An LGBTQIA+ Guide to Jacksonville’s Riverside Avondale & Five Points
By Karrissa T. Wade
Welcome to the beautiful Riverside Avondale neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida, the original Hollywood, where visitors are treated like stars . This historic neighborhood is home to many LGBTQIA+ owned and friendly businesses, as well as where the LGBTQIA+ community first gathered for the city’s inaugural Pride festivities.
Nowadays, we are all budget-conscious, so what's there to do that's cost-effective for our LGBTQIA+ visitors? Let's visit the historic and vibrant Five Points area of Riverside Avondale.
I like to start at one of our many amazing brunch places in the area. I prefer to start with a little different brunch at Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine with a variety of amazing food choices and beautiful views of the St. Johns River and Memorial Park.
For a great lunch, I recommend Carmine’s Pie House, a beloved LGBTQIA+ staple. Carmine’s is known not only for its massive, delicious pizzas, but also for its continued support of local fundraisers and community events. My go-to order? The lobster ravioli.
Take a walk through the unique shops of Park Street in Five Points, stroll through one of Riverside's expansive parks or stop into a museum to see stunning art displays.
Willowbranch Park, site of Jacksonville’s first Pride festival and a historic marker commemorating it, serves as the starting point for the annual River City Pride Parade each October and is home to the AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida with murals, gardens and trees honoring those lost to HIV/AIDS. Nearby, Memorial Park, established in 1924, is known for its gorgeously scenic views of the St. Johns River.
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens boasts one of the most impressive art collections in Florida, along with stunning riverfront gardens. It’s also a proud supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community, hosting an annual summer event and offering free admission every third Tuesday of the month.
Park Place Lounge is home to Jacksonville’s best happy hour! Park Place hosts awesome fun things to do like karaoke and bingo hosted by yours truly, Jacksonville's bingo queen Karrissa T. Wade, where you'll have a night filled with friends, laughs and great drinks. Park Place is a spacious neighborhood bar with a huge outdoor patio and wonderful atmosphere where all people are welcome.
If a neighborhood bar is not what you're looking for, take a short trip over to InCahoots Nightclub. This lively bar features a packed dance floor, great music and one of the best drag shows in the city. It’s perfect for an unforgettable night out.
Jacksonville is full of incredible neighborhoods, hidden gems and welcoming spaces. This is just the beginning, there’s so much more to explore on the Flip Side of Florida.
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