An Affordable Family Spring Break Vacation Can be Found in Jacksonville

01-14-2009

 

Destination Offers Diverse Experiences to Reconnect with Family

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2009) – Northeast Florida offers an unspoiled slice of Florida, welcoming families this spring with warm temperatures, affordable accommodations and a variety of activities.  Whether your family is ready for the outdoors, prepared to sail the high seas, prefers to relax or thrives on celebrations, Jacksonville is where your spring break vacation begins. 

 

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park (http://tinyurl.com/8hyk2w) offers families a refreshing experience in a natural playground.  Create your entire vacation within this 447-acre park, offering cozy cabins or wooded campsites, biking and hiking trails, fishing, children’s play and splash park, beautiful sand dunes and expanses of white, sandy beaches and so much more.  What could be better than roasting marshmallows by an open campfire and reconnecting with your loved ones? 

 

Escape to a tropical paradise aboard the Carnival Fascination, departing from Jacksonville to the Bahamas and Key West (www.jaxport.com).  Northeast Florida hotels offer great “cruise and go” rates, complimentary parking and transportation to the cruise terminal.  And, upon your return, ease back into “the real world” by staying and playing in Jacksonville for a while.  Near the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal, explore more than 2,000 animal species and tranquil botanical gardens at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (www.jacksonvillezoo.org).  Or create your own adventure aboard a kayak from Kayak Amelia at Long Island Outfitters (www.kayakamelia.com).  Guided eco-tours and kayak rentals are available at this outpost in Talbot Islands State Park. 

 

Enjoy the simple pleasures of life in Downtown Jacksonville and its historic districts.  Try a quiet morning riding through the historic neighborhoods of Avondale and Riverside.  Tree-lined streets and prairie-style homes will transport you back to earlier times.  Bike rentals are available at Open Road Bicycle at The Shoppes of Avondale.  Next, venture across the river to Downtown Jacksonville which offers great museums, restaurants and historical sites (www.downtownjacksonville.org).  Relax at the Jacksonville Public Library, which hosts daily programs for children, including craft projects and story time (http://jpl.coj.net/). The beautiful architecture and exhibits of Florida’s largest public library will inspire adults.  Finally pick-up lunch at Tidbits Restaurant, a local favorite, and find a spot along the Riverwalk to enjoy a tasty meal and the sounds of the lapping St. Johns River (www.tidbitsfood.com).  

 

Jacksonville celebrates music, culture, sports and more this spring.  The annual George’s Music Springing the Blues Festival in Jacksonville Beach, April 3-5, is a free, family-friendly festival and great way to introduce music and the arts to the entire family (www.springingtheblues.com).  For more cultural exploration, head Downtown to the World of Nations Celebration, April 30-May 3 at Metropolitan Park, for song and dance, crafts, foods and more from around the world.  There are many hands-on activities for kids (www.coj.net).  And for the sports-loving family, visit Northeast Florida May 4-10 for THE PLAYERS Championship.  New this year, children under the age of 16 are admitted free with a paying adult. THE PLAYERS is also offering a Family Plan package (www.pgatour.com/theplayers).

 

To plan your spring escape to Jacksonville, call (800) 733-2668 or log on to www.visitjacksonville.com.

 

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Visit Jacksonville, formerly the Jacksonville & the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, is the marketing organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to champion the growth of business and leisure tourism in Northeast Florida.  Along with its nearly 400 tourism partners, Visit Jacksonville stimulates economic impact, quality of life and recognition for the Northeast Florida region.  For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to www.VisitJacksonville.com.

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