Meet Visit Jax Insider: Stuff to Do in Jacksonville
Hey Jacksonville! We're Cali, Kalie and Kayla with UNATION's @StuffToDoInJacksonville! At our core, we are an events based platform and are so excited to be ambassadors for Visit Jax!
Meet Visit Jax Insider: Stephanie Waltrip
Charleston native turned Jacksonville lover! Stephanie moved to Jacksonville eight years ago with her husband and now three children.
Stephanie is a former Miss South Carolina USA 2009 and CBS Amazing Race Contestant. Since then her and Chad have built a beautiful life together in Fort Caroline. Stephanie, 17 year mast hairstylist co-owns Honey Loft Salon / Boutique on Atlantic Beach. When she is not vlogging about all things hair, makeup, fashion, she is out and about with her family- on the beach or escaping to springs. She is an advocate for Autism as her oldest son Wyatt is 10 with autism. She uses her free time to educate and relate to that community by finding special need friendly activities and environments.
1. What do you love most about Jacksonville?
Jacksonville is a beautiful, special city. I love Jax for its hidden nature paths. My family and I love to drive and explore hidden parks, trails, and even hop off the beaten path. Whether is be Timucuan Preserve or the jetties...we love exploring outdoors whether it’s on foot or in the boat!
2. What is one thing you tell a visitor that they must see/do when in Jax?
There is so much to choose from in Jacksonville! It’s hard to pinpoint ONE favorite! Wyatt (my autistic son) feels his best on the beach! So we are very much beach people! So we spend so much time in Hannah Park, it’s great, you can also camp and they have a small water park for the kids and beautiful hiking trails! But if you’re without kids it’s awesome to grab your beach cruiser and hit 3rd street, grab Whits ice cream or have a glass of wine at Mezza Luna!
3. Where is your favorite local spot to eat?
Since my salon is right on Atlantic I spend more time on the beach than anywhere else! I am constantly debating over Mezza Luna or Eleven South - they are my favorite spots to indulge! When I decide to make a trip closer to downtown I love grabbing a rooftop drink at River & Post, then grabbing (my favorite) French cuisine at Orsay!
Follow Stephanie to see Jacksonville through the eyes of a local!
Meet the Jax Insiders
Meet Visit Jax Insider: Wilson Haynes
I have lived in Jacksonville for 15 years now. I started doing photography almost three years ago and in the past year was able to work on professional jobs varying from portrait…
Meet Visit Jax Insider: Yanira Cardona
Hola! My name is Yanira Cardona (Ja-Knee-Rah) but I go by Yaya. I'm proudly from Puerto Rico but Duval has been my home since 2004.
Meet Visit Jax Insider: Amy Kennelly
I love how large and diverse Jacksonville is. This city holds a lot of history and is constantly evolving.
Meet Visit Jax Insider: Elle Swim
Hi, I’m Elle! I am an educator, a travel blogger, and a mom to three little ones. My blog, 5 Suitcases, features some of our favorite places in Jacksonville, as well as…
Meet Visit Jax Insider: Elly Itriago
Hi, I’m Elly, a finance professional, food blogger and mom to two kiddos and a pup. I was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx, NYC.
Meet Visit Jax Insider: GiGi Lucas
GiGi is a Florida-born world traveler and corporate "dropout" who decided to plant roots in Jacksonville Beach 4 years ago.
Meet Visit Jax Insider: Jacksonville Mom
Hi! We are Megan Kilis and Vicky Lane from the Jacksonville Mom team. Since 2012, we’ve been the #1 parenting resource for Jacksonville and the surrounding areas.
Meet Visit Jax Insider: Jill Cruz
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Meet Visit Jax Insider: Katrice Shorter
Hi, I’m Trice, a Jacksonville Blogger/Influencer who loves all things fashion, food, and travel!
Meet Visit Jax Insider: Mo & Stephen
Hi! We are Mauricio & Stephen, LGBTQ+ dads to our daughter Bella. We are always on the go and looking for new adventures and places to explore.
Meet Visit Jax Insider: Po & Tigress
Hello! Our names are Po and Tigress. Yes. We are named after the Kung Fu Panda movies; and we are standard Australian Shepards.
Meet Visit Jax Insider: Rance Adams
I have a nomadic personality that flows wherever the winds take me. I landed in Jacksonville almost 5 years ago and have embraced everything the city has to offer.
Meet Visit Jax Insider: Shawana Brooks
I'm Shawana Brooks, a literary artist and curator living and creating in Jacksonville, Fl. I use my art, and others to evolve storytelling fused to issues of our community.
Meet Visit Jax Insider: Stephania Gonzalez
Hi! I'm Steffi, a model, disability & inclusion advocate, outdoors lover & adaptive fitness enthusiast! I moved to Jacksonville 3 years ago and it was love at first sight!
