Katie's Top 5 Local Pizza Places

I love pizza! It is hands down my favorite food and I have had my fair share, so I feel confident in offering you 5 places to check out next time the craving hits! I have to admit, my go to order is just straight up pepperoni, but I do get adventurous and try new things to keep life interesting! Here we go…

1. Moon River: This Murray Hill gem is a staple! You must go! My favorite pizza is the T-Rex, and as you may have guessed, it’s a great choice if you’re a meat eater.  I have had lots of “meat lovers” pizzas thanks to my husband, Bradley, and it’s a winner!

2. Crispy’s: Good ‘ol Crispy’s! You’ll feel right at home when you stop in at Crispy’s. The pizzas are even named after the surrounding streets! I’d suggest trying the Silver pizza. Gorgonzola and goat cheese? Yes, please!!! It’s Crispy’s spin on a white pizza and it’s top notch!

3. V Pizza: Did you know V Pizza serves authentic Neapolitan pizza? Me neither!! I just knew I really liked it! This taste of Italy includes cheese from a buffalo, burn marks on the crust, and typically is not perfectly round. Fun facts! Next time you go, be sure to order the Pizza Margherita-Classico, and don’t forget their signature wings! So good!!!

4. Carmines: Try something new at Carmines! Have you ever had Chicago stuffed pizza? We often think of deep dish pizza from Chicago, but this is a little different. Any toppings will do, but you’ve got to try it! This style pizza can take a little longer to cook, but not to worry! Carmines has a fun eclectic atmosphere that will keep you entertained. 

5. Al’s: Ok, so I’ll be honest, this isn’t my top choice for pizza, BUT did you know about Thirsty Thursday??? Order yourself the Italian pizza (it is delicious) and then enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine for $1.50!!! Yes, you read that right…one dollar and fifty cents! This is why Al’s makes my list. 

I hope your mouth is watering and you’re ready to grab some pizza! Take a pic and tag me and Root Realty next time you go to one of these spots! Make this pizza lover proud! Enjoy!

Shali's Top 5 Reasons She Moved to the Northside

Initially I was strongly opposed to living anywhere but close to or inside the downtown historic districts. We fell in love with the charm and everything downtown living had to offer. Walkable restaurants, the beautiful Jacksonville skyline by the water and many other fun artsy things to do. However, as we began our home search we realized that as our family is changing, our needs are changing as well.

1. Conveniences- The convenience of living on the Northside near River City Marketplace as well as the developing town of Yulee is amazing! Grocery shopping has never been easier. Although I have utilized grocery delivery during the time of COVID, there are just some days you need to run to the store for something quick. Living on the Northside truly means quick shopping. Being 10 minutes from Yulee’s always empty Target and 7 minutes from all other stores and restaurants has been a total game changer for me and the way city living can be.

2. Entertainment- We chose a home community that has low CDD/HOA fees, however it is absolutely packed with fun things for the entire family, including a pool and splash pad for the toddlers. For the 4th of July, our community had a 30 minute Firework display, 3 food trucks (Funnel Cake!!) and family friendly social distanced celebration. They offer Panera Bread Coffee and Bagels every Tuesday for either to go or to stay and mingle and meet your neighbor. Every Friday they have a different food truck and once a month they have adult night out, where the kids are being watched at the community center, so the adults can come together. In addition to all these fun things in walking distance, you can drive for less than 10 minutes to the Jacksonville Zoo or drive 7 minutes the Catty Shack Ranch.

3. Accessibility – My husband’s family is in Georgia, and my family is in Tallahassee. One of my favorite places to shop is IKEA, and we do occasionally visit the mall. Traveling to all these places could not be any easier by living 3min from I-95 and 5 min from I-295. Regardless of where we want to go within Jacksonville, it is typically within a 30 min commute. Considering how much time we like spending at home this commute is totally worth it! 

4. Restaurants – Initially, I was concerned on missing out on all the locally owned restaurants and shops, but to my surprise, these hidden gems do exist everywhere. From King Craw to the Jungle Bowl and Sun Sun Garden, local restaurants are present and thriving. Not to mention super delicious!

5. Community- Prior to making an offer on our home, we drove through the community at various times of day, and each time were pleasantly surprised by how many people were actively walking, talking, moving around their neighborhood. Kids riding on bicycles up to the community center to play ball, little kids learning to ride bikes in their cul de sacs, everyone looking out for each other and feeling safe. The feeling of “safe” is priceless. Being able to see my son go outside and walk over to the neighbor to play just warms my heart. Within the first week of us living here, we made more family friends than we have staying in any apartment we’ve ever lived in.

Now, living on the Northside checks all the boxes for our family, and to our surprise, at an amazingly affordable price point. We were able to afford our dream home at a fraction of the cost in comparison to anywhere else in the city. Believe me, we looked! Let me know if you want to connect on the Northside or if you’re looking in the area!

Jacki's Top 5 Ways to Stay Sane During Covid-19

Social restrictions have opened the door to some of my newfound favorite hobbies and new go-to spots around town. I think a lot of us are feeling a little stir crazy and maybe a bit overwhelmed with everything we’re experiencing in the world right now. So, if you’re itching for some fun things to try, hopefully my Top 5 list can inspire you!

1.   Christina Tosi’s Bake Club – You might recognize Christina from MasterChef or Chef’s Table. She’s an amazing chef and the owner of the famous Milk Bar. Every day for the past 3 months, she hosts an Instagram live at 2 p.m. where she bakes something new with her audience, and she doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. The night before, she posts the ingredients you need. If you have them on hand, join in the next day to bake! Don’t worry, all her recipes can be found on her website if you can’t make the 2 p.m. time slot. It’s been such an awesome pick me up, really positive, and fun to do with kiddos too. Check out christinatosi.com!

2.   Order Take-Out from a Local Restaurant You’ve Never Tried – This is my favorite. I love good food. It’s a great excuse not to cook dinner AND you’re supporting local business. Google restaurants near you and give a new place a shot. I worked in locally owned restaurants for many years and have a huge soft spot for them- especially during this difficult time. My newest spot? 1928 Cuban Bistro. I could eat their empanadas every day. If you order with them online, they’ll bring it right to your car!

3.   Shopping at Riverside Arts Market – The Riverside Arts Market is up and running under the bridge every Saturday morning. Now, they are offering two ways to shop. Not only in person (with social distancing and masks) but also on their online market! If you haven’t checked out what RAM has to offer, I highly recommend giving their social media a look over. I know you’ll find some cool local artists and vendors and when you do, reach out to them directly or wait until Saturday morning when the online shop is live on Facebook to get all the goodies.   

4.   Painting with Watercolor – If I’m looking to get a little creative, painting is my go-to. I picked up some supplies forever ago and finally have been putting them to use the past couple of months. Order a few beginner watercolor supplies and then let the creativity flow. I've found that a glass of wine usually helps! If you need some inspiration on what to paint, check out @shaydacampbell. She has free art tutorials on YouTube. All her videos are really satisfying to watch and a lot of fun to follow along! 

5.  Going for a Walk Somewhere New- Even though it's blistering hot outside, getting out in nature makes me feel better every time. There are so many beautiful spots around town to take a stroll or ride your bike. I think it's fun to switch up my normal walk around my neighborhood, and I know my dog likes the adventure too! My most recent discovery is Castaway Island Preserve. It's located in the heart of Jax on the Intercoastal with wildlife to spot and picnic tables for snacks. The trail loop has an accessible boardwalk for wheelchairs and strollers!

Let me know what you’re doing to stay sane and #StayHome! Also, if you’re interested in resources about what Root Realty is doing to maintain safety check out this post and this post.

Anna's Top 5 Podcasts

In our work as realtors, we spend a lot of time driving, and podcasts are my favorite way to spend that time. Whether it’s entertaining, educational, evocative, or some combo thereof, I love listening to and engaging w/podcasts in between client appointments.

All of these are episodic, so you can jump in anywhere, but I share some of my faves or recommended starting eps for each: 

1. Call Your Girlfriend - This “podcast for long-distance besties everywhere” is especially timely right now when all of us are feeling the distance. Hosts Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman - originators of “shine theory” - talk to each other (and guests) about all the things, from pop culture and book recos to politics, finance, and so much more.

   A few of my faves are ep 50 on JOMO, 135 on shine theory, and 190 on scammers. 

2. Good Ancestor - Host Layla F. Saad, bestselling author & antiracism educator, interviews thought leaders on how they’re living a life in service of liberation and leaving a legacy as a “good ancestor.”

   I highly recommend starting with episodes one and two, which feature activist Rachel Cargle and author Austin Channing Brown, respectively. 

3. You’re Wrong About - Journalist hosts Mike and Sarah dig into the oft untold details behind public stories of people and events. With equal doses of reverence and humor, they uncover what so many of us got wrong about popular phenomena, all of which leads to revelatory cognitive dissonance (especially for 80s & 90s babies like me).

   My faves include the episodes on homelessness, D.A.R.E., Anna Nicole Smith, and their D.C. Sniper series.

4. Journey to Launch - Financial educator & money coach Jamila Souffrant hosts this educational pod on all things financial freedom. Through interviews with others and the sharing of her own experiences, Jamila educates listeners to empower us toward financial savvy & independence. Depending on your financial goals, check out episodes on cultivating generational wealth, debt payoff, student loans, HSAs, investing, and entrepreneurship.

5. True Crime Obsessed - Fellow theater geeks Gillian Pensavalle & Patrick Hinds host this true crime/comedy podcast where they recap (eh - tear apart) true crime documentaries. With unwavering reverence for the victims of crime & injustice, the humor focuses more on the absurdity of the docus and supporting players themselves.

   You don’t have to have watched the docus to enjoy, and a few stand-outs are “Tickled,” “Tabloid,” and “The Death and Life of Marsha P Johnson.”

   **This pains me to narrow to five because I spend so much time listening to pods, so honorable mentions to Code Switch, These Are Their Stories, Noble Blood, The New Day: Feel the Power, & MFM. Let me know your favorites in the comments or feel free to reach out to me!

Emily's Top 5 Spin Tips

WAIT! Don't keep scrolling because you don't spin.  I didn't either, and now I'm HOOKED! 

A little over a year ago my family + I joined the YMCA.  I've never been what you would call athletic and I tend to make a lot of excuses to avoid exercise, but after my husband dragged me to a spin class I finally found an activity I LOVE... cycle! When quarantine hit and the gym closed I drove my two kiddos to Ocala and back to pick up the last remaining affordable spin bike in the state because I couldn't live without it. Below are some different ways I enjoy working out on my bike - let me know your favorite ways to stay active! 

1. Peloton App- I don't have a Peloton (yet), BUT Peloton made their app free for 3 months when quarantine started and now I will happily pay because I can't live without my arms + intervals ride with Cody Rigsby.  I laugh, I dance, + I get a whole body work out. 

2. Les Mills RPM on Spotify- I am by no means a spin instructor, but after attending many classes I have an idea of what to do.  Let the music control your ride - climb when it's intense, speed up when the music does, + have fun! 

3. Music Videos- Always a good time!  Throw on some YouTube videos and do your thing!

4. Virtual Scenery- For a longer and more relaxing ride, try putting on a trail or mountain video with your favorite music.  I find having something to watch leads to longer rides. 

5. Classes- Gyms are open again, so if you feel comfortable sign up for a cycle class! I recommend the Y or CycleBar.  The energy is incredible, the music is loud, and the room is dark -- my perfect combo for a good workout.  

I'm here if you ever want to ride together, even virtually! 

Chelsea's Top 5 Summer Activities | Family and Budget Friendly

Although 2020 hasn’t gotten off to a great start, summer has now officially started, and it’s WAY too beautiful to stay inside! Here are my Top 5 Summer Activities that are budget and family friendly, while also practicing social distancing.

1) Kayaking - This is my husband and I’s favorite weekend hobby. Not only is it relaxing but its also fun! Enjoy peacefully paddling down a river / creek or enjoy some competition and race from point A to point B. It’s the perfect outdoor activity that’s great for family bonding on the water while also allowing you to work on a tan.

Favorite Spot: Amelia Island Adventures Kayaking

2) Gardening - Quarantine wasn’t ideal, but it did bring about new interests that also intrigued all 3 of my children. Gardening offers both a therapeutic and educational experience for adults and children alike. The most rewarding thing is planting a plant babe and watching new life sprout and grow.

Favorite Garden Plants: Herbs! I love them all so please don't ask me to pick a favorite. My 5 year old daughter on the other hand, says her favorites are the pumpkin seeds she planted a few weeks ago; 2 have already sprouted!

3) Hiking - Nature trails are one of my kid’s favorite adventures. We stop and look at all the plants, pick wild flowers, and play “I Spy” with the wildlife around us. It’s a great way to release energy and enjoyable for all ages.

Favorite Spot: Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens

4) Bike Trail - While I may not be an avid cyclist, biking a few miles definitely gets the blood flowing. There’s just something about taking a bike ride near the water - maybe its the warm breeze coming off the shore or the large shaded oak trees that hang over the path, but whatever it is, it’s beautiful and highly recommended!

Favorite Spot: Little Talbot Island

5) Going to the beach - Is it really summer if you haven’t gone to the beach? While stricter guidelines are currently in place for everyone’s protection, the beach is still a go-to. You just can’t beat the much needed Vitamin D that you’ll receive while strolling down the beach collecting shells and looking for shark’s teeth.

Favorite Spots: Mickler’s Landing + Vilano Beach

Comment below with any other spots or activities that you love for the summer in JAX!