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During your Jacksonville vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum
From 1921 to 1971, the Ritz Theatre was the center of cultural life in LaVilla, an African-American neighborhood so vibrant that it was known as the Harlem of the South. Many entertainers played the Ritz before moving on to the Apollo Theater in the real Harlem. Most of LaVilla's small, clapboard "shotgun" houses (so called because you could fire a shotgun through the central hallway to the back room and not hit anything) have been torn down in anticipation of urban renewal, but the Ritz has been rebuilt and is once again a center of the city's cultural life. Only the northwest corner of the building, including the Ritz sign, is original, but the new 426-seat theater captures the spirit of vaudevillian times. Off the lobby, LaVilla Museum recounts local African-American history and exhibits the works of black artists.
Southbank Riverwalk
Bordering the St. Johns River, directly opposite Jacksonville Landing , this 1 1/4-mile wooden zigzag boardwalk is usually filled with joggers, tourists, folks sitting on benches, and lovers walking hand-in-hand, all of them watching the riverboats, the shorebirds, and downtown's skyline reflected in the water. At 200 feet in diameter, the Friendship Fountain, near the west end, is the nation's largest self-contained fountain; it's especially beautiful at night when illuminated by 265 colored lights. Nearby, you'll pass military memorials, a small museum dedicated to the city's history, and the Museum of Science & History of Jacksonville (MOSH), at Museum Circle and San Marco Boulevard (tel. 904/396-6674; www.themosh.org). MOSH is an interactive children's museum focusing on the science and history of Northeast Florida. One of its stars is an Allosaurus dinosaur skeleton. It also has a small planetarium, with shows included in museum admission: $7 for adults, $5.50 for seniors, and $5 for children 3 to 12. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 5pm, Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from 1 to 6pm. The Riverwalk is the scene of special MOSH programs, seafood fests, parties, parades, and arts-and-crafts festivals.
Jacksonville Landing
Resembling New York City's South Street Seaport, Boston's Faneuil Hall, Miami's Bayside, and Baltimore's Inner Harbor, this glass-and-steel complex on the north bank of the river serves as the focus of downtown activity. Yeah, you may see a mime or two occasionally, and there's a Hooters, a Ruby Tuesday, and a Starbucks, but there's also amazing local live music, good non-chain sushi, and Thai and Mexican restaurants. Unlike those in other cities, this complex is not just for tourists -- it's command central for many locals looking for a lively day or night out. There are more than 65 stores here, but shopping is secondary to the dining and entertainment. You can choose from a half-dozen full-service restaurants, plus an inexpensive food court with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the river. The Landing is the scene of numerous special events, ranging from arts festivals to baseball-card shows, plus outdoor rock, blues, country, and jazz concerts on weekends. Call or check the website to find out what's going on during your stay.
Clarion Hotel Airport Conference Center
Enjoy the resort setting and convenience of the Clarion, located on the property of Jacksonville International Airport, with Complimentary Airport Shuttle. We offer full-service accomodations with upgraded amenities to include an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, business center, free wireless high-speed Internet access and free local calls. You can join us for a hot breakfast buffet or a complimentary continental breakfast. Also on premises is our cafe and fine dining restaurant and ...
Residence Inn by Marriott Jacksonville Baymeadows
Residence Inn by Marriott is designed to make you feel at home for a day, a week, a month or more. Our suites give you fifty percent more space than most traditional hotel rooms. The Residence Inn Jacksonville Baymeadows is located three miles from Avenues Mall, Deerwood Office Park and South Point Office Park. Downtown Jacksonville is ten miles north of the hotel. Pets are allowed with a non-refundable fee of USD 75. * All suites feature free high speed Internet access with wireless ...
Best Western Hotel JTB/Southpoint
Direct to the Beaches, Just off I-95?Less than 10 Minutes to Everywhere! Perfect for pleasure or for business. Enjoy a Complimentary Continental Breakfast Buffet each day featuring Eggs, Waffles, Pancakes, Danish, Cereal, Juice and Grits. Beautiful pool, fitness center, Sauna and Business ...
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