Historic Sites in Orange Park

"Another of the best things to do in St Augustine is to explore Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park. This archaeological site in the city claims to be the landing site of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer who came to the Americas in search of the fabled Fountain of Youth in the early 16th century. It’s evolved into a rather unusual tourist attraction within the city, and while there’s little factual basis behind the park and its supposed archaeological finds, it’s still a unique place to visit."

"This is the site of the ancient Indian village of Seloy, but popular legend says Ponce de Leon arrived here in 1513 in search of magical waters that could keep him young and vigorous. While the story may be a myth, it's still fun to drink from the fountain at this garden-like park hoping for a miracle. Beyond the fountain, you can walk around the pretty grounds and learn about the first Indian inhabitants and see colonial re-enactors build camps and fire muskets."

"Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Augustine|Courtesy of St. Augustine VCB. The Fountain of Youth Discovery Park marks the spot where the Spanish explorers Pedro Menéndez de Avilés and Ponce de León came ashore. Archaeological digs are on-going, and discoveries at the site include a springhouse, landmark cross, saltcellar and artifacts remaining from an ancient Native American village."

"Located near the City Gates, The Old School House is a surviving expression of another time. Built over 200 years ago, while Florida was under the rule of Imperial Spain, it was constructed of red cedar and cypress and put together with wooden pegs and handmade nails."

"Made completely by hand, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is an architectural and historical icon in St. Augustine. Dating back to the early 18th century, a visit to the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is an inspiring experience."

"Peaceful and serene, the Mission of Nombre de Dios is a place where everyone can feel at home. Shrines and statues are surrounded by lush greenery and trees and welcome visitors from every corner of the earth. It is here that the Great Cross, which rises 208 feet, was erected in 1965 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first parish mass."

"Located at 27 Ocean Avenue, the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche is the first in the United States to be dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Established in 1615, the chapel houses an elegantly detailed carved statue of the Blessed Virgin nursing the child. Many pilgrims travel here to pray for blessings on behalf of mothers and mothers-to-be."

"The Oldest House (officially known as the González-Alvarez House) was built back in 1723 and is the oldest house in St. Augustine. This is a pretty big deal for Florida but… where I live in Massachusetts I’m literally surrounded on all sides by houses a hundred years older than that. Regardless, it’s a National Historic Landmark and is open for public tours."

"14 St Francis Street – Gonzalez-Alvarez House is the oldest house in St Augustine. Open from 10 – 5 daily. Tours run every 30 minutes."

"The Historic Peña-Peck House in the Colonial Quarter of Saint Augustine is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the town; it was constructed in 1750. The first residents were the members of the Peña family; after that, the British occupied the city for 20 years, and various high-ranking officials lived in the home. Later, the house was purchased by Seth Peck, whose granddaughter was the last owner."

"The Pena-Peck House is a historic residence, open as a museum with free tours. It was constructed circa 1750 for the Royal Treasurer, Juan Esteban de Pena. It is a fine example of the city’s First Spanish Period homes, with the loggia and first floor little changed from its original appearance."

"Just a few miles outside of the city, you can find one of Florida’s most important historical sites. Fort Mose was built by the Spanish in the 18th century and was initially intended to be a settlement for freed slaves. It was the first type of settlement of its kind in Florida, as the Spanish welcomed in slaves who had escaped from what was at the time the British colonies to the north."

"An African slave was a prize of war and his or her journey in life was servitude. A weak tribe would honour a powerful tribe by giving away their people as slaves. Or local traders would kidnap people and send them off to be sold."

"The oldest public park in the US, the Plaza de la Constitucion has been a center of life in St. Augustine since the 16th century Spanish Period. Now a National Historic Landmark, the Plaza was established by Spanish Royal Ordinances in 1573, which required a plaza for government, church, and public use. Spanish plazas typically began at the waterfront, so it could be seen, and was oriented to the compass points and sized with length equal to 1-1/2 times its width."

"You can be basic and go with Nutella, or be a bit more experimental and try red bean. Both are quite satisfying."

"1517 Atlantic Blvd Neptune Beach, Florida 32266 Phone: 904-372-7081"

"This mom and pop style diner is located in a strip mall in Ponte Vedra Beach and is a short drive to the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. The unassuming diner has a strong nautical tone with its white and navy blue colors and features small wooden café tables, padded booths, and a breakfast bar that wraps around their service prep area. Patrons visiting here will enjoy favorites like their traditional eggs Benedict made with perfectly poached eggs on top of a toasted English muffin with Canadian bacon covered in hollandaise sauce and served with fruit, grits, or hash browns."

"Atlantic Beach Location: 501 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL904.249.6500Ponte Vedra Beach Location: 880 A1A N, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL904.273.6545Hours: Breakfast served all day."

"Grinder’s American Diner is serving up just that – classic American-style diner food. Why mess with something that’s not broken?. Located in a quiet strip mall, Grinder’s is situated between downtown Jacksonville and the Atlantic Ocean."

"When you walk into a lunch spot and one whiff takes you back to grandmas kitchen, you know you've landed in a great place. At Sun Deli, farm fresh ingredients come together with the finest Boar's Head Brand deli meat to produce the "Best Subs Under the Sun". Try made from scratch soups, prepared fresh daily along side a versatile menu of great sandwiches like BLTs, hearty Meatball, and the classic Club."

"If your beach day has you feeling hungry, look no further than Third Street's Sun Deli Subs, a Jax Beach favorite. What is not to love about a restaurant where nothing on the menu exceeds $10?"

"We are monitoring all local, state and federal regulations to provide customers with contactless ordering options. While some restaurants may have dining rooms open, others are serving customers through the Drive Thru, with Mobile Order & Pay on the McDonald's App, and with McDelivery®..."

"108 Anastasia Boulevard A local favorite for unique fresh fish preparations (with selections like Wahoo, Mahi, and Hog Snapper), Blackfly the Restaurant will charm you with its bright artwork and murals and Bahamian ambiance even before the plate hits your table. When it does though, try out dishes like the Bahamian Conch Fritters, Furikake Crusted Ahi Tuna, and Maine Lobster Mac and Cheese.www.blackflytherestaurant.com"

"Come try our Dynamite Salmon Entrée...its the chefs take on a deconstructed Dynamite Sushi Roll. You simply will not find anything better for dinner tonight!. Everything in Blackfly is prepared to order and the menu has some innovative flavor combinations, all made with seasonal and local ingredients."

"Excellent food and an engaging visit by the owner to every table. With slightly lower prices, a solid... (904) 201-6300Order online"