Page 79 - 2024-2025 Travel Guide to Florida

ARTS AND CULTURE
Northeast Florida has no shortage of arts and culture destinations. From a symphony orchestra to well-regarded museums, there is something for everyone.
In St. Augustine, tours of places like Villa Zorayda Museum give a glimpse into the past. The building was constructed in 1883 from poured concrete and crushed coquina shells, originally as a winter residence. It is a replica of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. Tours detail its historic significance in St. Augustine’s history and display many unique items— there’s even the “Sacred Cat Rug” that is more than 2,400 years old.
Nearby, Flagler College was built by railroad magnate Henry M. Flagler in the late 1880s, originally as Hotel Ponce de León— one of the most exclusive resorts of its day. Now an historic landmark, the stunning architecture and sights at the college include a 68-foot domed ceiling, a dining room with 79 Tiffany stained glass windows, and original hotel furniture and art.
For an in-depth look at St. Augustine’s visual arts, take part in the First Friday Art Walk, which includes over 30 art galleries opening their doors for the evening. Admission is free. Old Town Trolleys offers a free shuttle with several key stops near most galleries.
If you want to take in a show, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, affectionately know as “The Amp,” is considered St. Johns County’s leading multi-purpose arts facility. St. Augustine’s Farmers Market and the Night Market are also held on the grounds of the amphitheatre.
Another place to enjoy music and shows is the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall in Ponte Vedra Beach. It features performing artists from around the globe as well as special events and community gatherings.
Southwest of St. Augustine, Palatka features more than 20 outdoor murals depicting Putnam County’s historical, cultural and natural resources.
In February, head north on U.S. Route 17 to Green Cove Springs for the annual Northeast Florida Scottish Highland Games & Festival. For a year-round glimpse at the region’s Scottish connection, just visit the
FLORIDA THEATRE • VISIT JACKSONVILLE/KEN MCCRAY PHOTOGRAPHY
town's historical and military museums.
In downtown Jacksonville, the monthly First Wednesday Art Walk covers some 15 blocks of arts and culture. Check out the art galleries, museums, live performance venues and restaurants. The self-guided tour connects visitors to the dozens of artists and street performers in James
Weldon Johnson Park.
From September to May, the Jacksonville
Symphony makes its home in the Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall (praised for its great acoustics), at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, and also performs at other venues in Northeast Florida and around the state. The symphony is ranked among the country’s top regional orchestras.
Featuring live music, local food, drinks and shopping, the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival is promoted as one of the largest free jazz festivals in the U.S. The festival has been part of the area since 1981 and has attracted some of the biggest names in jazz.
Amelia Island welcomes its annual Chamber Music Festival on select weekend dates from January to May with concerts featuring world-renowned musicians.
INSIDER TIPS
Jacksonville is the largest city by landmass in the continental United States. If you are visiting for a few days, consider renting a car to experience all of its local, historical neighborhoods, beaches and national parks.
Got a hankering for more than just seafood? Then Julington Creek Fish Camp, specializing in dockside Southern-style seafood, is the place to visit. Try the fried gator tail with cowgill’s datil pepper aioli, grilled octopus and the conch fritters. This fish camp is popular for Sunday brunch where the outdoor patio seating is a favorite local hangout.
One of the lesser-known but spectac- ular attractions in St. Augustine is the tour of Flagler College. Built by Henry M. Flagler in 1888, the college is a national historic landmark. Students lead tours twice a day for just $23 a person.
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