Spring is a glorious time here – the days are comfortably warm and sunny, flowers and trees are in full bloom and there are an abundance of outdoor activities in Jacksonville every day.This spring why not take advantage of the beauty, fabulous weather and hospitality of the area while trying something a little different? While the possibilities are endless, here are ten outdoor activities you may want to try:
·Walk The Bridges The St. Johns River runs right through downtown Jacksonville. Park on the south bank near Friendship Park. After enjoying the fountain in Friendship Park walk across the river on the John T Alsop Bridge (more commonly known as the Main St. Bridge). Stroll around The Landing shopping, people-watching and perhaps enjoying a refreshing beverage. When you are finished walk across the Acosta Bridge to get back to the south bank where you can explore a museum, grab a bite to eat or just enjoy watching the river traffic.
·Bike The Back Roads Whether you enjoy b
icycling alone, with your family and friends, in a bike club or as part of a tour you will find plenty of opportunities to explore Jacksonville on two wheels. Tour companies offer guided rides through beautiful old neighborhoods like San Marco, Olde Mandarin, Springfield and Riverside/Avondale. Not your speed? How about a ride along the beaches or in Old St. Augustine?Or grab your water bottle and GPS and set off on your own. Happy pedaling!
·Float Your Boat No list of outdoor activities in the River City would be complete without boating. This time try something different: St. Johns Riverkeeper, a non-profit whose mission is to work on behalf of the community for clean and healthy waters in the St. Johns River, is tributaries and its wetlands, offers a variety of Eco-Tour boat trips on the St. Johns River. There is no better way to learn about the history and ecology of the river and its flora and fauna than to be floating upon it in a water taxi with guides who are passionate about getting and keeping the river clean and healthy.
·Mount a Horse Whether you are an experienced rider or have never even been near a horse there is a stable or ride for you. Have you always dreamed of horseback riding on the beach at sunset? Are you looking for riding lessons or trail rides? The Jacksonville area has it all. Now giddy up!
·Immerse Yourself In Art Jacksonville boasts several museums with world-class collections but the art doesn’t end there. There is also a symphony orchestra, theaters, art galleries, dinner theater, traveling dance and theater productions and fairs and festivals. For a real treat head to First Wednesday Art Walk which offers visual and live art and events in a 15 block area in downtown Jacksonville the first Wednesday evening of each month. Another gem is the Riverside Arts Market which is held under the Fuller Warren Bridge on Saturdays from March through November and features food, arts, and a variety of entertainment on several stages throughout the day.
·Hit The Beach There are miles and miles of beaches in greater Jacksonville with something for everyone. Pack a picnic and head to the beach for swimming, fishing, biking, looking for shark teeth and shells or just to sink your toes in the sand. Feeling particularly adventurous? Take a surf lesson or grab your board and hang ten!
·Head To The Ballpark Jacksonville is fortunate to have its very own minor league baseball team, The Jacksonville Suns. There is much more to do at the ballpark than just watch the game; there are promotions throughout the season including giveaways, Friday Family Fireworks, Senior Citizens Days, Celebration of Reading Days, Military Appreciation Days, Family Faith Days, Autism Awareness Days and Kids Run the Bases Days. All that and Popcorn! Peanuts! Hot Dogs! Beer!
·Stroll The Gardens Along with scenic nature trails and tranquil parks, Jacksonville is graced with two beautiful places to enjoy flowers, plants and gardens. When you visit The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens you will feel as if you’ve entered the pages of a coffee table art book. These year-round oases provide inspiration for gardeners, artists and those who simply appreciate nature’s beauty. Don’t forget your camera!
·Sink A Putt You don’t have to be a serious golfer to have some serious fun golfing in Jacksonville. In addition to the many golf courses in the area there are also a few miniature golf courses. Golfers of all ages and abilities can enjoy putting among windmills, waterfalls and sand traps. Fore!
·Dip Your Oars You can’t go far in Jacksonville without crossing a river, creek, lake, stream or waterway. And where there is water there is kayaking! Local outfitters offer equipment rentals, lessons and group tours in either salt or fresh water.Bring a waterproof camera, your fishing pole or just your sense of adventure and explore the scenic waterways of the First Coast.
With so many outdoor activities in Jacksonville your biggest challenge may be finding the time to do everything you’d like to this spring. If you would like further information about the Jacksonville area or any of these suggestions please call me at (904) 576-0706 or e-mail me at jbentley@watsonrealtycorp.com. And don’t forget to check out my blog again; before you know it I will be posting a list of Jacksonville adventures for the sultry days of summer.
Happy Exploring!
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