The Visit Jacksonville Blog

Go ahead, take a peek at our blogs written by local experts. If you're looking for the most unique information on Jacksonville from a local's perspective and experience you've landed in the right spot.

We are here to give you what you want to know and do while vacationing in Jacksonville. Make your things to do in Jax list from these blogs below covering arts and culture to dining, to family fun, history, dining, nature, meetings, nightlife, events and much more. Search a particular interest by clicking on a category bubble. Read a blog and ask our locals a question or let's get social!

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Blogs by Gary Sass

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  A Guide to Jacksonville’s 9 Bridges

  Posted By: Gary Sass Sat, August 05, 2017

  One nickname you could attach to Jacksonville is the “City of Bridges.”

  
  
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  History That’s Free in Jacksonville

  Posted By: Gary Sass Tue, January 31, 2017

  Arts & Culture Family Fun History Outdoors & Nature

  We call it the “First Coast”, home of the first European settlements and a region steeped in history.

  
  
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  Holiday Festivals Surrounded by History

  Posted By: Gary Sass Mon, November 23, 2015

  Events Family Fun General History

  The local historical societies celebrate the holidays and offer fun activities. It is also a chance to buy unique gifts for history buffs.

  
  
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  It All Began in Mayport

  Posted By: Gary Sass Mon, September 21, 2015

  Events Family Fun General History

  On Saturday October 10th, 2015 at 12:30pm, there is a special Memorial Marker Dedication Ceremony in Mayport, Florida. Congratulations to St. Augustine on their 450th celebration, however, It All Began in Mayport!

  
  
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  It’s 1903 at the Merrill House

  Posted By: Gary Sass Tue, June 16, 2015

  Areas Arts & Culture Family Fun General History

  Walk into Downtown Jacksonville’s Merrill House and step back in time to the year 1903

  
  
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  Greetings from Riverside’s Historic B&B

  Posted By: Gary Sass Thu, April 09, 2015

  General History Places to Stay

  If the Riverside neighborhood of Jacksonville had a greeting card, the Riverdale Inn would be on the cover

  
  
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  Jacksonville in the Movies

  Posted By: Gary Sass Wed, August 13, 2014

  Arts & Culture General History

  “On location in Jacksonville”, has been part of movie production history for over one hundred years. From the silent movie era to today’s modern films, it is entertaining to watch scenes with Jacksonville in the background.

  
  
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  Lifesaving Landmark at the Beach

  Posted By: Gary Sass Wed, July 16, 2014

  Beaches & Waterways General History

  Where can you find the best volunteer lifeguards in the world? Just go to Jacksonville Beach and look for the iconic white tower (a.k.a. “The Peg”) along the ocean. This is home for the American Red Cross Life Saving Corps.

  
  
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  May Rocks with History

  Posted By: Gary Sass Fri, May 02, 2014

  Arts & Culture General History

  May is a month teeming with excitement in Jacksonville. There are many historical events which happened in May and the weather is optimal for the outdoor celebrations.

  
  

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  About Gary Sass

  Local Expert- History

  Gary Sass is a local historian and owner of AdLib Luxury Tours and Jacksonville Walking Tours. To find out more about the regular offerings and customized tours available for you or your group, visit www.adlibtours.com.