Florida's Historic Coast Travel Planner 2016 | Page 4

From the President/CEO F Welcome to Florida’s Historic Coast, home to Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. Our destination was settled by Spanish explorers in 1565, but it is also home to many cultures – Native American, Greek, Minorcan, French and British. You’ll find this diversity influences everything from food to architecture, shopping to entertainment and, of course, the many festivals and special events enjoyed year-round by visitors and locals alike. As a vacation destination, Florida’s Historic Coast is capturing attention world-wide. St. Augustine was included in TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Traveler’s Choice Awards of U.S. Destinations to Visit and in TripAdvisor’s List of Top 10 U.S. Beaches. Orbitz listed St. Augustine among the Top Five Great American Getaways. CNN Travel placed Ponte Vedra Beach on its list of 22 Must See Beaches. Parent magazine named St. Augustine a Top 12 Destinations in the U.S. for Family Fun. And the editors at Dating Advice selected St. Augustine as #1 on the top 14 list of Best Small Cities for a First Date. Our destination is known for more than our historic sites and attractions. We’re also known as a top destination for golf. Ponte Vedra Beach is home to the PGA Tour and THE PLAYERS Championship along with luxury resorts, award-winning spas, an abundance of shopping, and pristine natural beaches. You’ll find more than a dozen championship golf courses to choose from and have the opportunity to explore the World Golf Hall of Fame. Foodies will find themselves in paradise here. Fresh seafood, year-round farm-fresh produce, and the very best in New World cuisine are just a few of the culinary delights you’ll enjoy. The area’s distillery, winery and local chocolatiers will tempt your taste buds and satisfy your thirst. Our beautiful beaches of white quartz sand provide fun for the entire family. Shelling, surfing, and sandcastle building, our 42 miles of Atlantic shore are a seaside playground. Romance takes center stage throughout Florida’s Historic Coast. Take in the panoramic view from the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse with a glass of champagne. Enjoy a private carriage ride through the historic streets of St. Augustine or a stroll hand-in-hand along the bay front. Share a decadent meal for two at a sidewalk café. Sway to the sounds of live music in a local tavern after dark. A visit to Florida’s Historic Coast will help you re-connect with family, friends and loved ones. We encourage all our potential visitors to connect with us, too through social media and by signing up for our free e-newsletter on our website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com. The newsletter provides information on upcoming events and deals for our area on accommodations and much more. So while our history is not the same old story, after a trip to Florida’s Historic Coast you’ll have plenty of your own stories to tell. Visitors & Convention Bureau FloridasHistoricCoast.com 29 Old Mission Avenue St. Augustine, FL 32084 904.829.1711 2016 Travel Planner President/CEO Richard Goldman Executive Editor Kathy Catron Publications Manager Stacey Sather Publisher John Stavely Producing Editor Justin Braun Graphic Design Lead Jennifer Keller Vaz L Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the publication at the time of printing. Changes may occur after this time and viewers are encouraged to view our website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com where the most recent information is displayed. ©2016 St. Johns County Visitors & Convention Bureau (dba St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches) All rights reserved; reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission of the publisher. Richard Goldman, President/CEO St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau 135/1/16 This publication is printed on paper that uses up to 10% PCW (post-consumer waste). 2 SJVCB_151200_PUBLISHER _LETTTER.indd 2 11/20/15 1:57:16 PM