Jacksonville, Florida's Museum of Science and History, or 'MOSH', is a local and traveler's favorite destination. Featuring local history and science exhibits, MOSH is Jacksonville's most visited museum. The museum is perfect for families and adults interested in historical or science exhibits. Field trips for schools and homeschools are scheduled often.
Best and worst time to go to the Museum of Science & History
The best time visit the MOSH, between Labor Day and Memorial Day, is between 11:00 and 3:30. Though summertime visits will be busier, the museum will be just as enjoyable.
Must see/do at the Museum of Science & History
The Planetarium is a favorite stop within the museum, providing amazing weather-related films, a tour of the solar system and, for the little ones, Sesame Street movies. Priding itself on being the largest digital single lens planetarium in the country, the MOSH's Planetarium provides a state-of-the-art movie experience.
'The Body Within' core exhibit is a walk-thru of the human body, providing a unique and interesting look at how the human body works.
'Currents of Time' allows visitors to time-warp back 12,000 years to learn the history of Northeast Florida from the Timucuas to the '60s.
Admission to the Museum of Science and History
Admission prices are divided into the following three groups: Adults, children 3-12, and seniors, students and military. The ticket prices range between $6-10.
Parking and public transportation to the Museum of Science & History
There are two free parking lots for visitors, and also spaces within walking distances that offer paid parking. For those arriving by taxi, there is a circle drive in front of the museum that can be used as a drop-off location.
Food at the Museum of Science & History
Food and drink aren't allowed, and there are no food purchase options within the museum. Water fountains are in different locations of the museum.
Insider tip for visitors to the Museum of Science & History
The MOSH is a nursing free environment, allowing nursing mothers to freely breastfeed in public. They also provide access to St. Vincent's Healthcare First Aid Room, if privacy is preferred. Stroller rentals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are $2.00.
Author's bio: Debra Pamplin has been a freelance writer since 2008, and has been published on websites such as USA Today Travel, Yahoo and Coldwell Banker. Her bylines have appeared in magazines such as 'Floss', 'AAA Southern Traveler' and 'Missouri Life'.
Smack dab in an area once known as the Harlem of the South sits the Ritz Theatre and Museum, its neon red "Ritz" sign and corner striping the only remainders of the original 1929 music house. The venue houses a 400-seat theatre that hosts music, amateur nights, and theatrical events. The museum has walk-in exhibits designed to expose visitors to the history and ambience of the African American neighborhood.
Parking at the Ritz Theatre and Museum
Parking is free and plentiful.
Best and worst times to go to the Ritz Theatre and Museum
There really isn't a bad time to visit the museum, but it may be helpful to know that during late September to mid-October and in mid-January the Ritz installs new exhibits. During that period, often only the permanent side of the museum is open. One of the best ways to appreciate the Ritz Theatre and Museum involves planning ahead. Arrange to attend an event on a night the museum will be open. Get a drink at the theatre bar and stroll through the museum before your event starts. You'll get the full experience.
Admission to the Ritz Theatre and Museum
Museum prices are under $10 and include a free tour if you call ahead and make a reservation.
Must see/do at the Ritz Theatre and Museum
Make it a priority to see the Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing! animatronic exhibit that features James Weldon Johnson and his brother John Rosamond Johnson. With the late actor Ossie Davis voicing James and singer/actor Harry Burney voicing John, they speak about growing up in Jacksonville, their respective careers, and how they came to write "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing."
Other places to visit near the Ritz Theatre and Museum
More African American history memorabilia can be found a few blocks away in the Clara White Mission and Museum. Housed in the century-old Globe Theatre, it is the oldest African American mission in the state of Florida. Also nearby is the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, which is free. It's located in a massive Greek Revival structure with Doric columns that was built in 1921.
Insider tip for visitors to the Ritz Theatre and Museum
Pay close attention to the Ellie Lee Weems photography exhibit. Weems was an African American photographer who spent roughly 50 years documenting life in the Deep South. A number of visitors have been surprised to find relatives, and sometimes themselves, in his photos.
Author's bio: Freelance writer Barbara Merchant roams Jacksonville and St. Augustine with the experienced eye of a native and the open eagerness of a tourist.
Be on the lookout for wildlife and potholes as you make your way down the dirt road that leads to Kingsley Plantation. The historic site is maintained by the National Park Service and is part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Located on Fort George Island, Kingsley Plantation includes slave quarters, plantation house, kitchen house, a barn and visitors center.
Best and worst times to go to Kingsley Plantation
The place is at its busiest in February and March, but if you want to avoid the crowds, as well as the Florida heat and bugs, go during October and April.
Must see/do at Kingsley Plantation
Make the slave quarters your first stop. This is the largest collection of original tabby slave quarters in the United States. Call ahead to reserve a spot for one of the twice-a-day plantation house tours that are held only on weekends. The park permits no more than 12 people per tour because the centuries-old floors can accommodate only a limited amount of weight.
Admission to the Kingsley Plantation
There is no admission or parking charge. Even the recorded audio tours are free, but you will need a photo ID to check them out.
Parking and public transportation
Parking is free in a designated lot by the site. There is no public transportation.
Food at Kingsley Plantation
Picnicking is allowed on the grounds, but there are no established picnic areas. The bookstore sells bottled water, but no snacks or sodas.
Insider tip for visitors to Kingsley Plantation
Talk to the rangers. They have a wealth of stories to share about the place. Bring mosquito repellent.
Other places to visit
Little Talbot Island State Park and the Ribault Club are close by.
Author's bio: Freelance writer Barbara Merchant roams Jacksonville and St. Augustine with the experienced eye of a native and the open eagerness of a tourist.
