CULTURE
Jacksonville is home to a number of museums worth visiting: the Museum of Science & History, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center. But the city’s most impressive collection is at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Not only is it known for its European and American paintings, but the grounds are home to three flower gardens that look out on the St. Johns River.
PARKS
Another jewel in Jacksonville’s crown is its park system. The city boasts national, state and city parks all within its bounds. The Timucuan Preserve, which is made up of more than 46,000 acres of wetlands and waterways, is a U.S. National Preserve that also includes the oldest standing plantation in Florida.
In the Southbank area of downtown Jacksonville is the city-owned Treaty Oak Park where the Treaty Oak tree stands. The Southern live oak is estimated to be 250 years old, making it the single oldest living thing in Jacksonville and predating even the founding of the city. Its name comes from an apocryphal story about peace accords between Native American and Spanish or American settlers having been signed beneath its branches. In actuality, the story and name were both conceived of by a journalist in the early 1930s to help rescue it from removal by developers.
RESTAURANTS
The city of Jacksonville recently landed a spot on Forbes magazine’s list of “surprising foodie cities.” But those who know the city weren’t surprised at all. It has an eclectic dining scene that draws not only on local produce and seafood, but also ethnic influences. Keep an eye out for both new restaurants and hidden gems like barbecue joints and burrito shops.