Jacksonville. Where Florida Begins.

 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . . Have you noticed that the holiday season begins earlier each year?  There were Christmas trees popping up in stores before we dressed our children in their Halloween costumes. 

While I'm sure this early arrival of the holidays may have some of you anxious, I'm quite excited about it this year.  Who knows if it's the early cooler weather or my new bundle of joy, but I'm ready. 

And for those of you with me, St. Johns Town Center is ready too.  While the fantastic Jacksonville Light Parade, Nov. 29, is the official kick-off to the season in town, St. Johns Town Center is getting a jump on all celebrations.  Saturday, Nov. 15, the Town Center invites families to the "Lighting of the Great Tree."

The event features live music, strolling entertainment and tasty food samplings leading up to lighting the majestic Christmas tree.  Holiday costumed characters, carolers, balloon artists and more will entertain the crowds starting at 5 p.m. and live entertainment begins at 7 p.m.  Santa comes to the Town Center too.  Event is celebrated in the courtyard near Cantina Laredo. 

I for one can't wait for this great excuse to start the holidays and my holiday shopping before we cut into our Thanksgiving turkey.  There are so many great events coming to Northeast Florida this holiday season.  More information on upcoming holiday celebrations is available on the Visit Jacksonville homepage.  

"You've never been to the Georgia-Florida game?" 

This question has been asked by a number of incredulous natives since I moved here nearly two years ago.  Last year, I traveled for a wedding (which always brought on another question..."who would have their wedding during Georgia-Florida?").  This weekend, I will get to see what all the fuss is all about from tailgating parties, pep rallies, RV City decorations, live entertainment at a number of Downtown Jacksonville venues and, of course, the showdown of two of the country's best college football teams.

Saturday, Nov. 1 marks the 86^th annual Georgia-Florida Football Classic (or Florida-Georgia, depending on which team has home status).  A Jacksonville tradition, this one event brings out the fanatic Bulldog and Gator-clad attire, face paint and a razzing of the opposing team's fans in good fun for a four-day collection of festivities.  It is a game that ESPN, College Football News, The Sporting News, Fox Sports and others have called one of the best college rivalries in the nation and we are excited to serve as the host each year.

Jacksonville is home to an abundance of college football games each year.  In addition to GA-FL, last month's River City Showdown brought Florida State and Colorado fans to Jacksonville resulting in a 39-21 FSU win.  The annual Gator Bowl, played each year on New Year's Day, pairs together an ACC team a team from the Big East, Big 12 or Notre Dame. 

Each game brings to Jacksonville loyal fans of their respective teams and even those locals who are just crazy about the sport, which, in Jacksonville, isn't hard to find. 

 

New York. Paris. San Francisco. London. Jacksonville. What?

OK, so Jacksonville isn't SoHo or the Paseo in Paris...but you don't have to leave Northeast Florida to find great art, either.

*Video courtesy of Phil Green and Jax Traxx Studios

Free parking is available after 6 p.m. all over Downtown, including the Duval Street Parking Garage (Duval/Main). Hemming Plaza is a good starting point for your maiden Art Walk voyage. Typically, more than 50 stations line the plaza with jewelry, clothing, and art. Right across the street from Hemming, the Main Library and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) open their doors. The Library is great place to view exclusively local art. The MOCA features changing exhibits as well as an impressive collection of contemporary art in its permanent exhibit. The Art Center Cooperative on Adams, a non-profit entity created by artists for artists, is another great place to meet artists and learn about their work. If you're thirsty, you can't miss the huge crowd gathered outside the Burrito Gallery, another hot spot on Adams Street.

You can find a map of the galleries at any of the venues, including Art Walk Headquarters at 100 N. Laura Street. Or, print out a map with detailed information about each month's specific events and performers at www.DowntownJacksonville.org.

For more information on local events in Downtown Jacksonville, head to the Visit Jacksonville Web site at www.VisitJacksonville.com.

Last weekend, Jacksonville, Florida, welcomed its newest ship, Carnival Fascination, to our JAXPORT Cruise Terminal. Lucky me, I got a front row seat on the newly renovated ship as I toured the 2,052-passenger, Fantasy-class ship before it sailed to the Caribbean.

As I was driving up Heckscher Drive, I was struck with awe by the magnificent ship sitting in port. Due to the sheer size of the ship, she could be seen for miles creating even more excitement and anticipation for any island-bound passengers.

Everyone knows that one eats well (and often) on board a cruise ship, and the four-course meal served for lunch was delicious, especially the lobster tail and the trio of chocolate dessert. Yum!

Good thing we went on the tour following the meal because I definitely needed to work off lunch with a nice stroll around the ship. We headed through the amazing six-story atrium to witness the results of a multi-million dollar renovation of all cabins, restaurants, bars and the spa and the addition of a nine-hole mini golf course.

Fascination is full of rich colors, bright lights and excitement around every corner. Passengers on board will get to see live entertainment, win big in the casino, lounge by the pool and dance until dawn at the disco. Kids and teens have their own space to express themselves on board with Camp Carnival and Club O2, respectively.

With all the fun to be had on board, a day at sea from Jacksonville to the Bahamas will give people plenty to do. And as I watched the fortunate people who were setting sail from Jacksonville board the ship for its inaugural voyage, I could only think of one thing...

Any chance I could stowaway?

The Carnival Fascination sails on 4- and 5-day itineraries from JAXPORT Cruise Terminal to the Bahamas and Key West through 2010.

Let's talk cupcakes!  Famed cupcake bloggers, "Cupcakes Take the Cake", discovered a Pittsburg bakery calling for a dedicated Cupcake Week, Sep. 21-27.  I love holidays, especially those ending with dessert, and who wouldn't want to celebrate a holiday starting the dessert itself.  Cupcake bakeries are super trendy and Jacksonville is in on the bake sale.  

Camicakes was Jacksonville's first cupcake-only store.  The owner, Andra Hall, opened her first store at the Orange Park Mall.  Recently, Hall opened a second location in the Tinseltown area, along Southside Boulevard.  Let me tell you how excited I was to stumble upon this delicious eatery. 

The bakery invites you in with the sweet smells of homemade goodies and a case of doily-lined plates with beautiful, colorful cupcakes.  There are many flavors to choose from and it was near impossible for my companion and me to just choose two to share.  Some of the unique flavors featured include Sweet Potato, Red Velvet, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream and of course the Classic Cami.  This classic is what old-fashion cupcakes are all about - moist, spongy yellow cake topped with a swirl of bright pink butter crème frosting.  It was fabulous!!

It's been recommended that I try Vanilla's Cupcakery in the historic Avondale district.  I can't wait to try this bakery and any others that pop up in Northeast Florida.  Make sure to celebrate Cupcake Week and get out and try some of our local dessert treasures. 

It's on this day that I feel especially patriotic. I'm always one to get goose bumps during the national anthem at football games, but today, for reasons I shouldn't need to explain I feel especially devoted to the good old USA.

Making plans today for the coming fall and in this patriotic mood, I noticed many military celebrations in Jacksonville over the next few months. Jacksonville's military history is lengthy and today the military pride is going strong. Here are some events coming up. I hope to see you at a few.

Honoring our Veterans Pow Wow, Pig Out and Iron Horse Car Show, Oct 10-12 - Veterans Pow Wow Host drum is Billy Evens Horse; Pig Out barbecue competition sanctioned by Florida Barbecue Assoc. and Classic car show hosted by Sunshine State Chevelles & Paso Fino drill teams.

Jacksonville Salutes the U.S. Navy, Oct. 11-13 - Held along the Downtown waterfront, event commemorates the 233^rd anniversary of the U.S. Navy in Jacksonville and the 20^th anniversary of the Navy Memorial. Festivities include live entertainment at The Jacksonville Landing, tours aboard an USS Naval ship, Navy memorial rededication ceremony and more.

NAS Jacksonville Airshow, Oct. 25-26 - Ground displays, activities and air performances, featuring the famed Blue Angels are scheduled at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

Family Art Fest & Salute to the Troops, Nov. 8-9 - The event will showcase the arts and culture of Jacksonville, while saluting active duty military personnel and veterans. Festival is taking place in historic St. Nicholas at Midtown Centre Office Park.

Veteran's Day Parade, Nov. 11 - The City of Jacksonville honors America's heroes with a fantastic parade through Downtown. Marching bands sound the drums as lively balloon floats soar above the streets.

For more information on any of these events call (904) 798-9111.

Having grown up in the sandhills of North Carolina, I have always lived within a couple of hours' drive from the beach.  When I was younger, I so looked forward to those trips to the ocean - playing in the surf, collecting sea shells and working on my tan.  The only thing to ruin those memories was having to get back in the car and drive the 2 ½ hours back to my home in Raleigh. 

For that reason, among a slew of others, I am so happy to be living at one of Jacksonville's beaches with the Atlantic Ocean at my fingertips.  Being a beachcomber is more than just relaxing on the sand...its about a change in mentality and attitude, which is something I cherish, especially being a transplant from the hectic pace of Washington, DC, where, up until last year, I lived for nearly a decade. 

Like so many other weekends since I moved to Jacksonville, this Labor Day, I experienced the quintessential beach lifestyle.  Several of my friends who live in Avondale and Ortega traveled across "the ditch" (what locals refer to as the Intracoastal Waterway) to visit with us in Jacksonville Beach, soak up the sun, picnic and play one of my favorite beach games, paddleball. 

With storms off the coast, the waves were perfect for surfing and the surfers were out in full force.  Surfing is something I hope to pick up now that I can maintain the lessons I will learn by living so close to surfing action (standby for a post on that adventure!).  In the meantime, I had to settle for the sidelines of standing waist deep in the water where I got slightly rocked by the powerful waves.  What a rush!

By 6:00, we were famished and ready to eat.  Sliders Seafood Grill in Neptune Beach offers the delicacies of the sea in a casual atmosphere and the eight of us grabbed prime seating, a picnic table on the side patio, where we chowed down on peel-and-eat shrimp, fish tacos and ice cold Budweiser, which was so refreshing after a long day under the sun.

 

Downtown Jacksonville isn't just for the weekday rush, the occasional visit for Jaguar football games or concerts at Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Arena.  Downtown has a lot to offer on Saturday and Sunday too before the sun sinks into the St. Johns and the Bay Street nightlife lights up.

Depending on what your scene is here are a few suggestions . . .

If you're looking for a huge, stick to your ribs breakfast with a side of live music, then the Bluegrass Brunch on Saturday at Gas Knob Pub is for you.  Brunch at this new restaurant, located in the Sports Complex downtown, features Irish favorites like the Pig and Chicken - two slabs of toast loaded with sausage fresh from Ireland, scrambled eggs, all smothered in cheese.  There's also the Yankee breakfast and Black Bean Cakes for our less meat-inclined friends.  Everything we ordered was delicious and the Bluegrass band was outstanding.  Don't be alarmed if patrons show up with their own instruments - the Pub didn't over book the stage - they're just on there way to the Pub's outdoor patio for Saturday's "open air jam." 

Jacksonville's Main Library is four floors of books and other materials, of course, but it also offers incredible programs, usually at no cost.  My family and I enjoy Mother Goose storytime Saturday mornings in the Children's Library.  It's a free event with a great storyteller, sing-alongs and a visit from the library's talking owl.  There is also Family Art Time and for the teens their own Poetry Club in the Teen Study Room.  Adults will enjoy a variety of events.  September events include a discussion with author Rodney Hurst as a part of the African American Collection Author Series, Books Alive, where films inspired by great books are previewed and art collections throughout the library.  Stop by Shelby's Café for a steamy cup of coffee, pastry or made-to-order breakfast favorite. 

Sunday is for art enthusiasts and their little apprentices.  The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville welcomes families to Bank of America Family Free Day.  Museum admission is free all day for children and accompanying adults.  I can't wait to take my little one to the ArtExplorium Loft.  I understand the "loft" is hands-on fun for kids.  There are also two large art studios for creative art-making experiences for teens, adults and families.  MOCA exhibits feature artwork from 1960 to present.  Visiting exhibits are always fantastic! 

For more ideas on how to explore Downtown this weekend log on to http://www.visitjacksonville.com/ or call (904) 798-9111.

Jacksonville Foodies, listen up!  Eat Up Downtown, Jacksonville's dining week, has been extended another week through Aug. 31 at participating restaurants.  Make the most of this extension because when can you get a three-course dining experience for $25?  Check out the scene on a date, dinner with friends or for a family feast at one of these great establishments:

b.b.'s
Bourbon Bayou
Café Nola @ MOCA
Juliette's Bistro
Koja Sushi
Mongo's Flat Hot Grill
Plaza III Steakhouse
The Wine Bar - Southbank
The Twisted Martini
University Club
Wine Cellar

Dining prices are per person and do not include tax or gratuity.  To learn more about the featured menus at each of the participating restaurants, go to http://www.downtownjacksonville.org/.  Eat, Drink and be Merry!

Are you hungry to experience Downtown dining?  Then gather your friends and make plans for Eat Up Downtown, Jacksonville's Downtown dining week August 18-24. Guests can enjoy a three-course meal for only $25 at more than 18 participating restaurants. With no passes to buy or coupons to carry - all you have to do is make reservations at the restaurant of your choice!  Whether you're a sushi fanatic or a steak lover, there is something for everyone in Downtown! 

For a great view of the Downtown skyline, why not have dinner at the River City Brewing Company located along the St. Johns River.  Their main courses for the week include cedar plank salmon, roasted chicken and shrimp scampi. 

Treat your special someone to an affordable, romantic dinner at Plaza III, The Steakhouse where the main courses range from Cajun seared tuna, filet mignon and grilled chicken florentine.  Experience an upscale dining experience at one of the region's top steakhouses, located inside the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.  

Make your plans now to take advantage of the fantastic dining options in Downtown - reservations are recommended at each location, as Eat Up Downtown Week attracts locals and visitors alike to experience new foods and find the latest "hot spot" for dining. 

Dining prices are per person and do not include tax or gratuity.  To learn more about the featured menus at each of the participating restaurants, go to http://www.downtownjacksonville.org/.