A Weekend in Jacksonville: The What’s, Where’s, and When’s

03 July 2019

Jacksonville, Florida, is on the northeast coast of the state. It is a metropolitan city with a lot to see and do. The city’s mix of the arts, beaches, and fusion southern food make it a great place for a weekend getaway. Check out these places for insider information on where to stay, what to do, and the best places to eat for your weekend in Jacksonville.

Where to Stay:

One Ocean Resort and Spa:

Stay at One Ocean Resort and Spa for a room by the water on Atlantic Beach with rates starting at $175 per night. This resort is perfect for a couple’s weekend getaway with its romance package, which includes rose petals in your room, champagne, and fruit, with a couple’s spa services that you can add. You can take in the view of a romantic sunset at one of Jacksonville’s best beaches.

Riverdale Inn:

For a place to stay closer to the locals, try Riverdale Inn located in the Riverside area near Five Points. The rooms are in a Victorian mansion and cost around $150 per night. Get advice on places to go from the local couple who own and run the inn. This comfortable inn has a 24-hour bar, a brunch buffet on the weekend, and afternoon teas if you book in advance.

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville:

One of the most in-demand hotels in Jacksonville is the Hyatt Regency due to its central location overlooking the river and Main Street Bridge and rates starting around $120 a night. Have a drink at the bar by the heated, rooftop swimming pool, or get in a run in the hotel gym. Not only is this hotel a convenient option if you want to explore downtown, but the meeting rooms and business center make it easier to take a weekend for yourself at the end of a business trip.

What to Do:

Riverside Arts Market

Start your Saturday morning at the Riverside Arts Market, a local marketplace full of artistic wares you can buy from artists around the city. You can also grab a treat from a local food vendor on Farmer’s Row, or head down the street and watch a concert at the TH-Center. Get there by 9 am to start the day with an hour of free yoga. The market is open until the mid-afternoon, around 3 pm. The Riverside Arts Market notoriously takes place under the bridge on the St. John’s River, with views of the water and live music as you shop.

Five Points:

Shop at Five Points for unique boutiques in a bohemian neighborhood. Shopping in the late morning or early afternoon is the best way to beat the crowds on the weekend. The stores here offer an eclectic range of shopping from high-end dress boutiques to boutiques with a vintage style. You can also get a craft beer to cool down from one of the many local bars and breweries in the neighborhood. Visitors know of the area for both its eclectic vibe and the architecture, which is reminiscent of a small town.

Catty Shack Ranch:

Go to Catty Shack Ranch to big cats from the wild up close. This is a rescue sanctuary that takes in and treats exotic animals, especially felines. Once animals come to the sanctuary, they remain there for life. You can see lions, tigers, leopards, bobcats, silver foxes, and more. You can only go on Sunday, so book your tickets in advance. You can choose from a daytime tour, a tour with a more in-depth educational component, or a night feeding. Tickets range from $10 to $15 for adults and $5 to $10 for children.

Where to Eat

Another Broken Egg Café:

Every weekend away needs brunch, and Another Broken Egg Café offers brunch that combines modern food with a southern flare. Open on the weekends through lunchtime, this southern original has a location by Tapestry Park and Jacksonville Beach. You can find classic southern food like shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles or try something new like a lobster omelet. Wash it all down with one of their unique brunch cocktails. Many meals are between $10 and $15.

Gilbert’s Social:

Try modern southern food in a laid-back atmosphere at Gilbert’s Social. This restaurant serves up turkey oxtail, pulled pork, and more classic southern meats, but you can also find plenty of fruit and vegetable combinations all at prices around and under $20. Gilbert’s Social is not open on Sundays or Mondays, so go here for lunch or dinner earlier during your trip. Chef Kenny Gilbert competed on multiple reality cooking shows. He has also won awards and cooked for presidents and celebrities.

Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails:

Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails is a two-time James Beard Award nominee and a great spot for dinner. The restaurant focuses on locally sourced food and has an array of seafood. You can even ask for a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menu. It is centrally located in The Markets at Town Center, and you can go any day of the week. Many of the main dishes are between $20 and $30.

If you’re only spending a weekend, you’ll need to know how to pack as much of the city into as little time as possible. You can still experience a lot that Jacksonville has to offer if you know where to go and what to do beforehand. Try these places during your mini vacation in Jacksonville.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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The glitches arrived in travelling to new place

Traveling is liked by all the people and is absolutely loved to have the vacation and enjoy the way with the family and friends. The traveling may involve the various difficulties and the issues that should be noticed and will remove before traveling and moving to some new place and explore it. The traveling is the favorite hobby of mine and I love to travel and discover new places. From my experience, I come to the conclusion that the problem that may occur on the way is because of the careless attitude of the visitors. In the adventurous trip, you are able to view the new and interesting culture of different places. The concerns that are able to come in the way of yours can be eliminated with little precautions: Read also: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Embark on a Golden Triangle Tour Why Should Ladakh Be Your Next Travel Destination? Language problems: When you visit a new place the main problem that arrives is the issue of the language. Because of the speaking style and the linguistic are differed and varies from place to place. The verbal is really important if you want to relax and comfort travel. It is good to learn a little bit of the language before planning to visit that location. This will help you with many issues and avoid a lot of the problematic situation. The users are able to make the drivers and help them in directing their ways. The worldwide chauffeur drive Ltd is working in London which is having informative staff members and the drivers who are able to understand the tourist language and guide them correctly. Currency dispute: The other main issue that will decide on the way is money. Try to have the local currency with you and do not forget that the safety measures are important. Keep the money at different locations and on different bags because instead of keeping it one place and if the bag is stolen by you then you have the saving to survive in a new place, where no one knows you. The other problem is that the difference in the currency rates, which is also a main and the important problem the traveler's faces. To avoid this issue plan a trip at that place whose currency match with your legal tender. Lack of knowledge: The information where you are going to visit is really important. If you are planning the moving then make sure you did the research work. The research work and the early booking of the hotels and the complete information of the restaurants will definitely help you out in spending affordable stay in London. The lack of knowledge will allow a lot of the issue that comes in your way. So it is better to do some research work. The worldwide chauffeur drive Ltdis delivering services to users and help the traveler to travel and have a fantastic stay in London and England. They help travelers to visit all the beautiful places in London. They are punctual and are delivering their quality minicab services in London at affordable rates.

Things To Do In Israel That You Must Know

Israel captures a person’s imagination at first sight. This is the place to come across the myriad colors and wonders of nature. If the various sacred sites strewn across the region strike the spiritual chord in you, then the wonderful shiny beaches enliven your stay. This place also displays its cosmopolitan side at its various bars, cafes and beaches at Tel Aviv, and at the boutique wineries of the Galilee region. Naturally, experiencing the best of what Israel has to offer is a pretty daunting task. However, with the list of things to do in Israel described in this blog, you can be rest assured that every moment in Israel will seem like a celebration. Read also: The Top 10 Things To Do In Hawaii 2017 Red Sea Star [caption id="attachment_3409" align="aligncenter" width="676"] Image source: Pinimg.com[/caption] Ever heard of underwater dining? Red Sea Star, the underwater restaurant, brings that wild imagination to life. Created 10 years ago, it constitutes a combination of two areas. The one above called the Metro Bar, offers splendid views of the Gulf of Aqaba, while the underwater area, called the Red Sea Star (so-called because it resembles the shape of a star), consists of an underground bar, including a floor covered in sand. Beit Guvrin Caves Beit Guvrin Caves were excavated from an area that was once called the Israeli cities of Maresha and Beit Guvrin. Archaeologists have come across many caves that spanned across several eras, from the Sidonian and Israelite to the Roman. Some of the caves may have served as hideouts and defenses. The highlight of these caves are the painted burial rooms created by the Sidonians. A Roman amphitheater, standing above the ground ruins of the city of Maresha, is an attraction in its own right. Rosh HaNikra Grottoes [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="620"] Image source: ravelingisrael.com[/caption] Rosh HaNikra Grottoes, located on the coast in proximity to Lebanon’s border, was once a diver’s delight. The pure blue waters found in the caves here are as much of an attraction as a mystery. The caves were formed through millennia of strong waves crashing against the soft chalk cliffs on the Mediterranean Sea. The gondola cars that operate here transport the riders from the top of the white cliffs to the bottom in just around two minutes. Naturally, this site is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Israel. Shrine of the Book Israel’s Shrine of the Book, part of Israel Museum, was constructed in 1965. It houses ancient biblical parchments known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. This modern womb-like shrine has been created in the modernist line of architecture. The exterior assumes a rounded peak with sculpted striations lapping up its walls, while the spacious interiors display the Dead Sea Scrolls the year-round. The glass cases on the outer ring of the shrine contain pages, but, it’s the central display which resembles a giant Torah scroll, that hogs the limelight. Tel Hazor A tour to Israel must involve visiting Tel Hazor, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site located over the ruins of an ancient city. Occupying over 200 acres just north of the Sea of Galilee, this region has yielded some incredible archaeological finds. Some of the major attractions for the tourists here are the Solomonic city gates, a restored Late Bronze Age Temple and the city acropolis. The Canaanite Orthostat and Stele Temples are other sites that are worth visiting. Makhtesh Ramon [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image source: igoogledisrael.com[/caption] Israel is full of bizarre geological formations called makhteshim (craters), and one of them is Makhtesh Ramon. Extending to 40km in length and possessing a width of almost 10km, it is undoubtedly Israel’s largest national park – Ramon Nature Reserve. Visits and expeditions to this region can be conducted from the valley’s only town, Mitzpe Ramon (Ramon Observation Point), albeit visitors should avoid the mid-day heat. The best way of experiencing the magic of this place is staying overnight in one of the hand-woven tents and enjoying the company of the Bedouin herders. Dialogue in the Dark How about going blind for a day? Well, not literally! Dialogue in the Dark, an exhibition funded by former journalist Andreas Heinecke, consists of a series of pitch-black galleries which require visitors to experience their surroundings through visionless stimuli. The visitors here are guided by blind or partially sighted persons who orient them to the surroundings, thereby providing a heightened sense of security in the darkened environment. The completion of the tour is followed by a conversation between the guide and vision-restored visitors. Atlit Yam Your holidays to Israel are incomplete without a visit to Atlit Yam, which contains the submerged ruins of a Neolithic coastal settlement. Dating back to 6900-6300 BC, these underwater excavations have unearthed wells, graves, and houses. This historic site was discovered by marine archaeologist Ehud Galili and holds several unique fascinations. One of these is the seven megaliths arranged in a semi-circle encircling a freshwater spring, located in the center of the settlement. Saba's Little Museum Saba’s Little Museum is a wonderful museum located in the Jerusalem Hills. Its uniqueness arises from the various items that trace the history of the Jewish people and their way of life from Biblical times until today. Stuffed in a small cluster of warehouses, this museum contains a collection of items ranging from memorabilia and junk to modern appliances. Children’s toy cars, vintage radio sets, along with some barrels and rusted steel cooking barrels are some of the items that a visitor comes across. Meah Shearim To get a glimpse of the ultra-conservative lifestyle of Jews, head to Meah Shearim. This neighborhood in Israel is home to the ultra-orthodox Haredim. A visitor can easily recognize this neighborhood by the community that resides in it – black suits with matching hats, full beards, and long and curling sidelocks known as eyes. You may end up buying Jewish texts with a high discount and gorging on some traditional baked goods. Golden Calf Altar The Golden Calf Altar was an idol made by Aaron for the Israelites during the absence of Moses. However, most of Israel’s idols were destroyed by the Assyrians when they raided them for their gold in 722 BC. Although visitors can no longer view the Golden Calf as it once existed, they can explore the ruins of the main sanctuary where the calf could have been located. Besides, visitors can also examine the numerous standing stone shrines that line the gate to the city. Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum Among the many tourist places in Israel, this one will move your soul and heart completely. Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum is a moving memorial to the 1.5 million Jewish children who were victims of the Holocaust. Visitors are shown various exhibits which include films, period artifacts and the testimonies of children who had to live during those frightening times. Ein Bokek beach [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image source:.deadsea.com[/caption] The Ein Bokek Beach is a wonderful stretch of fine, golden sand that attracts a steady stream of visitors the year-round. The beach is equipped with various facilities like beach showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, etc. It’s a wonderful place to while your time and enjoy the pleasures of the beach. Shahrazad Want to taste some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine? Go to Shahrazad. This Middle Eastern restaurant in Haifa serves authentic cuisine of the region with an indigenous twist. An example of this is the dish “mansaf” (rice with ground lamb, tangy goat yogurt, pine nuts, saffron, and nutmeg), which is served with ordinary falafel balls. The tamarind juice here is another great stuff to try out. Mount of the Beatitudes This spectacular Roman Catholic Church, built-in 1937, stands on a site where it’s popularly believed that Lord Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. The sermon’s opening lines begin with the phrase “Blessed are.” The octagonal church inside which is looked after by Franciscan nuns are commemorated in the stained glass just below the dome, with the seven virtues being represented around the altar. Besides, the wonderful balcony and gardens provide spectacular views of the Sea of Galilee. Hecht Museum Hecht Museum is one of the many amazing places to visit in Israel. However, the one collection that stands out is the Ma'agan Mikhael Shipwreck – the well-preserved remains of a 13.5m long merchant ship from 400 BC. Apart from these, the archaeology section also contains an entire section on the Phoenicians. Besides, Israelite, Moabite and Phoenician seals from the First Temple period and an incredible collection of ancient coins can also be found here. Al-Jazzar Mosque [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image source: =akko.org.il[/caption] Al-Jazzar Mosque, built-in 1781 in typical Ottoman Turkish style, is the third most important mosque in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The mosque is distinguished by its enormous green dome and is accented with a graceful pencil minaret. Somewhere around the base of the minaret, one can find the small twin-domed building which contains the sarcophagi of Al-Jazzar and his adopted son and successor, Suleyman. Tabor Winery To know the ins and outs of wine processing, and sampling some of the best wine to be found anywhere, visit the Tabor Winery. It has gained a legendary reputation both for its red and white wine and produces almost two million bottles a year. Apart from been given a free tasting of the wine, visitors are provided with guided tours for groups of 10 or more. The winery also runs one-and-a-half-hour grape harvests from late July to August. Beit She’an National Park To get a glimpse of what life was like during the Roman Empire, visit the Beit She’ a National Park. The opulence and grandeur that surrounded the everyday life of the Romans is reflected through the colonnaded streets, a 7,000-seat theatre which looks the same as it did 1800 years ago, two stone columns and two bathhouses. The incredible part about all of them is that they lie exactly where they fell during the Galilee earthquake of 749 AD. Centre International Marie de Nazareth Any tour to Israel inevitably involves a visit to the Centre International Marie de Nazareth. Located across the street from the Basilica of the Annunciation, this place serves as a venue for ecumenical work among Christians, besides the promotion of inter-faith dialogue. Built by Chemin Neuf, a Roman Catholic community-based in France, this fabulous cultural center consists of peaceful rooftop gardens which contain plants mentioned in the Bible. They offer amazing 360-degree panoramas. Agamon HaHula Your holidays in Israel are incomplete without a visit to Agamon HaHula – one of Israel’s favorite parks, located in Hula Valley. To see an unbelievable amount of storks, pelicans, and cranes, you need to head to this place right away. This crane-watching opportunity really comes as a privilege. Comfortably seated in your vehicle, you can view these magnificent creatures from the closest range possible. The other birds that can be seen here occasionally include pelicans and storks. Bahai Gardens Visited by over half a million visitors a year, the Bahai Gardens are one of the major tourist attractions in Israel. Their unique design, which combines geometrical shapes with the conservation of natural and historic landscape features, enchants the visitors to no end. In July 2008, these gardens were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List for being holy places possessing outstanding universal value. The gardens comprise a staircase of 129 terraces which extend all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel. Yad Vashem A visit to the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem will move your inner spirit and overwhelm your emotions like never before. This memorial is dedicated to the six million Jews who died at the hands of Nazis. One can find the names and personal details of millions of victims recorded in the Hall of Names. The centerpiece of the museum is the Holocaust History Museum, which lies on the lower level. Exploring the entire museum takes about three hours in total. Ancient Galilee Boat To come across a fascinating piece of history during your holidays in Israel, visit the Yigal Alon Museum, where you will stumble upon the ancient Galilee boat. The discovery of this boat was made by a local fisherman in 1986 when the waters of the Sea of Galilee were at their lowest ebb. The fishing vessel measures 8.2m in length and is made from 12 kinds of recycled wood. Wall panels and three short films tell the amazing story of its discovery and preservation. It’s said that this boat was used by the members of Jesus’s ministry. Said Abu Elafia & Sons You cannot be in Israel and not visit Said Abu Elafia & Sons – one of the best bakeries of Tel Aviv. Established in 1880, this bakery spans across four generations. Visitors love to gorge on its bourekas (stuffed bread with sheep’s cheese), sambusas (filled pastries) and a unique Arab oven-baked pizza-like concoction filled with eggs, tomato, cheese and olives. Read also: Three Amazing Travel Destinations In Africa 7 Travel Tips To Feed Your Wanderlust In Europe 6 Reasons Why Every Woman Should Travel Solo

Best Camping Spots in the World You Should Experience Once

Planning to go camping in 2019? If yes, you have to take a look at some of these scenic places the world is talking about. They are popular, beautiful & definitely remarkable places must visit. And in today’s article, we are going to unfold all of these places. So keep reading the article to find out more! 1. Odda Camping, Norway If you are planning to take a tour in & around Europe, Odda Camping in Norway in Europe could be a great option. Here, you will be surrounded by pristine waters, snow-capped mountains, majestic waterfalls & enchanting nature. Odda Camping offers you four cabins and rooms. There are around 60 tents and caravans if you are interested in any of them. They also offer a kiosk where you can get hold of candy, soda and groceries. Also, they have the best bread rolls here you can try. Just give it a shot! 2. Skane, Sweden A journey you definitely don't want to miss out when it comes to camping, Skane in Sweden is one of the best camping areas you should consider visiting in 2019. Friendly, full of life with the most pleasant ambience ever, Skane makes natural experiences pleasing. With around a tony population of 11000 km2, it is far away from the hustle and bustle of the main cities which gives you enough time & space to enjoy its natural surroundings. Look it up online for more. 3. The Alps, France If you are fond of the hills, there cannot be a better place in the world apart from the Alps. Visit here during the winter months & we assure you will not want to come back. You will feel the beautiful & fresh hair as you enjoy the view from the foothills. The alps also feature lovely looking villages where you can go and take a look. It can be a great place to camp if you want to chill under the night sky that glitters from above. Just make sure to carry a nice double camping cot for yourself & you will be sorted all throughout the vacation. 4. Joshua Tree If you are looking for something out of the box & new, you should definitely consider Joshua Tree. They have some of the best places to tour around such the jumbo rocks & black rocks. The camp grounds are generally filled during weekends in the middle of October to May. Sometimes, it gets pretty heated up in February. It is better to advance your bookings from beforehand if you want to camo by the joshua tree. They also have areas next to the park where you can chill. Indian cove is also one of the best places you can camp once you arrive here. There are various options on the internet for your traveling 5. Lake District National Park Lake District National Park is one of the best homes towards England’s deepest lakes as well as the highest mountains. The park has several rolling hills, quaint towns, several lakes and green valley you could definitely take a look at. It is also full of cyclists and campers who like to go on exciting boating experiences. The campsites also make it easy to go on camping tours & trips. This place also stays quite populated throughout the year & is the best to do your bookings from beforehand. 6. Mombo Camp at Botswana Better known to travelers as the place of plenty, Mombo is one place you can see majestic valleys and plains in abundance. One of the most scenic places in Africa known for its wildlife, this place has several hotels and rooms where you can stay. They also have luxurious options you can take a look at. Mombo Camp might be an old destination but still remains one of the most popular and attractive ones. You may give it a shot if traveling is something you swear by. 7. Lake Myvatn What makes Iceland so precious & beautiful? Nothing but the scenic Lake Myvatn. From beautiful lake views to hot springs and craters, these guys offer you everything. You will get basic amenities such as supermarkets, health care centers, swimming pools nearby. There are also cafes where you may visit. Summer cabins are available for camping & it happens to be one of the best and most appealing attractions you may have ever come across. However, if you are planning to visit this place anytime soon, try to avoid it during winter as the roads conditions may deteriorate. So that sums up some of the best camping places you can visit if long weekend trips are on your mind in 2019. If you’ve been to some of these places already, let us know your experience in the comments down below. Also, if you have more camping areas we have mentioned in the post, add them below as well.

A Weekend in Jacksonville: The What’s, Where’s, and When’s

Where to Stay:

One Ocean Resort and Spa:

Riverdale Inn:

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville:

What to Do:

Riverside Arts Market

Five Points:

Catty Shack Ranch:

Where to Eat

Another Broken Egg Café:

Gilbert’s Social:

Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails:

Make Your Vacation Less Stressful With the Following Tricks

The Ultimate Checklist for Helicopter Tours

Tags

Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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A Weekend in Jacksonville: The What’s, Where’s, and When’s

Where to Stay:

One Ocean Resort and Spa:

Riverdale Inn:

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville:

What to Do:

Riverside Arts Market

Five Points:

Catty Shack Ranch:

Where to Eat

Another Broken Egg Café:

Gilbert’s Social:

Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails:

Share this Article

Make Your Vacation Less Stressful With the Following Tricks

The Ultimate Checklist for Helicopter Tours

Tags

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related