My favorite spots in Jacksonville, FL
Well I did it! My first official vacation since the little dude- Ryder Jr. joined our household. And naturally, I had to return to the city I spent the last 8 years living in. So without further ado, let me share some of my favorite spots in the “Bold City”.
This used to be my go-to study spot during undergrad and graduate school. Bold Bean has 3 locations throughout Jax, but the Stockton street local is the OG. During my short stay, I had to go back for old times sake. I pulled out the laptop, ordered a dirty chai, and reminicensed while watching all the Riverside hipsters do their thang! I’m telling you, if you’re a coffee fanatic or just like exploring local coffee shops this is the place to go.
Out of ALL the cities I’ve lived in, I have NEVER found a hair salon quite like this. To say I will travel far and wide to get my hair done here is no exaggeration! Admittedly, I’ve fallen head over heels for my stylist, Martha, as we share the same hair language. But this place is truly for EVERYONE— with hair of all textures, styles, and shapes. PRO TIP: If you want to get your locks done you’ll have to make sure to book plenty in advance as this gem is no longer a secret around town.
Note: The Best of JAX magazine on the coffee table speaks for itself ;)
Fresh ingredients, luscious wine, intimate dining, what more could you want? Restaurant Doro is not only my favorite spot in Neptune beach, but also home of my first official fine dining job back in college. Yes, I was one of their first hostesses and still make it a point to come back. This last visit, I indulged in the kale & blood orange salad, flounder special, strawberry sorbet, and the DIVINE Chocolate Block wine to tie it all together. Can you say delicioso!?
This place has my heart! If I could stop by for a croissant and cappuccino everyday life would be too sweet! This past visit to JAX, I was so excited to check out their newest location. They renovated an old historic home in Murray Hill and now have a lovely garden for guests to sit outdoors. I had to order my “usual” and it was JUST as good as I remember! Now do yourself a favor and order one (or five) of their delectable baked goods to dine in or take home!
Located off Park Street, Cultivate is a store that is so much more than a regular home goods shop; it is a place that brings community together. They do this by supporting local goods, offering workshops, and leading communal events. It’s one of my favorite places to bring out-of-towners as they always walk away with a piece of Jax or two:)
Annnddd you’re welcome for the goat gif!
Last but surely not least, Congaree and Penn is one of those truly magical places that you can’t replicate anywhere else. A Floridan owned farm, this place is perfect for relaxing outdoors, dining, weddings, sunset tours, kids to play, dogs to run, and honestly for anyone who wants to step into a calmer pace and enjoy life. This was the last place I visited before hopping onto a plane back to the midwest and it couldn’t have been a better ending to my quick trip to JAX.
Whether you have JAX on your radar for the future, are a local, or someone new to town, I hope you found a few new places you’d like to visit!
Thanks for reading and as always share your comments below.
