Photo above, The Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine
March 2019 – My husband and I trek yearly to St. Augustine, Florida, America’s oldest continually inhabited settlement. With pristine beaches meeting moss-laden trees along the estuaries of Matanzas River, old world charm melds with modern flair.
We explore different aspects of this mysterious old city every time we visit. This year, we did a walking tour of some of its historic churches. Visitors can also purchase passes to continuously looping trolleys, driven by friendly, knowledgeable tour guides.
We began our visit at humble Mission Nombre de Dios, where, on September 8, 1565, explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed, and Father Lopez conducted the first known church service on American soil. The 208-foot Great Cross towers above that sacred spot, while the Lady of La Leche Shrine offers quiet reflection in its ivy-covered sanctuary.
In complete contrast, we visited several ornate churches, each significant to St. Augustine’s spiritual timeline, such as Cathedral Basilica and Grace United Methodist Church. But the serene, unassuming garden of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church was the perfect place to pray beneath a rugged, beautiful cross made from an ancient church beam.
We strolled to the eclectic Blue Hen Café, where I sampled and thoroughly enjoyed a southern staple with a twist, their delicious black-eyed pea hummus wrap. My husband preferred dinner at the unique Gas Full Service Restaurant where he tried his best to eat all of his gigantic, deep-fried jalapeno popper burger.
For dessert, my favorite gourmet popsicle shop, The Hyppo, offers a wide variety of handmade, frozen treats. Something about their creamy and tart key lime popsicle always makes me feel like a giddy kid.
I can never get enough of this treat – or this city. But this year’s tour of churches added a spiritual depth and dimension to my love for St. Augustine.
Joy Lucius
Photo left, an actress at The Holy Land Experience greets two young admirers.
Orlando, Florida, is renowned for its theme parks. One hidden gem, The Holy Land Experience, is a uniquely Christian-based theme park.
Park visitors enter stone gates and leisurely stroll replicated market streets of Jerusalem, strewn with multiple cafes and shopping venues. Exotic palm trees, flowering shrubs, and authentically designed buildings stage a trip back in time to first-century Israel.
For me, it was instantly a very convincing immersion into ancient Judaic culture. I was visibly moved as I entered the Wilderness Tabernacle reproduction and visited the representation of the Great Temple from Mount Moriah. The teacher in me especially enjoyed my self-guided tour of the Scriptorium, housing artifacts over 4,000 years old. Each venue provided tremendous learning opportunities.
Children (of all ages) marveled at the world’s largest indoor replica of Jerusalem, A.D. 66, but Roman Soldier Training Camp was a unique and enthralling experience for children. Issued toy swords and shields, participants trained alongside Rome’s legionnaires. These realistically clad soldiers playfully barked orders, entertaining while teaching basic Roman fighting skills.
Visiting during Christmastime, we were treated to live depictions of the angel visiting Mary, her subsequent visit to Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem, the shepherd’s manger worship of Baby Jesus, and the wise men coming from afar, all accented with moving music and song.
Incorporating religious and secular songs, Heart of Christmas, a spectacular, Broadway-caliber musical, told how one family perpetuated the true meaning of Christmas through a multi-generational retelling of the legend of the “fourth wise man.” In every scene, I found myself laughing, crying, and thanking God for the gift of His Son.
Visitors will find an unforgettable day at The Holy Land Experience. Shows and exhibits change throughout the year, so visit holylandexperience.com for details.
Joy Lucius
Photo left, “Mom and Pop” businesses are the norm in Door County.
Door County Wisconsin is one of the lovliest family get-aways you will find in the states. The narrow peninsula juts into Lake Michigan, leaving 300 miles of lakefront beauty and a nostalgic small-town feel that takes you into another time.
We arrived on my birthday last June for a surprisingly captivating respite from the busyness of life. It was mid-summer, and the weather could not have been more delightful. Clear blue skies, cool nights, and day temperatures in the low 70s – a welcome break from the summer heat and humidity of the South.
You won’t see fast-food restaurants or other chain businesses in Door County towns. Mom and Pop is the norm. While visiting local eating spots, shops, and sites, take the time to ask questions and learn of Door County’s rich history. You’ll enjoy many home-spun stories of hope and resilience that encompass multiple generations.
My personal favorite breakfast spot was Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik, an authentic Swedish family owned restaurant in Sister Bay, where real-life goats roam the grassy roof, and servers wear Scandanavian ensembles – not your everyday experience.
The opportunities are boundless for those who enjoy natural beauty and outdoor recreation, whether it be a zip line adventure, a guided kayak tour in clear lake water, or a heartwarming original musical production under the night stars of Peninsula State Park. The rich cultural and artistic charm are reflected in Door County’s festivals and wealth of art galleries. Children and adults can even enjoy a hands-on art studio where unique take-home projects can be created. Of course, a visit to one of the local creameries to sample a variety of Wisconsin’s famous cheese is a must.
Peruse the endless possibilities of carefree exploration or plot out your get-away at doorcounty.com.
Anne Reed
Photo left, a family learns about animation at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in Mobile.
Mobile, Alabama – I spotted the frame of a harp – no strings, just the frame – standing across the room, so I went over to investigate. I touched the sturdy wood frame, and my fingers wandered into the space where strings should be. Wow! Beautiful music filled the air, and I spent a few minutes strumming the air just to make sure I wasn’t imagining things.
It was Mobile’s Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, and the stringless harp is one of many interactive features to entertain visitors of all ages.
This Alabama Gulf Coast city is home to a surprising array of fun family sites and activities – indoors and out. At nearby Dauphin Island Sea Lab, kids can pet a stingray. A few miles down the road, they can meet (at a distance) 13-foot 282-pound Captain Crunch and more than 400 of his alligator cousins at Alligator Alley in Summerdale.
Water adventures? Cruise options are plentiful offering a leisurely end-of-day sunset cruise – my favorite. Others focus on animal life, plant life, or fishing. And there are spots for kayaking, too.
History? The Fort Gaines site on Dauphin Island and the Colonial Mobile Fort both merit a traveler’s stop. In the bay, the battleship USS Alabama (from the World War II era) has on-board tours and land parks for activities.
Food? Too much good to say. Wintzell’s Oyster House, the city’s iconic must-try seafood place, was my favorite.
Museums? Dozens of them including “specialty” stops such as the Mobile Police Museum and the Phoenix Fire Museum.
However, my most memorable moment occurred at the Mobile History Museum’s exhibit of the city’s role in the slave trade. It’s good to see the city acknowledging its unvarnished history. An African-American Heritage driving tour (self-guided or by bus) takes visitors through the city for a sobering look at that tragic era.
Mobile? Yes. Mobile. It will not disappoint.
Randall Murphree
