Northeast Florida Getaways 2008 - (Page 11) of Contemporary Art is housed in a renovated six-floor Western Union Telegraph building. MOCA has four rotating exhibition galleries as well as permanent (and eccentric) collections by regional, national and international artists. Eccentric means temporary art shows like “Ramen Noodles,” a yarn sculpture made to look like those 10-for-$1 freeze-dried Asian soups. Thankfully, I find real food at the trendy lunch spot, Café Nola @ MOCA. Situated at the base of the Modis tower, The Jacksonville Landing is a “festival marketplace” on the north bank of the St. Johns River. While these marketplaces have not worked in other cities, U-shaped Jacksonville Landing is still home to shops and 10 restaurants, as well as a food court with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the river. Developed by the late James Rouse (developer of Boston’s Faneuil Hall and considered by many to be the savior of the American downtown), the Landing regularly hosts art festivals, outdoor concerts and special events during holidays and big football games and sporting events. It’s also the spot for civic events including car shows and an annual tree-lighting ceremony. You’ll want a car to see the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, which has refined collections of European and American paintings (including a real Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington) and a world-renowned collection of early Meissen porcelain. Nestled on the river’s banks, the Cummer takes visitors back to Jacksonville’s gilded era. Here, the palatial residences of Jacksonville’s highbrow residents (including that of Ninah and Arthur Cummer) lined the river, once Florida’s main north-south traffic artery. The Cummer is graced by three perfectly manicured formal gardens; the Italian was designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman, an early-20thcentury landscape architect known for her society clients. A short drive north is the 90-acre Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Upon entering, I pass under an authentic thatched roof, handcrafted in 1995 by 24 members of the African Zulu tribe. The zoo has undergone a complete renovation that includes natural habitats for its 1,500-plus rare Florida, African and South American residents. The attraction (really a botanical garden with a zoo inside) offers keepers talks, an excursion train and horticulture classes. Of course the main appeal is the exotic animal life, including the jaguars and Continued on page 14 Imagine miles of uncrowded white-sandy beaches perfect for basking in the sun or playing in the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Stroll a quarter-mile off shore along our ocean fishing pier and enjoy the spectacular view, or just relax and enjoy sunrise and sunset from your own balcony. If you want thrills, plunge down 16 water slides from mild to wild into a 500,000 gallon wave pool or drift along the Lil’ St. Johns Lazy River at our waterpark. After a day in the sun, civilization beckons with great restaurants, nightlife, and free special events.Discover what you always dreamed a trip to the beach could be. Visit northeast Florida’s undiscovered gems, Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville Beach. Adventure Landing & Shipwreck Island Waterpark 1944 Beach Blvd • Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 • 904.246.4386 • www.adventurelanding.com Quality Suites Oceanfront 11 North First 1st Street • Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 • Toll Free: 800.294.2787 •www.hotelsofjacksonville.com www.visitjacksonvillebeaches.com • Toll Free 866-JAX BCHS (866) 529-2247 Sponsored by the Cities of Atlantic Beach & Jacksonville Beach, and the Beaches Division of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce Reader Response 9 Northeast Getaways 11 http://www.visitjacksonvillebeaches.com http://www.adventurelanding.com http://www.hotelsofjacksonville.com http://www.adventurelanding.com http://www.hotelsofjacksonville.com http://www.visitjacksonvillebeaches.com
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