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Florida’s
electrifying downtowns heat up the winter season with a
vibrant assortment of entertainment, history and culture.
Art shows, museums, ballets and theaters attract visitors
and residents of all ages, as Florida’s pulse races
through the downtowns, stirring up feverish excitement
within the brightly lit streets. Of all the small towns
and up towns that speckle and sparkle the state, Florida’s
downtowns pulsate with a rhythm that resounds from the
keys to the panhandle.
Florida’s
East Coast boasts a lively downtown atmosphere along the
Jacksonville Landing, an entertainment-packed riverwalk
where visitors amble amid fine restaurants with river views,
sports bars and quaint shops of all varieties. Across the
river, accessible by water taxi, art galleries display
collections from Jacksonville’s finest artists. Nearby
is a splash of theatres, along with the Jacksonville Ballet
and Symphony Orchestra. Sports lovers and football fanatics
can take the short ride over to Alltel Stadium, home of
the Jacksonville Jaguars. Downtown Jacksonville has much
to offer the traveler searching for a casual yet spirited
occasion.
For
the socialite, the district of Ybor City in Tampa comes
alive at sunset. Outdoor cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs
give Ybor the reputation of ‘party central’ in
the Tampa Bay area. Ybor City is the home of the original
Columbia Restaurant, Florida's oldest and the world's largest
Spanish restaurant. Out in the street, the rhythms of blues,
rock n’ roll, techno, jazz, hip-hop, alternative and
pop music combine to create a highly charged atmosphere.
And if that’s not enough for the party seeker, this
colorful area also includes a lively Latin Quarter, which
draws more than 30,000 people on weekend nights.
Channelside
in Downtown Tampa offers an upscale social scene, including
an entertainment-dining complex and luxurious resorts.
Piano bars, theaters and fine stores line this waterfront
district. The Florida Aquarium is a site not to be missed
with its seashell shaped glass dome housing more than 10,000
aquatic plants and animals inside. The Port of Tampa bustles
with cruise ships, freighters and sailboats as visitors
stroll along the Channelside harbor. The Port Authority
offers catamaran cruises to top off the perfect Channelside
experience.
Visitors
are enveloped in arts and entertainment in historic downtown
Old Naples. Art, history and culture collide in this charming
city. Art galleries, theaters and a ballet offer plenty
of amusement for the fine arts lover. Fifth Avenue South
is known for its one-of-a kind shops and eclectic assortment
of artsy sidewalk cafés and festivals. This beautifully
landscaped strip boasts boutiques specializing in jewelry,
fashion, fine wines and spirits, premium cigars and exotic
sea shells. The curiously classical collection of Old Naples
is endearing to the trendsetter looking for something a
little out of the ordinary.
Panama
City’s historic downtown possesses the charm of days
gone by. Church bells ring along Harrison Avenue, and the
notable architecture of Old St. Andrews neighborhood demands
attention. Historic buildings house delightful boutiques
with a variety of unique merchandise. MacKenzie Park hosts
concerts and other recreational activities.
A
rich history, vibrant culture and unique attractions are
just a few qualities that make Florida’s downtowns
worth a visit. Between sight-seeing, gallery hopping and
enjoying fine restaurants, you’ll never be bored of
the endless options. For more exciting information about
everything Florida has to offer, check out www.visitflorida.com.
For
information on travel to Florida or to order a copy of
VISIT FLORIDA's free Vacation Guide visit VISIT FLORIDA's
consumer web site, www.VISITFLORIDA.com, or call VISIT
FLORIDA's toll-free consumer number at 1-888-7-FLAUSA (352872).
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