Microtel Inn & Suites Jacksonville (Airport)

Bank of America Tower: Jacksonville's tallest

by noidiotsplease

The pyramid topping Jacksonville's tallest building, the Bank of America Tower, can be seen for miles around the city. At night, four of its 8 triangular panels are illuminated, crowning the top of an absolutely beautiful, twinkling neon skyline.

Historic home of author Harriett Beecher Stowe

by noidiotsplease

Literary scholars will be interested to know that the historic home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the famous author, still stands in a small park on scenic Mandarin Road near the river in the city's Mandarin neighborhood. The historic site sits along a quiet stretch of road lined with stately homes and and shaded by a dense canopy of majestic water oaks.

Very Dependable - Best Chinese in JAX

by maltman3334 about P.F. Chang's China Bistro

In a city with a lack of decent Chinese food establishments, P.F. Changs definitely fills the bill. Call ahead for seating as its located in St. Johns Town Center which is VERY busy. Very dependable food (if you've eaten in one - everything will taste just like that one). Nice bistro type atmosphere and good wine list. No kids menu for those of you that need that - take out available. Changs Spicy Chicken is always great as is the Hot and Sour Soup - a bowl serves 4 with small servings easily.

Talbot Islands: The most unique beaches in Florida

by noidiotsplease

Big Talbot Island and Little Talbot Island are two contrasting oceanfront state parks contained entirely within the city limits of Jacksonville. Together, the islands are a mecca for not only sunbathers but also hikers, kayakers, birdwatchers, nature photographers, archaeologists, geologists and anyone else with a fascination and appreciation for the truly unique.

Arguably one of the most unusual and breathtaking beaches in all of Florida, Big Talbot's wild beach features a backdrop of cliffs known as "the bluffs," fronted by a maze of fallen, bleached white oak trees (many with root systems still intact) scattered along its northern stretch, a middle stretch of secluded sandy beach, and a southern stretch covered in reddish-brown rocks and outcroppings. Sheltrered by its protruding neighboring islands, Big Talbot boasts an incredible view of calm, turqoise waters framed by the wooded southern tip of Amelia Island and the bright white sand of Little Talbot's northern finger.

Little Talbot Island is located just south of Big Talbot Island and north of Ft. George Island. The centerpiece of the Talbot Island Geoparks, which includes Big Talbot, Ft. George and Amelia Island State Parks, here visitors will find a visitor center, nature boardwalk, hiking and kayaking trails, campgrounds and a couple of different picnicing & parking areas. While Big Talbot's beach is somewhat narrow, full of unusual geology and met by calm waters, Little Talbot's beach boasts wide, desert-like expanses of white sand backed by small dunes and dense woodland preserves teeming with wildlife. Exposed to the open sea, Little Talbot has waves like the rest of Jacksonville's beaches. A veteran of national "Best Beaches" lists, Little Talbot is also a very popular camping destination. Military ships stationed at Mayport are visible to the south, past the flat expanse of beach at Huguenot Park.

Both Talbot Islands are also home to hidden prehistoric fossils and artifacts.

A Story On Jacksonville

by yallpeoples

"My Experience In Jacksonville"

I was here for 3 months, but I felt as though I lived here. That is how condensed my experience being here was. Jacksonville was more of an experience than a tourist destination. Having said that, in order to enjoy the place, you have to live it because otherwise, I can think of other cities that are more fun and not so spread out. I learned a lot about myself during my 3 months here. That is a positive thing in itself. I met some lifelong friends and lived on the edge. No, not that way, but I dared to be me and take chances. Jville ain't Miami where you come and get something out of it. You have to put in of yourself in order to get something out of it.

When I came to Jax a few years back, I experienced culture shock because I was living in Seattle at the time. People were friendly, but I did get the sense that there were a lot of holy rollers around because I encountered so many people who prayed over me. I felt like I was in a movie because it all felt so surreal. Being the polite NW girl that I typically am, I didn't want to tell these holy rollers to take their prayers elsewhere. I felt uncomfortable, but in the end I look at it as an experience. And maybe their prayers gave me a safe stay in the city. You know what they say about well wishers spreading good vibes to you.

Aside from that, I noticed that Jax is the most financially progressive of all the Floridian cities because there is more work here and crime isn't as bad as other cities in Florida. The pay is a little better too. I think it is a decent working city and I call it a good 'start up' city. If you came to Jax 10 years from now, these opportunities would no longer be available and Jacksonville will become like all the other Floridian cities. I don't know if I should be giving out all of this information but I like to help out other people.

I felt creative during my stay here. Some places make you feel creative. Don't know why.

Picture courtesy of Amanteve Photography, copyright