Hampton Inn Jacksonville - I-95 Central

Springing the Blues Festival

by noidiotsplease

Florida's largest free outdoor blues festival, the George's Music Springing the Blues Festival has quickly earned a reputation for itself by showcasing top blues artists. Drawing fans from throughout the region, Springing the Blues has even been filmed for airing on public television stations around the country. The festival is held near the beginning of spring at the new oceanfront Seawalk Pavillion in Jacksonville Beach.

For more information on the George's Music Springing the Blues Festival call 904.270.2220.

Where to play in the backyards of blue bloods

by noidiotsplease

Jacksonville's own Malibu, exclusive Ponte Vedra Beach boasts the gargantuan oceanfront mansions of millionaires, a trio of world-class resorts including the five diamond rated Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, and shopping villages filled with high-end boutiques.

Driving down swanky Ponte Vedra Blvd, those of us "still working on our first million" (yeah, right) can make ourselves sick admiring one showy oceanfront mansion after another. The road even cuts right through the center of the grounds of two luxury oceanfront spa resorts. (Just be very wary of the slow, slow speed limit).

One thing you probably won't see along this stretch are public accesses. By law, public accesses are required, however, they have become obscured by shrubbery and other creative deterrents. This is because like in many other exclusive seaside strands around the country, private wealth seems to come at odds with public right-of-way, making Ponte Vedra a prime local battleground for access issues. So, how can you see what these grand homes look like from the beach side?

One fantastic public access lies at the southern end of Ponte Vedra Blvd. in what the locals call Mickler's Landing. Here, ample parking and facilities are provided, allowing beachcombers to enjoy both a priceless ocean view and a multi-million dollar backdrop.

In contrast to the soft white powder that characterizes much of Jacksonville's shoreline, the sand at Mickler's Landing is coarser and more pinkish in color due to the increased presence of coquina (ground up shells). Mickler's Landing is also known as one of the best spots in the state for finding sharks' teeth.

Genes Seafood Restaurant.

by CaffineFreak about Genes Seafood Restaurant.

Although Genes in a small chain of restraunts, i belive theres about 6 in the north Florida area, the quality and veriety of seafood available is second to none. The staff are alway eager to help out and recomend any specials and the overall service is great. For seafood lovers this is one place that is a must. Shrimp and scallops ina garlic and butter sauce, serves with linguine. Unbelivable.

The sailing was very good -...

by runnelspl

The sailing was very good - both the captain and the boat - charters are available in the harbor and you almost cannot go wrong.
Moving under natural, fairly quiet wind power is a treat. The day we went was beautiful.

My drive-by trip to Jacksonville, Florida

by Gra8ful

"My short visit to Jacksonville"

We didn't see a whole lot of Jacksonville this visit, but maybe next visit in Feb. we will see more of the town. We did see pretty bridges that Jacksonville has, they are pretty. the streets were very clean and nicely landscaped. We stayed right off I95 at the Holiday Inn. (see my hotel tip) It was very nice.

"Saying goodbye to Jacksonville"

Here we were on our cruise ship looking off. We could see the city way back in the background.

"Come sail away!!!"

Here we were getting ready to cross under the bridge. If looked like we were gonna hit the thing. It was so much fun!!