Outdoors

Have you ever thought, “man, I would love to go off-road on a Segway but I just don’t know where to do that”? If so, I have some great news for you. Going on an off-road Segway tour is totally a thing you can do in Jacksonville! offers tours of Fort George Island two to three times a day, six to seven days a week (depending on the season and demand). We took a tour with them, and it was not only fun but informative. We met our guide, Nick, at their Segway shed just across the road from the …

New Public Art and BARGE Event Series Will Help Activate Downtown Adding to the exciting wave of Downtown renewal, the new, improved Southbank Riverwalk opened today with an event at Friendship Fountain. Mayor , Council President , Councilmembers ,  and , and other city leaders announced new features and opportunities in celebration of the opening of this renovated  centerpiece. “This newly redesigned  will add even more momentum to our Downtown riverfront and serve as a destination for our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Brown. “This new 4,000-foot Riverwalk provides a unique experience for the public to enjoy our treasured St. …

There are lots of fun events and festivals going on in Jacksonville this spring, but make sure you add the Northeast Florida Veg Fest to your calendar. This festival is more than a great food and beer selection. Veg Fest, presented by , a Jacksonville-based nonprofit focused on animal, health and environmental issues, connects people to local businesses that prove profits and principles can go hand-in-hand. Come relax at the park and enjoy gourmet popsicles, innovative nachos, stonecore pizzas and Jamaican specialties from  out of Gainesville, Florida. Sit in the  beer garden and listen to live music from  and the …

Location is everything for one of the oldest established neighborhoods in Jacksonville. Once known as , the northern point of Arlington now boasts the  residential development, along with one on Jacksonville’s most user-friendly parks. Nestled just between the city and the sea, Blue Cypress offers a view of the city skyline as a reminder of the busy metropolis just minutes over the Mathews Bridge. A quick trip east promises toes in the sand in just under a half hour. A combination of country club amenities and rustic tranquility, fresh air and sunshine can be found at the Blue Cypress park. …

“Follow the trail. It is well marked. The alligator will be on your right and the black goats on your left.” These were the intriguing instructions I received on my quest for the  at  on Arlington’s Lone Star Road. I liked Tree Hill instantly when I saw a sign offering free compost at the front gate. I also liked the fact a staghorn fern roughly the size of a golf cart graced the entrance. Well-marked trails led to the office and to the helpful man who provided the garden location instructions. Because the trails close at 4pm, and it was …

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (JZG) proudly announces the first successful gorilla birth in its history. The adorable infant was born the morning of February 6 to mother Bulera, and father, Lash. The newborn will debut on exhibit with mom on Sunday, February 8, pending weather conditions. Our vet and animal staff are closely monitoring mother and baby, but will only offer assistance if needed. Bulera and Lash were recommended to breed by the  (SSP). The Gorilla SSP is a group of zoo professionals who cooperatively manage the gorilla population at zoos accredited by the (AZA). They are responsible for …