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 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.

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 ...

Omni Jacksonville Hotel
Located downtown in the heart of the business district. Walk across the street to the Jacksonville Landing Riverfront Marketplace, home to a variety of shops, restaurants and bars. Just steps to the Time-Union Center for Performing Arts, home to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and "Broadway in Jacksonville" productions. Take a short water taxi ride to South Bank Riverwalk, featureing the Museum of Science and History, Jacksonville Historical Center, Friendship Park and the Alexander Brest ...

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites JACKSONVILLE-SOUTH
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Jacksonville-South is an award wining hotel located off I-95 at exit 344 (J. Turner Butler BLVD) in South Jacksonville. We are the closest Holiday Inn Express Hotel to downtown Jacksonville. Our hotel is ideal for business or pleasure, as we provide what is important; comfort and fashionable furnishings. if you are here for business, this hotel is located within close proximity to companies such as Merrill Lynch, Bank of America, Citigroup, Blue Cross & ...