Interview
with Jay Humphreys

There are a few people around St. Augustine who are extremely knowledgeable about our wonderful city.

Jay Humphreys

Jay Humphreys is one of those people.

He works diligently staying on top of all that is new and exciting in our "old" city. Both Jay and his lovely wife are employed in tourism here; both love St. Augustine.

Jay is also a published author. He has several books to his credit which you can find on his website www.JayHumphreys.com.

His novel "Uncle Sam's" was selected as 2005's "BEST ADULT FICTION" by the Florida Publishers Association.

You'll want to pick up a copy before heading to the beach to relax.

Ladies and Gentlemen; Jay Humphreys....

Jay, thank you for agreeing to this interview and sharing your time with us. Please take this opportunity to introduce yourself to our readers.

I'm Jay Humphreys and I have served for nearly 10 years as the Communications Director for the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau -- whew, that's a long name. I'm responsible for obtaining media coverage that motivates people to visit St. Johns County.

I know you have worked hard promoting St. Augustine around the world for several years. What makes St. Augustine so special?

Well, the obvious answer is that it's the Nation's oldest city -- but there is so much more than that distinction. It's a place where people can get a sense of history and have fun at the same time. We have great beaches, golf, dining and lots of interesting attractions. It's one of those rare places that when the visiting family is driving away, Mom can say: "Wasn't that fun -- and we learned something too!"

There are many historic cities around the United States, what sets St. Augustine apart from other Historic destinations?

In September, American Express took the results of a survey of their cardholders' travel interests and suggested places worldwide that provided an "edgy, different match" for their interest. The top 10 list included things to experience like "camel racing in the United Arab Emirates" or a "culinary tour of Vietnam". For those who were interested in history, American Express said "go to St. Augustine, Florida."

A few weeks ago, ABC's "Good Morning America" included a segment on places in the United States where Americans could visit and feel like they are in Europe without the cost of traveling across the Atlantic. Their number one choice was St. Augustine, which they said is "just like Spain". There is no other historic destination in the nation that has the same look and feel -- an ancient Spanish fortress on a beautiful bay, an historic district that looks very European, horse-drawn carriages -- lots of ghost tours, plus sunshine and palm trees! In a real sense, it's a living museum, but at the same time it's a very lively place filled with friendly people who are proud of their heritage and are happy to share it with visitors.

What are your favorite things to do in St. Augustine?

You can't beat just walking through the historic district and down St. George Street -- there's always something different to see. First Friday Art Walk, on the first Friday of each month, is always fun -- a great time to be downtown -- there's a sense of fun and excitement, even for people who really aren't art fans.

Full moons are special here -- my wife and I make a point of dining at one of the great restaurants with outdoor seating. And I also enjoy going out on the Victory III sightseeing cruise or sailing aboard the Schooner Freedom -- I would recommend these two attractions to anyone. There's nothing more relaxing than taking a walk on the beach -- I try to stroll along by the surf at least twice each day. I could go on and on. I really consider myself to be blessed to live here.

There are many fun special events held in St. Augustine throughout the year. What unique events are coming up that visitors should add to their "to do" list?

Night of Lights -- with more than two million tiny white lights twinkling in the heart of the oldest city, is really a great holiday event -- and it goes on for 10 weeks! This year, the Nights of Lights lighting ceremony is on November 22 --don't miss it -- and the lights come on each night through January 31. December 3 is Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse. You can climb to the top of the tower and look down on hundreds of luminaries -- plus you get a great view of the Nights of Lights from up there. December 6 is Grande Illumination -- you see hundreds of authentic re-enactors portraying 18th century British soldiers and Loyalist families marching through town by torch light in an effort to flee from the advancing American Revolutionaries. There are lots of great events coming up -- go to our website and check the calendar -- www.getaway4florida.com .

Jay, thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts with our readers. One final question - What makes St. Augustine such a great place to visit?

St. Augustine is truly unique -- and it has something for everyone. Lots of family activities, it's a great getaway destination and when it comes to romance, you can't beat an ancient city beside a moonlit sea. St. Augustine, founded in 1565. Rediscovered every day.

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