WEEKEND GETAWAYS - Friday, July 6, 2007
    Make The Most Of Your Vacation - From Coast to Coast!

Greetings Getaway Lover,

This weekend we're going to one of Florida's oldest cities 
and at 730 square mi the largest city in the continental 
United States, Jacksonville makes for an underrated 
vacation spot. It offers appealing downtown riverside 
areas, handsome residential neighborhoods, the region's 
only skyscrapers, a thriving arts scene, and, for football 
fans, the NFL Jaguars and the NCAA Gator Bowl. Remnants of 
the Old South flavor the city, especially in the Riverside/
Avondale historic district where moss-draped oak trees 
frame Prairie-style bungalows and Tudor Revival mansions, 
and palm trees, Spanish bayonet, and azaleas populate 
Jacksonville's landscape. 

Happy Trails,
Jan

------------------------------------------------------------
Your Child Is Missing...

These are four words you NEVER want to hear. If you should
ever have to file a missing report, it is IMPORTANT for you
to document and store vital information about your child to
help police act fast.

The Child ID Kit allows you to log everything from your
child's physical appearance and medical history, to their
fingerprints, dental records, DNA hair sample, and even
store a recent photo of your child. Here's what you get:

* Personal & Medical Information
* Physical Characteristics Sheet
* Photograph Sheet
* Safe Shoes ID
* Fingerprinting inkpad and finger chart
* Dental Chart

There is nothing more important than your child's safety. Get
your Child ID Kit TODAY for just $1.49 plus s&h... Visit:

CHILD ID KIT
------------------------------------------------------------

--DESTINATION: Jacksonville with St. Augustine 

Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine is 
the nation's oldest city and has a wealth of historic 
buildings and attractions. In addition to the historic 
sites on the mainland, the city has 43 mi of beaches on 
two barrier islands to the east, both reachable by 
causeways. Several times a year St. Augustine holds 
historic reenactments, such as December's Grand Christmas 
Illumination, which commemorates the town's British 
occupation. 

------------------------------------------------------------
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR PILLS

Normal Price: $9.99
DEAL PRICE: $2.99 per bottle

The #1 ALL NATURAL Diet Product For The Last 50 Years
WILL Help YOU Lose Weight....

The best-selling and most proven All Natural diet aid
available. For the last 50 years hundreds of thousands
of people have successfully lost weight with Apple Cider
Vinegar....

Now you can get this Amazing supplement in an easy and
convenient tablet form. No more bad tasting liquids. And
its even more concentrated in the tablet form. Plus, it
is guaranteed to work for you. If you don't lose the weight
you want with Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar just return it
for a refund. It's JUST $2.99 for 60 Tablets. Visit:

Today's Deal
------------------------------------------------------------

--WHAT TO DO AND SEE:

Amelia Island Historic District 

Historic District/Site, Fernandina Beach 
 
The Amelia Island Historic District, in Fernandina Beach,
has more than 50 blocks of buildings listed on the 
National Register of Historic Places; 450 ornate struc-
tures built prior to 1927 offer some of the nation's 
finest examples of Queen Anne, Victorian, and Italianate 
homes. Many date to the haven's mid-19th-century glory 
days. Pick up a self-guided-tour map at the chamber of 
commerce, in the old train depot -- once a stopping point
on the first cross-state railroad. 


American Police Hall of Fame and Museum 
Museum/Gallery, Titusville 
 
If you've ever wondered why cops deserve your respect, 
pay a visit to the American Police Hall of Fame and 
Museum. Opened in late 2003, it is adjacent to the 
Astronaut Hall of Fame and, in its own way, is just as 
impressive. In addition to memorabilia like the Robocop 
costume and Bladerunner car from the films, there are 
informative displays on what cops face every day: drugs, 
homicides, and criminals who can create knives from 
dental putty and guns from a bicycle spoke (really). At 
times, it can be a gruesome chamber of horrors with 
autopsy photos of criminals and chilling mock-ups of 
prison cells, gas chambers and an electric chair. An 
eerie example of law enforcement memorabilia is a piece 
of a WTC tower fused with the plane that hit it. Other 
historical exhibits include invitations to hangings, 
police patches, how you collect evidence at a crime 
scene and, most importantly, a rotunda where more than 
7,000 names are etched in marble to honor police 
officers who have died in the line of duty. Cops, gun 
nuts, and curious tourists are taken by the 24-lane 
shooting range that provides rental guns (weekdays 
noon-7 PM, weekends noon-5 PM). www.aphf.org. COST: 
$12 adults, $8 children 4-12. OPEN: Daily 10-6. 

Address: 6350 Horizon Dr., Titusville, FL, USA
Phone: 321/264-0911

 
Brevard Community College Planetarium and Observatory 
Observatory/Planetarium, Cocoa 
 
The Brevard Community College Planetarium and Observa-
tory, one of the largest public-access observatories in 
Florida, has a 24-inch telescope through which visitors 
can view objects in the solar system and deep space. On 
the campus of Brevard Community College, the planetarium 
has two theaters, one showing a changing roster of 
nature documentaries, the other hosting laser light as 
well as changing planetarium shows. Science Quest 
Exhibit Hall has hands-on exhibits, including scales 
calibrated to other planets (on the moon, Vegas-era 
Elvis would have weighed just 62 pounds). The 
International Hall of Space Explorers displays exhibits 
on space travel. Show schedules and opening hours may 
vary, so it's best to call ahead. Travel 2½ mi east of 
I-95 Exit 75 on Route 520, and take Route 501 north for 
1¾ mi. www.brevardcc.edu/planet. COST: Observatory and 
exhibit hall free; film or planetarium show $6, both 
shows $10; laser show $6, triple combination $14. OPEN: 
Call for current schedule. 

Address: 1519 Clearlake Rd., Cocoa, FL, USA
Phone: 321/433-7373
  
------------------------------------------------------------

Other Places of Interest:

Anheuser-Busch Jacksonville Brewery 
Winery/Brewery, Jacksonville 
 
If you're a beer connoisseur, don't miss a guided or 
self-guided tour here, which takes you through the 
entire brewing and bottling process. There are free 
beer tastings and logo-filled gift shops. You must be 
at least 18 to visit the brewery or shops. 
www.budweisertours.com. COST: Free. OPEN: Mon.-Sat. 
10-4; guided tours Mon.-Sat. 10-3 on the half hr. 

Address: 111 Busch Dr., Jacksonville, FL, USA
Phone: 904/696-8373
 
 
Atlantic Center for the Arts 
Arts/Performance Venue, Museum/Gallery, New Smyrna Beach 

Changing exhibits every two months, the Atlantic Center 
for the Arts has works of internationally known artists.
Media include sculpture, mixed materials, video, drawings, 
prints, and paintings. Intensive three-week workshops are 
periodically run by visual, literary, and performing 
master artists such as Edward Albee, James Dickey, and 
Beverly Pepper. www.atlanticcenterforthearts.org. COST: 
Free. OPEN: Weekdays 9-5, Sat. 10-2. 

Address: 1414 Art Center Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL, USA
Phone: 386/427-6975
 
------------------------------------------------------------
Go For It...

Some people seem to have all the fun. What's their secret?

It's no secret at all. They are subscribers to the largest,
award winning e-publications on the web, GOPHER CENTRAL.

Gopher Central leaves no stone unturned. Featuring some of the
nation's top writers, we offer newsletters for EVERY walk
of life. Jokes, religion, politics, recipes, entertainment
. . . it's ALL here. Get the mail YOU want delivered directly
into your inbox for F-R-E-E when you VISIT:

Go to Gopher Central
------------------------------------------------------------

--WHERE TO SLEEP:

Adam's Mark 
$100 to $220, Jacksonville 
 
In Jacksonville, it doesn't get much more convenient 
than this downtown, waterfront hotel. Perched on the 
north bank of the St. Johns River, the nine-story 
property is within walking distance of the Jacksonville 
Landing, Florida Theatre, and T-U Center, as well as 
corporate office towers and the county courthouse. 
Fortunately, luxury is not forsaken for convenience. A 
glitzy, grand lobby greets guests, who have access to 
a full range of amenities, including an exceptional 
Italian restaurant with opera-singing servers and a 
rooftop swimming pool. Rooms were designed with the 
business traveler in mind and include a large work desk, 
two-line speaker phone with voice mail, and a data port. 
Upgrade to a VIP Club Level room and you'll enjoy a 
private lounge where a complimentary breakfast is served 
every morning, hors d'oeuvres every night. 
www.adamsmark.com/jacksonville. 966 rooms, 21 suites. 2 
restaurants, room service, some refrigerators, cable TV 
with movies and video games, in-room data ports, pool, 
gym, sauna, lobby lounge, sports bar, shop, dry cleaning, 
laundry facilities, laundry service, concierge, concierge 
floor, business services, convention center, parking 
(fee), no-smoking floors, Internet. AE, D, DC, MC, V. 

Address: 225 Coastline Dr. E, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA
Phone: 904/633-9095 or 800/444-2326
Fax: 904/633-9988

 
Amelia Hotel & Suites 
$100 to Over $220, Fernandina Beach 
 
A block from the beach, this mid-size inn is not only 
convenient but an economical and family-friendly 
alternative to the luxury resorts and romantic B&Bs 
that populate the area. The beach and several 
restaurants are within walking distance, particularly 
convenient for families with children. Parents will 
also appreciate the hotel-wide no-smoking policy and 
Continental breakfast served each morning in the lobby. 
Rooms are modestly furnished and have ocean or pool 
views. www.ameliahotelandsuites.com. 90 rooms, 18 
suites. Some in-room hot tubs, some kitchenettes, some
microwaves, some refrigerators, cable TV, in-room data 
ports, pool, business services, meeting rooms; no 
smoking. AE, D, MC, V. Continental breakfast. 

Address: 1997 S. Fletcher Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 
32034, USA
Phone: 904/261-5735
 

Amelia Island Plantation 
 
Over $220, Fernandina Beach 
 
The first-rate golf, tennis, and spa facilities are 
big draws at this sprawling, family-oriented resort 
where accommodations include full-service hotel rooms 
as well as home and condo (or "villa") rentals. The 
hotel rooms tend to be large, with comfortable seating 
areas, balconies, and ocean views. Much of the hotel 
lobby is devoted to a piano bar, which stays busy late 
into the evening. With its ancient oaks, marshes, and 
lagoons, the resort is also a worthy destination for 
hiking, biking, and bird-watching, and one of the few 
places in northeast Florida to rent Segways (guided 
nature tours aboard the "human transporters" are $80). 
Good dining and shopping options mean you don't have 
to leave the property. www.aipfl.com. 249 rooms, 418 
1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas. 9 restaurants, grocery, 
room service, in-room safes, some kitchenettes, some 
microwaves, some refrigerators, cable TV with movies 
and video games, some in-room VCRs, in-room data ports, 
3 18-hole golf courses, 23 tennis courts, pro shop, 23 
pools (1 indoor), health club, spa, beach, fishing, 
bicycles, hiking, horseback riding, racquetball, 
volleyball, 3 bars, shops, babysitting, children's 
programs (ages 3-10), playground, dry cleaning, laundry 
service, business services, meeting rooms, airport 
shuttle, no-smoking rooms, Internet. AE, D, MC, V. 

Address: 6800 1st Coast Hwy., Fernandina Beach, FL 
32034, USA
Phone: 904/261-6161 or 800/874-6878
Fax: 904/277-5945

 
--WHERE TO DINE:

95 Cordova 
 
Contemporary, $20 to Over $30, St. Augustine 
 
Tucked away on the 1st floor of the Casa Monica Hotel, 
this restaurant serves classic cuisine with an inter-
national flair. Sup in one of three dining rooms, 
including the main room with intricate Moroccan-themed 
chandeliers, wrought-iron chairs, and heavy wood 
columns, or the Sultan's Room, a gold-dipped space 
accented with potted palms and a silk-draped ceiling. 
The exotic furnishings are inherently romantic, but 
still lend an appropriate feel to dinner with friends 
or business associates. Innovative dishes change 
seasonally and highlight local seafood and produce. 
The "Tasting Menu" offers diners six international 
courses paired with the restaurant's outstanding 
wines.AE, D, MC, V. 

Address: 115 Cordova St., St. Augustine, FL, USA
Phone: 904/810-6810


Anna's Italian Trattoria 
Italian, $10 to $20, Daytona Beach 
 
White table linens and flowers complement delightful 
Italian fare at this cozy spot. Choose from a long 
list of delicious pastas, such as the spaghetti with 
Italian sausage and onions, angel-hair pasta with 
fresh chopped tomatoes and garlic, or spinach-stuffed 
ravioli. Try one of the many classic Italian desserts 
here. MC, V. No lunch. 

Address: 304 Seabreeze Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL, USA
Phone: 386/239-9624
 

Atlantic Ocean Grille 
Seafood, $10 to $20, Cocoa Beach 
 
Jutting five hundred feet out over the ocean on Cocoa 
Beach Pier, this casual seafood restaurant has floor-to
-ceiling windows that overlook the water. Among the 
excellent fresh-fish options are mahimahi and grouper, 
which you can order broiled, blackened, grilled, or 
fried. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch. 

Address: 401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach Pier, Cocoa Beach, 
FL, USA
Phone: 321/783-7549


          GopherCentral's Question of the Week

Topical, timely, controversial, click the link to answer
this week's GopherCentral.com Question of the Week. 

     Please take a moment to share your opinion, visit:     
Question of the Week

                      ********************
              
------------------------------------------------------------

Let EVTV1.com Be Your Travel Guide:
Travel Videos

ARCHIVES: 
  
WeekendGetawaysArchives  

Forum: Visit My Forum

------------------------------------------------------------
The travel destinations and events that appear in this
newsletter have been selected by our editors. Apart from
those offers clearly set apart from the text, none of the
links presented here are paid promotions for any company
or organization.

       Please forward this, in its entirety, to others.
        (c)2007 NextEraMedia. All rights reserved.

E-Mail this issue

The Weekend GetAways Forum deleted deleted another great getaway View this Forum | Post a topic to this forum