The Gator Bowl Association

Jacksonville & the Beaches provide a perfect escape for the traveler seeking a vacation destination that captures the lifestyle and landscape of an authentic Florida experience.  An unmatched adventure in contrast, the sprawling northeast region of the state delivers a flawless display of breathtaking natural beauty balanced by a polished metropolitan flair.  History, culture, sports and nature intersect at a regional crossroads of southern charm and coastal cool.

Along the stunning St. Johns riverfront, a burgeoning arts district rises from a diverse downtown landscape, illuminating the heart of the city with sophisticated style, while endless stretches of pristine white sand beaches foster relaxation and revelry in the salty seaside air.  At the northern and southern borders, lavish resorts offer luxurious amenities infused with an historic old world flavor.  And in the secret niches far from the worn avenues of the beaten path, quaint neighborhoods are thriving in their unique individuality, adding to the character of the community and the joy of discovery for any visitor.

For decades, Jacksonville has quietly cultivated a loyal fan base captivated by the warm hospitality and vast array of entertaining activities found within the vibrant oceanfront community.  Though once considered Florida?s best-kept secret, the word is out and there is no greater time than now to experience the dynamic possibilities of Jacksonville & the Beaches.

Whether your preference is the ocean front, river front, downtown or near the interstate, the Jacksonville area offers a variety of accommodations to fit every budget.

Although just a short drive from Jacksonville, Amelia Island is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. The 13 miles of pristine, white sand beaches, ocean breezes softly caressing sea oats on the towering dunes, ancient live oaks and magnolias dripping with Spanish moss, serene marshes harboring a variety of wildlife, and a 50 block district of historic Victorian homes all combine to provide the perfect setting to enjoy some quality time.

Amelia Island has a wide variety of accommodations - from luxurious oceanfront resorts, comfortable hotels and motels, vacation rentals and historic bed & breakfast inns. Call (800) 2-AMELIA for information or visit on the World Wide Web at www.ameliaisland.org.

The historic charm of America's oldest city, 42 miles of pristine beaches, and some great golfing stories including those told at the World Golf Hall of Fame make this the area to call "home" during Gator Bowl Week. Whether you stay at one of the posh resorts in Ponte Vedra Beach, a historic hotel in old St. Augustine, or one of twenty-eight quaint bed & breakfast inns, there are accommodations to suit everyone's desires.

Established in 1565, St. Augustine's charm is found in four centuries of architecture, its beautiful bay front, narrow brick streets with overhanging balconies, secret gardens, and dozens of art galleries, antique shops, boutiques and fine restaurants. The story of the oldest city is told by thirty attractions ranging from zoological parks to museums, to historic sites including Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the United States.

Golf is first along Florida's First Coast, and nowhere is that more evident than in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches. It's where great stories and legends are made on courses like the TPC Stadium Course at Sawgrass, the Ocean course at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, or the newest legend builder, the Arnold Palmer - Jack Nicklaus collaboration The King & Bear at World Golf Village. There are 50 top rated courses along Florida's First Coast, all within a short drive.

You can book special Gator Bowl packages for St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches on-line at www.Getaway4Golf.com, or call today for your free vacation planner at 1-800-Old-City.