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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.
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Built on the grounds of a private Tudor mansion, this modestly sized but impressive museum is worth a visit for anyone who appreciates the visual arts. The permanent collection encompasses works from 2000 B.C. to the present. It's especially rich in American Impressionist paintings, 18th-century porcelain, and 18th-century Japanese woodblock prints. Personally, I find the art here a bit boring and too focused on landscapes, but that's my taste. Frankly -- and art snobs may gasp at this statement -- the actual landscaping of the museum is infinitely more spectacular. Don't miss the stunning Italian and English gardens set on the scenic St. Johns River. The museum hosts temporary and traveling exhibits and sponsors a multitude of activities during the year, so call ahead to see what's happening.
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.
Homewood Suites Jacksonville-Baymeadows
Just minutes from Downtown Jacksonville, in the Baymeadows Business District, the Homewood Suites by Hilton-Jacksonville is accessible from I-95 at Exit 100 Baymeadows Road. Te hotel is only a few miles from shopping, golfing, the beach, the zoo, dining and much more. Homewood Suites- Jacksonville, is conveniently located just minutes from Jacksonville's leading attractions. Jacksonville International ARPT 26 MI NW, Taxi- 35.00 no shuttle. Bus ...
Holiday Inn JACKSONVILLE-I-95 & BAYMEADOWS
Welcome to the Holiday Inn Baymeadows Hotel. Totally renovated in 2006! located conveniently in south Jacksonville on I-95 and Baymeadows Road, exit 341. We are only minutes from downtown Jacksonville as well as Southpoint and Altell Stadium. Whether you are here for business or pleasure, the Holiday Inn Baymeadows is ready to serve you. Our Hotel features 146 guestrooms and suites catering to the corporate, group, and leisure traveler. All of our rooms have coffee makers, hair dryer, iron & ...
Best Western Jacksonville Airport
'From: The north. Take Interstate 95, Exit 363, go west one half mile. Take a left turn at Duval Road. The Best Western Jacksonville Airport is on your right. 'From: The south. Take Interstate 95, Exit 363B, go west one half mile. Take a left turn at Duval Road, The Best Western Jacksonville Airport is on your ...
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