Jacksonville

Flexibility and variety are the key words to keep in mind when selecting meeting and convention space in the Jacksonville area. Choose from the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, area hotels, or interesting free-standing venues. A big city with a heart just as big, Jacksonville encompasses grand historic neighborhoods, cultural and sports entertainment, river city excitement, an important military port, and white sand beaches that are just plain fun.

Hugging the St. Johns River, Jacksonville's historic significance dates back to prehistoric residents and early French and Spanish colonists. Near the river's mouth, the Fort Caroline National Memorial, a recreated French fort with stimulating indoor exhibits, flashes back to the days when French Huguenots settled in with the Timucuan Indians to combat the Spanish.

The river splits downtown in half and lively riverwalks cling to both sides. Jacksonville Landing, on the north bank, pulsates with shopping and entertainment value. Nearby: a modern-art museum and theater, Kids Kampus park, and Alltel Stadium, home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars and the 2005 Super Bowl. Across the river, a trio of museums is worth the water taxi ride over.

Largest of the three museums, the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) fascinates kids and adults alike with interactive exhibits about marine mammals, the Civil War and more. Next door, the Jacksonville Historical Center delves more seriously into the city's military past and the Jacksonville Maritime Museum displays models of World War II ships built in Jacksonville.

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens takes residence in one of the town's loveliest neighborhoods, the Riverside Avondale National Register District. The art museum, besides an enviable collection of masterpieces, boasts one of the nation's best hands-on art experiences for children. Around the museum, explore lovely vintage homes and shop along St. Johns Avenue.

Jacksonville is served by our member DMC, Destination Planning Corporation. You can learn more about Destination Planning Corporation or

or call Destination Planning Corporation at (904) 249-3729