Along the A1A Ocean Islands Trail Jacksonville’s Beaches | Mayport | Broward House | Kingsley Plantation | Big Talbot | Downtown Fernandina Marlin & Barrel Distillery in Fernandina | The Pétanque Courts of Fernandina | American Beach: Under the Blue Bottle Tree with Marsha Dean Phelts | Amelia Island Culinary Academy | Amelia Island Downtown Tasting Tour | The First Coast’s Only AAA Five Diamond Restaurant: Salt at Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island Every place has a story, stitched together with humble beginnings and historic figures to create a living narrative. In very few places can you travel along a timeline of a region’s history as it unfolds before you. The …
Read More »Shrimpin’ Ain’t Esay
Let me start off by telling you how much shrimp I eat: A LOT, but it wasn’t until a international journalism course with Professor Nicolas Tatro that I really began to question the source of my seafood and the importance of sourcing seafood locally. Shrimping has been a vital aspect of Northeast Florida’s commerce since the early 1900s when Greek boat builders Michael Tiliakos and Demetrios Deonas moved to Fernandina Beach. Using larger engined boats with the ability to trawl larger nets, they helped establish Fernandina as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. By …
Read More »Fishing in Northeast Florida: Jacksonville is a Fisherman’s Paradise
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 …
Read More »Mayport Road gets a New Mural at Word Revolt Art Gallery
Artists, merchants and property owners in can add a little color to the city and give it a new sense of place. A public art grant is available to encourage businesses along the commercial strip leading to to incorporate their own vision and help redefine the sagging Mayport corridor. Word Revolt Art Gallery located on Mayport Road is the first recipient of the city’s public art grant program adopted last year. Owners Theresa and Todd Rykaczewski will lead installation of a new outdoor mural on the south facing wall of The Shoppes of A1A North with a painting party Nov. …
Read More »#EATUPJAX: Restaurant Openings, Closings, and New Locations in the Local Jacksonville Food Scene
#EATUPJAX: Local Food News From the Folks at is open at the Markets at Town Center, which is just south of the . The grocery chain, based out of Phoenix, provides shoppers with an organic and healthsome selection. This is their first in the Jacksonville area, but there are plans to open up a second on Beach Boulevard. We’ve had quite a spate of specialty grocers opening in the Jacksonville area, places like Sprouts, something that the owners of cites as the reason they’ll be closing all three of their locations. opened the first Native Sun here in Jacksonville …
Read More »Water View Dining Around Jacksonville, The Beaches, and St. Augustine
The First Coast doesn’t lack for food and drink with a view, specifically a water view. Here’s a rundown of a few of the places you can find with varying water vistas. For a view of the St. Johns River and , there are two places you might try: the River City Brewing Company (835 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, 398-2299) and Charthouse (1501 Riverplace Blvd, Jacksonville, 398-3353). If you go to the Charthouse for the view, it’s a good idea to come during happy hour for bar snacks. Prices are exceptionally high on their dinner menu. River City Brewing Company is more …
Read More »Celebrate Independence Day! 🇺🇸 14 Ways to See Fireworks & Other 4th of July Events Around Jacksonville
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS ON THE FIRST COAST July 3rd Independence Day Celebration at the Ballpark The are proud to give away patriotic Jumbo Shrimp caps to the first 2,000 fans through the gates! Stick around post-game for the largest fireworks show of the season. Secure your tickets NOW because this game will sell out! You can purchase online, or avoid fees by purchasing over the phone (904-358-2846). Tickets start at $5! July 4th Throwback Baseball Game The tradition carries on July 4th, 4-7pm, as the Westside and Eastside (of the ) battle it out on the baseball field for bragging …
Read More »Dishes of Fishes 🐟 Tasty Seafood From Restaurants in Jacksonville & The Beaches of Northeast Florida
Local Seafood Dishes Northeast Florida has a strong Southern food game, but we also shine when it comes to dishes from the water, sometimes from unexpected places. While places such as , , and others that specialize in seafood are local favorites, there are a number of from-the-water dishes that residents love, even in places that don’t have seafood front and center. At on the , there’s three dishes we recommend, depending on what you’re craving. For a lunch item we think their fish sandwich is a winner. It’s served in their bento box with their shoestring fries, which are …
Read More »10 Facts About Fishing in Florida
Florida is a killer place to cast a line. In addition to 4 million resident anglers, approximately 2 million people visit Florida to fish annually. Fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry. From major tournaments to laid-back fishing along the , there’s a bit of something for every taste and talent. Here are 10 facts you should know before you catch fish in Florida. If you’re 16-65, you need a freshwater fishing license. For those under 16 or developmentally disabled, a license is not required. Florida residents 65+ qualify for a free Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate. For those ages …
Read More »Finding Home: Military Relocation and Retirement on the First Coast
It’s moving season. Each summer, approximately 200,000 military families relocate from their current duty station to their next set of orders. May 15-August 31 is peak PCS (Permanent Change of Station) season, with 65% of military moves occurring during this timeframe. The local impact is huge. Northeast Florida’s military presence is the third largest in the country, with area military installations like Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Naval Aviation Depot Jacksonville, Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, and Camp Blanding Joint Training Center. Each year, thousands of military families relocate to our area. …
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