Another historic fort in St. Augustine is the Fort Matanzas National Monument. This fort, built by the Spanish in 1740, is located on an island that can be reached by guided boat tour. Like the Castillo de San Marcos, it was recognized as a national monument in 1924.
Known as the first historical site in North America, The Fountain of Youth Archeological Park is said to have been the spot where Ponce de Leon first landed in 1513, hoping to find the legendary fountain described by the people of Bimini. The park is now home to artifacts and exhibits that show the history of the explorers and Timcucuan Native Americans from this region.
Learn how life in this colony was like 300 years ago by visiting Saint Augustine's Oldest House. You will learn more about how the locals made a living in the rough and rugged times of the Spanish 2nd period.
The Pena~Peck House was built circa 1750 by order of the King of Spain for Spanish Royal Treasurer Juan Estevan de Peña and his wife Maria Antonia. Today visitors can tour the house and shop at the Woman's Exchange.
18th Century:
Even though it was built in 1798, the Ximenex-Fatio House was a 'Fashionable' boarding house used for both long-term and short-term lodging in the early and mid 1800's. It's a great example of a grand home of it's time that eventually became a Bed and Breakfast. It's run and interpreted very well by the Colonial Dames of America. We highly recommend a tour and donation.
Boston's Franklin Smith built his winter home in 1883 thinking the Moorish style would fit into the Spanish St Augustine. A must see, Villa Zorayda is the first small-scale property to use the poured concrete construction method, which Henry Flagler copied (on a huge-scale) to build his hotels...
Henry M. Flagler began his 3rd carrier as a hotelier and railroad man right here in the late 1800s. Two of his his legacies and North America's first world-class hotels still stand today as Flagler College and Saint Augustine's City Hall. But back in the day they were The Ponce de Leon and Alcazar Hotels. The Alcazar is now the home of the Lightner museum. Both open for tours daily.
19th Century:
The Publications Hobby Magazine, popular during the great depression, was owned by Otto Lightner, who converted his home in Chicago into a museum of collections. But when his doctor suggested moving south for his health, he bought the then closed Alcazar Hotel and he commenced to install his Lightner Museum in the old hotel.
21th Century:
The Magic & Mentalism, Viktor Zenko, was chosen as a Gold Medal Finalist by the International Brotherhood of Magicians for his incredible ability to manipulate a deck of playing cards. Don't miss the opportunity to see an unforgettable magic show. Please reach out if you have any questions here. Houdini Parlor Theater (904) 342-2550.
Those interested in the supernatural will find the award-winning "A Ghostly Experience" walking tour, hosted by professional storytellers, a must-do in our city.
What ever you decide to do when in St Augustine, be sure to tell them the Hemingway House B&B sent you.
