International
Magazine
TRAVEL NEWS
General Interest INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TIPS
USA TRAVEL TIPS
_________
Click Below For Previous Articles:
2006
2005
2004
2003
2001 - 2002
Travel Adventures
Adventure Travels, Stories & Photos
Latest Travel News
To Plan
U.S. Travel Adventures
Florida
Real Travel Adventures
International Magazine
International
Travel Adventures
Stories & Photos
Your FREE online travel magazine e-zine of exciting travel adventures, travel reviews, travel photos from all ages and lifestyles of real travel in US and the world. International travel adventure - travel adventure magazine - travel reviews - trip planner - road trip planner - travel news - Real Travel Adventures Ezine with Book Review and Travel Guides for good reads and good listens on your trips and international travel adventures.
Sharing Travel Adventures & Adventure Travel
Discover Great get-aways, budget stays, and luxury travel to Dream About .Choose from Hundreds of Travel Reviews and and book reviews Outdoor and Nature Photos
Get Your Travel Review Published here!
INTERNATIONAL
MAGAZINE
© 2007
Bonita Productions Inc.
Hot Tips and Latest Travel News for your travel adventures and adventure travel
Place Your Travel News Here
We average 20,000 hits a day.
In Travel News
FREE Promotional Features and Ads for those who host us
On Home Page
Fall 2008: What’s New in Jacksonville, Florida
Fall has arrived in Jacksonville! Don’t miss out on fantastic concerts, sparkling martinis, veteran salutes and more! Call Visit Jacksonville at (800) 733-2668 or log on to www.visitjacksonville.com.
Click here for the news you can use!
Accommodations Arts & Entertainment Restaurants Shopping, Sports & Adventure Services Special Events Visit Jacksonville NewsAccommodations
The Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront achieved one of the three highest “CROWNE-ometer” scores among all Crowne Plaza hotels in the United States and Canada for the first quarter of 2008 at the recent Eagle Awards. The “CROWNE-ometer” ranking is established based on the hotel’s performance on the guest satisfaction survey, the meeting satisfaction tracking survey and the audit score from secret shops and quality inspections. Three employees of the hotel were also recognized for outstanding achievements. www.cpjacksonville.com
The Hampton Inn South and Wingate by Wyndham Airport were recently recognized for their acceptance into the Florida Green Lodging Program. These exceptional focused-service hotels join a list of 15 properties in Northeast Florida that are also certified.
The Hampton Inn South is conveniently located off Interstate 95 and features an outdoor pool, complimentary continental breakfast and many other amenities. www.hampton-inn.com
The Wingate by Wyndham Jacksonville Airport offers free shuttle service to the airport, unique indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center and spa, as well as countless other amenities. www.wingatehotels.com/hotel/12704
To be designated a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must follow certain green practices. These practices include, but are not limited to, water conservation measures through low-flow plumbing fixtures and a linen reuse program and increased energy efficiency through the installation of ENERGY STAR® appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria is met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing recycled materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All designated members of the Florida Green Lodging Program must also use green cleaners and use high-efficiency air filters and clean air handler units frequently.
The Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra entices groups this fall with a “Small Meetings Package.” This package, valid through Dec. 31, 2008, accommodates meetings for up to 40 people for $149 per person. The property is located across from TPC Sawgrass. www.hiltongardeninn.hilton.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has commenced construction on a $22.1 million ballroom addition, concluding a 14-year effort to increase the footprint of the oceanfront resort. Upon completion in the fall of 2009, the new facility will add 12,000 square feet of available meeting space to the property, making it one of the largest conference hotels in the region.
The hotel also entices guests to become healthy and love it with the “Design Your Life: A Life You Love in a Body You Love” wellness retreat. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has partnered with Patricia Moreno, a leading instructor at New York’s acclaimed Equinox fitness club, and personal development expert Laurie Gerber to present an exclusive weekend workshop Nov. 7-9. www.ritzcarlton.com
Arts & Entertainment
“All Shook Up” comes to the Alhambra Dinner Theatre Oct. 8-Nov. 30. The entertaining musical features some of Elvis’ biggest hits. A Christmas Carole plays Dec. 1-24. This classic has been playing at the Alhambra for more than 20 years. www.alhambradinnertheatre.com
Florida Highwaymen Paintings and Prison Murals: Al Black and the Florida Highwaymen will be on display Oct. 30 through Jan. 4 at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Al Black and a group of Florida artists known as The Highwaymen were successful in the 1960s and 1970s. After falling on hard times, Black went to jail, where he was once again discovered and painted a series of murals where he was incarcerated. Photographs of these murals, taken by author Gary Monroe, and original Highwaymen paintings will be on display. www.cummer.org
The FCCJ Artist Series, brings Broadway shows to Jacksonville each winter and is adding the 2008-2009 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers to its schedule of programs. Southern Circuit provides a unique program where independent filmmakers and their films travel to communities throughout the South. Each presentation gives audiences the opportunity to view original films as well as meet and interact directly with the independent filmmakers. The program is the only regional touring film series in the country. Films will be previewed at Florida Community College Jacksonville campuses throughout the region through April 2009. www.artistseries.fccj.org
The Florida Theatre will be celebrating its 25th anniversary of the 1983 reopening on Oct. 1. As part of the First Wednesday Art Walk, the Florida Theatre will commemorate its anniversary. There will be historical photos, prize giveaways, entertainment, wine specials, a scavenger hunt and more!
The Florida Theatre also has a busy season lined up with great performances scheduled throughout the fall. The Florida Forum, an annual speaker’s series, kicks-off with Michael Beschloss on Oct. 7 and continues on Nov. 6 with Dennis Miller. The legendary Tony Bennett comes to town on Oct. 17. Jason Mraz is in concert Dec. 2. Just in time for the holidays, A Peter White Christmas is performed on Dec. 16. Keep up the holiday cheer with the Last Comics Standing Live Tour on Dec. 26. www.floridatheatre.com
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (JSO) announced its participation in Downtown Vision’s First Wednesday Art Walk, held monthly in Downtown Jacksonville. A highlight of the symphony’s participation include a celebration of the 5th anniversary of Art Walk with a performance of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony on Nov. 5 in Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. Music Director and Principal Conductor Fabio Mechetti will give insights into the work of Beethoven accompanied with orchestra performances of excerpts from the artist’s famous masterpiece. www.jaxsymphony.org
This fall the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) will showcase some of the world’s most beloved masterpieces in miniature form. Richard McMahan’s Mini Museum exhibit features recreations of paintings, like da Vinci’s Last Supper, van Gogh’s Starry Night and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. The details are astonishing!
MOSH also celebrates the holidays starting with Halloween. The museum is transformed into a haunted one with scientific experiments, ghoulish games and ghost tours of temporarily haunted exhibits. Costume and scream contests will also be part of the action at this annual frighteningly fun fall festival Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Beginning in November, visitors must check out the annual holiday exhibit Trains where MOSH visitors will be taken on a train-filled journey as they learn about Jacksonville’s rich railroad history. www.themosh.org
The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena has a packed line-up this fall with concert performances by Dolly Parton on Oct. 21, Nine Inch Nails on Oct. 29, Neil Diamond on Oct. 30, Sugarland on Nov. 6 and others. University of Florida basketball also returns to the Arena, this time taking on the University of Central Florida Knights on Dec. 20. www.jaxevents.com
Restaurants
This fall, The Avenues Mall will feature a new dining establishment, PORCÃO-RIO’S Churrascaria. The restaurant is a full-service Brazilian Steakhouse featuring a parade of delectable cuts of meat brought to the table on skewers. The dining experience also includes unlimited visits to a fabulous buffet, which features a wide variety of salads, cheeses, vegetables, hot dishes and even sushi. www.simon.com
In support of the national charity Share Our Strength®, the non-profit leader in the fight to end childhood hunger in America, The Capital Grille is serving-up a $1,000 martini. Each drink is adorned with a White Topaz and Diamond Caviar™ Rope Bracelet, a stunning, limited-edition piece by acclaimed designer Steven Lagos. This unique martini will be served Nov. 24-Jan. 3. www.thecapitalgrille.com
Just in time for football season and the holidays, Dave & Buster’s has introduced its line of small party platters. Choose from the All-American Platter, Wings N Things Platter or Backyard BBQ Platter – each perfect for groups of 10-20 guests. www.daveandbusters.com
Roy’s in Jacksonville Beach was recognized by Wine Spectator magazine with its coveted Award of Excellence. The magazine’s annual awards are considered to be the definitive guide to the best restaurants in the world for wine. Restaurants are selected by the Wine Spectator’s judging panel of wine experts, connoisseurs and editors on the basis of a “well-chosen selection of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.” www.roysrestaurant.com
A favorite Jacksonville lunch spot, Tidbits Restaurant, is now offering its famed Clara’s Potato Salad and Chicken Salad at Gate Convenience Stores. The salads will be delivered daily to ensure freshness and will be available seven days a week. www.tidbitsfood.com
Shopping, Sports & Adventure
Carnival Cruise Lines sets sail once again this fall from JAXPORT’s Cruise Terminal. The Fascination departed Sept. 20 and continues service through 2010. The ship, larger than the previous ship sailing from Jacksonville, offers four-day cruises to Freeport and Nassau and five-day cruises to Half Moon Cay/Key West and Nassau. www.carnival.com
Jacksonville’s cooler fall temperatures beckon nature enthusiasts aboard Ecomotion Segway Tours. The fall migration of birds is underway and it’s one of the many natural wonders visitors can experience on a segway trip through the undeveloped island terrain of Fort George and Little Talbot Island State Parks - the only two state parks in Florida offering this unique way of touring. A tour of historic Kingsley Plantation is also a part of a segway tour offered. Local guides share what was learned on recent archaeological digs at the slave quarters, sugar mill and ancient Indian village sites. www.ecomotiontours.com
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens kicks-off its holiday celebrations with 21st Annual Spooktacular. The kid-friendly event features live entertainment, music, bounce houses, face painting and more! Children are encouraged to wear costumes and stop by treat-stations located throughout the zoo. The Halloween celebration takes place Oct. 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and Nov. 1. Milk and Cookies with Santa is scheduled for Dec 20-21. Kids will enjoy crafts, animal encounters, cookie decorating, holiday music and more. www.jacksonvillezoo.org
JaxParks announced, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens project is nearing completion. The new city park in Arlington near Mill Cove Road and 9A will enjoy its grand opening to the public on Nov. 15. The 118-acre preserve also has a 25-foot-deep ravine that was left over from a mining operation years ago and a loblolly bay tree that ties the state record for size. www.coj.net
Marineland recently announced three new additions to its dolphin population. Over the summer, three calves were born at the conversation center. Marineland dolphins boast a range of ages; the oldest dolphin in human care also lives at the center. www.marineland.net
Prime Outlets – St. Augustine will reveal its 90,000 square foot expansion and interior renovation Nov. 7-8. Twelve new designer stores will also debut. Brands include, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Cole Hann, Charlotte Russe, HUGO BOSS Factory Store, Juicy Couture, kate spade, Kenneth Cole, LOFT Outlet, Lucky Brand Jeans, Michael Kors, Papaya and Tail Activewear, offering everyday savings of up to 65 percent off regular retail prices. www.primeretail.com
Guest services centers at Jacksonville’s Simon malls, including The Avenues, Orange Park Mall and St. Johns Town Center will now feature the services of Ticketmaster retail outlets. Shoppers will have convenient access to event information and ticket purchases for a variety of area attractions and entertainment, including sporting events, museums, theatrical performances, family shows and more. www.simon.com
St. Johns Town Center is also hosting its second annual tree lighting event, “Lighting of the Great Tree,” complete with holiday entertainment, live music, food sampling, the arrival of Santa Claus and more! The event will take place on Nov. 15 in Phase II of the center, near Cantina Laredo. www.simon.com
The World Golf Hall of Fame will feature one of golf’s greatest ambassadors in a special exhibition, “Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memories,” that will open in conjunction with the 2008 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Nov. 10. The exhibit will be the Hall of Fame’s showcase member exhibition through 2009 and will offer the largest collection of Hope golf memorabilia ever available on public display. www.wgv.com
Services
Amelia River Cruises has added Cumberland Island Ferry services to its menu of excursions. Ferry service leaves historic Fernandina Beach for St. Marys, GA several times a day Thursday through Saturday. Roundtrip fare is $15 for adults. www.ameliarivercruises.com
Irene Parfums, a creative perfumery located in Jacksonville, will release its latest creation in December. Consumers will soon see a fragrance designed for internationally known "Latin Idol" Jon Secada. Irene Parfums is also well known for their bespoke fragrances, a scent customized for an individual. www.ireneparfums.com
Passengers taking part in the Preferred Traveler program at Jacksonville International Airport (JIA) now receive discounts at Urban Golf, a unique indoor golf entertainment experience. Urban Golf offers a 10 percent discount for products and $50 off annual memberships for Preferred Travelers. www.urbangolfindoors.com and www.fly-vip.com
Special Events
“Jacksonville Salutes the U.S. Navy,” held along the Downtown waterfront, commemorates the 296th anniversary of the U.S. Navy in Jacksonville and the 20th anniversary of the city’s Navy Memorial. Weekend festivities, Oct. 11-13, include live entertainment at The Jacksonville Landing, tours aboard the USS Stephen W. Groves, Navy memorial rededication ceremony, fireworks and more. www.coj.net
The Southern Women’s Show, scheduled Oct. 16-18 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center will have many celebrity appearances, cooking demonstrations, fashion shows, health and beauty advice, decorating ideas and more. Celebrities making an appearance include, dancing with the stars contestant and actor Cristián De La Fuente, Hannah Montana’s Jason Earles and HGTV’s Garage Sale Lady Shelley Kincaid. www.SouthernWomensShow.com
Jacksonville shows its military pride during the NAS Jacksonville Air Show, Oct. 25-26. The spectacular event at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, includes ground displays, activities and air performances, featuring the famed Blue Angels. www.nasjax.navy.mil.
The Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic, Nov. 1 was named one of the top 10 football rivalries by ESPN. The University of Florida Gators take on the University of Georgia Bulldogs at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Festivities and pep rallies take place throughout the weekend. www.flga.org
The inaugural Family Art Fest & Salute to the Troops is scheduled for Nov. 8-9 in historic St. Nicholas at Midtown Centre Office Park. The event will showcase the arts and culture of Jacksonville, while saluting active duty military personnel and veterans.
World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony class of 2008 includes Pete Dye, Denny Shute, Carol Semple Thompson, Herbert Warren Wind, Craig Wood and Bob Charles. The newest members will be inducted on Nov. 10 and featured in a new exhibit at the World Golf Hall of Fame Museum. The event takes place on an outdoor stage adjacent to the Hall of Fame and is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. www.wgv.com
The City of Jacksonville honors America’s heroes with a fantastic Veterans Day Parade through Downtown on Nov. 11. Marching bands sound the drums as lively balloon floats soar above the streets during this celebration of “Honor and Remembrance.” www.coj.net
Downtown Jacksonville’s St. Johns River is transformed into a spellbinding display of lights as the region’s finest boats and captains parade magically decorated vessels down the river during the Jacksonville Light Parade, Nov. 29. This enchanted night is topped off by an unbelievable fireworks display over the St. Johns, featuring the city’s signature “waterfalls” fireworks. www.coj.net
Konica Minolta Gator Bowl tickets are now on sale. The annual NCAA football match-up takes places Jan. 1, 2009, pitting a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference against a team from either the Big 12 Conference, the Big East Conference or Notre Dame. The game is televised nationally on CBS.
Sports fans will want to purchase “THE PATCH”, the official membership program of the Gator Bowl Association and sponsored by the employees of W.W. Gay. For just $5, participants receive a commemorative Konica Minolta Gator Bowl PATCH and earn great benefits, including invitations to PATCH parties and member-only events, plus free services and discounts at participating area restaurants, entertainment venues and golf courses. Through Jan. 8, 2009 “THE PATCH” members receive discounts at Dave & Buster’s, Gate Petroleum, Adventure Landing, Windsor Parke Golf Club and more. www.gatorbowl.com
The former Bausch & Lomb Tennis Tournament, the annual Women's Tennis Association tournament previously held at Amelia Island Plantation, will move to Sawgrass Country Club in 2009. The tournament will also get new sponsorship from Jacksonville-based MPS Group and a new name, the MPS Group Championship. www.octagon.com
Visit Jacksonville News
Meetings & Conventions, a publication catering to national and international meeting planners, has awarded Visit Jacksonville the prestigious Gold Service Award for 2008. The organization was chosen for the fifth consecutive year by meeting planners as one of the top convention and visitors bureaus in the world for its professionalism and dedication to quality service when planning meetings and conventions.
The meeting planner readers of Meetings & Conventions made unprompted recall selections of the best convention and visitors bureaus in the world, based on key criteria including professionalism of staff, support on hotels and site inspections, assistance with ground transportation planning, guidance on local attractions and liaison with local vendors and services.
Visit Jacksonville will be featured with all of the award winners in the November 2008 issue of the magazine.
Real Travel Adventures Web Magazine
Thanks for visiting us!
Subscribers:So that your free subscription is not mistaken for spam,
Please copy & paste our E-mail address into your address book: mail@realtraveladventures.com
It's that simple!
Real Travel Adventures International Magazine
Adventure Travels in your Free Ezine
If any links don't work
EXCITING NEWS!
CLICK HERE TO HEAR US LIVE
11:30 A.M. (NY time) some Wednesdays
EVERY Wednesday get Latest Travel Tips and views while you work on your computer
Streaming Internet broadcast on WWW.TTRN.COM "Talking Travel with Roy Lowey and Friends"
Every Wednesday 11 A.M. (New York Time)
Thanks for visiting us!
Real Travel Adventures International Magazine
Real and Armchair Travelers: Enjoy best trip reviews, travel features, and excellent travel photos in RealTravelAdventures.com, your FREE on-line international magazine. Send your funny or outrageous travel experiences & photos and get published!
Visit or dream of fascintating places with Real Travel Adventures e-zine! This site offers travel humor, photos, stories, helpful guidebooks, and more. Visit for fun or to seek tips for your next travel adventure...and then share your own stories with us here at
realtraveladventures.com, your free online travel magazine, where you'll find great book reviews, international travel adventures magazine, airline tickets, real travel adventures, camping, RV travel, RV's, Cruises, restaurant reviews, RVing, FamilyTrips, traveling with kids and children, Nature and eco trips, ecology, international travel, Ski Trips, Spas, Spiritual Retreats, interviews with Special People, Travel Humor, Travel News, Unbelievable, WeddingTrips, restaurant reviews and advisor, traveling adventures, adventure travels, travel, virtual and armchair travel, Back Roads, off the beaten path, where to go Camping and enjoy RV trips, where to Dine and Sleep, fun Family Trips, our Favorite Finds, Arts and Crafts, cruises and cruise vacations, romantic trips, traveling tips, travel stories, audio book reviews for your travels, books reviews, good books for a trip, wedding trip planner, wedding Trips, Honeymoons, Unbelievable adventures, Travel News, humorous travel stories, spas and retreats, spiritual retreats, meditation retreats, ski trips, week-end trips Near You, nature's Best places, ecology trips, travel guide books, traveling with children, e-zines, FREE Ezines, Free travel magazines, magazine, free online magazines, internet magazines, free magazine subscriptions, web magazines, true stories, humorous articles, funny features, human interest features, nature photos, environment photographs, photos, adventurous stories, real true stories, true adventrues, camping gear, vacation, holidays, safaris, Caribbean vacations, cheap hotels, great places to go, nature hikes, nature photography, family vacations, family holidays, trip planner, great trips, scenic photos, holiday vacations, holidays, holiday stories, foreign destinations, International travel trips. And you can Get published here too! Send us your travel stories and pictures.
© 2007 Bonita Productions Inc.
If you wish to use our features or photos you must first contact us