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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.
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.
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.
Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville-Deerwood Park, FL
The Hampton Inn & Suites is located in Southeast Jacksonville in the heart of the Deerwood Park area and is easily accessible to major area corporations, local beaches, and numerous restaurants. The stunning hotel boasts a two-story lobby and breakfast area that opens up to a beautiful terrace with a cascading water ...
Homestead JAK-Salsbury
HOTEL DESCRIPTION . OUR HOTEL IS DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR LONGER STAYS WITH STUDIO SUITE ROOMS FEATURING A FULLY-EQUIPPED KITCHEN' SOMETHING YOU WON'T FIND IN A TYPICAL HOTEL. *KITCHEN WITH REFRIGERATOR, MICROWAVE, AND STOVETOP *DINING AND COOKING UTENSILS PROVIDED *WORKSPACE WITH COMPUTER DATAPORT *WIRELESS HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS (FEES APPLY) *PERSONALIZED VOICE MAIL *IRON AND FULL SIZE IRONING BOARD *ON SITE GUEST LAUNDRY ...
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