Home of professional golf's "fifth Major"
by noidiotsplease
In addition to being renown as one of the best golfing vacation destinations in the country, Jacksonville is a major player in the professional golf circuit.
THE PLAYERS Championship (TPC) brings golf's top professional golfers to Ponte Vedra Beach every March to compete for the sport's largest purse. While the event is younger and perhaps lacking in some of the esteemed tradition of golf's four Majors, its prestige still earns it the nickname "fifth Major" in some professional golf circles.
The TPC Stadium Course at Sawgrass, site of the tournament, features the often photographed island green at the 17th hole, one of the attributes that has helped the course earn a great deal of respect from golf's finest players, including Tiger Woods.
During the weekdays in March when the TPC is held, many of the movers, shakers and wannabes of Jacksonville's corporate community skip the office for some mega networking, schmoozing and partying at the tournament and its related festivities.
good fried food, unique setting
by grimss about Clark's Fish Camp
While I certainly wouldn't call it the best restaurant in JAX, it certainly is one of the more unique. Most of the restaurant juts out over Julington Creek on a floating dock. Diners out on the deck can watch recreational boaters coming back after a day on the water, (but watch out for the black flies--ouch!) while diners inside can study an amazing array of stuffed beasties that cover the ceiling and walls. Otherwise, the decor is simple, with wood-slat tables and rolls of paper towels for napkins. This is a good famliy spot, as the portions are generous, and mom and dad can enjoy a cold pitcher while the kids check out the animals. Do note, though, that it's ALWAYS packed, and parking--despite a lot-- can be a real challenge. The grilled scallops are very tasty, as is most of the fried fish. If you're hungry, order a grilled quail on the side--juicy and flavorful. The smoked fish dip is okay, but not as wonderful as they claim. Come here for good down-home southern cooking.
Local Chicago style grill chain a Jax fave!
by noidiotsplease about The Loop (multiple locations)
The Loop is a Jacksonville-based Chicago style grill chain with locations all over town and in several other cities around the Southeast. Best known for their Chicago-style pizza, big burgers, and trendy interior design, The Loop is no stranger to various local publications' "Best of Jax" lists. Best of all you can find one in or near just about every part of town. While not the closest to my house, the location in Avondale is my favorite because it is located on the second floor of a small shopping complex with an outdoor deck overlooking a marshy inlet of the Ortega River. The accompanying photo is taken from The Loop in Avondale at sunset.
Discover the nature trails of UNF
by noidiotsplease
Even though it is situated in the middle of the city’s booming Southside, the University of North Florida remains a fabulous, albeit unexpected, place for visitors to get in touch with pristine nature. That’s because the campus is surrounded by its own protected nature preserve, complete with wooden and earthen walking trails that lead through dense hardwood hammocks, past teeming wetland areas and over a large lake. This hidden natural playground is home to deer as well as other animal and plant life indigenous to North Florida. The trails are color coded and well marked with several sections taking the form of boardwalks. There is even a pedestrian bridge (pictured in the background). Benches are also scattered throughout and lakeside picnic tables are located at the trails’ entrance/exit area.
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Atlantic Beach waves
Jacksonville RiverWalk
Historic architecture, Fernandina Beach
"Glowing" Main Street Bridge at night
