As nightfall occurs, the Night-Blooming Cereus begins to appear in the Inn's Garden
It happened one night just last week! The At Journey’s End Bed & Breakfast garden came alive with the rare blooming of the Night-Blooming Cereus flower. The plant was an “Inn-warming” gift from our neighbors Starr and Bill. And, just as mysteriously as it bloomed at night, the next day the flower had already wilted and gone away!
Night-Blooming Cereus is the common name referring to a large number of flowering cacti. Because it seems to only bloom at night the flower has been romanticized as blooming only once a year or only at night when the moon is full. The plant has some other cool names such as Princess of the Night, Queen of the night orReina de la Noche.
White colored Night-Blooming Cereus at At Journey's End B & B garden
The flower is often referred to in books and romanticized by poets such as the one below.
The Night-Blooming Cereus by Harriet Monroe (1860-1935/United States)
Yet she loveth the world that forsook her, for lo! Once a year
She, Diana, translucent, pale, scintillant, down from her sphere
Floateth earthward like star-laden music, to bloom in a flower,
And our hearts feel the spell of the goddess once more for an hour.
Of course…you too can have a romantic get-away by booking a room at our great little inn.
At Journey’s End B & B will help you plan your time away. Just give us a call. Of course we cannot guarantee the Night-Blooming Cereus will make an appearance…but we could order up some roses for you! Give us a call, 904-829-0076
As the Nation’s Oldest City prepares for the once in a lifetime 450th Birthday celebration, exciting plans are developing. Not only has a Blue-Ribbon panel been appointed by the United States Department of Interior to organize the multi-year celebration but private ventures are also developing their own events.
Here is an outline of what each of the forthcoming years’ celebrations will center around:
Year 2012 – 200thanniversary of the Spanish Constitution, memorialized in St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitution
The only remaining Monument in the world honoring the old Spanish Constitution
Year 2013 – 500th anniversary of Ponce De Leon’s discovery of Florida, reflected in our Fountain of Youth National Archeological Park
Year 2014 – 50th Anniversary of the St. Augustine civil rights movement and the role our City played in the movement.
Year 2015 – 450th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine, our nation’s oldest continuously occupied European settlement.
As you can see there will be allot of possibilities for celebrations, festivals, and other events in our wonderful city. You may want to begin considering when you will want to visit St. Augustine to participate. Once official events are planned, it is anticipated that accommodations in the historic downtown will go fast.
The “Star-Spangled Committee” appointed by the Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar suggested at their first organizational meeting that “having a king, queens, and Pope attend are a real possibility. “If that’s the case, said John Gallagher, owner of At Journey’s End Bed & Breakfast, “ we’re going to have to find ways to add more rooms to our Inn…and fast!”
Other exciting plans include the building a replica of a 16th Century Spanish Chalupa (an open boat fitted with oars and sails) honoring St. Augustine’s maritime history. Additionally, another replica sailing vessel, the Galvestown is being built in Malaga, Spain and will be available for viewing during the 450th celebration at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum.
Known for its beautiful campus and historically important buildings, Flagler College recently received funding of over $60,000 to be used for restoration and rehabilitation of the Flagler Room. This room was once known as the Grand Parlor when Henry Flagler built the Hotel Ponce De Leon and is now used as the main college building. There are gorgeous ceiling murals,
Flagler College, St. Augustine, FL
originally created by George W. Maynard in the early 19th Century are part of the restoration project. The room is also home of the largest collection of Tiffany Stained Glass windows still in their original use. The Flagler Legacy Tour, which includes these rooms and more, is a “must-see” by visitors to St. Augustine, Florida.
Coming to visit St. Augustine? Stay at TripAdvisor’s #1-Rated Bed & Breakfast, At Journey’s End B & B. Located only steps away from Flagler College, it’s perfectly located and only steps from all of the attractions, shopping and wonderful restaurants.
Have a Student at Flagler College? We are located across the street from the Cedar Hall Dorm, Auditorium and College Gymnasium.
Here is a recent review from a Flagler College Parent:
“Best Place to Stay When Visiting Flagler College”
Reviewed May 1, 2011
At Journey’s End provides everything a good B&B should: clean, comfortable rooms and beds, delicious breakfasts, and a friendly atmosphere. In addition, its location is ideal for visiting a student at Flagler College, a mere block away, or enjoying the sights, shops, and restaurants of old St. Augustine, which are within easy walking distance. Parking in the town can be a problem, so this is a big plus. The best thing about At Journey’s End, however, is the amazing hospitality of the owners, Tim and John. They truly treated us like personal guests, and were eager to help with reservations and sightseeing plans. We were in St. Augustine to attend our son’s graduation from Flagler College, and Tim and John served our breakfast 2 hours ahead of the regular time, then surprised us with a warm cake, coffee, and card for the graduate afterwards. It was like celebrating with friends. This inn deserves its top rating.
Reminiscent of days gone by when friends and families would gather in the early evening to listen to music in the town square, Concerts in the Plaza brings a wide variety of musical entertainment to St. Augustine’s historic downtown all summer long. Bluegrass and blues, jazz and country, swing and folk, old time and popular rock: Concerts in the Plaza has something for everyone.
This year Concerts in the Plaza celebrates more than two decades of great entertainment in a great place. The series has been called “the best way to spend a Thursday night in St. Augustine,” and it’s easy to understand why when you’re sitting under the majestic oaks of the Plaza de la Constitución enjoying quality musical entertainment.
The concert season starts with an afternoon performance from 1 to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day presenting the St. Augustine Jazz Society.
The concerts continue all summer long on Thursdays at 7 p.m. and concludes, as does summer, on Labor Day with another afternoon performance.
All concerts are free and if you are a guest at At Journey’s End Bed & Breakfast, we will provide you with lawn chairs for seating. Picnic dinners are popular and At Journey’s End B & B innkeepers can recommend some great little restaurants and shoppes that provide picnics for attendees.
Back in 1586 Sir Francis Drake with 23 ships and 2,000 Englishmen approached the Spanish harbor of San Augustin and conducted what was called “Drake’s Raid”. He and his men burned and sacked the town. Now, 425 years later, the 25 annual reenactment of the raid will be presented.
It will be a fascinating demonstration with a 16th Century military encampment, drills and true living history interpretations beginning at the Fountain of Youth Park.
Demonstrations begin on June 4th, 2011 at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. culminating with the the reenactment of the historic sack and burning of St. Augustine beginning at the City Gates and proceeding down St. Georges Street to the City Plaza. The “Sack begins at 7 p.m. and you won’t want to miss the colorful characters, the burning torches and musket firings.
This living history event is hosted by companies of the Historic Florida Militia, the Men of Menedez and Drake’s Men.
St. Augustine, Florida… the oldest city in America is a great place to visit and experience history like never before. While here, enjoy the outstanding cuisines of our independent restaurants, wonderful shops and great Bed and Breakfasts like At Journey’s End B & B!
Today we have Google Maps, Google Places and MapQuest. But, 500 years ago maps showed a version much more difficult to navigate than today’s version.
The St. Augustine Historical Society along with the Oldest House Museum recently opened a new exhibit showing over five centuries of history from our region of North Florida.
This exhibit is a fascinating look into the past including some years prior to Ponce de Leon’s discovery of Florida.
For history buffs, this is a must-see exhibit when visiting St. Augustine. It is located at the Oldest House Museum Complex, 271 Charlotte Street, St. Augustine, Florida. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 pm.
On Tuesday March 15th the Bridge of Lions will finally see the return of its trademark lion sculptures. After 6 years of restoration the Lions will be placed on their pedestal for all to see.
Lions at At Journey's End Bed & Breakfast
Can’t wait for their return? Come see to At Journey’s End Bed & Breakfast and see our miniature replicas guarding the front door of the inn. While you’re there it just may be right time to make reservations for your next overnight stay at the inn.
The City of St. Augustine made several suggestions on ways to celebrate the Lion’s return:
Visit the empty slabs and take a picture of the “before” and then return after they are mounted and take the “after” picture. A great keepsake!
Watch the movies “Lion King”, “Clarence the Cross-Eyed Lion” or other MGM movies!
Bring along someone who has never seen the Lions and share the grandeur of these magnificent sculptures. Of course you could spend the night with us At Journey’s End B & B!
St. Augustine,Florida is THE place to be this weekend. Irish music and St. Paddy’s Day Parade along with outstanding food and ethnic cultural events make for an interesting weekend and week ahead. Why not stay a few days in the Ancient City and attend these great events? At Journey’s End Bed and Breakfast, the #1 Rated Inn in St. Augustine on TripAdvisor.com would love to host you while you explore this variety of special Festivals. Some rooms are still available! Book now!
And, here are the events:
ST. AUGUSTINE’S CELTIC FESTIVAL – March 11-13.
Celebrate Celtic heritage at this Romanza-sponsored festival featuring some of the greatest living musicians, artists, writers and poets from Ireland, the U.S., and the Celtic region of Spain (home of St. Augustine’s founder).
For complete details on performers, schedules and ticket prices, go to www.RomanzaFL.org.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE – March 12
Get your Celtic Saturday off to an early start with an exciting and colorful St. Patrick’s Day Parade through the streets of historic St. Augustine. Part of the Celtic Music and Arts Festival, the parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of King and Cordova Streets, head east to Avenida Menendez, then north to Orange where it will travel west to Cordova and then south to King.
30th ANNUAL LIONS CLUB SEAFOOD FESTIVAL – March 11-13.
Get ready to eat some great seafood, shop till you drop and then tap your toes to live music! The Lions Club Seafood Festival takes place at Francis Field on Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. Festival hours are Friday 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds benefit Lions Club charities. Admission is $2 per person, children under 12 are free. For more information, visit www.lionsfestival.com.
MENORCAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION – March 12
Come learn about this unique cultural heritage found in St. Augustine. The Menorcan Heritage Society will hold their annual celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic Llambias House, located at 31 St. Francis Street in St. Augustine. There will be demonstrations of mullet net making, dance performances, and story telling by Menorcan descendents. There will be t-shirts books and foods for sale. Admission is free.
Guests of At Journey’s End B & B receive personal concierge advice and suggestions about all of these fun events. Call 904-829-0076 for room reservations.
With over thirty bed and breakfast located in St. Augustine, Florida, only four have garnered top media coverage over the last several months. Located on a quiet tree-lined side street in the historic downtown district; Cedar House Inn, Penny Farthing Inn, Peace and Plenty Inn and At Journey’s End Bed & Breakfast have all received amazing media attention.
Featured on HGTV, Peace and Plenty Inn was the subject of the popular “If These Walls Could Talk” Series while the British themed Penny Farthing Inn received a mention in a Southern Living Magazine article about destination St. Augustine.
But the inns that bookend the street, Cedar House Inn and At Journey’s End have both received significant attention in the media as “Best of St. Augustine” and as the #1 rating on TripAdvisor.com respectively.
The St. Augustine Record newspaper recognized the Cedar House Inn as the Best of St. Augustine for three years in a row. No other inn has been so recognized by the local newspaper.
At Journey’s End was rated by their guests as the #1 Top Rated Bed and Breakfast in all of St. Augustine by TripAdvisor.com with a 5-Star rating. Atlanta Magazine also recently made mention of At Journey’s End in their monthly travel section.
So, if you are traveling to St. Augustine to enjoy the history of the oldest city in America, the wonderful cuisine of outstanding restaurants or shopping along the city’s quaint streets, check out the Inns on Cedar Street for outstanding, unsurpassed hospitality.
At Journey’s End Bed & Breakfast - 89 Cedar Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 Telephone – 904-829-0076
St. Augustine is known for its many nightly ghost tours and tales from the dark side of history. But as Halloween approaches, shadows cast by a pale Florida moon darken the narrow, ancient streets. The clip-clop of horse hooves drawing a mysterious carriage at midnight sound ominous… and some swear the city’s two eerie cemeteries come alive with swirling mists and floating orbs. Ah, Halloween in St. Augustine, it’s the authentic place to be for both creatures of the night and daytime fun seekers.
So consider these great Halloween adventures:
City Walkspresents fun-filled and informative tours of the Ancient City, but throughout the month of October each fascinating tour honors the historical origins and modern day customs of Halloween. Choose from walking tours such as the St. Augustine Pub Crawl ($34 all inclusive); St. Augustine Creepy Crawl ($17); History, and the Mystery, Mayhem and Murder! ($14)! For reservations, call 904.540.3476 or purchase tickets online at www.StAugustineCityWalks.com.
Ghostly Gatherings is a step back in time, a time when the sound of hoof beats struck the brick streets of this accent city with fear and apprehension; a time when death and murder walked hand and hand down these dark and narrow streets. Streets that you can now travel down at a slow and intimate pace by horse and carriage much as our ancestor’s did in years gone by. Your guides will speak to you of ghosts that are said to haunt these almost 450 year-old streets as well as some of the darker history of St. Augustine. Which pirate was saved by a twist of fate? How many bodies lie in a little know vault? Does St Augustine have Vampires? Some of these questions may be answered for you on this hour long tour past at least two graveyards, and many haunted homes and structures located in this ancient city renowned for Ghostly Gatherings. At Journey’s End has tickets for this adventure…. But make your reservations EARLY!!!
When it comes to the strange and bizarre, it would be difficult to surpass the original Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in St. Augustine. Each night, Ripley’s award-winning Ghost Train Adventure takes passengers on a fascinating and sometimes frightening interactive paranormal adventure. Each ticket holder gets to use a handheld EMF Ghost Meter to find the spirits and a 35 mm camera to capture spectral images on a train trip that includes stops at ghostly hotspots including the Spanish Military Hospital, Old Drugstore and Castle Warden. On the nights of October 29, 30 & 31, Oculto the Deejay will be cranking out creepy and spooky tunes and tossing candy from the roof of Ripley’s. Train tours will run well after midnight on those haunted nights. Tickets for a 90-minute tour are $26 for adults and $11 for children ages 2-11. A 75-minute journey takes passengers to a haunted inn (thankfully not At Journey’s End!!) and ancient Indian burial grounds. Tickets are $23 for adults. For details and required reservations, go to www.ghosttrainadventure.com or call 904.824.1606.
How about spending Halloween sailing the Seven Seas aboard an actual pirate ship? You can if you sign up to be part of the piratical crew of the Pirate Ship Black Raven. On Saturday, October 30, the black ship will cast off from the St. Augustine City Marina for two spine-chilling adventures. At 8:15 p.m., the Adults-Only Cruise will leave the dock for a voyage of mature jokes and festive fun. Finally, at 11 p.m. the Black Raven will depart on a two-hour tour that frankly, is so frightening and thrilling that the details can only be learned by calling 1.877.578.5050 for tickets.
Staying At Journey’s End B & B ?? We can make reservations for you at any of these SPOOKTACULAR EVENTS… Just give us a call at 904-829-0076
The concert season starts with an afternoon performance from 1 to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day presenting the St. Augustine Jazz Society.
