Tennessee will take on Iowa in this year’s TaxSlayer Bowl (Jan. 2, 3:20 ET, ESPN) in one of Florida’s most underrated hot spots: the city of Jacksonville.

The game will be played at EverBank Field, home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and one of the most modernized stadiums in America. And what better place to ring in the new year than sunny North Florida?

Jacksonville may not be quite tourist hot-spot that fellow Florida markets Orlando, Tampa and Miami have become, but there is plenty to see and do no matter what strikes your fancy.

WHERE TO STAY:

  • Stay on the coast if you’re looking for some time on the beach. It might make your trip downtown and to the stadium a bit longer, but Jacksonville is home to some of the nicest shoreline in Florida. This is a particularly appealing destination for families traveling with children and hoping to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city. Options include the Amelia Hotel at the Beach and the Casa Marina Hotel.
  • Stay downtown if you’re traveling without small children and want to take in the history and culture Jacksonville has to offer. You’ll be closer to the stadium, but you may find yourself stuck in traffic if you hit the road at the wrong time of day. Downtown options include the Crowne Plaza on the Jacksonville Riverfront and the Omni Jacksonville Hotel.

RESTAURANT SUGGESTIONS

  • One of the best breakfast and lunch spots around town is the Maple Street Biscuit Company, and with three locations (one on the beach, one in San Marco and one near downtown) it’s easy to access no matter where you’re staying. As you can imagine, this place has some dynamite biscuits, served with the works, and it also claims one of the best sandwich lineups in town if you’re looking for a nice lunch option. ($$)
  • If you’re looking for a more elegant night on the town, trying grabbing dinner at the Orsay, located on Park Street. The Orsay will provide you with all the Florida seafood you could want, both on its lengthy dinner menu and its appetizing raw bar. If you’ll be in town on Sunday, check out the brunch menu as well. A beautiful atmosphere and a lengthy wine list should make for a great night out just outside the busy streets of downtown. ($$$)

THINGS TO DO

  • If you’re traveling from somewhere far off the coast, it might be worth spending a day or two at the beach. Not only is the shoreline lovely, but the area comes with its own collection of restaurants and attractions that fit the food of that part of town. There are tremendous dining options right on the beach, and plenty of casual shopping if you’re looking to get out and about while enjoying the Florida sunshine in the heart of winter. Visitors can go fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding if looking to remain active, and, of course, there’s plenty of space to lay in the sun and take a load off.
  • There are plenty of golf courses throughout the Jacksonville area, and no matter where you’re staying there’s certain to be a beautiful course nearby. Florida has always been a great destination to golf, and Jacksonville is no exception.
  • If you’re looking to broaden your horizons and take a more intellectual route, downtown Jacksonville is littered with museums and art galleries worth checking out. There’s the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center and plenty more. It’s also worth taking a look at the art galleries both downtown and in the Cork Arts District.

BARS

  • The Shanty Town Pub, located on 6th Street downtown, is a casual bar with a great beer selection and a relaxed atmosphere for visitors hoping to unwind after a long day of tourism (or rooting on your Vols). This spot is in walking distance from a number of lodging options in downtown, and could be the perfect spot to end a long day if you’re staying nearby.
  • Locals’ on Kings Avenue is another spot worth checking out if you’re looking to put back a few and get a little rowdy (a little rowdy, people). The atmosphere is a bit grungier than the Shanty Town Pub, and there’s no food on the menu, but if you’re trying to let loose and blow off a little steam this is your spot. The atmosphere is always lively, the jukebox has more variety than your iPod and the drinks won’t leave you disappointed.

GETTING TO THE STADIUM

Because EverBank Field is home to an NFL team, the stadium is actually more accessible than most throughout the country this bowl season. EverBank has plenty of parking to match its 77,000 seat capacity, but it’s located on the outskirts of downtown, meaning you might be subject to some traffic on your drive to and from the game. Leave for your tailgate a bit earlier and plan accordingly.

EverBank Field will also be offering the same shuttle service it offers Jags fans on Sundays. The shuttle is free and stops at eight spots throughout downtown and the adjacent suburbs, giving fans the option of avoiding traffic in favor of the shuttle. This is a great option if you’re planning to enjoy some adult beverages at the game, or if you simply hate being lost in a new city.