Homewood Suites Jacksonville-Baymeadows

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.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Another city, another zoo. But this isn't just any zoo. Located between downtown and the airport, this environmentally sensitive zoo is well on its way to becoming one of the Southeast's best. While the zoo's Wild Florida area presents local fauna -- including black bears, red wolves, Florida panthers, and alligators -- the main exhibits feature an extensive and growing collection of lions, rhinos, elephants, antelopes, cheetahs, western lowland gorillas, and other African wildlife. You'll enter the 73-acre park through an authentic thatched roof built in 1995 by 24 Zulu craftsmen. Whether you go on foot or by tram, allow at least 3 hours to tour this vast zoo. Upon your arrival, ask about current animal shows and special events. Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent. The newest attraction, Range of the Jaguar, opened in 2004 to the tune of $15.4 million. The exhibit focuses on a neotropical rainforest setting that can be found in Central or South America. Although this attraction spotlights the jaguar, you will also see other animals such as golden lion tamarins, tapirs, capybaras, giant river otters, anteaters, and a variety of bird, amphibian, fish, and reptile species including the anaconda.

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville JTB/Deerwood Park
Behind Seven Bridges Restaurant and next to Tinseltown theater in the Deerwood Business Park on Gate Parkway North. Off I-95, exit #344, go east on 202 (J.T. Butler Blvd.) 4 miles to Gate Parkway exit. At the light turn left onto Gate Parkway. The property is located 1.5 miles on the ...

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites JACKSONVILLE - BLOUNT ISLAND
The elegant Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Jacksonville - opened August 2004 - which is conveniently located NE of downtown Jacksonville just off SR 9A and Heckscher Dr. The closest hotel to the Jaxport Cruise Ship Terminal & the JaxPort Shipyard, and 9 miles from the Jacksonville Internat®l Airport; 11 miles from beautiful Jacksonville Beaches; 4 miles from the Jacksonville Zoo; 9 miles from the Shands Hospital; 15 miles from the Mayo Clinic; just 4 miles east, drive your car on to ...

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites JACKSONVILLE
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Jacksonville is a newly built Smoke-Free/Pet-Free hotel, located at intersection of I-95 and I-295. Spacious rooms and suites include two phone lines, complimentary high-speed internet access, in-room games, coffemakers, iron/ironing board, and hair dryer. Onsite meeting and fitness room facilities, pool, and complimentary daily breakfast bar. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel is conveniently located near Avenues Mall, Alltell Stadium, Orange Park Mall and ...