Folio’s Declassified New Years Eve Survival Guide

New Years’ Eve survival guide for people who hate new years’

Words by Carmen Macri and Ambar Ramirez

What is better than being bumper to bumper in a sweaty crowded college bar on new years eve? Fighting off the anxiety of finding some lucky stranger to be your new year’s kiss with Vodka Redbulls (so you don’t have to kiss your friend for the third year in a row) Nothing. (Kidding)

Only being 23, you’d think this would be right up my alley, but after the first new years eve spent at the beach bars (Surfer, Lynches, Hoptinger, etc…) I can confidently say, I will never do that again. It was fun for the first hour, but as the night dragged on and the already slim pickens for an eligible bachelor dwindled, the night got messier… and sweatier. Seriously. I mean what is the point of doing my hair and makeup when three hours in, my hair looks like I have just been electrocuted and my makeup looks like I just ran a marathon in a full face? 

If you’re like me and don’t want to spend the last night of 2022 fighting off men with bad BO, the Folio team has found a few things to do that don’t include feeling like a sardine. 

The Timeless Times Square Experience: 

Stock up your home bar with bottles and invite some of your closest friends over to watch the infamous ball drop from the comfort of your couch. Some obvious benefits to celebrating at home are that you don’t have to worry about finding a drunk ride home or worrying about dressing up and finding that perfect shimmery dress that will make you stand out against the bright fireworks. 

New Years’ Eve Shrimp Drop:

Not interested in watching the ball drop at 12 AM, head over to Front Street in downtown Fernandina Beach to watch a lit-up shrimp fall from the sky at 7 PM. It’s free (which is always good) and who wouldn’t want to see a giant shrimp descend from the heavens as a farewell to 2022? 

Build a Pillow-Fort:

Feed your inner child by building a giant pillow fort to bring in the new year. This is especially helpful if the sound of fireworks increases your anxiety. There is nothing worse than unwarranted fireworks especially if you live in a neighborhood that “does not shoot fireworks.” The fort can be (but not limited to) a pillow fort or a literal tent pitched in the living room (recommended) 

Mosh at the MOSH: 

If you are in the EDM scene, this one’s for you. G-Jones and Lab Group are hosting a New Year’s Eve party inside the MOSH in downtown Jacksonville on December 30th. Now, this one may be similar to the crowded bar fiasco, but at least there will be good music and good people. Tickets are selling for $40 

 

Black tie not so optional: 

Feeling fancy? Rather than spending New Year’s Eve in a dingy bar – head over to The Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island for their Black & White Gala. Luxurious food buffets, live music, and an open bar. Did I mention it is a masquerade? Are you kidding? This one is a little pricey, but it is definitely worth it. $335 to live out a Cinderella Story fantasy!? Worth it. 

 

Easy Breezy: 

Ya like jazz? You are in luck! Breezy Jazz Club is hosting an inaugural New Year’s Eve Extravaganza with Doug Carn on December 31st. Raffles, giveaways, champagne (complimentary) and more! Starting at 7pm, the party will be going on until midnight.