What to do in Jacksonville, FL; Published in High Springs/Alachua Lifestyle Magazine September 2005

No matter what you're looking for in the way of entertainment, the
Jacksonville Downtown/Riverfront area is sure to provide you with
many possibilities.

Founded in 1822, and named for Andrew Jackson, the city of
Jacksonville holds the title as the largest city in land area in
the continental United States. In 1996, the city's claim to fame
was the growth in population to over 1,000,000 residents and it is
now listed as one of the 50 largest cities in the United States.
The city's size is not at first apparent, masked by the layout, as
the various 'sides of town' are separated by the St. John's River,
but connected by the city's many bridges.

The St. John’s River, referred to as the “Nile of America’ is one
of the few rivers that actually flows north. From any part of
Jacksonville, five of the city’s bridges -- the Hart, Acosta, Main
Street, Matthews, or Fuller Warren Bridges - will carry you over
the water and lead you into the heart of the city -- the
Downtown/Riverfront area. Once there, there is much to do, and you
can run, walk, ride the Skyway, take the Trolley, even a Water
Taxi.

For daytime fun, you can visit one of the eleven parks located in
and around the downtown area. Take the little ones to Metropolitan
Park where you’ll find the Kids’ Kampus playground and water park.
The park also contains a stage and hosts several outdoor concerts
throughout the year. In the spring, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival
is a must see. Jessie Ball DuPont Park is home to one of
Jacksonville’s oldest landmarks. Here you’ll discover Treaty Oak --
a 180-year-old Live Oak tree that stands over 70 feet tall and
spans 25 feet in circumference. Stroll through Cancer Survivors
Park, one of the newest, and view the miniature model of the five
bridges. One of the oldest areas, Confederate Park, borders the
Springfield Historic District. Veterans Memorial Wall and Park hold
a place of honor in the midst of the Jacksonville Sports Complex.
Ironically, Ray Moore, the original founder of the concept of the
Wall was a football coach at Andrew Jackson High School.

Speaking of sports, head toward the east side of Downtown to find
the Jacksonville Sports Complex The complex gives life to the
spectator’s dream, as it holds the Baseball Grounds of
Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, and yes,
Alltell Stadium. All three bring national events to Jacksonville
not previously enjoyed - in music and sports. Alltell stands where
the Gator Bowl once did, and seats 73.000. Several events are held
here, including but not limited to, the annual Gator Bowl Classic
and the infamous Florida-Georgia game - a traditional Southeastern
conference rivalry. And it must be mentioned, though unless you
were living in a cave, you already know this, Alltell hosted Super
Bowl XXXIX in 2005.

Not into sports? Or maybe you are, but want to feed your mind
and/or soul by taking in something more educational or cultural. At
the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) - the name speaks for
itself - you can learn about all things living (or at one time were
living) on the earth, the origins and evolution of plant, animal,
and mankind, as well as the mysteries of the universe. Take a
stroll through the beautiful and scenic gardens and flowers of the
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, while you also enjoy a view of
the St. John’s. In addition to the gardens, the Cummer holds 10
galleries with a wide and varied art collection. Other museums to
see -- the Museum of Modern Art, the Jacksonville Maritime Museum,
the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, the Sprinkles’ Children’s
Museum , the Fire Museum, and last but definitely not least, the La
Villa Museum, where you’ll find a display of African American art
and history. As you wander and explore from museum to museum,
you’re bound to catch sight of the many monuments and memorials
throughout the Downtown/Riverfront area.

Want to be entertained? Satisfy this need by planning an evening
at the Times Union Center for Performing Arts, which boasts three
theatres -- the Moran Theatre, Jacoby Hall, and the Terry Theatre.
See a play, enjoy a musical, catch the Jacksonville Symphony
Orchestra (JSO), or rock and/or jam at a concert. Combine the last
two for an interesting and enjoyable experience. Past performances
paired the JSO with various jazz and rock bands and artists such as
Mofro, Seven Nations and the Dave Matthews Tribute Band, This
season, the JSO will play with The Derek Trucks Band, The Graham
Colton Band, Mofro, and Marcia Ball. A little too risqué for the
traditional symphony lover? Not to worry, take in the several other
series the JSO has to offer -- the Pops Series, the Family Series,
the Coffee Series, or the Discovery Series. Other entertainment
venues include the Ritz and Florida Theatres.

The restaurants are plentiful and vary in price and selection
from upscale

If you’re looking to just have a lazy day, you’re in luck. Pull
your boat into one of the 78 slips located at the Metropolitan Park
Marina. Bask in the sun and enjoy the breeze from the St. John’s
while taking a leisurely stroll along one of the two Riverwalks.
See what’s happening at the Prime Osborne Convention Center which
offers a wide variety of interests from boat shows to antique shows
to craft shows to gun shows. Window-shop (or really shop) or take
in live music at the Jacksonville Landing, located right on the
river. And no mall, pseudo mall, or strip mall is complete without
a coffee shop, and the Landing is no exception.

Interested? Come visit, it's only a couple of hours away. And,
who knows, you might be brave enough to cross one of those bridges
and discover those ‘other sides’ of Jacksonville that also have
plenty to offer.