Ever wish you could leave your television, your car, your Xbox, your cell phone, and your Wi-Fi and live in the woods as nomads? I do not; however, if you wanted to, we have that, too. This lovely city of Jacksonville, FL, is a combination of both the busy city life and relaxing calm waters and woods. It’s the best of both worlds.
FINALIST 2013 FTF TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
If you happen to be in the city on the first Wednesday of the month, you should stay until the evening, around 5pm, and make your way downtown. Around Laura Street, you’ll see people selling artwork, singing songs, and you might even see me in my poetry club slamming poems. It is a very cultural event, yet it is also pretty interesting – I got to take a picture with a Jedi – and it is family friendly.
I understand some people do not like crowds (myself included). We would be happy with just ourselves, some quiet, maybe mellow music, and a book. Well, if you go a little down Laura Street, you will see the Landing, or the River Walk, in which you can find a nice bench. Sit and watch the sunset, read a book, or just watch other people walking around, enjoying life, just like you.
If you are a party animal, or you like games, then Latitude 30 or Dave & Busters are the places for you. They are both giant arcades that serve alcohol to those of age. Rumor has it, latitude 30 turns into a club with the cover of night. There is also a bowling alley with a movie theatre with reclining chairs.
Are long walks on the beach your thing? We have a beach, though I must warn you of the sharks… and people. There are many waves to catch if surfing is your thing. There is also plenty of sunlight for tanning and many opportunities to build sand castles. If you are a crasher, there are weddings help on the beach, perfect for crashing.
Do you like music? It does not have to be the modern music you enjoy, but perhaps some Bach, or Mozart? There is a place called the Times-Union Center for the performing arts, in which there are different age groups performing orchestral music. I recently went there to listen to the JYSO (Jacksonville Youth Symphony Orchestra) perform; I had a few friends performing in it. They were wonderful, and the place usually puts on amazing productions, though I must add that the acoustics are very good, so if you lack the golden key of silence, or his cousin, the silver strip of duct tape, then maybe you should not go.
Now, what about that famous male pastime, golf? I am not so sure if there is another golf course besides the one on the Air Force Base. However, there are mini golf hotspots. For example, Adventure Landing is a small arcade, very children friendly, and it has go-karts and mini golf. There is another one, on Beach Boulevard, similar to the one on Blanding Boulevard, just with water. That is right, there is a water park incorporated into this Adventure Landing, and it’s very fun.
I will close this with one last attraction. In Orange Park, there is the Orange Park Mall, with numerous stores, a movie theatre, and places to dine. So, there you have it, I hope to see you on your next trip to Jacksonville, Florida. We have lots of sunshine to spare.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
