Unique Plant Blooms at the Inn

August 24th, 2011

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Around Town, News/Events, Plan Ahead, Specials, Uncategorized | Comments Off

Plan Ahead for St Augustine’s 450th Birthday Celebrations

July 27th, 2011

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in 450th Birthday Celebration, Around Town, News/Events, Plan Ahead, Uncategorized | Comments Off

Flagler College Receives Historic Preservation Grant

June 16th, 2011

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

St. Augustine’s 2011 Summer Concerts in the Plaza

May 24th, 2011

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.

This summer’s schedule is:

May 30 Memorial Day* St. Augustine Jazz Society
June 2 Mid-Life Crisis
June 9 Big Pineapple
June 16 Rob Peck & Friends
June 23 Bob & Joline and The Friends of Mine Band
June 30 The Driftwoods
July 7 The Falling Bones
July 14 The Company
July 21 The Restless Kind
July 28 Ancient City Slickers
August 4 Mike Hart Band
August 11 Mystic Express
August 18 Elizabeth & The Grapes of Roth
August 25 Triple Rock Blues Band
September 1 Ancient City Farmers
September 5 Labor Day* The St. Augustine Jazz Society – Labor Day

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Around Town, News/Events, Plan Ahead, Uncategorized | Comments Off

Trademark Lions Return to Bridge in St. Augustine, Florida

March 12th, 2011

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!
  • “Like” the Bridge of Lions Facebook page…or “Like” our Inn’s own Facebook page!
  • 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!

Lot’s of ways to celebrate the return!  Have fun!

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Around Town, News/Events, Plan Ahead, Uncategorized | Comments Off

St. Augustine B&Bs Bring First Live Webcam to Nation’s Oldest City

August 18th, 2010

The Webcam, located just around the corner from At Journey’s End B & B, provides a live window on the formal plaza gardens, fountain and streetscape outside what was originally the grand Alcazar Hotel. Built in 1887 by Henry Flagler, the Spanish Renaissance-style structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The former luxury hotel now houses the Lightner Museum and St. Augustine City Hall offices.

The plaza and King Street thoroughfare visible online are a hub of activity, surrounded by other historic structures, including the former Ponce de Leon Hotel, another National Register site built in the 1880′s by Flagler, which has housed Flagler College since 1968.

The Web cam allows viewers  to see in real time the swaying palm trees, ambling horse-drawn carriages and strolling visitors around the formal plaza gardens and fountain. Coming soon will be  the addition of a control that will let visitors to the Web site manipulate the camera for different views. Special events, such as the wintertime Nights of Lights celebration, will enliven the scene from time to time. So check back often!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WEBCAM IN ACTION.  Also while on the site check out the coupons from the various advertisers.  At Journey’s End Bed & Breakfast wants to make your visit to St. Augustine… affordable, fun… and the very best visit possible!

St. Augustine, founded by Spain in 1565, is the nation’s oldest city continuously populated European settlement. For more information about St. Augustine Historic Inns and Florida’s History Coast visit www.staugustineinns,com and www.getaway4florida.com…or see our website AT JOURNEY’S END B & B !

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Around Town, News/Events, Plan Ahead, Uncategorized | Comments Off

New Web Site…WELCOME!

May 5th, 2010

It’s finally here! The new At Journey’s End B & B web site has arrived. A new look for a new era at our Bed & Breakfast. We were motivated to redesign the site due the amazing reviews we have been receiving on TripAdvisor.com. Our guests from the past 6 months have been extremely generous in their comments and WE APPRECIATE IT!!  Building on the past successes of former owners Ellen Cook and John July, we wanted to share our own personalities and hospitality with you. And to do that we are starting with the web site. Your next step is to come stay with us and experience all that At Journey’s End is about!!  Hope to see you soon!

Got comments about the site???  Share it with us! We want to hear from you!

Regards,

Tim and John

Your Innkeepers

PS. Become a Fan on Facebook… At Journey’s End B & B fan page.

Tags: , ,
Posted in News/Events | 2 Comments »

<