But the gift she bequeathed to the city and its visitors will live on forever. Unfortunately, she didn't live to see the opening of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in 1961. Ninah May Holden Cummer was a local philanthropist who wanted to create 'a center of beauty and culture' in Jacksonville. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens | Kyle S Lo / To learn more about these and the many other fun places to visit in this dynamic Florida city, be sure to read our list of the top attractions in Jacksonville.ġ. Jax residents are indeed blessed to be sitting alongside a grand river, a nearby ocean with spectacular beaches, natural wonderlands just beyond (and sometimes within) the city limits, and enough outdoor recreation options and tourist attractions to fill up a year-long visit. In the early 1900s, this was the motion-picture capital of the world, a thriving film and production location before anyone east of Los Angeles had ever heard of that other Hollywood. For example, few people know that Jacksonville was actually the original Hollywood. Jacksonville also offers surprises galore. Johns River running right through town, as well as the ocean to the east. This is a river city, and life here revolves around the St.

Perhaps nowhere else in Florida are the contrasts so stark, and so interesting. Yet while this city is so rich in cultural and historical heritage, it's well-endowed with many modern sights and experiences to enjoy, too.īut despite the downtown high-rises and tall office blocks, the local folk still very much believe in small-town values. Southern gentility, neighborliness, and cuisine is still practiced with pride. Jacksonville in Florida – known locally simply as 'Jax' – is where South meets North.

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