This October we welcome the mild Northeast Florida fall temperatures to our beautiful destination and begin a season of festivals and major sporting events. The new season brings changes and new projects for Jacksonville, including renovations at local hotels, an expansion of our shopping mecca – the St. Johns Town Center-, a major milestone for the local cruising industry and the popular Florida vs. Georgia Football Classic.
This is the time to visit Jacksonville and explore all there is to see and do in Florida’s most vibrant destination!
NEW IN JAX
Hotel Renovations
Meeting Venues & Meeting Venues Renovations
Convention News
Transportation & Airlift
Port/Cruising
Parks
Arts & Culture
Events
Attractions & Entertainment
Restaurants & Food Scene
Shopping & Retail
Golfing
Destination Awards
Visit Jacksonville Updates
1) Hotel News and Renovations: Jacksonville is home to over 200 properties and close to 18,000 hotels rooms.
- · NEWS: Hotel management company Naples Hotel Group receives management contract for Fairfield Inn and Suites Airport in Jacksonville. The hotel features 107 guest rooms and is located 2 miles from Jacksonville International Airport on Jacksonville’s Northside District.
- · NEWS: The Wyndham Jacksonville RiverWalk Hotel is for sale. The 322-room property along Jacksonville’s Southbank opened in 1980.
- · NEWS: Donald Harris, General Manager at the Wyndham Jacksonville RiverWalk Hotel and Jacksonville native, is leaving the Hotel and the city and relocating to Texas. Mr. Harris is a past chairman of Visit Jacksonville and the Downtown Investment Authority as well as past president of the Northeast Florida Hotel & Lodging Association. We thank him for all he has done for the local hospitality industry.
- · NEWS: The Omni Jacksonville Hotel has a new General Manager, Burnell Goldman. Welcome to Jacksonville!
- · RENOVATIONS: The Jacksonville Omni Hotel has announced plans for an $8 million renovation of all 354 rooms as well as the hotel’s bar and restaurant. Renovation work will begin December of 2013.
- · RENOVATIONS: The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is undergoing a multi-million refresh project that will enhance the entire resort from the golf course villas, suites, meeting space to the lobby. A deadline for construction is the end of November, 2013.
- · RENOVATIONS: The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is currently undergoing renovations to its 963 guestrooms. Upgrades include new linens, colors and décor. The rooms will be renovated by December of 2014.
- · RENOVATIONS: The Radisson Jacksonville Butler Boulevard recently completed renovations to all the public spaces in the hotel including the restaurant and pool area.
- · RENOVATIONS: The Comfort Suites Airport recently completed renovations to its Fitness Center and is now offering a new Market Place in the Hotel Lobby for guests.
- RENOVATIONS: The Jacksonville Airport Hotel is undergoing renovations before becoming the Doubletree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport in the first quarter of 2014. Currently construction is underway restoring the outside of the hotel as well as 74 poolside rooms and all hallways. The hotel is open during renovations.
- RENOVATIONS: The Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville South- St. John’s Town Center Area just finished major renovations to its lobby and breakfast areas. Additionally, the hotel remodeled its outdoor patio, fitness center and meeting room.
2) Meeting Venues News & Renovations: Jacksonville is the affordable waterfront destination in the state of Florida.
- · NEW: Book your Holiday Event at the University Club before the end of October and receive complimentary dining certificates. The University Club has meeting capacity for over 400 attendees and offers spectacular views of the St. Johns River and Downtown Jacksonville.
3) Convention News: Visit Jacksonville assists over 400 groups annually as they bring their meetings and events to the River City by the Sea.
- · BIG NEWS: Downtown Jacksonville will be the site for the 2013 Southeast Tourism Society Fall Forum. The location will be the Omni Jacksonville Hotel, November 4-6. Randy A. Garfield, CTC, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales & Travel Operations, Disney Destinations, and President Walt Disney Travel Company will be the keynote speaker.
- · NEW OFFER: Convention Groups and Bus Tour Groups visiting Jacksonville can now claim a style pass for the St. Johns Town Center valued at hundreds of dollars. The style pass is available through Visit Jacksonville’s Convention Services Team and the Town Center’s main office. For more information call 1-800-733-2668.
4) New in Transportation & Airlift: Jacksonville’s International Airport is one of the top in the nation when it comes to customer service.
- · The JTA Skyway monorail in Downtown Jacksonville will remain free for another year. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority voted to extend the free service until September 31st, 2014. The Skyway connects Downtown’s Northbank to the Southbank and the Downtown full service hotels with the Prime Osborn Convention Center.
- · The St. Johns River Ferry has a new mobile app, JaxFerry. The apple and android compatible app allows commuters to track ferry arrival and departure times in real-time. The application was developed by the City of Jacksonville’s Information Technologies Division in partnership with the St. Johns River Ferry Commission.
- · East Coast Transportation expanded its fleet of chauffeured vehicles by adding both 36 & 57 passenger Motor Coaches. Other transportation options within the company include luxury sedans, SUV’s, executive vans and stretch limousines. East Coast Transportation was also selected by the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars as the official Limousine & Transportation carrier for the team and fans on game days starting this season with a 3-year agreement.
- · TSA PreCheck is now available for eligible passengers flying on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways out of Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). TSA PreCheck would allow eligible passengers to leave their liquids and laptops inside their carry-ons as well as leave their shoes, belts and jackets on while going through airport security. Click HERE for more information.
5) New in Port/Cruising: Jacksonville is home to one of the biggest ports in the Southeast.
- · Jacksonville’s Cruising Industry celebrates its 10th anniversary on October 27, 2013. Each year, hundreds of thousands of passengers sail from Jacksonville onboard the Carnival Fascination. There’s a lot to celebrate, 2012 was a record breaking year for the local Cruising Industry with more than 195,000 passengers, and we can’t wait to see what new record is set on 2013.
6) New in Parks: With 85,000 acres of park, Jacksonville has the largest urban park system in the nation.
- · Construction is underway on Downtown’s Southbank RiverWalk. The three decades old wooden RiverWalk will be replaced and updated with a concrete structure. The project is expected to be completed in fall of 2014. The new RiverWalk will be ADA compliant.
7) New in Arts & Culture: Jacksonville is consistently ranked as a Top 25 Arts Destinations in AmericanStyle Magazine in the large market category.
- · The San Marco Square, a Jacksonville dining, nightlife and shopping destination, has undergone a renovation that includes more green public spaces and safer pedestrian walkways. A grand opening festival will be held on October 26.
- · The first edition of the Jacksonville’s African-American Heritage Guide is now available. Visit Jacksonville partnered with the City of Jacksonville and Visit Florida to showcase Jacksonville’s African-American history and history makers. Click HERE to download a copy or call 800-733-2668 for more information on how to order the booklet.
- · The Beaches Museum & History Park completed renovations of its lobby and first floor to achieve an open floor plan that would allow better exhibit space. The Beaches Museum and History Park was founded in 1978.
- · One of the last remaining Grand Theatres in the state of Florida, The Florida Theatre, celebrates 30 years since its restoration and grand re-opening this October, 2013.
- · The Museum of Science and History has a new exhibit highlighting our region and its history. October 12 will be the Grand Opening of “Uncovering the Past: New Archaeological Discoveries of Northeast Florida.” The exhibit will give visitors a new perspective of the region’s Native American history. It will be on display through summer 2014.
8) Events News: There’s so much to do at any given time in Jacksonville, just check out our online calendar HERE.
- · One Spark has set their dates for 2014. The world’s crowd-funding festival will take place April 9-13in Downtown Jacksonville. In its second year, the innovation and technology festival will guarantee a $10,000 prize for the top 5 creators in each category and another $10,000 to the top 5 juried prizes plus whatever funding is collected from the public. In 2013, more than 130,000 people attended the event.
- · The TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl announced a new six-year partnership with the ACC marking a return to the conference for the city.
- · The 2013 Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame Inductees have been announced, Georgia legends Matt Stinchcomb and Peter Anderson will be joined by Florida stars Jevon Kearse and Lindy Infante as the Class of 2013. The athletes will be inducted at the annual luncheon on Friday, Nov. 1, in the West Club at EverBank Field.
- · Jacksonville is ready to host the 2013 Florida vs. Georgia Football Classic on November 2, 2013. The popular rivals will meet in Downtown Jacksonville during a weekend packed with events and celebrations. Click HERE for more information.
- · Do Not Miss Fall-Winter Events:
§ NBA’s Orlando Magic vs. New Orleans Pelicans, October 9.
§ Haunt Nights at Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach, Now until November 2.
§ JAXtoberfest at the Jacksonville Shipyards, October 11-12.
§ 75th Anniversary Celebration Weekend at Jacksonville Farmers Market, October 11-13.
§ River City Pride Parade in Riverside, October 12.
§ The Artist Series presents MAMMA MIA! at the Times-Union Center, October 18-19.
§ Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, October 18-20 & 25-31.
§ Jacksonville Jaguars vs. San Diego Chargers at EverBank Field, October 20.
§ The River City Pride Festival at the Riverside Arts Market, October 20.
§ The Jacksonville Jaguars vs. San Francisco 49ers in London, October 27.
§ Michael Bublé at the Veterans Memorial Arena, October 29.
§ The Florida Theatre presents Alice Cooper, October 29.
§ Florida vs. Georgia Football Classic at EverBank Field, November 2.
§ The Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, November 6-17.
§ Pandora’s Unforgettable Holiday Moments on Ice with Martina McBride at the Veterans Memorial Arena,November 9.
§ Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Jacksonville, November 11.
§ NHL Legends Hockey Tournament at the Veterans Memorial Arena, November 14.
§ Holiday Spectacular at the St. John’s Town Center, November 16.
§ Jacksonville Celtic Festival at the SeaWalk Pavilion, November 16.
§ San Marco Art Festival, November 16-17.
§ Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Arizona Cardinals at EverBank Field, November 17.
§ WinterFEST at Adventure Landing, November 22-January 2014.
§ Riverside Wine Festival at 5 Points, November 23.
§ 27th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Jacksonville Landing, November 29.
§ The Jacksonville Light Parade in Downtown Jacksonville, November 30.
§ Nightly Tree Light Shows at The Jacksonville Landing, November 30- January 2014.
§ Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans at EverBank Field, December 5.
§ John Mayer at the Jacksonville Veterans Arena, December 10.
§ The Artist Series presents Flashdance The Musical, December 10-15.
§ ZOOLights at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, December 13-31.
§ New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Downtown Jacksonville, December 31.
9) New in Attractions & Entertainment: From exciting sporting events, to unique music venues and one-of-a-kind experiences, you can do it all in Jacksonville!
- · The Jacksonville Landing, Downtown Jacksonville’s premier entertainment venue, will undergo a renovation that will include new painting and lighting, other details are being kept under wraps until a later date.
- · Sweet Pete’s, Jacksonville’s organic candy shop can now be seen on TV. The family behind the popular Jacksonville candy factory is highlighted in a reality show airing on the local CW network.
- · AdLib Luxury Tours is adding two new tours to its popular lineup. Every Thursday at 10 a.m. visitors can enjoy the “Top to Bottom” Tour of Downtown Jacksonville with a behind the scenes tour of the Jacksonville Symphony (the tour also has a Tuesday at 10 a.m. run) and every Friday at 8 p.m. enjoy the new “River City Haunts” walking tour of Downtown Jacksonville with dark encounters and ghostly tales. Tour begins 10/04/2013.
10) New Restaurants & Food Scene: Jacksonville’s dining scene is an eclectic hybrid of inspired casual elegance and classic southern comfort, the perfect combination.
- · NOW OPEN: Café Freda has opened its doors serving global comfort food in Jacksonville’s historic Riverside district. Café Freda offers and affordable menu with local ingredients and extensive vegetarian options. Café Freda has seating for 40 people.
- · NOW OPEN: Maple Street Biscuit Company has opened a second location in Jacksonville Beach. The popular San Marco breakfast & lunch spot is now available and easily accessible to beach visitors and residents at 410 Third Street North. Maple Street Biscuit Company offers delicious biscuits with toppings like fried chicken, pecan wood smoked bacon, collard greens and pulled pork.
- · NOW OPEN: Thai eatery Indochine is now open in the San Marco Square. Indochine San Marco is accompanied by an Asian-themed bar, called Buddha Bar.
- · NOW OPEN: Tres Leches Eatery, located in historic Riverside, has expanding its menu and hours to include brunch on Sundays and dinner and happy hour Monday-Friday.
- · COMING SOON: Taverna Restaurant in the historic San Marco Square is undergoing an expansion that will add another 60 seats, including 40 in a new private dining room. With the expansion Taverna will introduce a new lunch and dinner concept to their already successful Italian seasonal menu, including a counter for quick-casual dining and a lounge. The expansion should be finalized by November 2014. The restaurant will remain open during construction.
- · COMING SOON: Jacksonville’s famed Chef Tom Gray is embarking on a new project due to open in late 2013. Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails will be the first locally own and operated restaurant at the St. Johns Town Center. Gray, twice nominated for the James Beard Award, is currently working on a menu for his new Americana restaurant.
- · COMING SOON: The Kitchen on San Marco is expected to open its doors on San Marco Boulevard in January of 2014. The restaurant will be a fully operating learning lab for culinary and pastry students from Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College. Professional chefs will work with the students to offer daily menus to the public including lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The Kitchen on San Marco will set 130 people.
- · COMING SOON: The Blind Rabbit is the new beach project for the owners of the popular Salty Fig Restaurant on King Street. The new restaurant will offer burgers and whiskey on Jacksonville Beach’s Third Street. The Blind Rabbit is expected to open on October 15.
11) New in Shopping & Retail: Jacksonville is Northeast Florida’s shopping destination, the place to visit for amazing options, deals and one-of-a-kind pieces to compliment any closet.
- The St. Johns Town Center, Jacksonville’s premier shopping and dining destination, now has a new play are for children. In partnership with Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the Town Center unveiled the “Wolfson Children’s Play Shore” located in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods. The play area has a seashore theme and features climbers, slides and tunnels.
- · The St. Johns Town Center will add 600 new parking spots to their outdoor lifestyle shopping center just in time for holiday shopping. The spaces are located between Ethan Allen and Restaurant Ovinte in the east parking lot. Construction should be completed by mid-November, 2013. Later, in November of 2014, construction will be completed on an expansion known as Phase III that will house a collection of local and national brand retailers anchored by Northeast Florida’s first Nordstrom. The project will feature an added 158,000 square feet of retail space.
12) New in Golfing: Fall is the best season to golf in Jacksonville. Enjoy the area’s 70+ golf courses at discounted rates as well as our mild temperatures from October-December.
- · SPECIAL OFFER: Golf Getaway Package at the Courtyard by Marriott I-295 E Beltway. Stay 3 nights and play 3 rounds from $218. More information HERE.
- · SPECIAL OFFER: 3 Nights & 3 Rounds. Stay at One Ocean Resort & Spa in Atlantic Beach and enjoy three nights of deluxe accommodations and three rounds of golf at Queen’s Harbour, St. Johns Golf & Country Club, and North Hampton from $416 or stay at the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Jacksonville and enjoy three nights deluxe accommodations and three rounds of golf at Fleming Island, Windsor Parke, and Eagle Landing. More information HERE.
- · SPECIAL OFFER: Dye’s Duo Golf Experience. Stay 2 nights at the Sawgrass Marriott and enjoy luxury accommodations, breakfast daily, one round of golf at TPC Sawgrass and one round on Dye’s Valley, transportation, bag storage and commemorative 17th hole bag tag. More information HERE.
13) New Destination Awards
- · Hyatt Hotels Corporation awarded Dianne Liberty, of the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, the 2012 Catering and Convention Services Manager of the Year Award.
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- The City of Jacksonville has been named “National City of the Year” by the veterans’ organization The Forty & Eight. The city earned the national recognition for its extensive efforts supporting the military and veterans communities in Jacksonville.
14) Visit Jacksonville Updates
- · Check out Visit Jacksonville’s weekly update going to industry insiders all over the nation. “This Week in Jax” is distributed every Thursday.
- · Enjoy our new Jacksonville Visitor Magazine with information on local attractions, events, hotels and meeting venues. Find it online HERE or call our Visitor Center to receive a free copy 1 (800) 733- 2668.
- · The first edition of the Jacksonville’s African-American Heritage Guide is now available. Visit Jacksonville partnered with the City of Jacksonville and Visit Florida to showcase Jacksonville’s African-American history and history makers. Click HERE to download a copy or call 800-733-2668 for more information on how to order the booklet.
- · Visit Jacksonville’s social media sites are booming! Our twitter feed @Visit_Jax has more than 10,000 followers and our Facebook page, Visit Jacksonville, has over 45,000 likes. Are you following us?
- · Visit Jacksonville is hosting a Destination Celebration on November 13, 2013. We will celebrate the successes of the hospitality and tourism industry in Jacksonville and name Visit Jacksonville’s partner of the year. Click HERE for more details.
- · Visit Jacksonville will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Jacksonville’s Cruising Industry with a networking event on Monday, October 28 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Sandollar Restaurant and Marina on 9716 Heckscher Drive. For more information click HERE.
For more information about our amazing destination go to www.VisitJacksonville.com, for any media inquiries email Patty Jimenez at pjimenez@visitjacksonville.com
About Visit Jacksonville: Visit Jacksonville 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.
Patty Jimenez
Leisure Communications Specialist
Visit Jacksonville
208 N. Laura St., Ste. 102
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Direct: (904) 421-9169
Cellular: (305) 915-3850
Fax: (904) 899-9668
Maralyn D. Hill, M.Ed., The Epicurean Explorer
Executive Editor, LuxeBeatMag.com
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