Alaina's Top 3 Jacksonville Favorites

1. A little over a mile down Mandarin Road, ancient oak trees dripping with Spanish Moss bend over the narrow path. Tucked away on the right shoulder is Walter Jones Park and The Mandarin Museum. One of my favorite things to do is explore this park and poke around the museum. The Mandarin area, in general, is rich with history, but this nook, in particular, is a historical treasure trove! Author and Abolitionist, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s, winter home rests at the edge of the park and just beyond the Cypress Knees, in the St. John’s River, is the National Historic Landmark site of the sinking of The Maple Leaf. The museum houses a giant collection of artifacts from the shipwreck which I find so fascinating! This area is a real treat for Explorers, nature-lovers, and History Buffs alike!

2. Nestled in the heart of San Marco, a 250 year old Live Oak tree sprawls its massive branches and stands over 70 feet tall. This tree, known as Treaty Oak, predates Jacksonville as we know it today. The Treaty Oak is the only remaining aspect of the famous amusement park, Dixieland, that once stood by its side at the turn of the century. This park was known as “The Coney Island of the South” and featured ostrich racing if you can believe it! I love taking a book and reading beneath the tree’s gnarled branches. Despite it’s expansive nature, it’s surprisingly easy to miss so keep your eyes peeled for this majestic creature next time you’re in San Marco! You won’t regret it!

3. If you have a couple of hours to spare, I highly recommend The Jacksonville Main Public Library on North Laura St. I find it so easy to get lost in its thousands of rows of books. The building itself is breathtaking- the courtyard at the top of the grand staircase is the perfect setting to enjoy a coffee from Chamblin’s Uptown and catch up with a friend.