This impressive building with 42-foot high Doric columns, 75-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings and handsome marble floors was once the nation's largest railway station. Restored and renovated, it now hosts meetings and conventions of varying sizes, including traveling shows, corporate and charity events. The 265,000 square feet (24619.3 square meters) of space boasts fully equipped kitchens and banquet facilities that can serve up to 3,000 and 22 separate rooms accommodating groups of 1,000. Plenty of lodging is close by, as well as a variety of dining and entertainment facilities at Jacksonville Landing.

Locals know all about the Morocco Shrine Auditorium as it is home to some of their favorite events and get-togethers. Located across the street from the University of North Florida off St Johns Bluff and Butler Boulevards, it is easily accessible from any part of town. A number of local events occur here including beer festivals, computer expos, craft shows and assorted club meetings open to the public. More than 28,000 square feet of rent space includes a dance floor or stage, if needed. The auditorium is home of the local chapter of the Shriners organization. Call for timings and more information on upcoming events.

Pedestrian Gallery focuses on contemporary art and features Southeastern US artists. It sponsors numerous shows and exhibits and helps local artists establish careers. In addition, the gallery promotes education in the visual arts with its Regional Artist Workspace (RAW), a center that holds monthly classes on everything from drawing and painting to bookbinding and portfolio review, along with art programs for kids. It is a great way to appreciate the variety of local and regional artwork.

Black Heritage Trail honors the African-Americans who have made a significant impact on state and regional history, mapping a trail of historic sites in both Duval and St Johns counties. Among the sites are American Beach in Amelia Island, Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, Catherine Street Fire Station No.3, Centennial Hall, Kingsley Plantation State Historic Site, Masonic Temple Building, Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church and more. Other tour sites are available in St. Augustine. Call for further details and directions.

Jacksonville Maritime Museum overflows with exhibits dedicated to nautical history, particularly that relating to the St. Johns River and the Port of Jacksonville. Browse through the artifacts from the Civil War and models of the Titanic, Florida's famous tugboat- The Three Friends, sailing ships and steamboats. A small gift shop sells an assortment of nautically themed collectibles and gifts. Volunteer help is always needed.

At Koger Gallery & Gardens Museum abundant natural and artificial lighting highlight display cases filled with delicate objects of art featuring Chinese ceramics and Asian culture. The museum's inaugural exhibit, entitled The Chinese Potter: Artists of The Millennia, remains on permanent display. Works by other Chinese painters, as well as some American and English painters, rotate through the museum's collections. Check in with the museum from time to time for special events (such as weekend concerts), when admission may be free.

In 1564 French explorers founded the first Protestant colony in the US along what is today the St Johns River. Fort Caroline National Memorial is a reconstructed fort commemorating its probable location. The Spanish seized the original colony and massacred its residents in 1565, so not much is known about these early pioneers. The site stretches across 130 acres overlooking the river and features a museum with French and Indian artifacts from the 16th century. Fort Caroline was established as a national memorial in 1950 and is 14 miles from downtown Jacksonville.

Soak in the fresh air at this oceanfront Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, which features a 1.5-mile beach, nature trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, stocked fishing lakes and serene beaches. Lifeguards keep a watchful eye on swimmers and refreshments can be purchased at concession stands. The lakeside swimming area has fountains and squirt guns. Boating, canoeing, hiking and biking facilities are also available, while lakeside tables and grills provide the perfect spots to relax.

Wat Khmer Savy Rattanaram is a Cambodian Buddhist temple in Jacksonville. Although it is tucked among homes on Clinton Avenue, the temple is one of the largest such temples in the United States. The large Buddha statue inside and many building materials were brought in from Cambodia. The size and shape of the temple is similar to the ones in Cambodia and has been built strictly according to Buddhist rules.

Established in 2006 by Turkish-Americans, the Amity Turkish Cultural Center is a non-profit educational organization. The center has Turkish language classes among other educational activities. There are Sunday meetings or you could pay a visit to the Turkish festivals celebrated there. Social activities include games and picnics, making for perfect community meet-ups. If you are a food lover, you could sign up for the Turkish cooking classes and luncheons to learn a new cuisine. A variety of events and performances are held regularly at the ATCC. Check the website for further details.