01/13/2010

Jacksonville and the surrounding Northeast Florida coast offer a refreshing destination, ideal for inner tranquility.  The fragrant ocean breezes and lush natural settings draw visitors looking for a romantic escape or time to strengthen family bonds.  Promises of unique yoga programs, healthy eating options, meditation gardens and invigorating activities create a relaxing vacation experience. 

There is nothing like the calming waves of the blue Atlantic Ocean along the pristine, white shoreline of Jacksonville.  The wide shores and hard packed sand of Jacksonville Beach are perfect for biking, strolling or simply basking in the warm sunshine.  The expansive beaches have billowy sand dunes intact and sea turtles native to Northeast Florida still find comfort in the safety of the dunes.  Catch sight of the nests in the early summer.  In the winter, visitors will be in awe as they spot right whales. 

The tranquil elements of the ocean inspire spa treatments exclusively offered at Northeast Florida spas.  The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island Spa offers a customized experience for guests or a selection of treatments incorporating the elements of the sea.  One such treatment, Heaven in a Hammock, is unique to the resort.  The experience elongates the spine and creates a sense of weightlessness, while the hammock smoothly rocks you back and forth.  The treatment is both relaxing and energizing.  The spa also offers a selection of services for gentlemen and hair and nail treatments for petite guests. 

Away from the ocean, the cool river breezes float through Downtown and its historic neighborhoods.  The flowing river nourishes gardens at local attractions, including the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, resting on the banks of the St. Johns River.  Throughout the year, the English and Italian gardens are ablaze with rare horticultural specimens nestled under a canopy of mature live oak trees.  Sit beneath the shade of the looming trees; gaze out in to the St. Johns River and let a sense of calm wash over you.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has more than 1,000 species of plants in its pocket botanical gardens.  The newly opened Asia Bamboo Gardens and Komodo Dragon exhibit is ideal for a tranquil resting spot after an afternoon of fun a the zoo.  The misting bamboo gardens cool visitors on a warm day and their seclusion is welcome at this popular attraction. 

For additional rejuvenation along the river, a local yogi practices simple flow at Riverside Memorial Park on the first Saturday of each month.  Residents and visitors are welcome to bring a towel or blanket and join in the mediation and relaxation of the art of yoga.  For a classroom experience, head to The Spa at Amelia Island Plantation.  The spa features a secluded island, complete with a treehouse where Heated Vinyasa Flow classes are offered on Saturdays.  This yoga session is uniquely designed to detoxify the body, clear the mind and renew the spirit.  Yoga Anada, located minutes outside the historic Riverside neighborhood offers regularly scheduled children's programs, from infants to teens. 

With a renewed mind and body, visitors will seek healthy eating options.  Local and sustainable chefs lead long-standing, popular restaurants in the area.  The chefs at Bistro Aix Restaurant & Lounge, Mathew's Restaurant  and Azuréa Restaurant serve upscale cuisine featuring seasonal dishes using the best local ingredients.  For a healthy meal on the run, enjoy lunch at Healthy Way Café, the first-ever all natural and organic, fast casual restaurant franchise (owned and operated locally).  Healthy Way Café has many locations around town, including the St. Johns Town Center, serving healthy, organic wraps, salads, sandwiches, quesadillas and desserts. 

For additional relaxation, a musical evening at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts arouses love with cultural performances in each of its three distinct halls.  Enjoy ballet, classical music, Broadway hits and more in this world-class structure, located in Downtown Jacksonville.  The center overlooking the St. Johns River and the mellowing sounds of the symphony will melt your worries away. 

Year round, the 111,000-acre parks system cushioning the city of Jacksonville with its mossy forests and lush landscapes offering relief from daily life.  Escape to Boneyard Beach on Big Talbot Island or stay for a romantic picnic on the park's bluff overlooking the water.  The unique beach is famous for the salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore.  Take a hike in the Timucuan Ecolological & Historic Preserve and be one with nature.  There are marked trails throughout the preserve with opportunities for discovering Florida's flora and fauna.

It's time to relax  Create a rejuvenating escape today, by calling (904) 798-9111 or log on to www.VsitJacksonville.com.

###

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.