Southeastern roundup: Four great zoos

By Marnie Kunz

For the AJC

Long summer days can turn heated in more ways than one when kids, faced with too much free time, become bored. What better time to plot an escape from the routine for the whole family with an animal-centric vacation that includes a visit to one of the Southeast’s many outstanding zoos.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Jacksonville

Jacksonville Zoo brings critters from across the globe to geographically themed sections of the 120-acre park located on the north side of the city. The zoo includes more than 2,000 animals, occupying homes ranging from the Outback-style Australian Adventure to the tranquil, koi-filled pools at the Asian Bamboo Garden.

“One thing that is really different about our zoo is that we integrate our gardens with the animal exhibits,” said Gina Stiles, the marketing and membership manager at Jacksonville Zoo. In addition to animals, the zoo features more than 1,000 plant species.

The Range of the Jaguar exhibit, winner of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Exhibit of the Year Award, offers the look and feel of a Mayan village, with jaguars strutting through enclosures laced with rocky waterfalls. The area includes other South American animals, as well. Find snakes, bats and reptiles in the Lost Temple and monkeys frolicking in the River’s Edge section. For children, Jacksonville Zoo includes a play park with mazes and obstacle courses and a perfect opportunity to cool off at the 4,000-square-foot Splash Ground.

$13 adults, $11 seniors 65 and older, $8 children ages 3-12, free for children younger than 3. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Open until 6 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the spring and summer. 370 Zoo Parkway. 904-757-4463, www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

Stay: The Riverdale. Located in a turn-of-the-century mansion, the bed-and-breakfast offers 10 luxury guest rooms and the Row Restaurant, as well as a pub on site, serving upscale, traditional American dining. The Riverdale is conveniently located within walking distance to Memorial Park and the scenic Riverwalk path along the St. John’s River, and it's less than 10 miles from the zoo. Rates $109-$189. 1521 Riverside Ave. 1-866-808-3400, www.riverdaleinn.com.

Eat: The Loop Pizza Grill. Serving pizza, burgers, salads, sandwiches, shakes, desserts and a kids menu. Entrees $10 or less. 2014 San Marco Blvd. 904-399-5667, www.looppizzagrill.com.

Info: Visit Jacksonville Office. 800-733-2668, www.visitjacksonville.com.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia S.C.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden sprawls across 170 acres along the Lower Saluda River and includes a 70-acre botanical garden. More than 2,000 animals live at the zoo in natural habitat exhibits. Endangered lemurs lounge on Lemur Island while elephants, monkeys and gorillas roam the African-themed Ndoki Forest. The zoo offers educational programs for children and teens, as well as a 3-D theater with animal-themed films.

$9.75 adults, $8.75 seniors 61 and older, $7.25 children 3-12, free for children 2 and younger. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Open until 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in the spring and summer. 500 Wildlife Parkway. 803-779-8717, www.riverbanks.org.

Stay: Inn at USC. A boutique hotel encompassing a historic mansion and 117 guest rooms located near the University of South Carolina campus, less than four miles from the zoo and within walking distance of shopping and dining. Rates $99-$199. 1619 Pendleton St. 1-866-455-4753, www.innatusc.com.

Eat: Lizard’s Thicket. Home-cooked Southern food served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Entrees $10-$12. 818 Elmwood Ave. 803-779-6407, www.lizardsthicket.com.

Info: Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors. 1-800-264-4884, www.columbiacvb.com.

Audubon Nature Institute, New Orleans

The Audubon Zoo carries out the Audubon Institute’s dedication to conservation with a tropical, New Orleans twist.

“We have a lot of natural advantages, including a canopy of live oak draped with Spanish moss, which helps keep the zoo cool in summer” public relations director Sarah Burnette said. The zoo focuses on tropical and subtropical species in keeping with the natural Louisiana climate. “It’s such a green zoo; there’s so much vegetation,” Burnette said.

Visitors can marvel at the pair of rare white alligators, observe the daily alligator feedings in the Louisiana Swamp area, feed giraffes, take in an elephant show, enjoy a sea lion show and hop on the Safari Simulator ride for a virtual tour of the jungle. Kids will want to cool off at the waterfall and wading pool at Monkey Hill.

$13.50 adults, $10.50 seniors 65 and older, $8.50 children 2-12, free children younger than 2. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and Mardi Gras. 6500 Magazine St.1-800-774-7394 or 504-581-4629, www.auduboninstitute.org.

Stay: Creole Gardens. The historic bed-and-breakfast in the heart of New Orleans is conveniently located one block from the city’s streetcar. Accommodations available in an 1849 mansion, renovated slave quarters and a renovated bordello. Rates $79-$399, depending on the season. 1415 Prytania St. 1-866-569-8700, www.creolegardens.com.

Eat: Jacques-Imo’s Café. Featuring Cajun and Creole cuisine with an updated twist. Popular dishes include shrimp and alligator cheesecake and lobster-stuffed shrimp. Entrees $18.95-$36.95. 8324 Oak St. 70118, 504-861-0886, www.jacquesimoscafe.com.

Info: New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. 1-800-672-6124, www.neworleanscvb.com.

Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, voted the Best Zoo for Kids by Parents magazine in 2009, is packed with kid-friendly features. The 56-acre zoo, home to more than 2,000 animals, allows children to feed stingrays, goats, giraffes, lorikeets and rhinoceroses, and they can ride llamas, ponies and camels. The zoo also offers animal-themed amusement park rides, including the Gator Falls Flume Ride and the Tasmanian Tiger Family Coaster.

$20.95 adults, $18.95 seniors 60 and older, $15.95 children 3-11, free for children 2 and younger. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas, with extended hours on a few select nights during the summer. 1101 W. Sligh Ave. 813- 935-8552, www.lowryparkzoo.com.

Stay: Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn. Located in historic Ybor City, Tampa’s Latin Quarter, the boutique hotel is located in a turn-of-the-century building, complete with hardwood floors, chandeliers, canopy and sleigh beds, and wrought-iron balconies. Rates $89-$209. 1915 Republica de Cuba. 813-241-4545, 866-206-4545, donvicenteinn.com.

Eat: CapdeVila’s at La Teresita. Specializing in Cuban and Spanish fare, as well as a children’s menu with American favorites such as hot dogs and hamburgers. Entrees $6-$10. 3248 W. Columbus Drive. 813-875-2007, www.lateresitarestaurant.com.

Info: Tampa Bay & Company. 813-223-1111, www.visittampabay.com.

Provided By Demand Studios