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Jacksonville, North Carolina has the distinction of being the youngest city in the United States with an average age of 22.8 years old,

which is due to the fact that Jacksonville has a large military presence as it is home of the US Marine Corps training facility, Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station. Jacksonville has good proximity to local beaches such as Hilton Head, South Carolina and North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks area.

Jacksonville offers indoor and outdoor activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year such as a Frisbee golf course, skate park and Splash Pad. There are miles of trails and greenways throughout Jacksonville where you can bike or take a leisurely stroll. The yearly calendar is full of fun festivities such as Oktoberfest, Winterfest, National Night Out, ArtBlock, Summer Concert Series, and the Jacksonville Jamboree. Read on to learn more about the best things to do in Jacksonville!

1. Lejeune Memorial Gardens

Lejeune Memorial Gardens is home to the Beirut Memorial, the Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Montford Point Marine Memorial, and 9/11 Memorial Beam from the World Trade Center. The Beirut Memorial is a tribute to the 273 Marines who lost their lives in Lebanon and Grenada on October 23,1983. It is set in a wooded site with beautiful landscaping.

The 9/11 Memorial houses a beam from the Twin Towers that was presented by the New York police and firefighters to the first troops to invade Iraq following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the second largest Vietnam Veterans Memorial after the memorial in Washington, DC. The Montford Point Marine Memorial honors the Montford Point Marines, African American Marines who served in WWII. The marines were the first to serve in the US Marine Corps.

2. Walton's Distillery

Walton’s Distillery is a family owned and operated business that became fully operational in 2013. To find it, go past the winding Black Creek Road and just beyond the bank of Black Creek you will find the small-batch distillery located on a site where numerous illegal stills had previously operated. Today, corn whiskey is legally made at the distillery. One of the unique aspects of the distillery is the naming of their spirits. The founder and owner, Donald Walton, names his spirits after family members and the labels bear the name of the family member. His first spirit, E.M. Walton’s Corn Whiskey, was named in honor of his great-grandfather.

Once the whiskey production was fully underway, Walton expanded his product offering by adding moonshine which is concocted in the traditional moonshine stainless steel still with copper condenser. Adding moonshine was his cousin, Norwood Rochelle’s, idea as he had made moonshine illegally for approximately 50 years in the woods of surrounding counties. The name of the moonshine is Junior Walton’s Authentic Carolina Moonshine, named after Walton’s grandfather.

3. Bayonet Enterprises Cruises

Bayonet Enterprises is a family owned and operated business that provides quality leisure experiences on the waterways of the New River in Jacksonville, NC. They offer a variety of cruises for all types of occasions and celebrations. Cruises include Let’s Do Lunch, Sunset Wine and Cheese, Champagne Brunch, Family Picnic, Sunset Dinner Cruise and longer cruises such as the 5 hour mini getaway, a six hour day on the water, and an overnight getaway. The boat is equipped with towels, soap, sunscreen, fleece, blankets and 1st aid items. Children under eight cruise free.

4. Lynnwood Park Zoo

Lynnwood Park Zoo is a beautifully landscaped park and is the only animal exhibit in Jacksonville and the Camp Lejeune area. The zoo displays over 80 animal exhibits, with many different species of exotic and domestic animals, reptiles, and birds from around the world such as zebras, wallabies, pigmy goats, sheep, alligators, python turtles, owls, emus, turkeys, geese, hawks and more. Visitors can meander along over a mile (1.6 km) of walkways between exhibits.

There is a nature center and a picnic area with tables at the entrance. Self-guided and guided tours are available too. Children can get up close personal with a hands on look at small animals, birds and reptiles on the guided tours. The zoo is an exceptional family destination, where visitors have learning opportunities, can stroll through leisurely nature trails, and enjoy a picnic before or after a visit.

5. Wilson Bay Park

Located on the New River, Wilson Bay Park is a perfect place for a picnic, fishing or catching a spectacular sunrise over the water. The picnic shelter, which holds approximately 60 people, is located right on the water and has playground equipment and restrooms nearby. Take a stroll along the waterfront on the boardwalk or head to the dock to fish, maybe even for some shrimp. At the end of the boardwalk over the water is a beautiful gazebo which is a favorite spot for weddings.

6. Shipwreck Island Waterpark at Adventure Landing

Cool off and have a blast at Shipwreck Island at Adventure Landing. This water park has a little bit of everything. Older kids and parents will get their adrenaline pumping on the Xtreme slides such as the Eye of the Storm and the Hydro Half-Pipe. The wave pool will be a hit for the whole family!

7. Peterbrooke Chocolatier Production Center

Take a tour of the Peterbrooke Chocolatier Productions Center located in San Marco Square. Meander the square to discover fabulous boutiques, art galleries, and the fountain of lions.

8. The Jacksonville Jaguars at Everbank Field

For an exciting night, watch the Jacksonville Jaguars play at Everbank Field where Super Bowl XXXIX was held. There are a variety of seating options to choose from including Field Seats, Club Tables, Spa Cabanas, Party Cabanas, and the Bar Rail. Be sure to visit the State Farm Fan Cave, which is air-conditioned and open to all ticket holders. If you have kiddos 12 and under, be sure to enroll them in the Jaguars Cub Club or Kids Club to receive special discounts and fun activities created just for them!

9. Museum of Science and History

Every member of the family will LOVE the Museum of Science and History. Be sure to visit the museum’s events page when planning a visit so that you don’t miss a thing! The MOSH is part of the ASTC Passport Program, and ASTC members get in for free. If not a member, save a few dollars by visiting on $5 Fridays!

10. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

There is plenty to do here; visitors can camp, surf, fish in the lake, hike, and bike. For the surfer in the family, be sure not to miss surfing at The Poles located in Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.

Here are a few more ideas for what to do in the area: Top 10 things to do in Irvine

From : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-jacksonville-nc-702213.html