Jamily's Dream Renovation

I have to be honest, I’m not sure I could pick just one place in my home to renovate! I love our home and we make it work for us! Without seeming unsatisfied, I will say that I wish I could spend more time outside. Our backyard is just large enough for our family of 6, fenced and backs up to a thicket of trees. When the wind blows you can hear the sound of those trees swishing around, it’s lovely. Sometimes when I’m working on my computer, I stop and look out the window into our backyard and wish I could just work out there all day. I would make our deck larger, add a bigger seating area, a separate section for our grill and smoker, and definitely include a bench swing. Living in Florida for many years has taught me that a screen around the outdoor entertainment area is key to minimize the leaves and debris that comes with our hurricane season. There’s something about breathing fresh air that improves your mood, if you haven’t been able to spend time outside this season, I encourage you to do so! Renovating your outdoor space not only allows you to work outside, like so many people do in 2021, but it also gives you, your family and friends a place to gather on cool spring nights!

Sadie's Top 3 Jacksonville Faves

1. Plant Place Nursery: Whether you are looking for a new house plant, looking to add to your rare plant collection, or wanting to spruce up your outdoor landscape, Plant Place is the place to go! They have very adorable and friendly cats, chickens, and they even have their own bee hive. If you have not been, it is a great spot to go adventure!

2. RP’s Fine Food & Drink: 3 words… blackened chicken sandwich. RP’s is my favorite place to go on sunny beach days or for a Sunday Funday brunch. While their food is delicious and their cocktails are just as great, the most important thing is that they have amazing homemade ranch!

3. Angie's Subs: If you’ve never tried Peruvian sauce, you have to make a trip to Angie’s very soon! This delicious sub shop is a staple in the Jacksonville Beach community. For a local tip, Angies Subs are perfect to grab and enjoy while you’re catching sun rays on the beach!

Chai's Top 3 Jacksonville Faves

1. Jacksonville Farmer Market: I love going there to get my vegetables. They are always fresh, and I love supporting local farmers. Plus, they are open all year round!

2. JJ'sBistro De Paris: Their food is always amazing. If you are looking for an authentic French food experience, this is the place. They also have a homemade dessert shop that you can eat in or to take home( which I do regularly).

3. Neptune Beach: This is my to-go beach retreat. I like how the beach access is convenient and there are shops and restaurants nearby. I always bring visitors to this beach!

Jacki's Top 3 Jacksonville Faves

Here are some of my Jacksonville favorites and some of my most frequented spots. My ideal day off would be to go to all 3 of these places - I would recommend the same for you! Enjoy! 

1. Alexandria Oaks Park- Located in a beautiful San Marco neighborhood, this is my go to place for a walk with my dog. We love the big open space and shade trees. You won’t find any swings or a playground here but it’s perfect for playing sports, exercising, or having a picnic in fields. There’s so much room for everyone's various activities!

2. Chamblin Bookmine- I love to read and have so much fun exploring the isles at Chamblin's. You WILL get lost in here as it’s an endless maze of books and you never know what you’ll find. Go in with an hour or two to spare. Trade in your old favorites for something new! You’ll leave with all the books you wanted and books you never knew you needed. 

3. Biscotti’s- My favorite restaurant in Jax! With its laid back and cozy atmosphere it’s great for weekend brunch, date night dinner, or my personal favorite - drinks and dessert at the bar! They are famously known for their sweets (you’ll see why when you walk in and see their dessert case) so the biggest advice here, and anyone who has been to Biscotti’s knows, don’t skip out! 

Ellie's Top 3 Jacksonville Faves

Hi friends! I’m a Jacksonville native, and I truly love living in the 904. As a San Marco resident, I love walking to so many of my favorite restaurants, shops, and parks. However, there are so many different neighborhoods in Jax that I love. I’m sharing my Top 3 JAX Neighborhoods!

1. San Marco- San Marco is home. I love that it feels like a small town community with walkability and familiar faces at all of your places! I can grab my favorite latte, workout at Pure Barre, shop in the Square, dine on a delicious meal, and toast my favorite cocktail all within a 1 mile radius!
   My San Marco Favorites: Bold Bean Coffee, Grape and Grain Exchange, Fig and Willow, Pure Barre San Marco, Taverna, and Hendricks Nails

2. Avondale- I grew up close to the area, so the stores and restaurants in Avondale are the perfect mix of new and nostalgic. There are so many options for a day with the family or a special date night. You MUST get cake from Biscotti’s while you’re around (triple chocolate, white chocolate raspberry cheesecake, and coconut are some of my top choices!), and you’ll love to find a new outfit at the cute boutiques!
   My Avondale Favorites: Emory, Tenley Dietrich, The Fox Restaurant, The Brick, Sivada’s, Southern Grounds

3. Springfield- Over the last year, I’ve discovered just how many gems there are in Historic Springfield! I can’t get enough of the 1748 Bakehouse breakfast sandwich or the Strings burger, while you shoot some hoops. Not to mention, you can get a mega-mosa from Crispy’s! Everyone that lives in Springfield absolutely loves to support their neighbors and local businesses, and you feel that when you’re there!
   My Springfield Favorites: 1748 Bakehouse, Springs Sports Brewery, Crispy’s, Social Grounds Coffee

Chelsea's Top 3 Jacksonville Favorites

Even as a Jacksonville native, I never grow tired of the beach, or the beaches area; and as a mom it’s essential to find family friendly places that everyone can enjoy. One of my family’s favorite things to do is head to South Beach and work our way up to Atlantic Beach with a few stops to our favorite places along the way.

1. Our first stop is South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground. Every parent should be familiar with this park and it’s easy to see why it’s our favorite go-to spot! Not only is Sunshine Playground kid friendly for every age (toddler area included), it is also fully fenced in and secure. Huge bonus because if you’re like me and have multiple children, having gate and locked fence around the whole permitter of the playground sets your mind at ease knowing your children can’t dart out in the middle of the parking lot. Playground aside, South Beach Park also offers a small splash zone where kids can cool off after a long day at play, a skate park, volleyball courts and more!

2. Beach Hut Café is the perfect spot to stop for lunch. While their burgers are to die for, my kids would argue that their water themed murals were their favorite. The wait is never too long, food is always hot, and the paintings on the walls keep my kids busy playing ‘I Spy’ - it really is a win/win!

3. After a long day of play and getting full belly’s, we always try to end the day at Whit’s Frozen Custard. While there are many other ice cream shops in the area, I love how Whit’s always changes their menu and gives you something fresh and new. If you’re like me and love all things coffee, be sure to try their Twisted Coffee - loaded with mocha custard + crushed cookies n’ creme, chopped almonds, topped with peanut butter and fudge swirls!