(NAPSA)—Even if there is no place like home for the holidays, many families still love to get away during the holiday season. Fortunately, there’s plenty to see and do at this timeofyear. For instance, the charming Southern town of Tallahassee marks a joyous holiday tradition with an annual month of celebrations commemorating its presti- gious “claim to fame”—Tallahas- see bills itself as the site of the “first Christmas celebrated in North America” more than 450 years ago. Historic Holidays— Vacationers Amidst rolling hills, sweeping canopy roads and crisp, breezy nights, Tallahassee presents joyous can visit an area said to be the site of the first Christmas celebrated in North America. at the site of the first Christmas observance, tours of sculpted gardens with blooming camellias, gracious candlelit plantation homes, the Victorian House that Rhymes, Bell Run. Scents of cinnamon and festivities, including an historical 16th century encampment located acres of giant moss-draped oaks glowing with thousands of twin- kling lights—even a holiday cruise on the crystal-clear waters of Wakulla Springs. A Southern Spin Tallahassee adds a distinctly Southern twist to the time-honored traditions of the holiday season. Mission San Luis—a National Historic Landmark and 2006 Preserve America Presiden- tial Award recipient—honors the Spanish Missions of Florida during a Commemorative Mass, cele- brating Tallahassee’s place in history by combining Spanish beginnings with Southern her- itage and spirit. Thousands of lights create illuminated canopies over downtown parks andthestreets of Tallahassee during the Winter Festival for the Celebration of Lights and Jingle spice waft from the nearly 200-year- old grounds of Goodwood Museum and Gardens, while little tykeslisten to old-fashioned story time. The Tallahassee Museum’s Market Days gives visitors to the North Florida Fairgrounds a chance to spend the day discovering one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family just in timefor the holidays. With approximately 300 artists and craftsmen showcasing their work, visitors enjoy a variety of items. The holidays wrap up with the Hernando de Soto Winter Encamp- ment at the authentic 1539 Spanish site. An entourage of 16th cen- tury-garbed soldiers and priests with tents and firearmsrelive the atmosphere where America’s first Christmas Masstook place. For more information, see www.VisitTallahassee.com or call the Tallahassee Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 628- 2866.
