone markers to draw out a cross whose center marked what he believed to be its exact location. The spring still flows and, whether seeking relief from Florida heat or secret to eternal youth, visitors are invited to sample to cool waters. The grounds also include a village that was home to Timucua Indians for more than 1500 years, a planetarium where visitors journey through night sky, and pathways that visitors can stroll idly while examining native plants and historical artifacts along way.In addition to charming waterfront reflecting glories of Imperial Spain, St. Augustine has something for every member of your family. Children will enjoy St. Augustine Alligator Farm, only place in world where 23 species of crocodile can be observed. Historic tours of Old City are available in a myriad of forms. Visitors can choose to watch world go by from a helicopter, open trolley, or horse-drawn carriage. If you’re looking for something unique, those with an interest in paranormal can even take a ghost tour of city’s historic attractions and cemeteries in an authentic hearse. For help in planning a vacation to St. Augustine area, contact St. Augustine Visitors and Convention Bureau at (800) 653-2489 or visit them on web at http://www.visitoldcity.com.
A Southern writer in her twenties, Nicole Brownfield enjoys writing about home, career, leisure, and travel.
| | A Florence Hills TourWritten by Suzanne Morrison
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A guided walking tour of Florence hills will provide you with an insider's view of Florence & Tuscany - you can discover hidden treasures and learn of great legends and stories, giving you a more intimate experience of region of Tuscany. A walk through Florence hills is invigorating and you can soak up beauty of surroundings as you breathe in fresh air and bask in warm sun. You'll also find plenty of photo opportunities as you pass by churches, castles, hill top towns and villages, olive trees and vineyards If you're reasonably fit and have cycling experience you may want to take a Florence Hills Tour by bike. There are many tour companies that offer guided biking expeditions of area. With these tours you will cover more ground than walking tours and you will see many of different terrains and landscapes that Florence hills have to offer. Be sure to find out as much information as possible about cycling route before you go, as many tours of Florence hills by bike can be arduous because of steep climbs that you have to make. If you want to make most of peace and quiet and spend a few more days enjoying countryside you may want to book a stay in one of many bed and breakfasts, hotels or villas in Tuscan hills. Hiring a car will allow you to venture just that little bit further afield and visit some of beautiful Tuscan hill towns such as San Gimignano, Colle Val D'Elsa and Monteriggioni. Regardless of how much time you have to spend there, a trip to hills surrounding Florence will give you a taste of Tuscan countryside that will help to make your trip just that little bit more special.
Suzanne Morrison is a keen independent traveller and considers Florence one of her favourite European cities. Visit her website to learn about more Florence Italy Sights
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