5 Hidden Gems of Jax
/Looking for another reason to fall in love with Jacksonville? Enjoy finding local treasures? Join us as we explore 5 top hidden gems available to us right here in Jacksonville, Florida!
Cummer Museum
Originally purposed as civic leader, art collector and garden enthusiasts, Ninah Cummer’s, home; in 1958 this tucked away gem was converted into what we now know today as the Cummer Museum. Nestled along the St. Johns River in Riverside, this picturesque museum continues to be the largest fine arts museum in Northeast Floria, offering beautiful gardens to explore & plenty of art to appreciate. The museum offers free general admission on Tuesdays & Fridays from 4-9pm along with the first Saturday of each month from 11-4pm.
Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Hidden in the heart of Arlington, Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is an oasis for our nature lovers. Offering several scenic walking paths along with picnic areas, this park offers a rare inner-city experience providing a place for individuals to find peace + connect with nature. Throughout the year the arboretum and gardens also offer events such as yoga and UNF Shakespeare performances along with Dazzling Nights, a unique holiday experience!
DAZZLING NIGhts
https://www.jacksonvillearboretum.org
Florida Theater
Opened in 1927, the Florida Theater continues to be one of the last four standing high style movie palaces in the state of Florida. Throughout the years this historic theater has been host of world-renowned artists such as Elvis Presley. With the stadium style seating along with beautiful architecture, this theater continues to offer a live performance like no other. Some who have worked at the Florida Theater have speculated that there is a ghost that roams around the theater, with even a seat being preserved for the friendly ghost. If you end up sitting in section 500, row E, seat 2 you may be in good company!
Florida Theater
https://www.floridatheatre.com/about/history
Volstead
This next hidden gem, being pure to form, can be hard to find. Tucked away in downtown Jacksonville, this speakeasy is filled with amazing, handcrafted, cocktails along with the preservation of rich prohibition history. Every third Sunday you will find Volstead open for free swing dancing lessons along with live musical performances scattered throughout the year! If you haven’t experienced Volstead yet, be sure to stop by; the cozy atmosphere is guaranteed to leave you wanting more!
115 W Adams Street
https://www.thevolsteadjax.com/about-us/
Chamblin’s Bookmine
If you are a lover of books, then Chamblin’s Bookmine is a must see! Tucked away in the heart of downtown along with a second location off of Roosevelt, this independently ran bookstore offers new & used books, collectible & out of print along with other forms of media. You will often find locals frequenting this charming bookstore, getting lost in what feels like an endless sea of books. If you stop by the downtown location make sure to stop by the Uptown Cafe for some yummy local coffee + food!
ChambLine’s Uptown
Uptown Cafe
So many books!
