Ellie's Top 3 Jacksonville Faves

Hi friends! I’m a Jacksonville native, and I truly love living in the 904. As a San Marco resident, I love walking to so many of my favorite restaurants, shops, and parks. However, there are so many different neighborhoods in Jax that I love. I’m sharing my Top 3 JAX Neighborhoods!

1. San Marco- San Marco is home. I love that it feels like a small town community with walkability and familiar faces at all of your places! I can grab my favorite latte, workout at Pure Barre, shop in the Square, dine on a delicious meal, and toast my favorite cocktail all within a 1 mile radius!
   My San Marco Favorites: Bold Bean Coffee, Grape and Grain Exchange, Fig and Willow, Pure Barre San Marco, Taverna, and Hendricks Nails

2. Avondale- I grew up close to the area, so the stores and restaurants in Avondale are the perfect mix of new and nostalgic. There are so many options for a day with the family or a special date night. You MUST get cake from Biscotti’s while you’re around (triple chocolate, white chocolate raspberry cheesecake, and coconut are some of my top choices!), and you’ll love to find a new outfit at the cute boutiques!
   My Avondale Favorites: Emory, Tenley Dietrich, The Fox Restaurant, The Brick, Sivada’s, Southern Grounds

3. Springfield- Over the last year, I’ve discovered just how many gems there are in Historic Springfield! I can’t get enough of the 1748 Bakehouse breakfast sandwich or the Strings burger, while you shoot some hoops. Not to mention, you can get a mega-mosa from Crispy’s! Everyone that lives in Springfield absolutely loves to support their neighbors and local businesses, and you feel that when you’re there!
   My Springfield Favorites: 1748 Bakehouse, Springs Sports Brewery, Crispy’s, Social Grounds Coffee

Emily's Top 3 Jacksonville Faves

Sharing my Top 3 Happy Hour Spots with you!

1. Family Friendly: European Street- On a beautiful day there is nothing better than sitting outside enjoying the weather, a cold beer, + a delicious sandwich (looking at you international club). Happy hour starts at 2, and is all day on the weekends, with 2-for-1 beers. What makes it family friendly? The giant candy selection inside that we bribe our children with (hey, it works!). There are four locations to choose from, but you will most likely find us in Riverside on the patio!

2. Date Night: Grape + Grain- Whether you prefer a cocktail or a mocktail, they make the best! My husband and I try to sneak in a day date every now and then while the kids are at school (this is a no judgement zone, ok- sitters are expensive!) and G+G has a spectacular HH menu. $6 cocktails, $6 wines, and $1 off draft beer Sunday-Thursday from 2pm-7pm! They also double as a package store with craft beers, delicious wines, and a large selection of liquor so you can continue date night at home.

3. Shopping Break: The Marlin Bar- This new(ish) restaurant connected to Tommy Bahama is the perfect place to pop in when you need to refuel while shopping. Happy Hour is every day from 3-6 and includes $6 wines, $6 cocktails, $8 martinis, and $5 beer. Highly recommend enjoying HH with an ahi tuna poke bowl.

Cheers!