Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FREEBIRD LIVE
Fans of local-boys-done-good Lynyrd Skynyrd will want to pay homage at
Freebird Live
(
904-246-2473;
www.freebirdlive.com
;
200 N 1st St, Jacksonville Beach; 8pm-2am show nights),
a two-story music venue with wide verandas owned by the Van Zant family. The band's
founding lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and many of his bandmates died in a 1977 plane
crash; his younger brother Johnny took his place when the band reformed a decade later.
With two original members still in the lineup, Skynyrd rocks this joint when they're not
touring; there's plenty of memorabilia, too. But the Freebird is way more than a shrine.
With an intimate stage and great acoustics, it has carved out a reputation as one of the
nation's best small music venues. In addition to giving local talent a stage, past acts have
included Willie Nelson, the Killers and George Clinton.
Getting There & Around
about 18 miles north of downtown on I-95, is served by major and regional airlines and
car-rental companies. If you're not renting a car, a cab downtown costs around $35. Other-
wise, follow the signs for shuttle services: there are numerous licensed providers and re-
servations aren't necessary.
Pearl St)
is at the west end of downtown. The
Amtrak station
( 904-766-5110;
www.amtrak.com
; 3570 Clifford Lane)
is 5 miles northwest of downtown.
buses and trolleys around town and the beaches (fare $1), as well as a scenic, if underused,
river-crossing Skyway (monorail).
Jacksonville Area Beaches
The stretches of beach closest to Jacksonville are delightfully sparse. Moving from south
to north,
Ponte Vedra Beach
is the posh home of the ATP and PGA golf tours: golf
courses, resorts and mansions are here. Urban
Jacksonville Beach
is where to eat, drink
