St. Ives is a town and port in Cornwall County, England. Located on England's Southwest coast, St. Ives was once a major commercial center focused on fishing. Declines in the commercial viability of fishing in the area have not undermined the vibrancy of St. Ives, however, as the town is now a very popular, vibrant holiday resort and destination.

Home to several festivals, some of which go back into antiquity (the St. Ives feast, for example), the St. Ives September Festival is perhaps most popular of all. An eclectic mix of music, poetry, literature and art, this annual celebration attracts thousands from both within and outside of England. Many would adapt the old nursery rhyme "As I was going to St Ives" to include a hearty reference to this and many other less known (but no less joyous) festivals.

Being on the Celtic Sea, one is not surprised at the amazing variety of seafood available to furnish a wide array of cuisine. Many of the eateries in St. Ives are listed in various food guides and journals culinary destinations. While English fare is of course offered, one will find Italian, French, Indian, and a host of other ethnic cuisine to choose from, much of it stocked with the fresh, local seafood. Cornwall is also home to several vineyards and breweries, which not surprisingly perfectly compliment the pallet with the amazing food.

Once stuffed with excellent cuisine, one must see to believe the amazing display that is the Eden Project; the world's largest greenhouses, these self contained ecosystems contain in one dome a miniature rainforest, and the other an array of exotic fruits and fauna. The Eden Project is simply an amazing testament to the passion for the preservation of mankind's natural treasures. Or, for those inclined towards maritime history, a visit to the National Maritime Museum of Cornwall is an excellent way to engage Cornish culture via its seafaring history.

However, as St. Ives may indeed be a modern holiday destination, the citizens of this proud town are equally determined to preserve their vibrant, unique heritage. For example, every year St. Ives engages in a remembrance Sunday, to honor the veterans of wars past, but also to root modern St. Ives in its own living history. The traveler may come for a wonderful vacation (which he or she will no doubt enjoy), but may indeed leave with a profound appreciation of this Cornish gem, and find themselves humming a certain nursery rhyme, longing to return.

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