9. Old City Cemetery
600 block of East Union Street
Established in 1852 as Jacksonville’s primary burial grounds, the Old City Cemetery is one of the most overlooked and underrated historic sites in city’s urban core. Originally located on the outskirts of town, the Arlington Expressway ramps now separate the cemetery from the city’s original core. Recognized as a Historic Landmark by the Jacksonville Historic Landmarks Commission, a visit to Old City is definitely worth the trip. Old City Cemetery is located at the intersection of East Union and North Washington Streets, just north of the Arlington Expressway.
10. Sally Corporation Factory Tour
https://www.sallydarkrides.com/tours
Courtesy of Out Post Orlando at https://www.outpostorlando.com/wp-content/gallery/sixflags/JokerAnimatronicSallyCorp.JPG
For those of you interested in robotics and amusement parks, The Sally Corporation Factory Tour is a must see. This tour of an internationally known animatronics factory explores parts of the company including the theater, sculpture room, and demonstrations of the Sally Corporation’s work. You may even encounter Rex, the company’s large, animatronic dinosaur “pet.” Tours are offered on Tuesday and Thursday hourly each week from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sally Corporation does not hold tours in the months of June, July and August, and require that all tour participants be at least seven years or older. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (904) 355-7100, or visit https://www.sallydarkrides.com/tours.
11. Jacksonville Beach Seawalk and Pavilion
75 North First Street, Jacksonville Beach, FL
You don’t have to be a beach person to love the Jacksonville Beach Seawalk and Pavilion. The Seawalk Pavilion extends over two blocks in the heart of Jacksonville Beach, and unlike lots of other pavilions and bandshells, this one is located directly on the beach. While the Seawalk is a cool place to visit on any given day, all throughout the year the Seawalk is a venue for an array of live music, food festivals, and parties. The festival season usually starts mid-March with the Great Atlantic Seafood and Music Festival, and extends well through summer. Live music shows are put on throughout the summer, too. Other notable events at the Seawalk Pavilion events include: The Moonlight Movies Film Series and the Fourth of July Liberty Fest. The Jacksonville Beach Seawalk and Pavilion is located at 75 North 1st Street. For information on special events, visit www.jacksonvillebeach.org.
12. Walter Jones Historic Park
11964 Mandarin Road
A visit to Walter Jones Historical Park is like a trip back in time to old Florida without leaving the city limits. Situated on a portion of a 31.2 acre homestead developed by Major William Webb in 1873, the 11-acre riverfront park is filled with historical treasures including a 19th century restored farmhouse, barn, sawmill, African-American schoolhouse, trails, riverfront boardwalk, picnic facilities and a museum. Operated by the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society under a contract with the city, the historic park is located at 11964 Mandarin Road. Visit https://www.mandarinmuseum.net/visit/walter-jones-historical-park for more information.
Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com