PRESIDENT’S LETTER for June 2012

The thoughts of having a Grand National in Florida had crossed my mind over the years. I thought someday we should look into the idea since Florida has so much to see, do and enjoy. It is known as the Sunshine State and a beach playground to millions of tourists every year. All sorts of sports and recreation and history can be found here. From the high style of Miami Beach to the fun and laughter of the Orlando theme parks, we sure have a lot to show off in beautiful Florida. 

But it wasn’t until 2007 the thought become serious. Our region had a caravan trip to the Savannah Grand National to celebrate our region’s 10th Anniversary. Our trip culminated in St. Augustine with a stay at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. As soon as we saw the hotel we all thought what an ideal venue to host a Grand National. 

And what a great city to enjoy it in...St. Augustine which has to be our country’s first tourist stop! It was here in the year 1565 Pedro Menendez had orders from the king of Spain to establish a permanent colony in the new world in the land named La Florida for its beautiful flowers. 

I and many of our region’s members thought what a splendid way to welcome our guests is to invite them to enjoy our Nation’s First City....St. Augustine. We look forward to seeing our friends both old and new at the Grand National and hope that everyone enjoys our state as much as those of us who live here do.

I hope you all have a wonderful time here and consider staying longer to explore other parts of our beautiful Florida. 

Until next month,

David Chestnut

J   U   N   E     1   3  -  1   6       2   0   1   2

Grand National in St. Augustine!

2012 Grand National          Tour Descriptions

For all events and tours, you must be preregistered and you must have the appropriate tour ticket to gain admission.

Our Host Hotel

The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village is a AAA Four-Diamond venue! The resort offers well-appointed accommodations, featuring 37-inch flat- panel TVs, high-speed wireless Internet access, wet bars, refrigerators and other luxuries. Within 15 minutes of the resort, enjoy 108 holes of championship golf, including the Slammer and Squire, located steps from your guest room. The hotel has golf packages and fishing packages; beach access available at your request. The Florida Suncoast Region contracted for rooms at $89 per night. Don’t miss Our Nation’s First City Grand National!

Our Tours and Events

Castillo de San Marcos Fort—The Castillo was built to defend Spain’s claims in the New World. A monument of stone, mortar and human determination, the Castillo offers a diverse range of pro- grams, including ranger talks, historical weapons demonstrations and living his- tory reenactments. The Lightner Museum features relics of America’s Gilded Age. Costumes and artifacts give you a glimpse into a past era. The Lightner collection includes the stained glass work of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Tour includes transportation to and from hotel and admissions to the Fort and Lightner Museum. Lunch is not included. Wear comfortable shoes—a moderate amount of walking is required.

Alligator Farm Zoological Park—Founded in 1893, it is one of Florida’s oldest zoological attractions. It has entertained millions of visitors, lured by the awesome presence of these mysterious reptiles.

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum— Climb to the top of this St. Augustine icon, built in 1874, and see the city from a fascinating view. You can now enjoy touring the lighthouse and lightkeeper’s house, visiting the museum store and relaxing on the beautiful grounds. Tour includes transportation to the Lighthouse Museum and Alligator Farm, admission fees and return to hotel. Lunch is not included. If you are unable to walk up or down steep stairs at the lighthouse, there are plenty of interesting activities on the grounds.

Daytona International Speedway—Discover what makes Daytona International Speedway the world center of racing. On the approximately 90-minute all-access tour, explore the drivers’ meeting room, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garages, Gatorade Victory Lane, and go inside the Houston Lawing Press Box seven stories above the Speedway. Daytona is approximately two hours from St. Augustine. For the tour on Thursday, choose from tour and lunch option or add on an opportunity to drive your car on the track. The host Region will coordinate transportation to and from the track if you are not planning on driving your car. Advise if you are willing to take extra passengers in your car. The tour on Friday is only a ridealong with a driver in a race car and lunch. Track drive requires a minimum of 50 cars. In the event 50 cars do not sign up, members will be transported by motorcoach at additional charge.                                                                                                   

The Fountain of Youth and dinner at the famous Columbia Restaurant— The Timucua Indian Village of Seloy existed here for almost 4,000 years before the arrival of the Spanish in 1513, and with Ponce de Leon’s claim of possession for the Spanish King in 1513, “La Florida” was born. Our exploration begins with a drink from the legendary Fountain of Youth. Explore a 15-acre waterfront park with a museum and recreated Indian vil- lage. After this, our motorcoach takes us to the Columbia Restaurant, featuring marvelous Spanish cuisine. This century-old establishment first opened in Tampa by Casimiro Hernandez Sr. The award-winning cuisine is set in a distinctly Spanish atmosphere. Tour includes transportation, the Fountain of Youth and dinner.

Ladies’ get-together— On Wednesday afternoon while the men are busy with their seminars, join us from 2 to 2:50 p.m. for a casual get-together. It is our chance to get acquainted and talk about what activities you would like offered at future Grand Nationals. There will be a drawing for some fabulous gifts.

Proposed Youth Activities— To be determined, based on ages of youth and participation.

World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater— Located right on the grounds of our host hotel, the theater features the Southeast’s largest IMAX 3D digital screen! IMAX theaters are specifically designed to deliver the world’s most immersive movie experience. Now the 299-seat World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater includes totally new 3D system and equipment.

Visit Ripley’s first and oldest Believe It or Not! Odditorium, with unusual art and unbelievable artifacts from around the globe! The museum features “weird class” family fun. Collections include real shrunken human heads and the Peel Car, the world’s smallest production car. Marvel at the largest operational erector set Ferris wheel and even take your picture with The Lizard Man! Over 800 other unique exhibits await you! This tour will be enjoyed by kids of all ages.

The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum— Discover a collection of authentic pirate artifacts, coupled with elements of interactive technology revealing historic adventures from the Golden Age of Piracy. Among more than 800 museum-quality artifacts, threaded through the storyline is the original journal of Captain Kidd’s last voyage, the only authentic pirate treasure chest in the world that originally belonged to Captain Thomas Tew, and the oldest pirate wanted poster for the capture of Captain Henry Every.

Bayfront Mini Golf is located next to the Bridge of Lions in the heart of historic St. Augustine. Bayfront Mini Golf originally opened in 1949, making it the oldest miniature golf course in the oldest city!

Saturday Ladies Tour—Take a break from the car activities and join us for a sightseeing tour of Old St. Augustine on the Red Train. The Red Train offers a fully narrated historical tour of the “Nation’s Oldest City.” Step off and re-board at your leisure at over 20 convenient stops. It’s your agenda; choose from an eclectic selection of boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, historic sites and attractions. Tour includes transportation, three-day train pass and lunch.