The sun rises over the St. Johns River at Riverfront Park. Take a walking tour of Palakta, Fla., the host of next week's Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River.
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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.
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The St. Johns River is a big playground for the Elite Series pros this week.
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The historic Putnam-Mulholland House was built in 1853 by Isaac H. Bronson, who proposed the act for Florida statehood.
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The Palatka Courthouse grounds contain memorials for every war from the Civil War through Operation Desert Storm.
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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.
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Palatka is known for the many murals painted on the walls of buildings in the historic district.
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The city’s Maritime Museum pays homage to the role the river plays in Palatka’s history.
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QR codes affixed to the murals throughout the downtown district provide instant information about each piece of artwork.
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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.
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Some of the roads of the beautiful town are still composed of bricks.
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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.
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Azaleas bloom along many of Ravine Gardens State Park’s trails.
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Trails meander up and down the ravine, as well as along the springs in the bottom of the ravine.
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There are two suspension bridges in the park, each spanning about 120 feet.
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Ravine Gardens State Park is part of the William Bartram Trail system.
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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.
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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.
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Brick paving is still found throughout the old city.
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The 18th century Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine sits in the middle of the historic district.
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You can finish out your tour of the area by relaxing on the white sands of St. Augustine Beach bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
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