The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Jacksonville, Florida Now
BY TRIPVEEL EDITORIAL STAFF | November 2019
Explore a different side of Florida. Relax on stretches of stunning beaches, paddle board through the largest urban park system in the country, discover extraordinary cultural and historical spots and more in Jacksonville—named one of “The New Hot Spots Where Americans Are Moving Right Now” by Realtor.com.
Image courtesy of Visit Jacksonville
1. THE HIKING
Timucuan Preserve, within Fort Caroline National Memorial, is an attempted 16th century French colonial settlement that offers miles of hiking trails alongside rivers and salt marshes.
Walking along the same paths used by Timucuan Indians, the dog-friendly trails in the Timucuan Preserve take you through shady hammocks and along pristine beaches.
2. THE ART
With over twenty hand painted street murals, public art is booming in Jacksonville's Urban Core.
Image courtesy of Visit Jacksonville
With this short list of “must see” murals, you can experience these artistic pieces on your own.
An entire walk through downtown to see the murals totals about two miles from start to finish and there's plenty to discover along the way.
3. THE COCKTAILS
With French heart and Southern influence, you’ll know there’s something different about Restaurant Orsay from the moment you arrive. Located in historic Avondale, we recommend trying “Hey Jealousy” for your artisanal cocktail fix—concocted with cucumber infused New Amsterdam gin, Aperol, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and sparkling wine.
Restaurant Orsay in Jacksonville, Florida
As a continuous four diamond award winner and recipient of Slow Food First Coast’s Snail of Approval, Restaurant Orsay proudly sources and serves responsibly produced ingredients. Savor their Scallop Crudo of Maine diver scallops with red radish, fennel, basil, dill, smoked trout roe, pumpernickel, turmeric buttermilk or Summer Cassoulet with duck leg confit, fresh field peas, great northern beans, caramelized pearl onions, roasted grape tomatoes, English peas, boudin blanc, fresh lamb bacon, sherry vinaigrette and fried sage. First impressions are everything, but the flavors will keep you coming back for more.
For those craving something sweet, end your experience with the Caramel Macchiato Semifreddo with espresso shortbread, salted caramel, Chantilly, Bold Bean coffee and Kahlua jelly cube. Hungry yet?
4. THE GARDENS
Idyllically located on the banks of the St. Johns River, The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens boasts some of the most beautiful gardens in Northeast Florida.
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
With a history stretching back more than 100 years, the distinct gardens include the Olmsted Garden, English Garden, Italian Garden and Sculpture Garden.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Jacksonville, Florida is filled with prominent, architectural gems.
From the iconic Milam Residence, a mid-century modern masterpiece of American residential architecture, to the circa 1897 Napoleon Bonaparte Broward House—the architecture of Jacksonville is a combination of historic and modern styles.
Ready to book your Jacksonville, Florida vacation?
