Where to Eat and Play in Jacksonville

H and I met at a little wine bar {THE GROTTO} in Jax, Florida about three weeks before I was set to move to Atlanta for graduate school (ages ago). We were both hanging out with our respective friends and had spotted the other from across the room (SUPER CLICHE, I KNOW). I over heard him quoting movie lines from The Color Purple and I knew I had to meet him. My mother tells me that I came home that night and told her that I had met the man I was going to marry, HA!

At any rate, we recently spent a little time in Jax, visiting the family and were quite pleased with the happenings. We've decided that hands down, our favorite areas to hang out {even with the munchkins}
are San Marco, Riverside, and The Beaches. If we ever got the notion to move back they'd be the areas we'd consider for sure. They are chock full of quaint jewelry stores, restaurants, and shops. And every time we go "home" there is something old to remember and new to explore.

A couple of my faves from our last visit:

This coffee changed H's life. He cant stop talking about it. 

we packed snacks, music, and my dad brought fishing poles!

You must have the Turkey Parisian Turkey, Brie, raspberry sauce, cucumbers and lettuce on a HOT croissant. Served hot. Oh and a ROOT BEER. Yes and YES!

PHOTO

Grape and Grain Exchange A Gourmet package store on the outside with a secret passageway to an after hours SPEAK EASY. Reserve your seat for live music and drinks.



These are just a few of the places I needed to rave about. this coastal city has MUCH to offer. So yes, If you live in Jax and haven't tried these places... Ha! Beat you to it! And if you or a native returning home for a visit - YOU HAVE TO PUT THESE ON YOUR AGENDA.

EAT
BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS
EUROPEAN STREET DELICATESSEN

DRINK
THE GROTTO WINE AND TAPAS BAR

PLAY
Jacksonville Beaches
GRAPE AND GRAIN EXCHANGE

Do you know anything about Jax? What you would you add to this list??

xx,
Bunnie