Beginner's Guide to Florida

Day 5 - Historical Tour - Amelia Island

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Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach - This park is a Pre-Civil War coastal fort which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. In addition to the fort, you will find campsites acres of beach, dunes, a maritime forest and tidal marsh. Hiking and off road bicycling trails are also available.

Amelia Island – This island has been under the control of 8 different nationalities during its history. Visit the historic downtown district to learn more of the interesting history of this area. Fernandina Beach is also located on the island, which you may enjoy exploring.

If you are around during the first weekend in May, you should attend the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, which hosts not only great shrimp but a fine arts and crafts show, boat races and a family fun festival.

Jacksonville Maritime Museum – If you have time on your way back into Jacksonville, you may want to visit this museum. It was established in 1985 and is dedicated solely to maritime history.

Day 6 - State Park Day (Kathryn Abby Hannah or Huguenot Memorial Park)

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After two fun-filled historical days of the area, you should be ready to hit the beach again! Today takes you to nearby Kathryn Abby Hanna Park, where you will be surrounded by the beauty of nature. You will enjoy plenty of sand, sun, surfing, fishing and sailing on the park’s one and a half miles of untouched and beautiful beaches.

The park also offers many other opportunities for diversion and relaxation. Here you will also find fresh water lakes, wooded campsites and hiking trails and an enjoyable water playground for the kids. There are also concession stands located in the park, if you need to cool off or grab a snack.

If you are a bird lover, this park or the Huguenot Memorial Park is the place for you. Both have both been designated as Great Florida Birding Trail sites. Unique to Huguenot Memorial Park is that it offers beach access by car.

Day 7 - Budweiser Brewery Tours

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Since today is probably a shorter day for you, let’s take advantage of the Budweiser Brewery Tour. You will be amazed to learn about the century-old brewing process and to see the high-speed packaging lines that fill thousands of bottles and cans per minute. Halfway through the tour, you will be able to taste complimentary samples in the hospitality room.

If you have time before heading out of town, go back and revisit what was most enjoyable to you.

Interested in Other Types of Activities?

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- Golfing - Book your Tee times online at Book4golf.com
- Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
- Sporting events
- Jacksonville Jaguars football
- Jacksonville Suns baseball
- Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival –first weekend in May
- Kid Friendly Activities
o Jacksonville Zoo
o Art Loft Emporium in the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art, which offers 16 fun-filled learning centers about art and artists
o The Museum of Science and History has rotating exhibits, a planetarium, educational programs and special events
o Kid’s Kampus at Metropolitan Park
o Adventure Landing Theme Park
- Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art - JMOMA
- Jacksonville Beach Pier, the perfect spot for anglers with a 1,200 ft. pier, bait and tackle shop and rustic restaurant

Sources
1. www.oldfloridamuseum.com
2. www.budweisertours.com
3. www.coj.net
4. www.downtownjacksonville.org
5. http://hotel-guides.us/florida/jacksonville-beach-fl-hotels.html
6. www.jaxbeach.com
7. www.visitjacksonville.com
8. www.jaxcvb.com
9. www.jaxparks.com

Why should I move to Jacksonville, Florida?

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There are many reasons that Jacksonville, Florida is such a fast-growing city. Here are just a few of the advantages that are attracting newcomers to Jacksonville:

- Jacksonville has the 10th best job rate in the United States.
- Jacksonville has a low unemployment rate of 4.9%.
- Jacksonville was ranked by “Expansion Management” magazine to be the #1 city for business expansion. Jacksonville has many top companies located here and new companies are moving into the community daily.
- Jacksonville citizens have recently approved funds for a Strategic Growth Management Plan in order to build more infrastructures. The city of Jacksonville seems to be visionary in keeping up with its remarkable growth.
- Jacksonville has an attractive median home price of $143,600. The cost of housing is 15% lower than the national average for new homes.
- Jacksonville has been rated as one of the “Best Places to Live” by several national publications.
- Jacksonville is considered a safe city in which to live.
- The cost of living in Jacksonville is one of the lowest in Florida.
- The climate is fabulous!
- Getting around in Jacksonville is easy because it is served by two major interstates and several major arteries.
- Many people say that Jacksonville is a large city without many of the problems you find in cities of a similar size. It has a small-town feel and small-town roots. Jacksonville is the 14th largest city in the nation, with over 800,000 residents within the city limits.
- And best of all, there is no state income tax in Florida, making it one of the few states with such a practice in the United States!

What is the atmosphere of the real estate market in Jacksonville, Florida?

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The market is booming in Jacksonville! Real estate in Jacksonville has become some of the hottest property on the market, making the city the 18th largest real estate market in the United States. The turn-around on reselling your real estate is very quick. Most homes sell within one month of going on the market, but it is not uncommon for a house to sell within a week.

Real estate in Jacksonville, Florida is considered to be a great investment because of the ease of the sell. In addition, the cost of real estate is continually on the rise, making a wonderful profit on your original investment. In 2004, 16,150 homes in Jacksonville sold for a 15 percent gain, and the median sales price also rose 15 percent.

Condominiums and condominium communities are extremely popular in Jacksonville. Condominiums are great for summer vacation homes or for rental property for tourists, making them a great investment. One popular option is golf vacation condominiums, since golf is “king” in the area. In Jacksonville, you are nearby the PGA headquarters for the nation and several championship golf courses.

What are the demographics of the real estate market in Jacksonville, Florida?

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According to one homegain.com, the total number of housing units in Jacksonville is 160,388. Homegain.com also sights that the education levels in Jacksonville are as follows. The percentage of residents with a K-12 educational level is 30%. Those with high school diplomas are 19%. College graduates in the area make up 10% of the population, and those with a post graduate degree reach a percentage of 3%. These numbers are pretty much on par with the percentiles of Florida residents, with slight fluctuations. The national percentile points are: 31% holding a K-12 educational level, 19% of Americans have a high school diploma, 28% are college graduates and 4 % have a post graduate degree. The only major variation from the national average is that of the number of college graduates.

According to trulia.com, as of January 2006, the average price for a one bedroom single family home is $153,824. The average price for a two bedroom housing unit is $128,714. A three bedroom home will average $165,516; and a four bedroom home will average in a cost of $305,891.

Trulia.com also states that the median rental price for a single family housing unit in Jacksonville is $427. The also give the following statistics concerning the housing market in Jacksonville: 59% of all housing units are owner occupied, 33% of all housing units are rental units and 8% of the total housing units are currently vacant.

What is the quality of the school systems in Jacksonville, Florida?

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You have many great schooling options for your children in Jacksonville! According to trulia.com, the Jacksonville School Testing Performance in English and Math averaged on the same level as the ranking of the state of Florida’s schools. Math ranked above 55% at all levels of education – elementary, middle and high schools.

In addition to the neighborhood public schools, you will also have the choice to enroll in the Magnet School program. This educational approach offers a full academic program and an additional emphasis on 30 specialized subjects such as dance, engineering, science, technology, music and language immersion. These specialized subjects are based on the students’ special talents and interests.

Jacksonville has earned national attention because of its outstanding educational opportunities. Jacksonville’s Stanton College Preparatory School was ranked the number one high school in the nation by “Newsweek” magazine. Paxson High School in Jacksonville was ranked number seven in the same report.

If you prefer a different type of educational opportunity for your child, you still have many options from which to choose. Jacksonville has over 100 private schools, including church/parochial schools, college preparatory schools, single-gender classrooms and co-ed classrooms.

How can I know which neighborhood to move into in Jacksonville?

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The choices can be overwhelming, if you a newcomer to real estate in Jacksonville, Florida. After all, there are at least 207 neighborhoods in the Jacksonville area, not to mention the surrounding bedroom communities that are nearby. Which neighborhood is right for you or your family and for your particular lifestyle? You need to check out the website of neighborhoodscouts.com! This is a website which matches people with the best neighborhood for them and their families. The neighborhood.com website has a special calculation and statistics tool which has a patent pending. The website combines several databases of information and statistics into one massive database. You can give several different, specific criteria for choosing a neighborhood that is right for you. NeighborhoodScout will then pinpoint with excellent accuracy the specific neighborhoods in the region where you are seeking to buy real estate.

The benefits of using this system are numerous:

- Saves you time and relocation stress.
- Helps you discover your best neighborhood with confidence, even if you are moving to a totally new city.
- Helps you locate affordable and desirable housing in even the most expensive real estate markets.
- Teaches you all about an area before you even relocate.
- Pinpoints all possible neighborhoods from your computer, without having to do manual or on-site research. This is turn will significantly save you time in your real estate search because your search area is already very specific.

How do I use the services of NeighborhoodScout? You will have to subscribe on-line for varying fees, depending on the number of days of usage. A 7 day usage fee is $19.95, and a 30 day usage fee is $29.95. Sixty days will cost $39.95, and a one year subscription carries a charge of $99.95. It is well worth the cost, if it enables you to pinpoint and identify the neighborhoods that are right for you and your family.

Sources

1. ezinearticles.com – “Jacksonville Real Estate”
2. www.greatschools.net – listings of schools and parent reviews for a fee
3. www.trulia.com/city/FL/Jacksonville
4. www.homegain.com/local_real_estate/FL/jacksonville.html
5. http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/realestate/Florida.html
6. www.neighborhoodscout.com/neighborhoods
7. www.jnjvision.com/careers/about_location.html
8. www.realestateofjacksonville.com/jacksonville/index.html

Top Places to Eat in Jacksonville, Florida

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Jacksonville is vast not only in land size but also in the variety of restaurants and activities from which to choose during your visit here. You will not be bored in Jacksonville, and you will definitely find the menu that satisfies whatever food cravings that you may have. Let’s take a look at just a few of your options in this fabulous city:

Top Places to Eat in Jacksonville, Florida

At the beach:
- Beach Hut Café, Jacksonville Beach (1281 3rd St S; 904-249-3516) This restaurant is rated a 10 by its customers. The restaurant is decorated in a Caribbean motif, creating a relaxing atmosphere for your meal. You will find delicious sandwiches and home-style vegetables. Try the breakfast too; it is superb!

- Ragtime Tavern and Seafood Grille, Atlantic Beach (207 Atlantic Blvd; 904-241-7877) This restaurant is well known for its fresh seafood, brewed beers and appetizers. It is a local favorite, known for its seafood, but you will also find other delicious items on the menu.

- Dolphin Depot (located in Jacksonville Beach at 704 1st St N 32250; 904-270-1424). The Dolphin Depot was given a 10 out of 10 rating by its customers. Business casual attire is suggested.

- First Street Grille (located in Jacksonville Beach at 807 N 1st St. 32250; 904-246-6555). The Grille is known for its innovative, fresh, seafood dishes. Business casual attire is recommended.

- Marker 32 (14549 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach; 904-223-1534) Marker 32 is housed in a stilted building over the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. This award-winning restaurant will take you on a delicious adventure. Reservations recommended.

Downtown:
- River City Brewing Company (835 Museum Circle 32207; 904-398-2299) This restaurant is located on the Southbank Riverwalk, which offers a majestic view. On top of the view, you will find great food. The house specialty is local grouper grilled to perfection and served with fresh asparagus. You will also find plenty of steak and chicken options. A fun aspect of this restaurant is that you can come via water taxi from Jacksonville Landing. If you brought your own boat, you can dock your boat while dining or staying overnight. When the weather permits, outside dining is available.

- Southend Brewery and Smokehouse (2 Independent Dr 32202; 904-665-0000). Here you will find a casual and relaxed dining experience. Among the favorite menu items are world-class shrimp and grits and unbeatable BBQ. You can eat indoors or outdoors, overlooking the Saint John's .

- Worman's Bakery and Delicatessen (204 Broad St 32202; 904-598-9763) Worman’s has been named the "Best Bakery in Town" for several years by "Folio Weekly" readers. Worman’s has been a local favorite since its beginning in 1924, and it offers wonderful New York-style deli meats, pastries, sandwiches and bread.

San Marco area of town:
-The Loop Pizza Grill (2014 San Marco Blvd 32207; 904-399-5667; there are numerous other locations throughout Jacksonville) The Loop Pizza Grill is another Jacksonville favorite. These pizzas are made with fresh ingredients to your specifications. A highly recommended pizza here is the spicy cilantro chicken pizza with roasted garlic, red peppers and pesto. The Loop Pizza Grill serves generous salads, soups and out-of-this-world burgers. The atmosphere is upscale.

- Bistro AIX (1440 San Marco Blvd 32207; 904-398-1949) The Bistro AIX is immensely popular in many different user surveys. It is known for its unique combination of French and Mediterranean bistro-style cuisine. The Bistro AIX is also well-liked for its atmosphere and exhibition kitchen. It was named the “Best New Restaurant” in Northeast Florida by “Folio Weekly.” Business attire is required and reservations are recommended, due to its popularity.

- 24 Miramar (located in San Marco at 4446 Hendricks Ave, Miramar Shopping Center 32207; 904-448-2424). 24 Miramar was named among the state's top 200 restaurants. It was voted such because of its mastery of new American and fusion cuisines and its elegant ambience. Reservations are suggested.

- Matthew's (2107 Hendricks Ave, San Marco; 904-396-9922) Loyal patrons travel from all over northeast Florida to experience what this establishment has to offer. Matthew's has collected numerous culinary awards and honors, including Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. Business casual attire. Reservations are a must.

Other Areas of Town:

- Front Page Grille and Bar (9150 Baymeadows Rd; 904-448-6900)
at the Holiday Inn Baymeadows). They offer a variety of dishes: the American fare include cedar trout, Atlantic salmon and Yankee pot roast, but they are famous for their burgers. Reservations recommended.
- Sterlings of Avondale (3551 Saint Johns Ave; 904-387-0700) Elegant, relaxed atmosphere and winner of 10 consecutive "Golden Spoon" awards. Sterlings of Avondale is ranked among "Florida Trend's" top 200 restaurants for its exceptional rack of lamb, steaks, veal, salmon and fresh seafood specialties. Reservations are suggested.
- Wine Cellar (1314 Prudential Dr, located in Southbank; 904-398-8989) For entrées, the eclectic, well-rounded menu boasts American and Asian favorites. Business dressy attire (jacket required). Reservations are essential.

Top Dessert Spots

- Café Carmon (San Marco - 1986 San Marco Blvd 32207; 904-399-4488) Café Carmon has consistently won Folio Weekly's "Best Dessert Award," and for good reason! Delicious, homemade items include Key lime tart, apples and cream crumb pie, café carrot cake, and an incredible crème brûlée. Each of these fabulous desserts keep customers coming back for more. Café Carmon is nestled in the heart of San Marco's historic district, making it very convenient.
- Coffee Grinder (9834 Baymeadows Rd, 32256; 904-642-7600) The delicious selections change constantly, offering variety and adventure. One this is constant, though, every item is fantastic. Coupled with the freshly brewed coffees, you can choos from flaky pastries, just-baked muffins and scones. Dress is casual.
- Funari's Italian Creamery (9475 Phillips Hwy, Ste 4; 904-519-1962 - located in South Jacksonville). This shop is praised for its gelato, which is made from an old family recipe, straight from Italy.

Top Romantic Restaurants in Jacksonville, Florida

According to a customer poll by jacksonvillecitysearch.com, Jacksonville has several romantic spots across the city where the atmosphere is right for a romantic evening for two. Customers voted the following restaurants to be the top romantic spots:
1. Chart House – 1501 Riverplace Blvd
2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House – 12-1 Riverplace Blvd.
3. Giovanni’s – 1161 Beach Blvd.
4. Wine Cellar – 1314 Prudential Dr.
5. Copelands of New Orleans – 4310 Southside Blvd.
6. Dolphin Depot – 704 1st St. N., Jax Beach
7. Matthew’s 2107 Hendricks Ave.
8. Bistro AIX – 1440 San Marco Blvd.
9. Stonewood Tavern & Grill – 3832 Baymeadows Rd. Ste.3
10. First Street Grille – 807 1st Street N. Jax Beach

The editors chose the following restaurants as the best romantic restaurants in Jacksonville, FL:
1. Matthew’s
2. Chart House
3. Sorrento Italian Restaurant – 6943 St. Augustine Rd.
4. Giovanni’s

Nightlife in Jacksonville, Florida

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There is plenty to do both day and night in Jacksonville! You will not be bored, and the nightlife in Jacksonville is no exception. There are two main areas for local bars, they are located in Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach. In addition to the bars, you will find many other opportunities for pleasure and entertainment in Jacksonville’s nightlife.

Below you will see a list of some of the top night spots and live music venues in Jacksonville (based on a poll from jacksonvillecitysearch.com):

1. Bukkets – 222 N. Oceanfront; 904-246-7701. A beach bar with lot of people, beer and good times.
2. Freebird Live – 200 N. 1st Street, Jacksonville Beach. Plan on enjoying a night of music and fun as regional and national musicians take the stage.
3. Fuel – 1037 Park St.; 904-425-3835 Fuel has a spacious and relaxed environment. Kick back on the couches and chairs and enjoy the huge projection TV screen with friends.
4. Jacksonville Landing – 2 Independent Dr.; 904-353-1423. This is a popular local for entertainment, eateries and live music.
5. Ragtime Taproom and Brewery – 207 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach. A large bar, known as the Cheers of Atlantic Beach.
6. River City Brewing Company- 835 Museum Cir., downtown. Bar, restaurant and live music.
7. Sneakers Sports Grille – 10750 Atlantic Blvd.; 904-641-4263. The ultimate sport bar.
8. The Atlantic- 333 N. 1st Street. The Atlantic is a popular spot to meet after work and enjoy the ocean views, with plenty of appetizers and light dinner items.

Best Live Music Venues in Jacksonville, FL

1. Lynch’s Irish Pub – 514 1ST St N, Jacksonville Beach
2. Freebird Café – 200 N. 1st Street, Jacksonville Beach
3. Ocean Club - 401 1ST St N, Jacksonville Beach
4. River City Brewing Company – 835 Museum Cir., Jacksonville
5. Jack Rabbits - 1528 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville
6. Fly’s Tie Irish Pub - 177 Sailfish Dr E, Atlantic Beach
7. Ragtime Taproom and Brewery – 207 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach
8. First Street Grille - 807 1ST St N, Jacksonville Beach
9. Square One - 1974 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville

Sources

1. www.10best.com/Jacksonville/Restaurants
2. http://jacksonville.citysearch.com/best
3. www.dinesite.com
4. http://jacksonville.citysearch.com/best/results
5. www.pubclub.com/florida/jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida Hotels

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Jacksonville, Florida Real Estate

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Jacksonville, Florida - A Three Day Itinerary

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Jacksonville, Florida - 7 Day Itinerary

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Beginner's Guide to Florida

Day 5 - Historical Tour - Amelia Island

Day 6 - State Park Day (Kathryn Abby Hannah or Huguenot Memorial Park)

Day 7 - Budweiser Brewery Tours

Interested in Other Types of Activities?

Why should I move to Jacksonville, Florida?

What is the atmosphere of the real estate market in Jacksonville, Florida?

What are the demographics of the real estate market in Jacksonville, Florida?

What is the quality of the school systems in Jacksonville, Florida?

How can I know which neighborhood to move into in Jacksonville?

Top Places to Eat in Jacksonville, Florida

Nightlife in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville, Florida Hotels

How can I choose a hotel in Jacksonville, Florida?

Which hotels are closest to the beach?

Which Hotels are Downtown?

Are You Looking for Luxury Hotels?

Jacksonville, Florida Real Estate

Why should I move to Jacksonville, Florida?

What is the atmosphere of the real estate market in Jacksonville, Florida?

What are the demographics of the real estate market in Jacksonville, Florida?

What is the quality of the school systems in Jacksonville, Florida?

Jacksonville, Florida - A Three Day Itinerary

Jacksonville, Florida - A Three Day Itinerary Overview

Day One - St. John's River Cruise and Jacksonville Beach

Day Two - Kathryn Abby Hanna Park

Day Three - Jacksonville Landing, Metropolitan Park, Kid's Kampus

Jacksonville, Florida - 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Beaches

Day 2 - Jacksonville Landing (Shopping or Golfing), Metropolitan Park and Beaches

Day 3 - St. John's River cruise

Day 4 - Historical Tour in St. Augustine, FL