The Flagler Auditorium
Exploring First Coast Culture and History by Jennifer Morrell
The First Coast region of Florida offers much more than opulent beach views and majestic palm trees . The area also boasts a rich history and a wide variety of cultural experiences perfect for visitors and residents alike .
Flagler County and Palm Coast
While beautiful Flagler Beach and its numerous restaurants and bars are an obvious draw , Flagler County ’ s majestic network of preserves , aptly named Princess Place Preserve , are a jewel that should not be overlooked .
Located at the confluence of Pellicer Creek , Moody Creek and the Matanzas River , the preserve ’ s history is rich and storied and includes a princess , orange groves and Florida ’ s first in-ground pool where the “ rich and royal frolicked .”
The Flagler Auditorium and Flagler Playhouse are two cultural attractions that are also not to be missed , showcasing some of the best performing arts in the region .
For history buffs , the Flagler Beach Historical Museum features a wide range of collections , artifacts and images . You ’ ll learn about mastodons and mammoths , shipwrecked French sailors , Charles Lindbergh and the founding families of “ Ocean City .”
St . Johns County and St . Augustine
St . Johns County offers residents and visitors a diverse array of historical structures , culturally significant food , live music and visual art .
Established by the Spanish explorer , Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés , in 1565 , beautiful St . Augustine is the oldest city in the United States . Known for its Spanish architectural style , the city is truly something to behold .
While in St . Augustine , consider visiting the Ancient City Poets , a group that Chris Bodor , founding member and coordinator , describes as a “ loosely knit patchwork of poets ” who gather on
| 16 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE