Don’t worry, you don’t have to go as far west you might think to make that vision a reality. You’d imagine yourself trotting at an easy pace through wide, open spaces that scream Americana where buffalo roam. The then “Municipal Zoo” was eventually relocated to its current location in 1925 and now encompasses 92 acres. Obviously, things have since changed, including its name. Jax Trivia: The original zoo opened in historic Springfield in 1914 with one red fawn deer. From a horticultural standpoint, the Jacksonville Zoo is unique in its take of incorporating a botanical garden into the exhibits and pathways and includes themed pocket gardens. Then there’s Stingray Bay, an interactive exhibit where guests can feed and pet the stingrays. What other species can you see? Let’s start with the Giraffe Overlook’s elevated viewing platform, which allows you to look the African Savannah’s gentle giants in the eye. The innovative design brings you closer than ever before to great apes and primates.
Animals traverse above guests and watch curiously from a trail system that connects to the tree. Walk on the Wild SideĪs zoos have embraced more natural habitats as a way to exhibit their species, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been on the forefront of the trend – with its Range of the Jaguar exhibit in 2004, the Land of the Tiger in 2014 and more recently, the African Forest.Ī magnificent 40-foot Kapok Tree dominates the African Forest, an iconic structure that serves as the heart of the exhibit where gorillas, lemurs and monkeys climb and play. Other local favorites are the egg and veggie layered Breakfast Pie, Huevos Rancheros big enough to share and the Croissant French Toast. If you haven’t tried fried chicken and waffles, this is your chance – theirs is served with strawberry butter.
We did say the portions were large, right? Think a pancake the size of dinner plate, 12 inches in diameter. This is the kind of place where you’re just as likely to see twentysomethings working on their hangover cure and discussing the previous night’s shenanigans as you are to see three generations of a family celebrating a milestone. Also, the wait has always been like this, long before Duff Goldman and “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” came to town. Don’t be nonplussed if you see people gathered outside waiting. If you answer yes to one (or both) of these questions, then these Jacksonville adventures will make you go “aww.” Animal Appetiteĭo treat yourself to a deep dive for breakfast at Metro Diner’s original location in San Marco, where the service is friendly, portions are large and coffee is plentiful. Did you frequently watch the live stream waiting for April, the giraffe, to give birth to Tajiri at a New York zoo? Do you think Bengal tigers look like majestic predators, but wish they were cuddly like a house cat?
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