Countdown to February 15, 2009:

Things to do in Jacksonville

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

Located at 829 Riverside Ave., the Cummer Museum features changing exhibits of the works of the nation's and the world's top contemporary artists, and a fine and varied permanent collection. The museum is also famous for its fabulous gardens. Hours are Sunday 2 to 5pm, Tuesday 10am to 9:30pm, Wednesday through Friday, 10am to 4pm and Saturday, noon to 5pm New admission prices effective November 1, 2007: Museum Members: Free, Adults: $10, Seniors & Military: $6, Students: $6, Children 5 & under: Free, AT&T Free Tuesdays, Admission to The Cummer is free every Tuesday from 4 - 9pm Sponsored by AT&T. College Students with ID Free between 1:30pm and 4:30pm Tuesday through Friday. For information, call 356-6857.

Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

The museum's new facility is in Hemming Plaza at 333 North Laura Street. In addition to galleries, it will have a cafe and museum shop. For museum and membership information, call (904) 366-6911. The art museum is open Tuesday, 10am to 4pm, Wednesday, 10am - 9pm, Thursday - Saturday, 10am to 4pm and Sunday, noon to 4pm Adults: $8, Seniors (60 years and older): $5, Military (with current ID): $5, Students (with current ID): $5, Children under 2: FREE, MOCA Jacksonville members: FREE, Wednesday evenings (5pm – 9pm): FREE (Sponsored by Target). Sundays: FREE for families. Children under the age of 18 and accompanying adults are free. (Sponsored by Bank of America). For information on any exhibit or activity call 366-6911.

Museum of Science and History

The Museum of Science and History (MOSH) which includes the Alexander Brest Planetarium, is a family-oriented facility at 1025 Museum Circle on the Southbank Riverwalk in Jacksonville. It features numerous exhibits of interest for all ages. Many are hands-on and change regularly. The planetarium presents a variety of education and entertainment shows daily. The Museum is open Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 1pm – 6pm. Admission: Adults: $9, Seniors (55+): $7.50, Active Military: $7.50, Children (3-12): $7, Members & ASTC: Free. Information, 396-7062.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Experience the adventure of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. 89 Acres with over 1,400 animals and over 1,000 species of plants. Educational programs and free parking. Admission info is: Adults: $12, Seniors (65+): $10, Children (ages 3 – 12): $7.50, Children under 3: free. For more information call 757-4463 or 757-4462.

Fort Caroline National Memorial

Fort Caroline on the banks of the St. Johns River was settled by the French Huguenots in 1564 and is the site of the first Protestant colony in the New World. The 130-acre memorial is located in East Arlington off Fort Caroline Road. It features a replica of the original fort, a museum with French and Indian artifacts and several nature trails which provide excellent hiking. The nearby Roosevelt Area has additional nature trails.

Fort Caroline is open every day except Christmas from 9 am to 5 pm. There is no admission charge. For more information call 641-7155.

Budweiser Brewery Tour

Along with Florida sunshine, the Anheuser-Busch Jacksonville brewery offers guests an opportunity to see how its products are made during complimentary tours. Guests discover first-hand how the world's greatest beers are carefully crafted using the highest quality ingredients and packaged in a state-of-the-art facility. At tour's end, guests 21 years of age and over can sample their favorite brews and relax in the Hospitality Room or browse the Anheuser-Busch Gift Shop for a wide selection of the latest in logoed merchandise. Hours of operation are 10am – 4pm daily. Closed Sundays and holidays.

Beaches Museum & History Center

Nearer to home is Pablo Historical Park, 425 Beach Blvd. Among the buildings are a restored 19th century house which was once the home of the station master of the Florida East Coast Railroad terminal at Pablo Beach. Also on the premises are a railroad depot which was moved from Mayport and a 28-ton steam locomotive built in 1911 by H.A. Porter and Company. The building is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4:30pm. Admission: Adults: $5, Senior Citizens (65+): $4, Children 6 – 17: $3, Children 5 & under: FREE, Members: FREE, Admission includes entry to the Museum and guided tour of Pablo Historical Park. Tours of Pablo Historical Park are offered on the hour from 11am to 3pm. For information call 246-0093.

Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville's premier family entertainment center includes a seasonal waterpark/waterpool PLUS year round minigolf, go carts, laser tag and more! We have FUNtastic Birthdays, group outings and corporate picnics. The park is open Sun – Thurs 10am – 10pm. Fri – Sat: 10am – midnight. For information call 246-4386.

Players-By-The-Sea Theatre

Shows are Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00pm and Sunday matinees are at 2:00pm. Seating starts 30 minutes prior to show time. Regular prices are $18 for Adults, $15 for Students, Sr. Citizens and Military. All musicals are $25, no discounts apply. Julius X - by Al Letson - Drama - Directed by Barbara Williams - February 1,2,3,8,9,10,15,16 - By grafting the plot and some of the text of Julius Caesar together with the story of Malcolm X’s murder, playwright Al Letson Jr. offers a classic demonstration of Shakespeare’s infinite adaptability. The Play explores how allies can become assassins and how the struggle for power can turn toxic.

Jaxport’s St. Johns River Ferry

The crossing of the St. Johns River by AIA may be made aboard an auto ferry run by the St. Johns River Ferry Service a division of the Florida Department of Transportation. Everyone gets out of their vehicle to watch the sea birds and an occasional group of porpoises in the river. The fare is Pedestrian / Bicycle $1.00, Motorcycle $3.00, 2 Axle vehicle $5.00. Each additional axle $1.00/Axle, Passenger Bus $10.00, Coupon Book (20 Crossings) $60.00. Semi-Tractor/trailer Prohibited.

Times: From Mayport Village to Ft. George Island - Mon.-Fri. 6:00 am, 6:20 am, 7:00 am, and continuing on the hour and half hour, with the final departure at 7:00 pm. Sat. & Sun. 7:00 am, 7:20 am, 8:00 am and continuing on the hour and half hour, with the final departure at 8:30 pm. From Ft. George Island to Mayport Village - Mon.-Fri. 6:10 am, 6:40 am, 7:15 am, and continuing on the quarter after and quarter before the hour, with the final departure at 7:15 pm. Sat. and Sun. 7:10 am, 7:40 am, 8:15 am and continuing on the quarter after and the quarter before the hour, with the final departure at 8:45 pm. The Ferry operates every day, including holidays.

Little Talbot Island State Park

Open 8am – sundown. Admission: $4.00 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers). Single Car Occupant: $3.00, Motorcycle Fee (one or two persons):$3.00, Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicles with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance permits: $1.00 per person. Camping Fee: $19.00 per day for full service campsite.

Big Talbot Island State Park

Come out and enjoy the pristine Big Talbot Island shoreline from the overlook at the Bluffs. From this comfortable vantage visitors can enjoy the weather and view the water sculpted trees that line the shore. A quick 10-minute walk along the trail will give you access to the shoreline where you can walk among these once mighty oaks and pines that have fallen victim to nature's storms and erosion. The Bluffs is a perfect place for picnicking and pictures. While visiting, please adhere to the posted signs. As another option, visitors can reach the beaches of Big Talbot Island via Black Rock Trail or Big Pine Trail, both located on the east side of A1A. Open 8am – sundown. Admission Fees: $1.00/person to access the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier; $2.00/vehicle entrance fee to access the Bluffs picnic area; $3.00 to use the boat launch.

Fort Clinch

Located in historic Fernandina Beach off A1A, Fort Clinch is a restored Civil War fort. The fort was built in 1847, and the tour guides pretend they are still living in that time. The first weekend of each month a platoon of "Civil War" soldiers sets up camp at the fort and gives demonstrations. On many weekend evenings there are candlelight tours available by reservation.

In addition to the fort itself, Fort Clinch has campgrounds, oceanfront facilities for swimming and changing, nature trails, picnic areas and an ocean fishing pier. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sundown all year. Admission is $5.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle). Amelia Island & Atlantic Beach campgrounds: $22.00 plus tax per night. Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping: $1.00 per youth. $2.00 per adult/chaperon. For information call 904-277-7274.

Amelia Island Museum of History

The Amelia Island Museum of history offers a variety of tours and programs that cater to many interests and age levels. Centre Street, Ghost, and Eight Flags Tours are scheduled regularly. Alternate tour times may be arranged for groups of four or more by contacting our Tour Coordinator, The Seagraves at (904) 261-7378 (x105). Pricing varies.

Fernandina Beach

A quaint historic town on Amelia Island with a city dock on the St. Mary's River. Many antique stores, restaurants, and historic homes can be found. The drive up A1A from the ferry to Fernandina Beach takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is well worth the drive.

South on A1A from Jacksonville Beach

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National
Estuarine Research Reserve

Recreational activities at GTMNERR-Guana River are primarily based around the rich variety of natural resources found here and include hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking or canoeing, bird watching and much more. Hiking and biking are popular along the more than nine miles of nature trails and old service roads that wind through the hammock, scrub and flatwoods in the interior portion of the GTM Reserve. Access to the trails is at the west end of the Guana River Dam. There are no overnight camping facilities or developed picnic areas. There are three beach parking lots on the west side of A1A. Park here and walk across A1A to the beach dune walkovers that will lead you to a beautiful coquina sand beach. There are no lifeguards at the Beach. The South beach parking lot is wheelchair accessible. Pets on a leash are allowed on the hiking trails only. No pets allowed on the beach. The beach access parking areas are open 8am until sunset. The GTM Guana River Trails are open for hiking and biking activities 8am until sunset. The GTM Guana River Dam Use Area is open for fishing 4am –11pm. $3.00 per vehicle up to 8 people. Additional $3.00 for trailers. $1.00 per Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers in vehicle beyond 8.

St. Augustine

The nation's oldest permanent settlement is a popular destination. While local folk sometimes stop to visit one of the many attractions there, the shopping, restaurants and cultural activities are also high on the lists of return visitors

Among the attractions in St. Augustine are the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, the Fountain of Youth, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, the Castillo de San Marcos, the Lightner Museum, the Oldest House and the St. Augustine Sightseeing Train. Several boats offer sight-seeing trips around the harbor.

The Visitors Information Center has a film about the city, brochures maps. Nearby is St. George Street, the restored area of St. Augustine, where streets are closed to traffic. To find the center, just stay on AIA South and you'll see it across the street from Ripley's. Info: 904/825-1000.

The restored area contains a number of small shops and is a favorite browsing area for shoppers. During the year various skits, musical presentations and events are held in the restored area with a current listing, available at the Visitors Information Center. The restored Spanish Quarter is also located here.

St. Augustine is a short ride south on A I A from the Beaches and is easily close enough to drive down for dinner or a brunch. Its wide variety of restaurants appeal to many tastes.

Marineland

A little farther south of St. Augustine on AIA is Marineland. The marine park is open seven days a week and has daily shows starring trained porpoises. A variety of other living sea creatures are on display as well. A three-dimensional marine film is shown in the Aquarius Theatre, and there is an extensive collection of shells from beaches all over the world. Admission prices are $6 for guests ages 13 and above, $3 for children. General admission guests are able to view the dolphins through 6 by 10 foot acrylic windows as they swim, play, and interact with guests in programs, alongside the pristine Atlantic coastline. Dolphin encounter programs available for an additional cost. Hours of Operation: 8:30am – 4:30pm everyday. For information call 904-471-1111.

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort Matanzas is between St. Augustine and Marineland on AIA and was the scene of a bloody clash between the French and Spanish in 1565. The park is open daily 9am to 5:30pm. Ferry times: The ferry to the fort leaves the Visitor Center dock at the following times, weather permitting: (Every hour at half past). There is no charge for the ferry service. 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am , 12:30pm, 1:30 pm., 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm. Admission is free. Donations encouraged. Visitors can take a free boat ride to the restored fort on Rattlesnake Island. For information call 904-471-0116

Peterbrooke Choclatier Production Center

See for yourself how the world’s best chocolate is produced. Learn about Peterbrooke Chocolate through entertaining, informative audio-visual presentations. Shop on premise at our complete retail shop. Enjoy FREE Samples! HOURS Mon - Fri (10 - 5) Closed major holidays. Call for seasonal hours. 1470 San Marco Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL (corner of Cedar and San Marco) 904.398.2489 | 1.800.771.0019 Group tours by appointment only.

Alhambra Dinner Theatre

Evening and matinee performances available. Tickets range from $39 - $49 per person. Call 641-1212 for more information. Company (February 13 - April 6) Presently on Broadway, this is a trend setting musical that follows our anti-hero bachelor Robert as he makes his way through a series of encounters with April (the stewardess), Kathy (the girl who's going to marry someone else), Marta (the "peculiar" one), as well as with his married friends. On the night of his 35th birthday, confirmed bachelor Robert contemplates his unmarried state. In vignette after hilarious vignette, we are introduced to "those good and crazy people," his married friends, as Robert weighs the pros and cons of married life.

Amelia River Cruises & Charters

We offer one and two hour narrated tours of the Amelia River for up to 49 passengers. We also arrange private charters for all occasions. Tickets range from $12 - $24. Call 261-9972 for more information.

Kayak Amelia

Join a Guided Kayak / Nature Tour. Guided tours are planned to go with the current and start with a short instruction on land. You will then paddle to a sandbar for a snack and swim in warm weather. Then paddle to the take out location. Along the way the guides describe the salt marsh eco-system, critters and local history. Fee $55/person (includes all gear and a snack) OR create your own adventure and rent a canoe or kayak. We supply the kayak or canoe, PFD's, paddles and map. Depending on the tide and weather we can make suggestions routes, local sites and what to avoid. All rentals leave from our location and need to stay here in the State Park. So that means paddling against the current half the time. We have sit in and sit on top kayaks. The office is open from 9am-5pm everyday. No reservations for rentals. Call 251-0016 for more information.

EcoMotion Segway Tours

We are a full-service Segway® touring company, exclusively providing eco-historic tours of two of Northeast Florida’s most beautiful and pristine islands – both within the Talbot Islands State Parks. Our tours of Fort George Island and Little Talbot Island provide you with some of the most memorable and unique experiences within the Amelia Island, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville area. A variety of tours offered daily. Call 251-9477 for more information.

Jacksonville Kennel Club

Enjoy wagering on greyhounds, thoroughbreds, harness racing and jai alai from around the country. Call 646-0001 for more information. Additional locations in Orange Park and St. Augustine.

PGA Tour Spa LaTerra

The PGA Tour Spa Laterra is a unique experience in rejuvenation and replenishment at the heart of Laterra, the condo/hotel resort community in the World Golf Village. Not only is it a luxurious sanctuary for a host of spa treatments and fitness and wellness programs, it is also the only place where the age-old benefits of spa therapies meet the specialized needs of the modern golfer. Hours of spa operation: Monday - Saturday 9am - 7pm, Sunday 9am - 6pm, Fitness Center 5am -11pm daily. For more information, call 904.940.7800 or toll Free 1.866.400.8882.

Jacksonville Maritime Museum

Established in 1985. Artifacts, models, pictures, charts, navigation tools, etc. on display. Recording history of shipbuilding & repair in Jacksonville and St. Johns River. Open Mon – Fri: 10:30am – 3pm, Sat – Sun: 1pm – 4pm. Admission is free. Donations encouraged.

Mandarin Museum and Walter Jones Park

The Mandarin Museum & Historical Society at the Walter Jones Historical Park explores life in rural Florida, particularly the post-Civil War era. The park features historic buildings and tours include a historic post office and store. Exhibits include Harriet Beecher Stowe, the wreck of Maple Leaf, and local artists. Open: Tues, Thurs & Fri: 1pm-4pm; Sat: 9am-4pm. Admission is free. Donations encouraged.

The Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum

The Ritz Theatre & La Villa Museum celebrates the rich legacy of the African American community that thrived in LaVilla for more than 100 years. On the site of the original Ritz Theater built in 1929, the newly constructed theater and museum are revered as the premier cultural institution in Jacksonville, showcasing art, music, drama, poetry and African American history. The 400 seat exquisite designed Ritz Theatre specializes in musical programs, theatre productions and multi-media events. The 11,000 sq. ft. museum celebrates the rich community of LaVilla known as the "Harlem of the South". The gallery houses short-term exhibitions of fine, historical and local art. Call 632-5555 for more information.

Rent Beach Stuff

Bicycles, beach chairs, umbrellas, volleyball, fishing poles, coolers, canopies … you know … stuff that makes a beach-day fun and comfortable! Free delivery and set-up. Go to rentbeachstuff.com for more information.

DONNA HICKEN FOUNDATION

The Donna Hicken Foundation raises money for First Coast women living with breast cancer.

MAYO CLINIC
MARATHON STORE

Visit the store to purchase official shirts, caps and posters.

Copyright © 2008. 26.2 With Donna The National Marathon To Fight Breast Cancer