When life gets hectic and we find ourselves caught up in the daily grind, it can be challenging to unwind and make the most of our weekends. While the beach is undoubtedly a popular choice (and one that I personally love), Jacksonville offers a plethora of other remarkable parks and attractions that often slip under the radar when we’re seeking tranquility, serenity, and a touch of nature. To assist you in planning your perfect weekend escape, we’ve compiled a list of five must-visit

Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail

Explore the Scenic Pathway of History and Adventure – Jacksonville’s Rail Trail

Looking for a unique blend of history, nature, and recreational opportunities? Look no further than Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail. Once a bustling…

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by Jenn Heller

With school out for the summer and temperatures soaring, there's no better time to pack up the beach towels, sunscreen, and head to the beach. And while building sandcastles and splashing in the waves can be exhilarating, we all know that the perfect beach day isn't complete without a scoop (or two!) of creamy, refreshing ice cream.

Jacksonville is renowned for its stunning beaches, and lucky for us, it also boasts some incredible ice cream spots that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a much-needed cool down for the kids. In this blog, we'll be sharing our top five picks for the most delectable frozen treats no matter where you are at the beach. So grab a beach chair, settle in, and let us guide you through the…

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by Karen Tyrrell

A No-Frills, Understatedly Glamorous Vacation to Escape the Florida Summer

Summer is right around the corner, and for all you folks new to Florida, here’s a spoiler alert - it gets hot, and the humidity is unrelenting.  For those of us who have been here, we know what to expect. Either way, if you're looking for a new summer adventure to escape the oppressive Florida sun, might I suggest a relaxing trip to the small towns in the famous Provence regions in the South of France. While everyone else is battling the crowds at the Parthenon, the lines and screaming motorbikes around the Colosseum, and the pickpockets at La Tour Eiffel, you’ll be elegantly strolling quaint, lavender-scented winding streets in sandals and a sun hat. 

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by Jenn Heller

The quaint seaside community of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida is famous for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and prestigious golf courses. However, there is one hidden gem in this beach paradise that is often overlooked by tourists and locals alike: Bird Island Park. Bird Island Park is serene park perfect for quick outings for both locals and visitors of all ages. It offers areas for a wide range of activities such as small group gathering space, theater events, children's programs, picnics, bird watching, strolling and, of course, relaxation.

The park was thoughtfully designed by Bobby Weed to showcase the diverse ecosystems of northeast Florida and to feature the local flora and fauna. The park's landscape includes informative…

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By Avery Little

The peace of paddling out into the endless blue, the exhilaration of dropping into a wave, the first unforgettable ride and if you are lucky, the way your heart skips when a dolphin takes a breath next to the board. Surfing has become a way of life for some right here in Northeast Florida and it is a sport that some experienced surfers and beginners enjoy. Our beautiful coast boasts a deep sense of connection through the culture and history of surfing. The surfing community is one of the most unique and special groups; the music, events, and people are welcoming and encouraging, eager to share waves and good times. Waves break all along our coast, but the surfing community would agree that two local surf breaks form some of the most…

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by Jenn Heller

A lighthouse tower is meant to serve as a location beacon for those navigating the waterways. Given that we live among a multitude of waterways in Northeast Florida, we are gifted with many lighthouses to serve our maritime pilots as well as provide historic background to tourists and locals alike.

As a former New Yorker from Long Island I had visited Montauk Point with my family more times than I can count on both hands and was always fascinated by the Montauk Point lighthouse. In fact, the day after prom in 1986 (yes, I'm dating myself) I chose to drive out to Montauk from my Brentwood, Long Island home to visit the one place that brought me such peace and perspective in life. No, I wasn't much of the "party animal" on prom weekend…

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by Jenn Heller

June 5 is National Trail Day, a day of service and advocacy for hometown trails! Did you know that there are many "hidden gem" trails in our area? Nature seekers love the thrill, peace and beauty of a hike with scenic views along the waterways and marshes offered in the Ponte Vedra Beach, Intracoastal and Marsh areas that provide the majestic landscape of our area. But incredible hiking areas extend out to the western parts of Jacksonville too, so many are willing to hop in the car and explore all that the surrounding area has to offer. Whether it's your first or one-hundredth hike, there's undoubtedly something new to see along the trails of Jacksonville and the coast. Lace up your favorite hiking shoes and plan to explore the trails of…

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by Gwinn Volen

So, you are moving to Ponte Vedra Beach or Nocatee and can't find the right house to purchase? Or maybe you want to get a feel for the area before committing to purchase? The schools, the taxes, the weather....all of these things are drawing you to the area. A rental will be a quick and easy solution right? Hmmmm.....

We are fielding several calls each week from people relocating and looking for rentals, both short-term and long-term, while they figure out about what they'd like to purchase. Keep in mind, there is a great deal of competition in the rental market, just as in the traditional real estate market. If you find something that you like or even half way decent, snap it up! We also recommend calling the main rental agencies…

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by Gwinn Volen

The Ponte Vedra Community Association has come up with a creative way to bring in the holiday season with COVID-safety in mind.

For years, PVCA has held a tree-lighting event on the driving range of the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. This annual event is fondly etched into the memories of neighborhood families who remember greeting Santa by the tree as little ones, throwing the football in the dark with friends and sharing hot chocolate and holiday cheer. Annually, it has always been a loved time to mingle with neighbors and collect toys for our local Fire Station 10.

Due to the pandemic, PVCA strategized on new ways to celebrate the holiday while still building a sense of community, finally deciding on a COVID-cautious…

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by Sadie Pichelmann

I’m not a native of Ponte Vedra Beach, or even of Florida. Before moving here seven years ago, I was more familiar with snow than sand. One of the first memories I have of living in Ponte Vedra is of looking for treasures buried in the sand or being washed over by the ocean. I loved collecting pink-and-white seashells, shark eyes, sea glass, and encountering interesting creatures like crabs, seagulls, and sometimes even jellyfish. My family had heard that shark teeth could be found on the beach too, but that particular prize eluded me for a long time. A friend of mine told me that once you find one, you will start seeing them everywhere, which is something I now find true as a shark tooth searching aficionado.

Shark teeth…

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