Heritage Highlights

 The better part of your day can easily be spent at Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, between the Nassau and St. Johns Rivers. This unique national park was established to protect one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast and is a series of federal, state and city parks that tell the story of early Florida history.

Begin with a visit to Fort Caroline National Memorial, 12713 Fort Caroline Rd., between Jacksonville and Atlantic Beach. This fort is actually a replica of the 16th-century fort, now serving as the park's headquarters. Nearby is a fabulous lookout point over the St. Johns River. Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Call (904) 641-7155.

Included in the Preserve is the Kingsley Plantation, across the river from Fort Caroline. Architecturally and historically, this plantation is a cultural gem. Kingsley has 23 original slave "tabby" huts in various stages of ruin. Built from oyster shells and sand, these huts are some of the best examples of antebellum life for slaves, as well as a significant site in African-American history. Visitor Center and grounds hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Call (904) 251-3537.

Head north to Fort Clinch State Park, 2601 Atlantic Ave., on Amelia Island; the northernmost barrier island in the state. Fort Clinch was originally built to guard ports on the Atlantic and protect shipping on the St. Marys River. Today, the Fort is a living history museum, complete with costumed re-enactors who offer up tidbits about life in the fort and "complain" loudly about living conditions, the weather, food and paychecks. Candlelight tours of the fort are given during the summer on Friday and Saturday nights. Hours: 8 a.m. - sundown. Call (904) 277-7274. Treat yourself with a stay at the Amelia Island Plantation, 6800 First Coast Hwy. Call (888) 261-6161 for reservations.

Today, the Fort is a living history museum, complete with costumed re-enactors who offer up tidbits about life in the fort and "complain" loudly about living conditions, the weather, food and paychecks. Candlelight tours of the fort are given during the summer on Friday and Saturday nights.


Nature Trek

 Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., is a lovely network of gardens designed in the 1930s and 40s for a private home. It features roses, citrus, camellias, azaleas and other ornamentals. Call (386) 446-6780 for information about the park.

While in the area, take a step back in time by hiking through the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, three miles west of Flagler Beach on S.R. 100, south of C.R. 2001. The sugar mill ruins are listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. You can either drive the loops or walk the nature trail that passes through a stand of "catfaced" pines that were worked for turpentine before World War II. Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call (386) 517-2084. For a quiet night on calm water, stay at the Palm Coast Resort, 300 Clubhouse Dr. Call (386) 445-3000.


Culture Quest

 Just a few miles south of Jacksonville on the Atlantic coast is the ancient city of St. Augustine, offering culture everywhere you turn. The oldest masonry fort in the United States, the Castillo de San Marcos has served as defender of St. Augustine since the beginning of the 18th century and ranks among the best preserved examples of colonial fortification in the New World. Hours: 8:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Call (904) 829-6506.

Also notable is the majestic red-tiled roof of the former Ponce de Leon Hotel, 74 King St., now part of Flagler College. This landmark building was the cornerstone of Florida developer Henry Flagler's plan to transform the city into a winter resort destination. Call (904) 829-6481. Across the street from the Ponce de Leon Hotel is the Lightner Museum, 75 King St., featuring a collection of paintings and more by artists who came to St. Augustine at Flagler's request. Call (904) 824-2874.

For culture of a different kind, head north to the World Golf Village and Hall of Fame, One World Golf Place in St. Augustine. This collaboration of 27 national and international golf organizations is the premier attraction devoted to the sport. While at the Village, be sure to eat in the golf-themed Murray Bros. Caddyshack, a new, fun dining restaurant and lounge created by golfer/comedian Bill Murray and his five brothers. The Hall of Fame hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Sat.; Noon - 6 p.m., Sun.; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Call (904) 940-4123 for the Hall of Fame.