Travel & Tourism

  This month I sat down with the head distiller at Fernandina distillery Marlin and Barrel, Wyatt Griesemer, to talk about the history of the distillery and where it’s headed in the future. Previously a bartender with Restaurant Orsay, Griesemer has been working at Marlin and Barrel for over a year now. The distillery itself is fairly new, having only celebrated their two-year anniversary in March. He says that there are currently four full-time employees and that the basic practice is, “making booze in back, selling it in front.” It is a philosophy that seems to work out pretty well …

Setting Sail in 2019, Custom-Built Luxury Yachts to Bring the Iconic Ritz-Carlton Service and Style to Unique and Distinguished Destinations Around the World The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., part of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR), today announced its entry into luxury yachting and cruises – bringing the award-winning luxury hotel brand’s service and timeless style to sea. Created by The Ritz-Carlton and maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, in collaboration with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., The Ritz-Carlton will provide luxury hospitality service under a long-term operating agreement. Named The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, this venture represents a …

By Hallie Stevens, Timucuan Trail Parks Foundation, Inc. Dutton Island is really two Timucuan Trail parks: Dutton Island I (Dutton Island Preserve), managed by the and Dutton Island II (Dutton Island Park and Preserve expansion), managed by the . Both preserves consist of unspoiled salt marsh, pine flat woods, scrub, and live oak hammocks. The western edge of Dutton Island I is bordered by the . Eagles are commonly seen while fishing on the pier at the north end of the island. A curiosity at Dutton Island II are the random birdhouses along the hiking trails, high up in the trees. Dutton …

Since our boat motor gave out last year, St. Johns Riverkeeper has been relying heavily on volunteers like our River Patrol to help us investigate and communicate pollution spills and algae blooms. This summer, we are launching a fundraising campaign to purchase a new Kencraft from Sadler Point Marina, and are hoping to get back on the water soon. Having a boat is critical to the work that we do. Thinking about the prospects of a new patrol boat for got me thinking about all the great places to visit on the water for food and drinks. Rent a boat, …

We are extremely fortunate to live in an environment ideally suited for getting off your couch potato butt and get actively involved. Few other places offers the variety of resources being offered here in Jacksonville. Our mayor has just announced his new Journey To One – Every One In Every Zip Code Lives Well designed as a citywide health initiative to provide, strengthen and bolster initiatives that improve personal and community health throughout Jacksonville. Improving health is a journey. There are adventures in fitness waiting for you whether it be bicycling, hiking, paddling or strolling the many trails that abound …