Where to Get a Birds-Eye View of St. Augustine

Saint Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, draws millions of visitors each year. Tourists can explore one of the nation’s oldest forts, walk down famed St. George Street, bask in the Florida sunshine on beautiful St. Augustine Beach, tour some of the historic sites, or sip from the Fountain of Youth. It’s a beautiful city. The towering spires of Flagler College highlight the city’s skyline, while Spanish architecture dots the riverfront.

There are plenty of attractions that will teach you about the history of this great city. But, there is only one that can give you a birds-eye view of this gorgeous city and a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean – The Saint Augustine Lighthouse and Museum!

The swirling, treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean proved to be quite dangerous for ships traveling in this area. Many a shipwreck took place right off the coast of Saint Augustine. So, a lighthouse was needed to help mariners safely reach the shore. In 1874, construction on the Saint Augustine Lighthouse was complete. It’s been operating every since.



Visitors are able to climb 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse for one of the best views in Saint Augustine! You will climb a spiral staircase up to the observation deck. Now, don’t worry. There are eight landing, where you can rest up before you start climbing again. (Some even have benches). The reward for your climb is spectacular. Look to your east and you will see the sugary white sandy beaches of Saint Augustine. Look to your west and you will see the beautiful historical city, the fort, and harbor. You can walk completely around the tower too!

After your climb, head over to the Café for an icy, cold drink. You deserve it! Then, begin your tour of the Keepers’ House Museum. From 1874 – 1955, the lighthouse was operated by a lighthouse keeper. In good weather and treacherous weather, the keeper had to climb all the way to the top of the lighthouse to keep the fires burning. The museum tells the keeper’s story in an interesting way through exhibits, with a little maritime history thrown in. In 1955, the age of the lighthouse keeper disappeared. Lighthouses, including this one, became automated.

You can explore the grounds at your own pace. There are no guided tours, but the audio tour they offer is terrific. You can learn even more about the historical significance of the area, the archeological digs taking place on the grounds, and stories about the lighthouse keeper’s families.

Plan on spending a few hours at the lighthouse. We recommend climbing during the morning hours – it’s a lot cooler. Then, you can drive just a few miles and hit Saint Augustine Beach! For information on tickets, height restrictions, and special events, visit www.staugustinelighthouse.com

The Best Way to See the Grand Tetons

America’s most beautiful mountain range is The Grand Tetons. Rising up from the valley floor, the Grand Tetons pierce the sky with their craggy snow covered peaks. Moose, grizzly bears, bison, and wolves roam the valley floor and the Jackson Lake shoreline. It’s no wonder why so many visitors flock to this National Park each year!

So, what’s the best way to see the Grand Tetons? You could scale the craggy peaks for a birds-eye view. You could hike a few of the popular trails to catch spectacular views. You could even take a driving tour of the area. But the best way to really see the Grand Tetons and engage in a few wildlife encounters is to take a scenic float trip down the Snake River!



A scenic float trip offers some of the most magnificent views of the Grand Tetons. We love the early morning trips the best. It’s cold (no matter what time of year) and your adrenaline really gets pumping. As you board your rubber raft and don your life preserver, you get the feeling that this has all the signs of an adventure of a lifetime.

The Snake River is a swift river that carves its way through years of glacier debris. Most visitors never get to experience the river. They only catch glimpses of it from the overlooks. But, rafters get to experience the way the Grand Tetons used to be. Free from the hustle and bustle of visitors. It’s just you, your fellow rafters, and the wildlife. And what wildlife you will see! Bald eagles build their nests in tall aspens and cottonwoods next to the river. Herds of bison gather by the water’s edge. Beavers are busy building their elaborate dams. Grizzly bears even wander down to the edge in hopes of a tasty meal.

Then, as you round the bend, the Grand Tetons come into view. It is the most breathtaking view you will ever have of the range. A sense of peace falls over you as you truly appreciate the power of Mother Nature. You can’t help but imagine how the early explorers must have felt seeing these spectacular mountain peaks.

You don’t need to worry about rapids on this trip. There are none. You don’t need to worry about rowing either. Your guide does all the work for you. The only thing you have to do is sit back, relax, and take it all in.

There are plenty of raft companies who offer float trips. But, our favorite is the trips offered through the Grand Teton Lodge Company. Their guides are top-notch and provide plenty of entertaining stories about the area. They offer a variety of trips including early morning and dusk. These are the best times to see wildlife. Plus, you can choose from a lunch or dinner float trip. An authentic Western cookout takes place in the shadow of the range. What more could you ask for in an adventure?

For more information about the Grand Teton Lodge Company float trips, visit www.gtlc.com/activities.

To plan your perfect Grand Teton Vacation, visit our site: www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/National_Parks and purchase the Grand Teton National Park travel guide!

Shrimp Lovers – Mark Your Calendars!

Fernandina Beach is gearing up to host one of the South’s biggest seafood festivals – the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. From April 28th to May 1st, downtown becomes a shrimp lover’s dream. Food vendors line beautiful, historic downtown Fernandina Beach and prepare shrimp nearly every way imaginable. You can enjoy Fried Shrimp, Boiled Shrimp, Shrimp Salad, Shrimp Quesadillas, Popcorn Shrimp, Shrimp Subs, Shrimp Marinara, Low Country Shrimp Boil, Shrimp Pie, Shrimp Twisters, and even Shrimp Ice Cream!

Now, it’s not all about the shrimp. Art vendors sell their wares, including beautiful beach themed paintings and sculptures. And then there are the pirates. Lots of them! After all, they make a special appearance in the annual Pirate Parade, complete with floats and marching bands. You won’t just find them in the parade. They board their pirate ships and invade the city Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Some may even find their way on stage to win the Best Adult Pirate Contest.

Here’s a fun fact you can use to impress your fellow festival goers. The festival gets its name, Isle of Eight Flags, because it is the only U.S. city to ever been under eight different flags. The French, Spanish, English, Patriot, Green Cross, Mexican Revolutionary, Confederate, and American flag have all flown over this beautiful city!

The festival is terrific fun for all ages. Warm ocean breezes and brilliant sunshine are predicted. Admission is free, but bring plenty of cash. You won’t be able to resist those delicious shrimp dishes!

For more information and directions, visit the Isle of Eight Flags official website: www.shrimpfestival.com.

Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel

There is nothing quite like a vacation to Yellowstone National Park. Where else can you see buffalo casually strolling past boiling hot pools and erupting geysers? Everyone clamors to stay inside the park at the Old Faithful Lodge. But we have an even better suggestion for you! The Irma Hotel in Cody, Wyoming.

Buffalo Bill Cody is one of the biggest legends in the West. He was a legendary frontiersman, decorated Civil War solider, and Pony Express Rider. He created the world famous Wild West Show that toured around the globe. But, one of his proudest achievements was the hotel in created to honor his daughter, The Irma.

On November 2, 1902, the hotel opened to great fanfare. Cody, Wyoming was not exactly the tourist mecca that it is today. Costing a whopping $80,000, this two story hotel was the most modern, elegant establishment in these parts. Some say it still is and we have to agree. Staying here is a treat. It’s as if you are transported back to the turn of the century when the West was truly wild.

The hotel has a grand staircase that leads up to the guestrooms. If you are lucky enough, try to reserve one of the suites. Each suite is named after the famous Western legend that stayed there: Buffalo Bill, Irma Cody, Caroline Lockhart, Colonel Cody, and more. Rooms are decorated just as if you had been visiting in 1902. Don’t worry – each suite has been upgraded to include all the modern conveniences you expect. Typical hotel rooms are available too.

Bring your appetite when you stay here. They claim to have some of the best prime rib west of the Mississippi River. We could not agree more. Thick, juicy slices of prime rib hit the spot after hiking the park’s trails. It’s served buffet style, so eat all you want. You can walk it off tomorrow in the park!

Take a seat at the Cherrywood Bar in their restaurant. Queen Victoria of England was so impressed by Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show that she gave the back-bar as a gift. And what a gift it was – costing over $100,000. It was built in France, sent by steamer to New York, shipped by rail to Montana, and then transported by a horse drawn wagon to Cody!

Of course, a truly authentic Western town needs to have its share of gunfights between the good guys and the outlaws. Cody does live up to its authentic Western heritage hosting gunfights that take place right in front of the hotel. The Cody Gunfighters have been entertaining visitors for years with their not so serious take on famous Western characters and gun battles. The best part – it’s free! Performances take place Monday thru Saturday at 6PM.

For more information about The Irma, visit their website: www.irmahotel.com

To plan your perfect trip to Cody & Yellowstone National Park, visit our website
www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/National_Parks and purchase the Yellowstone National Park travel guide!

Rev Up Those Engines and Head to Barrett Jackson Palm Beach

Classic car enthusiasts from around the world are getting ready to descend on Palm Beach. Next week, Barrett-Jackson makes its annual stop on Florida’s beautiful East Cost. Ford Mustang Fastbacks, 1950’s Chevy Corvette Convertibles, Ford Deluxe Custom Coupes, and Austin Healey’s are just a few of the cars expected to cross the block. But, this year’s event has a twist. Cars will be selling at no-reserve and reserve. The action on the block is sure to be exciting!



Most people who head to a Barrett-Jackson event never register to bid on the cars. They just go to walk aisle after aisle of some of the finest automobiles on the planet. Hundreds of cars are on display here and you get the opportunity to walk right up and take a peak! Of course, you can’t touch, but you can dream about how you would look behind the wheel!

A general admission ticket will get you into the auction block, but you can’t bid. You can only watch the exciting action. To become a bidder, you will need to register with Barrett-Jackson in advance. If you’re a first time Barrett Jackson attendee, it’s best to just get a feel for the auction and plan your strategy to bid next year. Trust us, once you attend one of these events you will want to keep coming back!

Of course, it isn’t all about looking at these cars. The auction offers car care seminars, Ford & GM Ride & Drives, plenty of car enthusiast vendors, and some great food. Ford always puts on quite a display of their fast rides. You can even register to “pretend” drag race a Mustang!

This year’s event runs April 7th – April 9th. Saturday is the biggest day, with the best cars auctioned off. If you are looking for deals, head over on Thursday. You can get some real steals. Can’t make it this year? Well, the SPEED CHANNEL has you covered with extensive live coverage each day.

You can buy tickets online or at the gate. Expect to pay anywhere from $7 to $20 each day and there are discounts for seniors (55+) and kids (up to 12). For more information, visit www.barrett-jackson.com