Nestled between the famously haunted cities of Savannah and St. Augustine, Jacksonville is not well known as a spooky destination. Yet our city has plenty of its own ghost stories and urban legends. If you’re looking for a scare this October, here are the top 10 haunted hangouts on the First Coast: The Florida Theatre 128 East Forsyth Street, Suite 300, Jacksonville, 32202 Since it opened its doors in 1927, Jacksonville’s Florida Theatre has hosted thousands of performances. The theater draws about 250,000 guests annually and Elvis Presley famously wowed the crowds here in 1956. Performances are so epic, some …

Numerous fish species, unbeatable weather, and a healthy fishing infrastructure make the First Coast a fisherman’s paradise. Our state offers 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline, 10,550 miles of rivers, 7,700 lakes, and countless ponds. The First Coast offers a multitude of options. From offshore saltwater fishing, surf fishing, bridge fishing, river fishing and plenty of freshwater ponds or lakes around, there are options far and wide. Inspiration That Lasts a Lifetime Former Jacksonville Beach Councilman and Mayor Rick Hale has been a fisherman in Florida’s waters for close to 70 years. The native’s passion for fishing was largely influenced by …

Fantasy and allegory unite in this classic children’s tale brimming with mysterious characters, smart puns, and delightful adventures.  The Phantom Tollbooth—a play by Susan Nanus based on the classic 1961 novel by Norton Juster—has long served as many young reader’s first foray into the world of science fiction and fantasy adventure. in enlivens the quirky tale for a new generation. Whether you’re a reminiscing reader sharing the story with your kids or grandkids or you’re entirely unfamiliar with the storyline but are looking for a family-friendly summer excursion, you’ll find a whole lot to love.   The story begins in the …

Her father rules an enchanting undersea kingdom. Her beautiful singing voice is the finest around.  Everything she could possibly require exists under the sea, yet Ariel knows deep in her soul that something’s missing. The teen wants what is impossible, and following her heart will upend her entire world. Fans of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, rejoice! brings this classic tale to life like you’ve never seen it before. With Broadway-worthy vocals, stunning costumes, and fabulous choreography, this show is perfect for the whole family. Or leave the kids or grandkids at home and reminisce your own childhood. Ariel and her …

Hang out beneath the pine trees, majestic Live Oak, and flowering Magnolias along the banks of the meandering Suwanee River while you take in all Florida has to offer. The largest art, music, and culture festival in the state is just around the corner and you’re invited. The 67th Annual , a three-day celebration spanning Memorial Day weekend, highlights the best of the state’s music, dance, stories, crafts, and food. With more than 300 scheduled performances and over 50 acres of festivities, this family-friendly event offers plenty of adventure. Come out for the music and stay for cultural experiences, great …

Prepare to be charmed and delighted as you experience a timeless coming-of-age story that will delight audiences young and not-so-young alike.  Fleming Island’s brings Little Women- A Broadway Musical to life in a sweet and homey way. Feel like a child again as you relive this classic tale, or discover it for the first time. You’ll instantly fall in love with sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March as they explore themes such as family, friendship, purpose, and fulfillment during the Civil War years. Written by Louisa May Alcott in 1868, the show debuted on Broadway in 2005 with a …

Quirky, fun, and entertaining, School of Rock: The Musical serves up a strong dose of humor paired with a lesson in self-acceptance and the life changing power of music. Dewey (Merritt David Janes) is a guitarist and rock-star wannabe who’s down on his luck. Kicked out of his band in favor of a cooler guitarist, he finds himself crashing with friends, Ned (Layne Roate) and Patty (Madison Micucci), who quickly tire of his freeloading ways and demand he pay rent. A phone call for substitute teacher Ned provides an unexpected opportunity. A prestigious private school needs a substitute teacher for …

To Listen Is to Understand Imagine how different a place the world might be if we took the time to listen with empathy and authenticity. Stories build understanding and reveal commonalities in an age of division. Since 2003, the independently funded organization StoryCorps has collected and archived 75,000 facilitated interviews with over 150,000 participants across the country (not including 150,000 additional interviews recorded and shared via the StoryCorps App). Archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, they compose the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered. StoryCorps aims to eventually impact every American life.    …