02/10/2010

Contact:  Jennifer Bryant at (904) 421-9161 or jbryant@visitjacksonville.com

            Jacksonville is Passionate About Heritage, History and Celebration
Destination Boasts Family-Friendly Attractions, Upscale Restaurants and Relaxing Spas

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The opportunities are endless in creating your own vacation in Jacksonville, Florida. Visitors looking for a romantic excursion, a weekend for family fun or a rejuvenating escape - Northeast Florida is an undiscovered getaway, complete with adventures for every traveler. 

Visitors planning a family escape to Northeast Florida can explore the region's rich Spanish heritage and historic sites.  Fort Caroline National Memorial was the site of struggles to control Florida and where battles raged between the French and the Spanish.  A near full-scale rendering of the fort, together with exhibits in the visitor center tracing the heritage of the region from the native Timucuan Indians through French, Spanish and English rule are on display.  The fort is located along the banks of the St. Johns River and is also headquarters of the 46,000-acre Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, offering visitors miles of exploration along self-guided hiking and nature trails. 

Many other affordable attractions will captivate the entire family, including the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.  The zoo features Play Park, Gardens of Trout River Plaza and Giraffe Overlook.  Be sure to visit the award-winning Range of the Jaguar exhibit and the newly opened Asian Bamboo Garden and Komodo Dragon Exhibit. 

When the urge to "shop to you drop" hits there is no better place than the St. Johns Town Center.  The Town Center is Jacksonville's upscale, outdoor lifestyle shopping center with countless stores unique to the area, including Tommy Bahamas, Louis Vuitton, Betsy Johnson and West Elm.  Make a day of shopping, relaxing and dining.  Enjoy a exquisite meal at Mitchell's Fish Market, The Capital Grille or Maggiano's Little Italy. 

For a taste of local boutiques, art galleries and restaurants the Beaches Town Center at the intersection of the towns of Neptune and Atlantic Beaches is just the place.  Red Daisy in Neptune Beach is a unique gift shop that pairs the old with the new.  Browse through an extensive collection of vintage candles and soaps to books and totes all while noting some of today's finest finds, making this beachside boutique a true treasure. Also, check out fantastic works of art at First Street Gallery or find stylish fashions and jewelry at Unique Boutique, Jaffi's, Pantina and Jewels by Lubeck. 

For a romantic evening out, choose one of Jacksonville's Spanish bistros or a Brazilian steakhouse.  In Jacksonville Beach, head to Tento Churrascaria.  The restaurant offers elegant, upscale cuisine served in the open-flame cooking style developed by the Gauchos (South American cowboys) of the southern plains of Brazil.  For a lighter bite, 13 Gypsies in historic Riverside.  Chef Howard and his wife Kiki opened the restaurant in 2008 with a commitment to bring authentic Spanish cuisine to Jacksonville.  Using the freshest, organic ingredients, the menu features tapas the convino tapa, the chef's specialty. 

Continue the evening at one of Jacksonville hot night spots.  In Downtown Jacksonville head to The Twisted Martini at The Jacksonville Landing.  The nightclub offers multiple inviting lounge areas and boasts a very chic "Ultra Lounge" living room space that features personalized bottle service and caters to distinguished guests and VIPs looking for an unparalleled level of service and exclusivity. Guests dance the night away to a DJ spinning popular music.  The Downtown entertainment district on Bay Street offers additional bars and lounges within walking distance. 

For a night out at the Beaches check-out one of the newest night spots, The Island Girl Cigar Bar with a new location in Neptune Beach.  Choose a hand-rolled cigar from a large walk-in humidor to go along with a favorite cocktail.  The Beaches is a locals' favorite for an evening out.  When in season, check out The Lemon Bar, a laid back oceanfront bar with tasty frozen drinks, sure to cool you on a hot summer night. 

Let the celebrating infuse every element of your vacation.  Jacksonville is a town of festivals.  The Fiesta Playera dia de San Juan Bautista is an annual summertime festival paying tribute to St. John the Baptist and celebrating the customs and culture of Puerto Rico.  For a taste of cultures from around the globe visit in May when the World of Nations Celebration is held.  Experience the food, culture and traditions of various countries around the world. 

Find time to relax and the reward will be outstanding.  Many spas in the region are influenced by the calming waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  The One Ocean Spa features six ocean-view treatment rooms where guests can indulge in massage and skin care treatments.  A Vichy Room, ocean-view meditative lounge, organic juice bar and floor-to-ceiling aqua sculpture add to the therapeutic elements.

Create your escape today, by calling (904) 798-9111 or log on to www.VisitJacksonville.com.

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Visit Jacksonville is the marketing organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to champion the growth of business and leisure tourism in Northeast Florida.  Along with its nearly 400 tourism partners, Visit Jacksonville stimulates economic impact, quality of life and recognition for the Northeast Florida region.  For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to www.VisitJacksonville.com.