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Jacksonville, FL: Fountain of Youth, of Sorts
Relax on the beach while soaking up some southern sunshine, citrus, and seaspray--all nearly as revivifying as a true Fountain of Youth.

Local flavors: The sea creates bounty, so get your conch fritters, seafood soup, oysters, and shrimp prepared in infinite ways. Craving hard-shelled crustaceans? Get them at Joe's crab shack at Atlantic Beach. If you've had enough of seafood, head to local chain Sonny's for savory southern-style pulled pork.

Chill-out spot: Within easy reach, the southern Georgia coast is liberally dotted with idyllic islands reachable only by bridge or ferry. With its bike trails, sublime swimming beaches, ritzy golf courses, and solitary stretches of coast perfect for fishing, horseback riding, and canoeing, Jekyll Island is an anachronistic beach lover's dream.

Place we love, even if it's touristy: The horseshoe-shaped Jacksonville Landing is located along the St. John's River, where tons of sailboats bobble. This mall-like area along the waterfront is filled with restaurants and boutiques, and is a fun place for people-watching, especially on weekends when the scene is usually accompanied by fireworks and live music.

Get out of dodge: Just an hour south of Jacksonville lies St. Augustine, the oldest city in America, and fabled home to the Fountain of Youth. Discovered by Ponce de Leon, this charming town features buildings made of coral and seashells. Come here to eat old-fashioned fudge, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, and stroll along cobblestone streets.

The real deal: The sport of skateboarding is alive and well at the Kona Skatepark. Watch from the sidelines as the pros take tricky turns--or, if you're feeling the effects of the Fountain of Youth, you can rent the necessary equipment and take to the pavement yourself. Parents and seniors get in free everyday, and group and private lessons are available.

Did we mention it's free: "Finder's keepers" is the policy if you find arrowheads along the coast. Chances are, they once belonged to the native Timucuan Indians. Those with a good eye can distinguish these treasures from the colored seaglass and spectacular seashells, which also make fabulous free souvenirs.

Where the locals go: Jacksonville's new Alltel Stadium is proud home to the Jaguars pro football team, and plays host to the annual Gator Bowl, complete with skydivers, marching bands, and pulse-pounding dashes towards the end zone. To witness a true rivalry, try to score tickets to the yearly NCAA University of Florida versus University of Georgia match-up.