Florida: vacation possibilities abound in every corner of the Sunshine State - State Of The Month

Travel America, Jan-Feb, 2002 by Alice Ross

Early settlers trod what's called the Historic Buccaneer Trail (now scenic highway A1A), which runs through historic sites and natural preserves. Beginning in beautiful Amelia Island, it continues through Jacksonville and along the coastline to St. Augustine, America's oldest city. With 144 blocks of houses listed on the National Register of Historic Places. St. Augustine is a history lover's delight. Visitors travel the centuries through attractions that include the Oldest House; the only remaining 17th century stone fort, Fort Castillo de San Marcos; and Mission of Nombre de Dios, where the first Catholic Mass was said in what became the United States. Twenty minutes away, fashionable fun awaits at the upscale playground, Ponte Vedra Beach, with resorts, spas, and world-famous golf courses.

St. Augustine even has a Fountain of Youth Park. Despite the legend, explorer Ponce de Leon was not in search of such a miracle fountain when he arrived; he was seeking land to claim for Spain. Whatever he was looking for, the "flower" he found turned out to be everyone's perennial favorite.

Contact: VISIT FLORIDA, 661 E. Jefferson St., Tallahassee, FL 32301; (888) 7FLA-USA; www.flausa.1com.