20+ Artsy & Cool Reasons To Visit Jacksonville, Florida

By Jacquelin Carnegie - (Jacksonville, FL)

Miami gets all the glory but Jacksonville, on the shores of the St. Johns River in North Florida, is well worth discovering. What makes it exciting is all the entrepreneurial activity from new restaurants & breweries to artists-run galleries and unique, cultural events. And, of course, there's the beach! So, come on down to meet the super-friendly locals and explore "Jax."

GET TO KNOW JAX
Jacksonville's "Top to Bottom" Walking Tour
Tel: 904-827-1845; www.AdLibTours.com (Tues 10am)
Start your visit with a walking tour that turns a history lesson into a fun trek of discovery. Local historian Gary Sass and his friendly guides give a great introduction to Jacksonville's history and the arts & culture scene. If you don't feel like walking, take a lovely Art Bike Tour.
DISCOVER JAX'S HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS
While the downtown architecture leaves something to be desired, it's surrounded by charming neighborhoods such as Springfield, Riverside, and San Marco with lovely, historic homes. Check them out on house tours:

Springfield

 

Springfield Historic Home Tour

www.sparcouncil.org (May & Dec)
The Springfield neighborhood has beautifully-restored, turn-of-the-century homes: grand Victorians, charming bungalows, & historic family mansions. Plus, such friendly neighbors, you won't want to leave!
Riverside-Avondale Tour of Homes www.riversideavondale.org (April) This picturesque neighborhood with oak-lined streets has over 5,000 historic buildings. Along with million-dollar, waterfront homes, it also has hip hangouts such as Five Points (shopping & nightlife) and Kings Street (gastropubs & breweries). If you can't make the homes' tour, explore on your own. Enjoy First Friday events and, the first weekend of every month, ride around on the Riverside Trolley.

EXPLORE JAX'S ARTSY SIDE
Art Walk jacksonvilleartwalk.com (Monthly, 1st Wed, 5-9pm)
On the first Wednesday evening of each month, Downtown Jax is a whirl of artsy activities. The festivities include live music, arts & crafts vendors, street performers, food trucks, beer tents, and lots of family activities. Also, Downtown Jax's cultural venues stay open late and nearby restaurants and bars offer specials.

Museums It's worth a trip to Jax just for these museums:
Museum of Contemporary Art
333 North Laura St; www.mocajacksonville.org
In the heart of Downtown Jax, MOCA's wonderful collection and exhibits rival major, world-class institutions. In addition to the stunning, contemporary artwork, MOCA has top-notch events such as talks with renowned artists and delightful concerts. 

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
829 Riverside Ave; www.cummermuseum.org
This lovely museum in Riverside not only has an impressive art collection, spanning the ages from 2100 B.C. through the 21st century, it has an amazing garden overlooking the river and a nice café.
Museum of Science & History (www.themosh.org) - For both kids & adults. The exhibits are made to inspire interest in the sciences & regional history.

Galleries To start a gallery scene, local artists have taken matters into their own hands:

X. Nihilo

Southlight Gallery 
1 Independence Dr., #113; southlightgallery.com
This collaborative gallery features exceptional, local artists with international acclaim. Check out work by: Tony Wood, Enzo Torcoletti, Pablo Rivera & Grant Ward. Monthly openings coincide with ArtWalk. 

The Art Center & CoRK Arts District (corkartsdistrict.com) - Artists' studios in funky, repurposed warehouses. Jax also has a very active Cultural Council that supports all kinds of artsy special events & spotlights gifted young artists such as Dimelza Broche, Franklin Ratliff & Thony Aiuppy. 

ENJOY JAX'S FABULOUS FESTIVALS
Jacksonville Jazz Festival http://on.fb.me/1Mjqw0S (May)

(artist: Russ Wilson)

The festival kicks off with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, then free concerts by world-renown musicians. VIP packages for preferred seating and other perks are also available.
Jax PorchFest 

‪jacksonvilleporchfest.org (Nov)
This music fest is such a delightful concept: different singers and bands perform on the porches of various homes in the historic, Springfield neighborhood. Stroll along, enjoy the music, admire the historic houses, and grab a tasty snack from food trucks. PorchFest is the brainchild of Christina Parrish--attorney, serial-house-restorer (she's done 30), and former, unofficial "mayor" of Springfield.
Riverside Arts Market riversideartsmarket.com (Sat, 10am-3pm) Every Saturday is a festival at RAM in Riverside, under the Fuller Warren Bridge. Check out local crafts--paintings, jewelry, and handmade goods--plus a farmer’s market, and music!

RAM

 

RELISH JAX'S RESTAURANT SCENE

There's an incredible restaurant scene in Jax. In fact, each neighborhood has its' hip, hot spots:
Downtown: The Elbow (Bay St-Adams St/Main St-Liberty St) - Considered Downtown's "entertainment district," the area is known for its eateries & cool cocktail lounges/whiskey bars: Dos Gatos (123 E. Forsyth St; www.dosgatosjax.com) & The Volstead (115 W Adams St; thevolsteadjax.com) 

Street Art, Dos Gatos

Riverside: Boldbean (869 Stockton St; www.boldbeancoffee.com) - Great coffee & pastries. King St gastropubs: Kickbacks and Goozlepipe & Guttyworks.

San Marco: The dining district is a date-night destination and a great way to explore the lovely San Marco neighborhood. Popular spots: 

Taverna (1986 San Marco Blvd; taverna.restaurant) for Italian & Maple St Biscuit Co. (2004 San Marco Blvd; maplestreetbiscuits.com) for southern comfort food.

Springfield: 
Uptown Kitchen & Bar (1303 N. Main St) - Inventive American for breakfast, lunch & dinner. 

LET JAX ENTERTAIN YOU
Music: Jacksonville has a long history with great music. Elvis Presley gave his first indoor concerts here in 1956, and the bands Lynyrd Skynyrd & The Allman Brothers were born here. 

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts (300 Water St; http://bit.ly/1Kf1hK7) - Three stages for concerts, musicals, dance recitals, comedy shows, & the marvelous Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
Florida Theatre (128 East Forsyth St; floridatheatre.com) - Great entertainment since 1927 (Elvis performed here in 1956); contemporary pop, jazz, rock, country & blues, plus opera and ballet. 

Ritz Theatre & Museum (829 No Davis St; www.ritzjacksonville.com) - Great jazz venue with a fascinating African-American history museum.
Theater: Theatre Jacksonville (2032 San Marco Blvd; www.theatrejax.com) - The oldest community theatre in the country, open since 1938.
Movies: Before "Hollywood," Jacksonville was the Winter Film Capital of the World. Explore this fascinating history, then catch a movie at Sun-Rays Cinema (1028 Park St; www.sunraycinema.com) in the Five Points section of Riverside. Sadly, the historic San Marco Theatre just closed after 84 years.

HEAD TO THE BEACHES
Just a half hour from Downtown, Jax's three main beaches--Jacksonville Beach, Neptune & Atlantic--share a splendid strip of sand. There are seaside dining options, cute shops, and some artsy activities: an Arts Market and even a museum!

Morning Surf, Lois Newman

Where To Stay:

Downtown: Marriott (245 Water St) - A wonderful spot right near everything in Downtown Jax; very friendly, helpful staff, plus nice rooms & a pool. The same goes for the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront (225 E. Coastline Dr).

The Beaches:  

Marriott's Courtyard Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront (1627 N. 1st St; https://tinyurl.com/y4qg2c53) - Perfect spot midway between all the beaches. Wonderful, friendly, super-helpful staff & outdoor heated pool right on the ocean.

Other options: The Hilton's Hampton Inn; One Ocean Resort & Spa; the new Margaritaville; Casa Marina - Famous for its Sunday brunch, etc. 

Getting There: JetBlue offers great, frequent, friendly on-time service. 

Dawn Patrol, J. Seward Johnson

Getting Around: Everyone drives, but there's a very reliable public transit bus system, JTA. (Get a STAR card.) JTA Hotline: 904-630-3100, ext. 4 (Mon-Fri, 5:30am-8:30pm; Sat, 8am-5pm) - Info on bus lines, bus stops & schedules or get the MyJTA App. Skyway monorail runs Mon-Fri, 6am-9pm; Free. In San Marco & at the Beaches, free rides are offered (certain times, Thurs-Sun) by Beach Buggies, download the App. There's the Riverside Trolley (1st weekend of month). And, just for fun, take a river taxi across the St. Johns. 

15+ Artsy & Cool Reasons To Visit The Palm Beaches, Florida

By Jacquelin Carnegie

(photo: DiscoverThePalmBeaches)

     

In the late 1880s, railroad magnate Henry M. Flagler turned Florida’s east coast into a chain of holiday resort towns, laying tracks and building hotels along the way. He built his own splendid residence, Whitehall, now The Flagler Museum, on the lush island of Palm Beach.
Today, Palm Beach County--also referred to as The Palm Beaches--consists of some 38 towns and is considered the "Cultural Capital" of Florida with more than 200 cultural venues. Here's a mini-guide to Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and Delray Beach--three areas especially worth exploring:

PALM BEACH
The town of Palm Beach--just 3 blocks wide and 13 miles long--has more millionaires and billionaires than just about anywhere on earth. So, there's lots of classy fun to be had and even some budget options:
Admire Architectural Gems
Island Living Tours
(Tel: 561/309-5790; www.islandlivingpb.com)

In the ritzy resort town of Palm Beach, see spectacular architecture and landscaping in the Estate Section, where lavish mansions were built in the 1920s. The renowned architects Addison Mizner, Marion Sims Wyeth, John Volk and Maurice Fatio--known as the "Fab Four"--designed many of the landmarked estates on this tour.
Enjoy Classy Culture
The Flagler Museum
1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach; Tel: 561/655-2833; flaglermuseum.us
Get a glimpse into the glorious Gilded Age on a visit to Whitehall, Henry Flagler's stunning Palm Beach estate. Take the informative guided tour that'll make you wish you lived there and attend wonderful programs, including lectures and concerts.
Society of the Four Arts

Four Arts (photo: Wally Gobetz)

2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach; Tel: 561/655-7226; www.fourarts.org (Four Arts Botanical Gardens & Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden)
This special place has two beautiful gardens--sculpture and botanical--open to the public. In addition, there's outstanding, cultural programing, including concerts, films, talks by notable speakers, and art exhibits. This is a not-to-be-missed experience!
Horse Around
National Polo Center

3667 120th Ave So, Wellington; Tel: 561/282-5334; nationalpolocenter.com From January through April, the world’s best polo players gather here. On Sundays, don your fashionable finest and enjoy brunch on the veranda, then a thrilling game of polo. (If you're adventuresome, you can even take polo-playing lessons.) 

WEST PALM BEACH
Having played second fiddle to Palm Beach for so long, West Palm Beach is finally coming into its own with an array of artsy offerings:

Polo (Artist: David McEwen,
Rolando Chang Barrero Gallery)

Visit Groovy Museums

Norton Museum of Art
1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; Tel: 561/832-5196; www.norton.org
The museum is known for its impressive Chinese collection, European masterpieces, American works, Contemporary art, Photography, and special exhibitions. Every Friday evening, the Art After Dark (Fri, 5-10pm) program features eclectic artsy events. The museum's new expansion was designed by renowned British architect Norman Foster.

Youth, Four Arts (photo: DiscoverThePalmBeaches)

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
253 Barcelona Rd, West Palm Beach; Tel: 561/832-5328; www.ansg.org
Take the time to visit this beautiful home, artist's studio, and sculpture garden on the National Register of Historic Places in West Palm Beach's historic El Cid neighborhood.
Attend Art Festivals
Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary - Major international galleries exhibit 20th- & 21st-century painting, photography, sculpture, and ceramics. Art Palm Beach - International fine art fair. Street Painting Festival - The downtown pavement become a canvas for some 600 artists.

CANVAS (artist: Sean Yoro)

Go To Galleries Galore
Northwood Village (northwoodvillage.com) - Many artists have opened galleries in this emerging, vibrant neighborhood. Lake Worth (www.lakewortharts.com) - This lovely district has numerous galleries showcasing emerging and established local and international artists.
Be Entertained
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach; Tel: 561/832-7469; www.kravis.org - This is home to some of the best cultural offerings from ballet to Broadway musicals, opera and jazz.
Take a Dive

(photo: DiscoverThePalmBeaches)

Jim Abernethy’s Scuba Adventures - Close proximity to the Gulf Stream, coral reefs, and shipwrecks, makes the PB Marriott Singer Island the perfect base for an underwater adventure. Snorkeling, SCUBA diving and even shark dives are offered year-round for all skill levels; just ask the hotel's concierge to arrange it.

DELRAY BEACH
Delray is a laid-back beach town known for the restaurant scene on Atlantic Avenue and for fantastic festivals. But there's also a great arts scene in the Pineapple Grove district and some unexpected gems such as:
Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

Morikami (photo: DiscoverThepalmBeaches)

4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach; Tel: 561/495-0233; morikami.org
This magnificent place offers an authentic Japanese cultural experience--perhaps the last thing you'd expect to find in The Palm Beaches! Sixteen, beautifully-landscaped acres depict different periods of Japanese garden design, from the 8th to the 20th century. In addition, the museum presents incredible exhibitions, holds monthly tea ceremonies, and celebrates traditional, Japanese festivals.

MAKING YOUR TRIP EASIER
Cultural Council of Palm Beach County (Tel: 561/471-2901; palmbeachculture.com) - Get a jump on all the cool, cultural happenings during your visit. Discover Deals - Get discounts on hotels, popular activities and, if traveling with kids, on family-friendly attractions.

Dine in Style
There are terrific places to dine throughout The Palm Beaches; start with these:

Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach
(photo: DiscoverThePalmBeaches)

 

DADA (52 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach; Tel: 561/330-3232; sub-culture.org/dada) - The perfect spot for dinner: delicious food in a lovely setting with great service.
The Cooper (4610 PGA Blvd, Suite #100, Palm Beach Gardens: Tel: 561/622-0032; www.thecooperrestaurant.com) - This joint is jumpin' with terrific, farm-to-table food & wonderful service.
Café Luna Rosa (34 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach: Tel: 561/274–9404; caffelunarosa.com) - Casual, seaside dining for breakfast, lunch & dinner; also, local entertainment on some nights.
Where To Stay

The Flagler Museum
(photo: DiscoverThePalmBeaches) 

If you're looking for old-world Florida charm: Crane’s Beach House & Luxury Villas (82 Gleason St, Delray Beach, FL; Tel: 561/278-1700; cranesbeachhouse.com) - Just a few blocks from the beach, the rooms are like private, mini-bungalows--so charming you won't want to leave! Enjoy Florida fun in this lush tropical setting: Happy Hour and live music at the Tiki Bar and two pools open 24/7.
If you'd prefer modern and right on the beach: Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Resort & Spa (3800 No. Ocean Dr, Singer Island; Tel: 561/340-1700; http://bit.ly/1PqQwe6) - This beautiful, ultra-modern, all-suite, beachfront resort is AAA Four Diamond-rated. Filled with cool artwork, it's got a wonderful staff, great dining choices, and lots of water sports options.
Getting There: Fly into West Palm Beach (PBI) or Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) on Delta or Jet Blue.

10+ Artsy & Cool Reasons To Visit Tampa, Florida

By Jacquelin Carnegie

(photo: VisitTampaBay)

You may have arrived in Tampa on your way to St. Pete Beach or to get on a cruise, but it's worth adding a few days to experience the cool, cultural activities and the very-friendly locals:
MARCH ENTERTAINMENT MADNESS
All year long, Tampa has an amazing array of events. But, in March, culture is showcased--the arts, music, and film: 

(artist: Lissa Hatcher)

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts - gasparillaarts.com
Art lovers will bliss out at this terrific weekend festival featuring every kind of artwork imaginable: paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, prints, glass art, and jewelry. The Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park becomes a wonderland of talent highlighting work by some 250 artists, including work by emerging artists & spotlighting local artists. Even spray-paint artists get to show off their vibrant style in the "Carmada" section. And, if you feel talented, pick up a brush to add some flourish to an old van. Another highpoint of the festival is The Art Collectors in Training program. Without the influence of adults, kids are encouraged to view and purchase a selection of festival artwork (most under $10) in a kids-only gallery.
Gasparilla Music Festival -

Hiss Golden Messenger

This cool, progressive music festival showcases talented local musicians, great popular bands, and headlining acts. The fest takes place in the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park with the Hillsborough River as a backdrop. In addition to great music, there's lots of family-friendly fun and local food vendors. Money raised from the festival supports music education in the Tampa community and helps provide instruments & scholarships for music students.
Gasparilla Film Festival - gasparillafilmfestival.com
This annual festival presents around 115 films, including premieres of international and regional features, documentaries, and short films. In addition to screening blockbuster movies with top-name actors, the festival highlights independent films made in Florida. There are also special tributes, master classes, panel discussions with film-industry bigwigs, and an impressive gathering of celebrities.
ARTSY PURSUITS
Tampa Museum of Art
120 W. Gasparilla Plaza; Tel: 813/421-8380; tampamuseum.org
This is such a lovely museum with collections dating from

Laura with Bun, Plensa,
Tampa Mus of Art

ancient to modern, augmented by terrific special exhibitions. Admire Greek vases and outdoor sculpture by such luminaries as Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, then have a bite at the museum’s riverside café. At night, the shimmering colors of “Sky (Tampa)” by artist Leo Villareal light up the museum's facade, creating another work of art.
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
1630 E. 7th Avenue Ybor; Tel: 813/221-2222; fmopa.org
Photography fans be sure to visit this fantastic museum that features stunning work by internationally-acclaimed photographers, now located in the historic Kress building in Ybor City. 

University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum
3821 USF Holly Dr; Tel: 813-974-4133; http://bit.ly/24TYHTG
The collection features contemporary graphics, works on paper, sculpture, and photography.
FOR SPORTS FANS

See the Tampa Bay Rays MLB baseball team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL football team, the Tampa Bay Lighting NHL ice hockey team, & for soccer fans the USL Rowdies & Sun teams. Plus, the New York Yankees come down every year for Spring Training.

GREAT ENTERTAINMENT
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
1010 N. Macinnes Pl; Tel: 813/229-7827; www.strazcenter.org
This amazing performing arts complex offers a little, quality something for everyone: a Broadway series, Opera, Comedy, Dance, and the Florida Orchestra, doing both wonderful classical and Pops concerts.
Tampa Theatre

Tampa Theatre (photo: Amy Martz)

711 N. Franklin St; Tel: 813/274-8981; tampatheatre.org
Opened in 1926, the theatre is pure kitsch--a faux, Mediterranean palace covered by a night "sky" of twinkling stars. It's a glorious reminder of the lavish movie houses of yore and the perfect spot to see a film, concert, or special event. You can also take a Balcony-to-Backstage tour.

UNIQUE TO TAMPA

Riverwalk

Tampa Riverwalk - Extends along the waterfront for 2.5 miles and is a great place to stroll, bike, or just relax by the river. Exit points lead to museums, historical monuments, hotels, and restaurants. At night, Riverwalk becomes a work of art, lit up with changing colors.  

H.B. Plant Museum

401 W. Kennedy Blvd; www.plantmuseum.com
Railroad baron Henry Plant made Tampa Bay the commercial hub of Florida’s west coast in the late 1880s. The museum is housed in what was once the glamorous Tampa Bay Hotel, now a National Historic Landmark. The original, opulent, Victorian-era furnishings and artifacts provide a glimpse into Florida’s burgeoning tourist industry. 

Ybor City National Historic Landmark District www.yborcityonline.com 

In the late 1880s, Cuban, Spanish, Italian, and German immigrants came here to work in the thriving cigar factories, most of which closed by the 1960s. Today, with many of the historic structures renovated and restored, Ybor City has become a tourist attraction for its cafés, restaurants, and nightlife.

You can still see cigars made by hand in some of the small cigar shops along 7th Avenue. Take a tour to learn more about the history.

José Martí Park (1303 E. Eight Ave; open, M-F, 8am-1:30pm) - Set foot on Cuban soil without a passport; since 1956, this little park has been Cuban territory.

Columbia Restaurant (2025 E. Seventh Ave; Tel: 813/248-4961; www.columbiarestaurant.com) - Founded in 1905 by Cuban immigrants, Florida’s oldest restaurant serves traditional Cuban and Spanish specialties, then dishes up a fantastic Flamenco show.

Dine in Style: Tampa's creative food scene is gaining recognition. Try some cool spots for a meal such as: 

The Refinery

 
Oxford Exchange (420 West Kennedy Blvd; oxfordexchange.com) - Great for breakfasts, brunch & lunch.
Be sure to taste test the many local Tampa brews such as "Florida Cracker" or "Reef Donkey."
Making Your Visit Easier:
While most people drive, there are transportation options, including some fun ones: 

Gasparilla Pirate Fest (photo: Bruce Meyer)

Pirate Water Taxi (Tel: 813/223-7999; www.piratewatertaxi.com) - This hop-on-hop-off water taxi makes 16 stops. Visit the aquarium, museums, restaurants and parks, and learn a little Tampa history while onboard.
TECO Historic Streetcar - Ride the streetcar from Downtown, to Channelside (where the cruise lines dock; there's lots of shops & activities), and on to Ybor City.
Tampa CityPass - If you're travelling with kids, the Pass gets you into the zoo, two aquariums, Busch Gardens, and the science museum.
Tampa Bay has an amazing array of activities for the whole family and sports fans will be in seventh-heaven.
Where To Stay: Plenty of choice accommodations such as:
Aloft Tampa Downtown (100 W. Kennedy Blvd; Tel: 813/898-8000; www.alofttampadowntown.com) - A hip hotel for twentysomethings; if you don't care about service, it's a very convenient location.

Horizontal#20, Sandra Gottlieb, FMoPA

Le Méridien (601 N. Florida Ave; Tel: 813/221-9555; lemeridientampa.com) - If you do care about good service, this is a lovely spot in a renovated, former Beaux Arts-style courthouse.
Epicurean Hotel (1207 S. Howard Ave; Tel: 813/999-8700; epicureanhotel.com) - A great spot for "foodies" in the trendy Hyde Park district.

Augment your visit to Tampa with time at St. Pete Beach at the Don CeSar or TradeWinds. Or, extend your stay before or after a cruise. Port Tampa Bay homeports the cruise lines: Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean,  and Norwegian America.

Getting There: Delta and JetBlue offer frequent, convenient flights into Tampa.