Jazz Fest returns to Metro Park!! I realize that this is…read moreprobably just a temporary venue while the Jax Landing space gets figured out, but thank you City of Jax - this is the perfect spot! And on top of that, they added Daily's Place too!! Seats, covered seats - away from the heat & elements! And lots & lots of parking ($15) at the stadium. Also - thank you for the variety of food trucks and having the buses available for Cooling Stations. We all mourn the recent loss of David Sanborn - Jax has done a good job adding new artists & juggling the schedule after this tragedy.

We've been attending the Jax Jazz Fest for more than 15 years. We come down from Atlanta and…read morepurchase the "VIP Experience" every year. We just got back from the 2025 fest, and it was the most disappointing of all. Background: The Jax Jazz Fest (JJF) used to be a wonderful experience. Not anymore. They used to provide 3-5 different stages with all types of jazz, smooth, Latin, Cool, Swing...you name it. It used to start around 11 am and go into the night. No more. It's down to one stage with R&B and HipHop artists and some Jazz sprinkled in. It's no longer a Jazz Festival. Gates open around 5 pm most days, so it's less than half the musical choices it used to be. It gets worse. The VIP thing is a joke, an expensive joke. We paid $ 1,200 for the two of us for the 4-day event. It's actually 3 days since the first day is only one performance, usually a little-known act. We parked a half mile from the venue in the VIP lot...and walked in the blistering Florida heat. Through sandy, gritty former parking lots and abandoned former industrial sites. We were filthy from the waist down by the time we finished our hike to the gate. There is only one gate, leaving you with yet another 200-yard walk through the crowd to the undersized VIP tent, which, of course, was full, with nowhere to sit, since it was undersized for the VIP crowd size. Drinks. We paid $60 with a couple of dollar tip for two "signature drinks" that were unidentifiable. Twenty-six bucks each plus tax. You read that right. Watered down and loaded with ice, they were terrible. They stopped providing drinks as part of the admission a few years ago, but the price remained unchanged. A total money grab from the event organizers. The food is unlimited, but doesn't change all day...so how many times are you going back for the same piece of chicken you ate a few hours ago? You'll eat once, pick a little the second go round, and you're done. You'd think they would bring out different choices, some fruit, sliders, wings, maybe some pasta as the day wears on, but no. Same food all day long. So, unlimited food is limited by the poor selection that remains unchanged. Kool and the Gang and Maysa saved the weekend, as did Trombone Shorty. Also, we long ago started staying at the beach in case the JJF disappoints, which is has begun to do more often, so coming from Atlanta, we at least have some beach time. Sunday was rained out for the most part, as was Saturday last year. Do you think they would provide us with a credit for next year's "VIP Experience" since we spent over $300 on the tickets for that day? Nope, tough luck. We're done. No more VIP, since there's nothing VIP about it. Oh, and to be clear, you have to buy the VIP before they announce who is playing, or you pay more for waiting. It's sad what this has become, as we had many happy times in the past.

This review is for the Riverside neighborhood itself, not for the Riverside Avondale Preservation…read moreInc. (RAP) business, which most people have been leaving their reviews under. RAP does a fine job overseeing the historical aspects but it is NOT our neighborhood and IS a non-profit business. Riverside was first platted in 1868 and has seen incredible history since. It's biggest growth was after the Great Fire of 1901 which forced a lot of homeowners downtown to move "south" to the "suburbs" of Riverside. We have grown to the point where we are no longer suburbs and are properly an urban neighborhood. Riverside, looking at a map counter clockwise, is bordered by the St. Johns River, I-95/Fuller Warren Bridge, I-10, 17/Roosevelt, and Fishweir Creek (located between Geraldine Drive and Woodmere St). Our neighbors are Five Points, Brooklyn, and North Riverside to the north; Murray Hill to the west; and Avondale and Ortega to the south. We have our own little pockets of businesses, from the Publix shopping center near Five Points, to the Stockton strip (Bold Bean, Foo Dog, etc.), to the King Street District (Kickbacks, etc.), to the Park & King area (Cool Moose, European Street, etc.). We have parks - Riverside Park, Memorial Park and Willowbranch Park - and many, many tiny ones, hidden and scattered throughout the neighborhood. Our homes are beautiful, from large Italianate and Spanish styled mansions to the largest collections of bungalows on the Eastern Coast and everything in between. Personally, we moved here over 20 years ago (just celebrated 20 in our home) and I cannot imagine living anywhere else. We have witnessed our beloved Riverside rise and fall economically over time, but every time it's gotten better. Some have complained that gentrification has set in and is ruining a lot of it's flavor, but then you do have to take that with a grain of salt. We raised our children here, the elementary schools are fantastic. Unfortunately, beyond that, the kids have to be bused elsewhere. Riverside is not perfect, but no neighborhood is. People who live here love this neighborhood with a passion and hopefully it shows.

The Riverside/Avondale community is an vibrant, diverse, and eclectic transitional community. In…read morethe last 15 years this area has seen an expansion in restaurants, shops, and residency; culminating into a solid cultural and neighborhood identity. I am bias towards this community in which I live. Yes, it had and has some obstacles to overcome like vagrancy, muggings, burglaries, and such but unfortunately it's the world in which we live. I think crime in this area always seems more dramatic because the neighborhood itself is the quintessential melting pot of acceptance, equality, arts, ingenuity, and "family". This section of Jacksonville reminds me of my favorite neighborhoods in Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles. The homes range in price where diverse socio economic groups see, meet, and know each other either by name or face. (However, I will note that since I've lived here, home prices are starting to rise at an alarming rate as well as apartment rent) While we have some chains, we have more neighborhood cafes, bars, shops, and breweries supported by our local community and in last few years proven to be THE hot spot for people living in other Jacksonville, St. John's and Clay counties. * Some of my favorites in the area: Bread and Board, Brick Haus Salon, Barrique, River and Post, Cummer Museum, Mossfire, Tavern, Memorial Park, The Brick, Blue Fish, European Street, Bold Bean, 13 Gypsys, Blacksheep, Sun Ray Cinema, Riverside Arts Market (Sat 10-4), Café Sushi, Biscottis, Winston Y, and Black Cat Yoga. We have great parks, views and access to the river, museums, dog parks, arts markets, public tennis courts, yoga studios, gyms, community centers, and a variety of community activities throughout the year. Plus, we are central. It's a 5 minute uber ride to any given restaurant or bar in the area, 7 minute uber to downtown proper or San Marco, 12 minute uber to the stadium, and 27 minute ride to Town Center, and 34 minute or less ride to the beaches. I just realized, it sounds like I'm trying to get you to move here. lol I'm actually not because we area already crowded But alas, I cannot help but share and promote the community in which I feel connected. I remember when I bought my home from a sweet elderly woman years ago. At the time, she told me it was a great home and community to retire in because it's walking distance to the library, hospital, grocery store, restaurants, Walgreens etc... I thought... what??? I certainly will not retire in this house. However, the more I think about it..... why not. All my friends have moved to the San Marco, Riverside/Avondale or Ortega area and with house prices sky rocketing and all the new places opening up around me; where else could I move and feel this at-home?

How fun and festive. Christmas creative displays from the community come to life with lights and…read morecreativity. Most importantly it's free. Right on 1st street north on the pavilion. You can see many lifeguard chairs decked out. The cause of the awareness to support children's art education is amazing. When I went there was a nature display of moving animals, light show, nativity scene, Santa on a sleigh and much more. Each display was picture perfect and you can tell each sponsor put in so much effort and work with creativity. Also the lights up were beautiful. If you love taking holiday pictures and in the mood for family fun this will definitely lighten your spirits. I will make it a tradition of going every year.

I was so excited to go to this, that I went twice! It's so cool to see how creative people are. It…read moretruly ties together Christmas and the beaches - talk about Christmas in FL haha. I really enjoyed this and came with my friends then my family and both times everyone loved it. Good for a little stroll after dinner. So glad to live close by to this!

What an awesome day at River City Pride Festival. A few quick showers never broke the mood…read more Entertainment was fantastic and the vendors a plenty. It was a fun day for all!

A fantastic spot offering a wide range of products and services. Convenient GPS directions to the…read moreCummer Museum located adjacent to the market. Situated right under i95, the market features an array of international and traditional American food trucks, plenty of seating options like tables, chairs, and benches, as well as engaging activities for kids. Definitely a top-notch experience deserving of 5 stars. We will definitely revisit this place.

I recently stopped by Lavash JAX in Jacksonville and was blown away by how good the chicken lavash…read morewrap was. The flavors hit me with this wave of nostalgia--it reminded me exactly of the shawarma I used to eat back in Ukraine. Juicy chicken, marinated carrots, soft lavash bread... it just felt so familiar and comforting. We also tried the pork lavash, which was solid, but the chicken was definitely my favorite--super juicy and full of flavor. If you're choosing between the two, I'd go with the chicken all the way. The people running the truck were really friendly and welcoming. I casually mentioned that the taste felt familiar, and it turns out they've taken part in some events around Florida too, which made sense. It's always nice to support local vendors who clearly put care into what they make. They were also open late, which was a huge plus for us--we got there pretty late in the evening, and they were still happy to take our order. Everything was fresh, hot, and made with care. If you're craving something a little different and full of flavor, definitely check this place out. It's one of those hidden gems that feels like home in a wrap. P.S. I asked if they ever do lamb wraps (my personal favorite), and while it's not on the regular menu, they said they might do it for special orders--so fingers crossed!

Talented artists with outstanding work display! If you love art do yourself a favor and visit. My…read morefavorite paintings were from Victor Lazar.I bought one of his paintings. I just couldn't resist!!)so colorful,fun and playful paintings. I loved it!!

The art walk is a fun experience. They line up and down First Street and have a wide variety of…read moreofferings. Soaps, driftwood fixtures, paintings, photos, and many other ideas. Try it dometime.

Still great the second time around. I love their chicken and rice so much cleaned my plate before…read moretaking a picture.

Carne asada tacos were cooked to perfection! I'm not sure what the green salsa he gave us was,but…read more it's was SO spicy i absolutely ravished my tacos and in time. Perfect kick and I was loving it all! Lime was essential! Came back the next night about 8:45pm and they were closer I was crushed. But I will be back!

What a Hot Nite!! Band - slammin…read moreFood - on Point Beverages - chilled & sweet Friends - the Best! Thank you Deb for inviting me to such a spectacular event!

When Debbie F floated the idea of En Blanc the event had sense of mystery with elegance which…read moreinterested me & 3 other brave souls. So we all bought tickets & Debbie did the rest. This was the first time the event was held in Jacksonville. About Le Diner en Blanc. In 1988, Le Diner en Blanc (The White Dinner) was started buy a man named François Pasquier, who invited a few friends to the Bois de Boulogne one day in June. To find each other in the park, they all wore white. The dinner was such a success that they decided the next year, each person would invite some other friends and the event grew organically into the 10000+ dinner it is today. Le Diner en Blanc has become Paris's most spectacular pop-up gathering and best-kept secret--the exact location is revealed on D-day a few minutes prior to setup. These flash mob/pop-up dinners have evidently become the latest trend in big cities here in the states. The event started at 6 pm with the sun beating down on us. It was held at the parking lot of the Wyndham at Southside. We were all wilting for over an hour until sunset. It was a hot & humid night. We started by decorating our tables and setting our plates & utensils. Some had such elaborately decorated tables. Catered dinners were available. It was BYO booze no bar was set up. The event was truly elegant. The band Chillula was great! Later 3 young Stilt Dancers appeared & danced with the crowd for a carnival feel. There were two photo booths that were quite popular. Suggestion for future events hold it when it's cooler in Jax in a park like the original En Blanc on November or early in the year after Hurricane Season. Set up trash cans so we don't have to take home trash. How about a cash bar? Overall it was an elegant night, a good excuse to get dressed & enjoy the company of friends. Thanks Debby F.