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Searching for the lost fountain of youth

On this day in 1513, Ponce de Leon set sail from Puerto Rico to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. Caribbean Indian legends spoke of waters, a drink of which would guarantee a life free from the worries of old age. Ponce de Leon had served with Christopher Columbus on his second voyage and become the governor of Puerto Rico, earning a fortune in the slave trade. He later lost the position and requested permission from Spain to explore the regions north of Cuba.

On March 3, 1513, he set off on his quest. Sometime around Easter, he sighted what he thought to be an island and named it after the Spanish title of the season "Pascua Florida". Ponce de Leon would spend the next eight years fruitlessly seeking the Fountain of Youth. In 1521 he was wounded by an arrow during a battle with the native inhabitants of Florida and later died of the injury.

Today both Florida and Puerto Rico are major tourist destinations and the early Spanish should be proud.

Central Ohio Home & Flower show

I’m off this weekend to the Columbus based 2010 Central Ohio Home & Garden Show being held at the Ohio State fairgrounds. I am being told that it will feature 15 magnificent, full-sized living landscapes, plus a dramatic stone entry feature. I expect to discover garden and landscape ideas in each of the gardens produced by talented professional designers of the Columbus Landscape Association (CLA).

After this winter I’m really ready for the colors of spring and summer. The show runs through this Sunday March 7th and information, schedules, prices, etc can be obtained here.

Next weekend we can catch a hone, flower & garden show right here in Huntington!

Got travel? Email thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.

Happy Birthday Yellowstone National Park!

On March 1, 1872 the world's first national park came into existence on this date in 1872 when US President Ulysses S. Grant signed into law an act establishing Yellowstone National Park. The park is located largely in the state of Wyoming, but extends into Montana and Idaho. Widely known for its geothermal springs and geysers, Yellowstone sits atop a large volcanic stratum. Many unique and once endangered species of animal make their home in the park including grizzly bears, wolves and bison.

It would take a few years before President Teddy Roosevelt really got the National Park Service off the ground. But at least US Grant put things into motion!

Here's a great company that offers reasonably priced tours to the western USA National Parks. Enjoy!

Be kind to your travel agent & get out of town!

London's Westminister Abbey is opened

Heart of London landmark Westminster Abbey opens on February 28 1066. Home to kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers; poets, priests, heroes and villains the Abbey is a must-see living pageant of British history. Every year Westminster Abbey welcomes over one million visitors who want to explore this wonderful 700-year-old building. Thousands more attend daily worship services. Once inside audio guides are available in eight languages or there is the highly-popular verger-led tour. Current adult admission fees are £15.00 ($22.85)

This is a don’t miss it stop on any tour of the English capitol city. There are other “don’t miss” venues that I’ll share with you later.

Columbus-Central Ohio Garden show

The 2010 Central Ohio Home & Garden Show kicks off February 27 through March 7 at the Ohio Expo Center. The center is located on the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus OH.

This year the theme is “With the Art in Bloom” the 2010 Garden Showcase will feature dazzling living landscapes inspired by masterpiece works of art and will feature stunning sculpture, paintings and other art pieces within the gardens. Show guests will discover incredible garden and landscape ideas in these 14 full-sized gardens, which are produced by talented professional designers of the Columbus Landscape Association.

Renowned for its breathtaking gardens, the Central Ohio Home & Garden Show is among North America’s most exciting and interactive home and garden shows, featuring more than 400 exhibits and attractions. Consumers who visit the show have the opportunity to shop for every imaginable tool, accessory and service for any home or landscape project – all in one easy location at this one-of-a-kind marketplace.

Show hours are Saturdays 10 am to 9 pm.; Sundays 11 am to 6 pm ; CLOSED MONDAY, Tuesday and Thursday 3 pm to 9 pm and Wednesday & Friday Noon – 9 pm Tickets are $10 for adults. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Complete show information is found here.

The Travel Professor is planning on heading north next week weather permitting to take in a day or two of the show. I’ll report back on my findings.

Got travel questions? Email them to thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.

Happy travels!

United States buy Florida on Feb. 22 1819

Spain was losing its grip on its New World territories. Years of war and tension with England and France had left the Spanish empire without the means to firmly control its colonies. General Andrew Jackson, while fighting the First Seminole Wars against Native Americans in Georgia had on occasion attacked and captured Spanish forts in Florida without provocation. When Spain was unable to retaliate, President John Monroe and his Secretary of State John Quincy Adams saw an opportunity.

Forcing Spain to the negotiating table, Adams demanded the purchase of Florida. Residents there had grievances against Spain amounting to slightly more than $5,000,000. In exchange for agreeing to pay those claims, the United States was granted all of Spanish Florida in the treaty known as the Adams-Onis Treaty which was signed on February 22nd 1819

It would appear that this was another great land purchase by our founding fathers. Florida has developed into a world wide tourism market leader! Can you say Disney & beyond?