Located just south of Jacksonville, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, established by the Spanish in 1565, more then 50 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. The original street plan as well as 36 colonial-era buildings remain as a link to the Spanish roots of the city.

Military history buffs will be drawn to Castillo San Marcos, the Spanish fort whose construction began in 1972 in response to an increasing threat from British colonists in the Carolinas and Georgia. The stone turrets of the fort are icons of the city.

St. Augustine's modern era began in 1886, when businessman Henry Flagler linked St. Augustine to the eastern rail network and soon after constructed two lavish hotels (and renovated a third) to create a winter resort for wealthy Americans. The city's reign as the "Newport of the South" ended in the early 20th century, as wealthy visitors moved to even sunnier parts of Florida as Flagler's railroad pushed farther south, eventually to Miami and Key West.

Flagler's two grand hotels in St. Augustine are still in use today. The Ponce de Leon is now the home of Flagler College, and the Alcazar is now a museum and home to municipal offices.

There are numerous campgrounds in St. Augustine if you want to pull up an stay a while. Overnight R.V. parking is available by permit in a designated lot on Riberia Street. The permits are $35 per night and are available at the parking facility office.

St. Augustine is also a great destination for a day trip. The city recommends that the best place to start your visit is at the Visitor Information Center is located near Castillo San Marcos at 10 S. Castillo Drive, where there is parking for 1,200 cars. It is open 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day), from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

So if you find yourself on I-95, heading to or from some of the more popular RV destinations, think a about a little detour to a city that has seen 450 years of history.

(800) 262-2182

2110 N Tamiami Trail Nokomis, FL 34275

http://www.rvworldinc.com/