I’d say St. Augustine looks pretty good for its age! I recently had the opportunity to learn more about Florida’s historic coast. I must admit I didn’t know much about the destination or its history, and it was quite interesting to hear the story of the city from founder Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles himself (a re-enactor, of course!). Among the wealth of history in the city, St. Augustine also boasts 42 miles of beaches, with premium 5-star accommodations available. In 2015, the destination is gearing up to celebrate its 450^th birthday with a roster of exciting events. The oldest permanent city in what is now the continental United States, most people don’t realize the Spanish founded the area 42 years before the English settled Jamestown and 55 before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Even earlier than its 1565 founding date, legend has it Juan Ponce de Leon discovered Florida in 1513 on his quest for the fountain of youth; local tradition states he drank from the small spring on the grounds of the modern-day Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The city’s official birthday is Sept. 8; among the celebrations are art exhibits, concerts, re-enactments, street festivals and a huge fireworks extravaganza. As the first place to host a community Catholic Mass in the United States and the first U.S. mission, a reenactment procession from the mission to the Basilica will be held, with more than 20 bishops from around the world in attendance. On view through Sept. 20, the exhibit Tapestry: The Cultural Threads of First America is the story of how three cultures — Hispanic, African American and Native American — came together to shape St. Augustine. — Kim Krol, managing editor