Convention


Stretches of stunning beaches and waterways, a burgeoning downtown and experiences that engross the mind, body and inner adventurer lure you to immerse yourself in Jacksonville, Florida.


In fact, there’s more than 840 square miles of immersion


in the “River City by the Sea,” providing endless opportunities for exploration whether you want to discover the undiscovered, reconnect with family or be inspired by the city’s cultural offerings, unique cuisine creations or vivid sunrises.


So, dive in and immerse yourself in Jacksonville!


There’s so much to see and do and VisitJacksonville.com is a perfect resource, however, here are a few that are located just steps from the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront:


DINING AND NIGHTLIFE (All are accessible either by foot or public transportation)


Northbank of Downtown Jacksonville (Side of the St. Johns River that the Hyatt is on)


Café Nola at MOCA Jacksonville – Eclectic ($$, Lunch)


Chew – Continental ($$, Lunch/Dinner (Thursday and Friday only))


La Cena Ristorante – Italian ($$$, Dinner) Burrito Gallery – Mexican ($, Lunch/Dinner) Indochine – Thai ($$, Lunch/Dinner)


Northstar Substation- American ($$, Lunch/Dinner)


Zodiac Grill – Mediterranean ($, Lunch/Dinner (Thursday and Friday only)) The Jacksonville Landing (see below)


Southbank of Downtown Jacksonville


River City Brewing Company – American ($$$, Lunch/Dinner; the view of Northbank Downtown is incredible)


Wine Cellar – Continental ($$$, Lunch/Dinner) Chart House – Seafood ($$$, Dinner)


Morton’s, The Steak House – Steak ($$$, Dinner)


Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Downtown – Steak ($$$, Dinner) b.b.’s – Eclectic ($$, Lunch/Dinner)


The Jacksonville Landing boasts a number of dining (like Mexican, pizza, Sushi, burgers and more), shopping and nightlife options along the St. Johns River. The u-shaped marketplace often hosts live entertainment on the riverfront


stage and is a great place to catch the view of the Southbank skyline or bridges that span the waterway. When the sun goes down, saddle-up at Maverick’s Rock N’ Honky Tonk, a country western/cross-over/southern rock-themed bar, concert hall and dance venue.


Downtown Jacksonville gets hot when the sun goes down. The Core as the locals like to call it is comprised of the main arteries of Down- town, creating a new vibe in the epicenter of Jacksonville. From Bay, Forsyth and Adams Streets to The Jacksonville Landing, the nightlife and entertainment scene is happening in The Core. Venues range from bars with live music to swanky cocktail lounges to dance clubs.


MUSEUMS/GALLERIES


Downtown Jacksonville is now the proud home of eight new art galleries, all of which opened over the last several months, thanks to an initiative started by Downtown Jacksonville advocacy groups and local artists. The initiative, Off the Grid, allows local artists to create temporary galleries in unused storefronts in the urban district. Thus far, Off the Grid has opened more than 10 galleries.


Experience electrifying and explosive science shows, explore 12,000 years of Jacksonville’s history or watch the stars circle the night sky at the Museum of Science & History (MOSH). The MOSH features hands-on exhibits exploring nature, history and science.


The Museum of Contemporary Art, located on historic Hemming Plaza, is one of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the Southeast. The permanent collection consists of more than 700 works in a wide range of media, representing prominent national and international artists of the 20th and 21st century.


TRANSPORTATION AROUND DOWNTOWN


While Jacksonville has the traditional options of bus, taxis and rental cars to get around the area, some of the city’s quirkier modes of transportation are found Downtown. The St. Johns River flows through Downtown Jacksonville, dividing the Northbank from the Southbank and in addition to three bridges connecting the two districts, river taxis and the low-cost, elevated Skyway (35 cents) also connects both sides of the river. Downtown Trolley service on the Northbank stretches from historic La Villa to the west to the football and baseball stadiums to the east on three designated trolley lines. Best of all, this service is free!


The Riverside Trolley leaves Downtown Monday-Saturday and takes you to the historic Riverside Avondale Preservation District just across the St. Johns River. The neighborhoods offer great dining, boutique shopping, museums and art galleries and quaint sidewalks perfect for walking and biking under giant oak trees.


PRE- AND POST- EVENTS


Coming early or staying late in Jacksonville? Check out these activities that might make you want the extra time here.


The NFL Jacksonville Jaguars take on division rivals, the Tennessee Titans on September 11 at 1:00 p.m. at EverBank Field in Downtown Jacksonville.


Metropolitan Park hosts the Jacksonville Caribbean Carnival on Saturday, Sept. 17 with Caribbean-style Mardi Gras Parade, steel drums, colorful costumes, Caribbean music and outstanding cuisine highlight the bill during this energetic cultural festival.


JULY 2011 USASYNCHRO.ORG 31


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