Churches and Cathedrals in Orange Park

"Houses of worship have played a significant role in St. Augustine’s history. Established by various denominations, these sanctuaries proclaim the faith of settlers who came to Florida in the hope of a better life."

"The facade is a combination of Spanish mission and Neoclassical styles. The altar was designed in Italian Renaissance by Renwick and sculptured in Carrera marble by J. Massey Rhind of  New York City."

"This historic Catholic church was first destroyed during the Civil War, rebuilt in 1874, and then burned down during The Great Fire of 1901 with only its Virgin Mary statue remaining intact (the statue can still be found inside the church). The minor basilica was rebuilt in 1910 by architect M.H. Hubbard, and it’s one of Florida’s best examples of late gothic revival architecture."

"In 1887, Henry Flagler hired the same artisans who constructed his Ponce De Leon Hotel to erect the Grace United Methodist Church. The Spanish Renaissance Revival-style sanctuary with its terracotta spire and moldings is an enduring reminder of the influence that Spain has had on the city. The building was a replacement for the wood-frame Olivet Methodist Church that occupied another plot of land that Flagler wanted for his opulent Alcazar Hotel."

"Constructed by Henry Flagler, the Grace United Methodist Church is a lovely site and a place of special interest in the Old City. Its Spanish style, terracotta spire and moldings are a continuing reminder of the impact of Spain on the entire city. Located at 8 Carrera Street, the Church was built in the late 1800’s, and was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in the 1970’s."

"Henry Flagler built the Grace Church in 1887, using the same builders and architects that he used to build the Ponce de Leon Hotel."

"It is home to the central congregation of the Trinity Parish, which convened in 1821. The building itself has been renovated and expanded several times over the last two centuries, including the pre-Civil War installation of some truly stunning stained-glass windows that still remain today (such as the triptych above the central altar). The rest of the building is no less a work of stunning architectural art, with graceful lines and sweeping buttresses adorning the exterior."

"Fronting on the central Plaza in St. Augustine’s Old City district, the original historic Trinity Episcopal Church was constructed from 1830-31 and rebuilt in 1902. It is the oldest of the Protestant churches in Florida. The original church, constructed of local coquina stone, was 36 feet wide by 50 feet long."

"Trinity Parish Church was established in St. Augustine in 1821 and is the oldest Protestant Church in the state of Florida. The first building was erected in the 1830s and was made of coquina."

"St. Luke's Catholic Church is one of the fastest growing congregations in the North Florida region. St. Luke's has served the needs of the Catholic community in Middleburg, Lake Asbury, South Orange Park, Oakleaf Plantation, Argyle and the..."

"Another of the best things to do in St Augustine is to explore Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park. This archaeological site in the city claims to be the landing site of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer who came to the Americas in search of the fabled Fountain of Youth in the early 16th century. It’s evolved into a rather unusual tourist attraction within the city, and while there’s little factual basis behind the park and its supposed archaeological finds, it’s still a unique place to visit."

"This is the site of the ancient Indian village of Seloy, but popular legend says Ponce de Leon arrived here in 1513 in search of magical waters that could keep him young and vigorous. While the story may be a myth, it's still fun to drink from the fountain at this garden-like park hoping for a miracle. Beyond the fountain, you can walk around the pretty grounds and learn about the first Indian inhabitants and see colonial re-enactors build camps and fire muskets."

"Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Augustine|Courtesy of St. Augustine VCB. The Fountain of Youth Discovery Park marks the spot where the Spanish explorers Pedro Menéndez de Avilés and Ponce de León came ashore. Archaeological digs are on-going, and discoveries at the site include a springhouse, landmark cross, saltcellar and artifacts remaining from an ancient Native American village."

"The 5.5-mile trail at Julington-Durbin Preserve is a wonderful spot for a half-day hike. While there aren’t many sweeping views here, the trail does provide lots of shade, as it runs largely though forests. It’s a nice, subtle change from some of the more tropical trails on our list."

"This 5.5-mile loop trail is the perfect place for a leisurely walk. If you are on your lunch break and want to take a relaxing walk, don’t hesitate to visit this place. Open all year round, this trail is known for being one of the best off-road courses in Jacksonville."

"This fun guided tour of the oldest general store shows the sometimes awkward predecessors of the modern appliances we use today. Walk across the creaky floors of the building to marvel at the “modern” appliances of the late 1900s — everything from tonics to unicycles to a goat-powered washing machine. The collection features vintage farm equipment, collars and corsets, “health underwear,” a corn sheller and a grain thresher and all sorts of elixirs, including the ever-popular worm syrup, according to Visit St. Augustine."

"This new Baja coastal Mexican-style, specialty restaurant specialized in fresh, tropical and perfect for summer cravings!. We particularly loved the ceviche, which was served with coconut-lime, snapper, shrimp, blue crab, jicama, pineapple, mango and chile. This place also sports roof top dining so you can enjoy your cold ceviche outside in the warm air!"

"On Saturdays, head under the Fuller Warren Bridge to Riverside Arts Market for a smorgasbord of meats, cheeses, salads, hors d’oeuvres and everything in between. For the most meticulous of meal preppers, you’ll find fresh, local produce – even craft beer!. With a massive variety of small businesses – everything from urban and rural farmers and bakeries to art dealers and crafters of handmade goods – this market offers the best the local community has to offer in terms of local food, crafts and wares."

"Every Saturday the Riverside Arts Market comes to life under the Riverside bridge in Jacksonville. Local artists come to sell their wares, setting up the area beautifully and uniquely. There is usually live entertainment such as; singing, dancing, comedy, or other simple entertainment for the crowds drawn in by the markets."

"For antiques that will take you a step back in time, shop at A Step Back in Time antique store!. St. Augustine has a lot of history tied to it, so it’s no surprise that you can get your hands on some historical and antique pieces while shopping in St. Augustine. A Step Back in Time offers an array assortment of items, ranging from fine art to vintage clothing."

"This popular mid-market mall at the intersection of US 1 and Southside Boulevard has been trading since 1990 and was updated in the 2000s. Hit up The Avenues for mall ever-presents like Claire’s, Dillard’s Foot Locker, H&M, Hot Topic, JCPenney, Lush, MAC, Pandora and Sephora. On two levels there are two main drags that meet under a rather impressive glass dome."

"CoHo Gifts is officially open @The Avenues Mall lower level across from Aeropostale. Come see us for all your holiday... The Avenues is a popular indoor shopping mall that is particularly famous among the locals."