There are many reasons why North Florida is such an wonderful place to visit (or live). The climate is spectacular; great for boating, golfing, surfing, fishing and other forms of sports and recreation. In addition, the area is rich in arts and entertainment, fine-dining, shopping and history. North Florida also offers miles of beautiful beaches and waterways, cultural pursuits from jazz and Scottish festivals, to hot clubs and remarkable, ethnically diverse restaurants.


Sunday, September 22, 2013

October Events in Jacksonville . . .

 
 

 



October events in the greater Jacksonville area from Halloween celebrations to the return of the Sea and Sky Spectacular Air Show to the Beaches. Here's a list of things to do in town from Visit Jacksonville.

October Events:
1-7. Jacksonville Senior Games "Forever Fit 50 & Beyond"
 
1-31. "Patterns" Juried Art Show at The Art Center Premiere Gallery
 
10-Nov. 25. "Phantom" at the Alhambra Dinner Theater
 
8. Columbus Day
 
 
11. The 18th Annual Barbara Ann Campbell Memorial Breakfast hosted by the Hubbard House
 
11. Forward Stroke Clinic with Ocean World Surf Champion and Olympic Athlete, Oscar Chalupsky. Presented by First Coast Outfitters in Jacksonville Beach.
 
12. Comedian Kevin Hart at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts
 
12. The San Marco Preservation Society hosts FREE Concert in the Park at Fletcher Park
 
12-14. Haunt Nights at Adventure Landing
 
12-14. Haunted Forest at Catty Shack Ranch
 
12-14. Night Terrors Haunted House on San Jose Blvd.
 
13. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra presents the Music of Queen at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts
 
13. Jacksonville Bullies vs. New Jersey Rascals at the Veterans Memorial Arena
 
13. National College Fair at the Prime Osborn Convention Center
 
13. The Human Race 5K walk/run at the St. Johns Town Center benefiting the Jacksonville Arboretum
 
13. The 2012 Jacksonville CureSearch Walk at the Jacksonville Landing
 
13. Dogtoberfest 2012 at Metro Park in Downtown Jacksonville
 
14. Mythbusters: Behind the Myths LIVE at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts
 
15-21. Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open at TPC Sawgrass
 
16-21. "Phantom" at the Alhambra Dinner Theater
 
17. Gin Blossoms in concert at Whisky River
 
18-21. The Southern Women's Show at the Prime Osborn Convention Center
 
18-21. Night Terrors Haunted House on San Jose Blvd.
 
19. Monster Mash 5K Dash and 1M Fun Run family event at the Jacksonville Expo and Fairgrounds
 
19-21. Jax Sea & Sky Spectacular Air Show in Jacksonville Beach
 
19-21. Haunted Forest at Catty Shack Ranch
 
19-21. Haunt Nights at Adventure Landing
 
19-31. Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
 
20. Halloween Doors and More at the Jacksonville Expo and Fairgrounds
 
20. Zombie Buffett 5K at the Jacksonville Landing
 
20. Folio Weekly's Oktoberfest at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre
 
20. The Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks host the annual A Day for Hope and Friends benefit at Amelia Island State Park
 
20. Bold City Brewery's 4th Anniversary Party
 
20-21. Irishwaterdogs Invitational Kayak Fishing Tournament
 
21. Yappy Hour Howl-O-Ween at the Jacksonville Landing
 
23-28. "Phantom" at the Alhambra Dinner Theater
 
25. One Ocean hosts the 2nd annual James Beard Benefit Dinner with Azurea Chef Ted Peters, Chef Tom Gray of Bistro Aix, Chef Matthew Medure of Matthew's and Chef Brian Siebenschuh of Orsay
 
25-27. Florida/Georgia Celebrations at the Jacksonville Landing
 
25-28. Night Terrors Haunted House on San Jose Blvd.
 
26. The 2012 Fall Zoo Camp at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm

26-27. Creatures of the Night, Trick-or-Treating at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm
 
26-31. Haunt Nights at Adventure Landing
 
27. Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic at EverBank Field
 
28. Symphony Spooktacular at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts
 
28. Eli Young Band live in concert at Mavericks Rock N Honky Tonk
 
31. Halloween
 
31. Night Terrors Haunted House on San Jose Blvd.
 
 
 

Saturday, August 31, 2013

It's not North Florida, but . . .

I love St Simons Island. And it's worth a look, if you ever find yourself in North Florida.


 

 
 
 
St. Simon Island, GA is home to fabulous beaches, golfing, charter fishing, spas and salons, and a variety of restaurants, fun events and entertainment for everyone. The unspoiled beauty of St. Simons and its distinctively charming beach lifestyle that is unhurried and under-developed are what make it so special.
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens

The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is a 120-acre urban woodland full of trails for you to explore and enjoy.





From the trailhead next to the parking lot, a stabilized walkway encircles a beautiful two-acre lake. This trail gently descends about 25 feet from to the foot of the lake and then returns up a gentle slope on the opposite side to the trailhead. Interpretive signs and over 100 labeled plants enhance the loop.

 
In addition, over two miles of rustic hiking trails wind quietly through a series of distinct ecological habitats.

Along the trails, benches invite you either to pause and enjoy the view or to get in a good stretch during a vigorous walk.

The Arboretum is developed and managed by the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, Inc., a non-profit entity that leases the land from the City. Except for special events, there is no admission fee.

 
 
 

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Ravine Gardens State Park . . .

A must see North Florida experience . . .





A ravine was created over thousands of years by water flowing from the sandy ridges on the shore of the St. Johns River.





 In 1933, this ravine was transformed into a dramatic garden by the federal Works Progress Administration. Much of the original landscaping still exists as formal gardens and an extensive trail system. 





 A 1.8-mile paved road winds around the ravine, offering motorists and bicyclists a view of the gardens. The Ravine Loop is closed to vehicle traffic one hour before sunset, but remains open for pedestrians, bicycles, and wheelchairs.




The garden's peak flowering period is azalea season, late January to April. Numerous picnic sites, equipped with tables and grills, are available to visitors. The Roy E. Campbell Civic Center complex features a large covered pavilion, auditorium, and meeting rooms that are available for rent. Located in Palatka at 1600 Twigg Street.




Saturday, July 13, 2013

Castaway Island Preserve . . .


Protecting more than 300 acres of coastal habitats along the meandering, estuarine San Pablo River, Castaway Island Preserve is a breezy spot to get away from the city neighborhoods and enjoy a breath of fresh air outdoors.







 A peninsula on the edge of suburbia, it’s its own world once you pass through the gates. Ibis and wood storks comb through the shallow marsh edges. Gopher tortoises lumber through the protected pine flatwoods of the island, which is surrounded by the estuary.






This is a gentle mile-long walk for all ages, well-interpreted and fun to follow – especially for kids – with plenty of benches and overlooks along the way.