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The sun rises over the St. Johns River at Riverfront Park, where the weigh-ins will take place during the 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series event.
Photo: Andy Crawford
A statue of a soldier titled “Spirit of the American Doughboy” stands at the base of the Palatka Memorial Bridge near Riverfront Park. This statue is the only that has been endorsed by the American Legion as being 100 percent perfect.
Photo: Andy Crawford
The St. Johns River is a big playground for the Elite Series pros this week.
Photo: Andy Crawford
The historic Putnam-Mulholland House was built in 1853 by Isaac H. Bronson, who proposed the act for Florida statehood.
Photo: Andy Crawford
The Palatka Courthouse grounds contain memorials for every war from the Civil War through Operation Desert Storm.
Photo: Andy Crawford
A massive live oak also sits on the courthouse grounds as a memorial to Hubert Maltby, who served as Putman County agent from 1946 through 1964.
Photo: Andy Crawford
Palatka is known for the many murals painted on the walls of buildings in the historic district.
Photo: Andy Crawford
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Photo: Andy Crawford
The city’s Maritime Museum pays homage to the role the river plays in Palatka’s history.
Photo: Andy Crawford
QR codes affixed to the murals throughout the downtown district provide instant information about each piece of artwork.
Photo: Andy Crawford
Coca-Cola medallions can be found along the sidewalks of the historic district. They were placed there decades ago when the company operated a bottling plant in the town.
Photo: Andy Crawford
Some of the roads of the beautiful town are still composed of bricks.
Photo: Andy Crawford
Ravine Gardens State Park is located in Palatka, and offers the opportunity to wander among the property’s amazing botanical gardens. The gardens were founded in the 1930s.
Photo: Andy Crawford
Azaleas bloom along many of Ravine Gardens State Park’s trails.
Photo: Andy Crawford
Trails meander up and down the ravine, as well as along the springs in the bottom of the ravine.
Photo: Andy Crawford
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Photo: Andy Crawford
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Photo: Andy Crawford
There are two suspension bridges in the park, each spanning about 120 feet.
Photo: Andy Crawford
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Photo: Andy Crawford
Ravine Gardens State Park is part of the William Bartram Trail system.
Photo: Andy Crawford
Palatka also is a short 40-minute drive from St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. It dates to 1565. You can walk the narrow alleys and streets, and enjoy the many shops and restaurants.
Photo: Andy Crawford
St. Augustine also is home to Castillo de San Marco National Monument, the oldest and largest masonry fort in the continental United States. It dates to the 17th century.
Photo: Andy Crawford
Brick paving is still found throughout the old city.
Photo: Andy Crawford
The 18th century Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine sits in the middle of the historic district.
Photo: Andy Crawford
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Photo: Andy Crawford
You can finish out your tour of the area by relaxing on the white sands of St. Augustine Beach bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
Photo: Andy Crawford
