If you've ever visited a place and wondered to yourself, "What was this area like when the first settlers arrived, when they were first starting out?" Here's your chance to see a town grow up right before your eyes. when you make this daytrip to Ave Maria, its easy to see what this town is all about.

Father Robert Tatman of the quasi-parish of Ave Maria says, "The beauty and design of it was meant to reflect that wonderful gift God has allowed us to share with this community and the students who are here."

Like a beacon, the 100-foot tall Oratory is the centerpiece of this 5000-acre town and it is what brings tourists from all directions. It's certainly enough to spark curiosity.

But Ave Maria is more than just a town deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. The isolation of this town seems to add to its mystique.

Ave Maria University President Nicholas Healy says, "It's such a sudden change or ordered beauty from wilderness, that most people are just amazed."

Healy serves as president for the 600 students at the university. Today, the town and university, both still in their infancy will grow together and be dependent on each other.

The students make up a large portion of the customer base for local businesses. For almost a year, "The Bean" was the only local restaurant. But now, "Tropical Smoothie" is open, giving locals and guests a new option.

For now, you can explore the town and its 5000 acres or tour the Oratory, and enjoy a moment to reflect on it all.

Father Tatman tells us, "We have people just visiting for a day and we have people drive here for every Sunday because they find in it something they really can participate in."