St Augustine Florida is the oldest city in the country and one of the most culturally diverse cities you can visit! Filled with tons of great Art Galleries and neat cultural museums, St Augustine is a city that inspires many and celebrates its heritage. One of the most famous museums in St Augustine is the Lightner Museum, which houses an array of Victorian antiques, artifacts, and artworks. Hailed as the "Smithsonian of the South," the Lightner Museum is one of many area Attractions that you won't want to miss.
The Lightner Museum occupies three floors of the famous structure that was first known as the Hotel Alcazar. Built in 1888, the Hotel Alcazar was an architectural and landscape gem for its time. Railroad magnate and developer, Henry Flagler, commissioned architects Carrere and Hastings, who also designed the Ponce de Leon Hotel (now a part of Flagler College) to design the hotel in the Spanish Renaissance style. For its time, it was one of the most luxurious places to stay in the world. Flagler's Hotel Alcazar boasted a steam room, massage parlor, gymnasium and the world's largest indoor swimming pool at the time. Wealthy patrons flocked to the resort in the winters until it finally closed for business in 1932. Later, a wealthy Chicago Publisher, Otto C. Lightner bought the building to house his enormous collection of Victorian antiques. The building was eventually willed to the City of St Augustine and houses city hall as well.
The first floor of the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine contains items such as a shrunken head collection, a small Egyptian mummy, a Golden Elephant, several wonderful pieces of blown glass, and tons of musical instruments that come from the period between 1870 and 1920. On the second floor of the Lightner Museum, visitors will find tons of great Victorian art glass and glass work by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The third floor is reserved for the museum's paintings, sculptures and furniture collection and includes a grand escritoire that was created for the King of Holland, Louise Bonaparte during the period between 1806-1810.
Looking for Places to Stay in St Augustine for your Romantic Getaway in Florida? Stay in a historic Bed and Breakfast where you can enjoy world class amenities and five star service. All of the Inns in St. Augustine in our association are award winning and offer the best Ocean Front Lodging in the area. Most are located just minutes from the bayfront and along the historic streets of the Old City nearby to all of the great Attractions, Restaurants, and Shops. Learn more about great places to visit like the Bridge of Lions, the Cathedral Basilica, the renowned Art Galleries, the Chocolate Factory, and World Golf Village. Enjoy an unforgettable Beach retreat when you stay in one of the many great Inns in St. Augustine as they offer a different kind of stay than the local hotels.
The Lightner Museum and several of the Hotels and Inns are great places for St. Augustine Weddings. If you are interested in getting married in the Old City, read more about weddings and the services that these sites can provide. Or, instead of saying your vows here, visit St Augustine for your honeymoon! The Old City is one of the best Honeymoon Spots as it is filled with romantic, historic places. Inquire about Honeymoon Packages and plan a Florida Honeymoon to the Old City!
