Jacksonville Offers the Perfect Balance For a Family Getaway   by Kirby Collins

Jacksonville is one of my favorite cities in Florida because while it is very cosmopolitan it still has the same laid back feel as the rest of Florida. Jacksonville is the first major city in the Sunshine State, just 25 miles inside the boarder from Georgia. It's the county seat of Duval County and is constantly in a fight with Miami for ranking as Florida's largest city; it was named for Andrew Jackson who was the first military governor of the Florida territory.

Jacksonville is a major banking, financial and transportation hub which gives it that hip edge, as does the beautiful architecture of the city. The laid back Florida feel comes from the St. John's River that runs almost through the middle of the city which is nice because you can see boats, both private and commercial; floating along from a window should you work in a high rise office in some downtown building. There is also the beautiful Blue Bridge that spans the river in the downtown area near the popular shopping; dining and night spot Jacksonville Landing. Jacksonville is also home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars football team, when they have a good season they are quite a draw. On game day the stadium downtown has a big tailgating crowd partying until the final whistle blows. Jacksonville is becoming a major vacation destination too with the help of nearby, Amelia Island.

Jacksonville is becoming major player in the financial field and in other industries; in Expansion Management Magazine's annual poll, Jacksonville has been consistently rated one of the "Hottest Cities in America" for business expansions and relocations. It's been the only city to have taken the number one spot three times, and has been in the top 10 for six straight years. Inc. Magazine ranked Jacksonville 11th on its list of "Best Cities for Doing Business" in 2006.

The city has a great skyline, the Wachovia and Sun Trust buildings are very prominent in it; the unique design of the Modis building is very eye catching and adds to the skylines architectural character. Jacksonville itself is beautiful; they have parks with palm trees dotted here and there all over. The Friendship Fountain at the Museum of Science and History is another example of the city's beauty.

The St. John's River is a vital part of Jacksonville commercially as well as leisurely. The Port of Jacksonville is a major seaport for cargo and cruise ships as well as the Mayport Ferry, a ferry that takes cars and people across the river. The railways are also a big part of the transportation hub here, they work their way through Jacksonville picking up people and goods for deposit all over the country.

The St. John's River is also a favorite place for the people of Jacksonville to spend a day, sailing, fishing or roaming up and down on their jet ski. If you don't have a boat or water craft follow the crowd to Huguenot Memorial Park. On sunny weekends this place gets full to capacity. You can park right on the beach, in the surf, here which many people do. You'll see cars and trucks all lined up with their tailgates down, dogs tied up to the back , music playing, food spilling put of coolers, footballs and Frisbees flying through the air and as of that wasn't enough, the ocean. It's a great place for a family to spend a day.

Just off the coast of northeast Florida mere miles from the boarder with Georgia is fabulous Amelia Island. 15 minutes off I-95 and 20 minutes from northern Jacksonville, this island has 13 miles of beautiful beaches, including Fernandina Beach and in 2008, Conde Nast Traveler's reader's voted it number 6 in the Top 10 North American Islands in their Reader's Choice Awards. This was the second consecutive year Amelia Island has been the highest ranked island destination in Florida and in this state, that's saying something. Amelia Island has world class resorts and spas, quaint bed and breakfast inns, and many other places to stay. While there you can explore historic Fort Clinch or catch one of the many local festivals and events. If you're an outdoor enthusiast you can enjoy pristine golf courses, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking horseback riding on the beach or take a sunset sail.

Jacksonville is a great city to visit, live, to start or relocate a business or just spend a day. The architecture, landscaping and river make this one Florida's most beautiful cities. They have sports, a great downtown area, an excellent transit system, museums, parks and a fantastic little island just off the coast what more could a person ask for, Jacksonville truly has it all.