After a couple of weeks back in Webster, FL (our winter domicile), we were "ready to roll" when time came to attend a planned motorhome chapter rally with about 30 other motorhomes from all over the USA, being held in the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine, Florida. The St. Augustine area definitely meets all the criteria for a successful RV rally ... lots to see, lots to do, and plenty of shopping. A side benefit is seeing our friends who enjoy traveling in their motorhomes who are members of the Tiffin Travelers Chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA).
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| Compass RV Park - St Augustine, FL |
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| Tiffin Travelers RV Rally - December, 2018 St. Augustine, FL |
This is the 25th year the City of St. Augustine has hosted the annual Night Of Lights which not only draws people from Florida and throughout the USA, but is also recognized on an international scale. The festival's origins begin as a Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in the window during the Christmas holidays. The tradition continues in St. Augustine with over 3 million white lights twinkling on the old buildings, landmarks along the Bayfront, and throughout the brick-lined streets.
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| Daytime View - Flagler College St. Augustine, FL |
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| Night of Lights View - Flagler College St. Augustine, FL |
Our group purchased group tickets for the Night Of Lights annual affair which began November 17, 2018 until February 3, 2019. The St. Augustine event has been proclaimed one of the best light displays in the world by many travel publications as well as National Geographic Magazine and Rachel Ray Magazine.
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| Daytime View - Casa Monica Hotel St. Augustine, FL |
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| Night Of Lights View - Casa Monica Hotel St. Augustine, FL |
Parking is always challenging in St. Augustine but during this celebration you have to make a special effort to get parked and locate your group. To participate, you arrive at one of several designated locations to purchase your reasonably priced ticket for a designated nighttime tour. You choose your transportation ....... either by one of 2 different trolley companies, a boat company, or a red train, and I can't imagine the coordination of people to make this happen.
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| Old Town Trolley Tour Company St. Augustine, FL |
The Old Town Trolley Tour was our mode of transportation and we might add it is also a great way to tour St. Augustine day or night.
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| View of Flagler College at Night Of Lights - 2018 |
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| Night Of Lights Trolley Tour - 2018 |
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| Lightner Museum - Night Of Lights 2018 |
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| Plaza de la Constitution - Night of Lights - 2018 |
The rest is up to you. Your evening is filled with Christmas music and winter songs and it's up to you to make as little or as much noise as you sing your heart out, wave to passers-by, and say Merry Christmas to everyone that you pass.
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| Night Of Lights - St. Augustine, FL - 2018 |
We left with our hearts brimming with Christmas Spirit....just the way it was supposed to be. Oh, before I forget...those lights were dazzling!
May the beautiful lights of every Christmas season remind
us of Him who is the source of all light.
David Bednar
