Jacksonville long registered in the minds of road-trippers as a pit stop along I-95, but this fast-growing metropolis has much more to offer than a quick place to eat and stretch your legs. A youthful energy permeates the lively downtown full of shops, restaurants, parks, and museums along the St Johns River, which incidentally is America's longest north-flowing river.

Mild, sunny winters and long clean beaches attract people year-round, as does "lost in time" ambiance of Amelia Island. This is the southernmost island in a chain of Atlantic coast barrier islands that stretch from North Carolina to Florida. The un-crowded beaches, moss-covered oaks, Victorian seaside village, friendly locals, excellent golf, boating, and fishing make this island worth a vacation of its own. Jacksonville combines the charms of Old Florida with modern beach resort delights to please everyone from history buffs, to families, to recreational athletes.