Fountain of Youth Review

Drink from the Fountain of Youth
When Ponce de Leon hit the shores of Florida in 1513, he landed at what is now St. Augustine.  He discovered a small spring which he dubbed The Fountain of Youth.  Today you can visit this landmark - and even have a sip of water in hopes the elixir will keep or make you young - but don't expect a magnificent fountain.  This "landmark" is only a hole in the ground, surrounded by concrete, with a little water swirling around inside it.   Staff will have poured a little water from the spring into some nearby cups, so grab one and good luck!   ;-)

The Good News
Okay, so the fountain's no big deal.  However, the grounds themselves are fantastic, and are loaded with live peacocks strutting around.   There are also plenty of historic artifacts on the grounds, a Temecula Indian exhibit, a spring house, a planetarium, beautiful pergolas, flowering gardens, historic out-buildings, and a path out to the edge of the park, where there's a sea view, and a statue of Ponce.  

While there, you'll have the opportunity to learn lots about the history of St. Augustine, and the Spanish sailors who sailed there (and who lost ships there).   The setting is really pretty, and on a nice weather day, you'll have a great time just wandering around and enjoying learning and seeing.  

The peacocks are really cool, and there are even some white ones.  Look for the males, which have the full plumage.  They may even give you a full show.  When I visited, one was in full mating mode, shaking his tail feathers and splaying his big fantail for a nearby chickee.

Bottom Line:  Libby Likes It!