Amanda's Top 3 Jacksonville Favorites

1. Location- I love how far north that Jax is in Florida. It's easy to get anywhere down south, or if you head north, you can easily be in the mountains in NC or easily go for a weekend getaway on Jekyll Island, Savannah, or Charleston.

2. Seafood- I love seafood, and I love living in a place where there is so much FRESH seafood year round.

3. Local Hustle- I moved to Jax in 2004 and since then have seen the development of a ton of great, unique, locally owned businesses. When I moved here there weren't that many, and we would try to support them all. Now there are so many popping up, it's hard to support allll of them anymore, but thankfully enough like minded people have moved here and the local love is going around!

Alaina's Top 3 Jacksonville Favorites

1. A little over a mile down Mandarin Road, ancient oak trees dripping with Spanish Moss bend over the narrow path. Tucked away on the right shoulder is Walter Jones Park and The Mandarin Museum. One of my favorite things to do is explore this park and poke around the museum. The Mandarin area, in general, is rich with history, but this nook, in particular, is a historical treasure trove! Author and Abolitionist, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s, winter home rests at the edge of the park and just beyond the Cypress Knees, in the St. John’s River, is the National Historic Landmark site of the sinking of The Maple Leaf. The museum houses a giant collection of artifacts from the shipwreck which I find so fascinating! This area is a real treat for Explorers, nature-lovers, and History Buffs alike!

2. Nestled in the heart of San Marco, a 250 year old Live Oak tree sprawls its massive branches and stands over 70 feet tall. This tree, known as Treaty Oak, predates Jacksonville as we know it today. The Treaty Oak is the only remaining aspect of the famous amusement park, Dixieland, that once stood by its side at the turn of the century. This park was known as “The Coney Island of the South” and featured ostrich racing if you can believe it! I love taking a book and reading beneath the tree’s gnarled branches. Despite it’s expansive nature, it’s surprisingly easy to miss so keep your eyes peeled for this majestic creature next time you’re in San Marco! You won’t regret it!

3. If you have a couple of hours to spare, I highly recommend The Jacksonville Main Public Library on North Laura St. I find it so easy to get lost in its thousands of rows of books. The building itself is breathtaking- the courtyard at the top of the grand staircase is the perfect setting to enjoy a coffee from Chamblin’s Uptown and catch up with a friend.

MaryAnne's Top 5 Must Haves in a Home

1. Great Room: A large, open, vaulted space is ideal as it becomes the epicenter of family fun, entertaining guests, and holiday gatherings.

2. A Friendly Front: I don’t love garages facing the front of the home, but with the right paint and landscaping, I can compromise. A pretty stained or painted front door adorning a seasonal wreath is a must have at my own home.

3. Renovated Kitchen: The heart of the home must be updated in order for me to feel like it’s a clean, fresh palate to prepare meals and host friends

4. Walk In Closet: Style + fashion are huge in my household because my hubs is in the fashion industry, so big closets are a must!

5. A View: Because I work so much, I want to relax when I come home so either a view of the City, some body of water, or garden is a non negotiable.

Chai's Top 5 Must Haves

1. Patio/ Outdoor Living- I am such an outdoor person, and being in Jacksonville where the weather is always so beautiful, I find myself spending most of my time out on my patio. It's a retreat for me! Being able to enjoy nature and feel the fresh air gives me such happy energy. Whether I'm entertaining or just enjoying by myself, it's always refreshing and relaxing. It's definitely my happy place.

2. Spacious Kitchen- Generally, the KITCHEN is the most important room in your home, because it's the center of your family day-to-day living. I love to cook, entertain, and spend time around my family, so having an open space is a must. It's good to be able to chat and see people's faces while I'm cooking. I also like to have my kitchen clutter-free, so a good size pantry would be great!

3. Main Entry- It's great to have space and storage for keys, shoes, an umbrella, etc. I feel having a functional entrance creates a positive flow when coming home or leaving the home. I do love a double door and a high ceiling, it creates an open space for me. Oh, and definitely built-in cabinets to hide stuff would be great.

4. Master Suite- Having my own oasis so important to me. I think your bedroom should be exactly how you want it, and it should make you feel relaxed and happy. It's a wonderful way to start your morning and end your day. Big windows and a high ceiling would be fantastic.

5. Home Office- These days I'm working from home more than ever, so an office space with lots of natural light and facing the woods or lake would be amazing! Of course, built-in cabinets would be very functional.

Katie's Top 5 Must Haves in a Home

1. Cozy Feeling- I want everyone to feel comfortable and at home when they walk into our house. The perfect candle, cozy blankets out to share, and of course, sweet treats up for grabs, creates an inviting atmosphere.

2. Outdoor Patio/Porch- With two little boys we are always playing in the backyard. Now that we’re seeing glimpses of fall weather, sharing a meal outside on our back porch is a favorite of mine. 

3. Lots of Counter Space- I don’t know about you, but when I cook, ingredients, pots and pans, and cutting boards are everywhere. Plenty of counter space ensures that a home cooked meal happens in our house!

4. Pops of Bright Color- I am a huge fan of traditional decorating, but I think fun pops of bright colors on artwork or throw pillows adds a sense of whimsy and fun!

5. Fireplace- We live in Florida, so fires don’t happen too often. But! A fireplace is the perfect focal point for a room. Put up special artwork or seasonal decor to bring some change to a room all throughout the year. 

Shali's Top 5 Must Haves in a Home

1.     Sizable Open Kitchen  – We love to entertain and have game nights with extended family and friends. It’s important that we can cook together in the kitchen, have conversations across the bar, and have an eye on the living room to watch all the little ones while the adults enjoy themselves.

2.     High Ceilings – My husband and I are both tall and enjoy higher ceilings along with unusually tall doors. Not to mention a floor plan that might be smaller on paper really can come to life and feel “just right” when the ceiling is 9ft+.

3.     A Private Entryway – Personally, having lived in apartments, it was a pet peeve when I had visitors or someone stop by, that the door was the center of the living area. There was no privacy. In our current home, it was important we have a hallway that allows for a little privacy and guest having an opportunity to take coats and shoes off.

4.     Large Closet – The bigger the better! My ideal closet would be one that is its own attached bedroom to the Owner’s suite. With a bay window, chair, and tons of shelving and shoe racks.

5.     A Game/Movie Room- My husband likes to play video games, and we LOVE movies. I would envision a movie room with a tv the size of the wall where he can retreat to, to play games as well as double function as a fun movie room with the family. Adding in a popcorn machine and mini fridge for pure entertainment and décor.