Cool Runnings

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June 25, 2021

Rock Springs is a tiny public park that offers big summertime fun, Old Florida-style.

Long before resort hotels were installing lazy river pools for guests to enjoy, Florida’s many natural freshwater springs were providing the same cool and relaxing experience. Dozens of springs pepper the Florida peninsula and have been summertime recreation destinations for generations. Some are on privately owned land while others are open to the public as part of state or county parks.

Outside of the town of Apopka (30 minutes or so north of Orlando) is Kelly Park and Rock Springs, a 355-acre natural beauty owned and maintained by Orange County. The land was donated in 1927 for use a wildlife preserve, bird sanctuary and public recreation space. The sparkling clear Rock Springs is a natural free-flowing spring that travels some nine miles to the Wekiva River. On average, 26,000 gallons of water spills out every minute and at a constant 68 degrees.

Tube rentals are available at the Rock Springs Bar & Grill, a tiny dive located just outside the park gates where they claim to serve the “Best Big Ass Food!” It says so right on the menu. Rental fee is $8 per tube. Save a few dollars and bring your own from home. Most visitors to the park do and most anything that floats is allowed, so long as it’s less than five feet in length. And unlike long-distance float times (an hour or more) like you would experience at Ichetucknee or other similar tube-riding outings, the start and finish points at Rock Springs are relatively close together.

Upon entering, pay at the gatehouse and follow the short road to the parking lots. The springs are down the hill and to the right. Just follow the other tubers to the waterside park space. A broad grassy lawn bumps up against a basin of sorts, the midpoint of the tube ride. There are stairs leading in and out of the water, making entry and exit here easy for young and old.

Getting into the water at the spring head is a little trickier. It’s about a five-minute walk from the mid-point to the spring head but the pathway is paved and not too steep in any direction. Many tubers simply plunge right in. It’s about eight feet deep at the starting point. Other, less daring tubers prefer to ease in, though its best to be careful around the rocks that surround the point where the water flows out of the ground and the river begins. There are some extremely shallow portions of the run (only a couple of inches) and protruding rocks can sneak up on tubers—watch your feet, knees and bum in some especially shallow spots. The rocks do hurt.

The springs run about 3/4-miles (about 30 minutes) before reaching the take-out point. Also, the river is shallow enough to walk (even for kids), so in the event there is a punctured float, it’s not likely to be a disaster or waterborne emergency. Lifeguards are also posted along the route, which a nice touch of added safety.

In addition to the river, there are nearly seven miles of hiking trails, as well as picnic pavilions, sand volleyball courts, playground, restrooms and a concession stand. Park admission is $5 for up to eight people per car, only $3 if two or fewer passengers. Overnight camping is also offered, starting at $15 for a primitive site. A maximum of 280 vehicles are allowed each day, and capacity is often reached during the busy spring and summer seasons.

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Jacksonville’s 4th of July Fireworks

By

Mandy Pettit

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June 25, 2021

Jacksonville’s Fourth of July Fireworks celebrations return this year at multiple locations to mark the nation’s independence. In the River City, the sky-high celebrations actually start on Saturday, July 3. That night, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp host an Independence Day Fireworks show at 121 Financial Ballpark beginning at 9:15 p.m. There is no baseball game, but fans are invited to come early to the event, with the Shrimp screening a baseball movie on the high-definition video board at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m.

On Sunday, July 4, explore the Museum of Science and History during extended hours on July 4th, then enjoy the breeze on the MOSH rooftop. Extended general admission hours at the museum will be 5–9 p.m. with rooftop access opening at 9 p.m. The City of Jacksonville’s Downtown fireworks display begin at 9:45 p.m. The Downtown Jacksonville celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. including a concert featuring The Bryan Malpass Band and STR8UP, a family fun zone, food trucks and bars all at Riverfront Plaza (you know, where the Landing used to be). The night will conclude with fireworks above the St. Johns River at 9:45 p.m. with viewing areas on both the North and South banks.

In addition, fireworks will be launched from the following locations across Jacksonville. City planners recommend arriving no earlier than 9 p.m. for the remote events located at:

St. Johns Town Center
FSCJ North Campus
The Avenues Mall
Trinity Baptist Church
Ed Austin Regional Park

Admission to all fireworks displays is free. You’re on your own for parking, and expect some traffic arriving and leaving, regardless of the location you select to visit. Also, there will be no activations at the remote locations (not including Downtown) other than restrooms.

On the Waterfront

By

Mandy Pettit

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June 18, 2021

The pleasures of a truly great house don’t begin at the front door. No, one’s first impression, the introduction, begins outside.

This is doubly true for houses in Northeast Florida, where our generally warm climate allows for outdoor spaces to be enjoyed most any day of the year. Just like a fresh coat of paint, a new piece of furniture or a collection of new throw pillows can revive a tired interior, a backyard can benefit from a makeover every now and again. Jacksonville-based Ross Garden Design took us on a tour of a project the firm completed for a waterfront house in Ortega. While the finished plan was developed for a specific piece of property, many of the decisions that went into completing the landscape might be able to be applied to your home.

The home belongs to a client who previously worked with the design firm. While the existing garden space was still appealing, the homeowner wanted to update and refresh the yard. They also wanted the outdoor space to better reflect the home’s interior. “Most landscapes do have an expiration date,” says landscape architect Kaitlin Ross. “Shrubs and trees only live so long so refreshing the plants and design is sometimes needed.”

Preserving the view was important, as the home sits along a quiet stretch of riverfront. New trees were planted, but they were placed close to the home so as not to interfere with the view. The yard spills right out to the water and it receives a good deal of direct, late afternoon sun in the summertime. That fact played an important role in selecting everything from the furniture to the shrubs and trees.

The homeowners are present mostly during the winter months. So, the plan called for including trees and other plants that would look good and even bloom during the colder times of the year. Also, because the home isn’t used year-round, the design pays particular attention to ease of care. The homeowners have older children so instead of a big lawn for playground equipment and such, an emphasis was placed on adding new areas for entertaining and lounging. The pool deck was made larger and the seating area atop the steps was designed to feel as if the interior of the home flows effortlessly to the outdoors.

The project took approximately ten months from start to finish, a process that included design consultations, demolition and clearing of old materials, construction of the hardscape, installing irrigation systems, and planting the new trees, flowers and shrubs. A pool was already part of the yard. However, its shape was altered some and a fountain feature was added to one end. “We went in with a less is more approach to the materials,” says Ross, who limited the hardscape spaces to brick and manufactured cast stone.

The home has a traditional red-brick exterior. The new landscape design played off that theme, but the designer wanted to add twists to the concept and other points of interest that are subtle yet add visual appeal. For example, the herringbone design on the new brick patio is repeated in the water feature that spills into the pool.

The Adirondack chairs are a common backyard item. “The chairs we selected are not typical,” says Ross. “We wanted a style that had a little edge to them, something different. When you’re designing for smaller spaces, the materials you choose are especially important.”

St. Johns dining scene is heating up

By

Mandy Pettit

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June 18, 2021

There is no shortage of places to grab a bite to eat along the rapidly expanding 210 corridor in St. Johns. Restaurants that aren’t tied to a national franchise? Well, that’s an entirely different situation. Open since early 2021, and a short distance from the gates of Cimarrone and South Hampton golf communities, is Ember & Iron, a chef-owned bistro charged with bringing some local flavor into a slice of Northeast Florida sorely needing some.

Chef Mike Cooney and wife Brittany delayed the debut until late February thanks to the pandemic. But since opening, the establishment has pressed ahead with its menu of upscale American fare. The heart of the kitchen is an oak burning grill and if a dish can be cooked over live fire and coals, chef Cooney does so. Wood smoke and a good sear are nearly as important as salt and pepper here, and the emphasis is readily apparent on many house specialties.

For starters, there are both raw oysters on the half shell and roasted oysters dripping with an herb and horseradish butter. The skillet cornbread is a top seller and rightfully so. Do yourself a favor and ask for an extra serving of whipped honey butter. Another dish showcasing the fire in the kitchen is the roasted beet salad with arugula, goat cheese and cashews.

While some restaurants today tend to overwhelm guests with the number of dishes they can squeeze on a menu, Ember & Iron prefers a concise presentation. And that’s a good thing. The grilled hanger steak with chimichurri sauce and crispy potatoes ($28) and the sweet tea-brined pork chops with creamy field peas, mushrooms and greens ($36) epitomize the restaurant’s culinary flare. Cornmeal-fried flounder, lobster mac and cheese (with five-cheese sauce and herb parmesan crust, yum) and the seared salmon with jasmine rice ($25) make use of the “iron” in the moniker, being served in heavy black skillets. In addition to the regular evening menu, nightly specials are offered. Recent specials included seared scallops with herb buttermilk sauce and seabass with roasted potatoes.

Sides like the seasonal greens, roasted vegetables, garlic parmesan potatoes and mac and cheese are served a la carte, all priced at $6. The short list of desserts is highlighted by two early favorites—the seasonal fruit cobbler with vanilla ice cream served in an iron skillet, and Graham cracker s’mores stuffed with a thick and gooey house-made marshmallow.

The interior is warm and contemporary in design. The dining room is one large space split in two, dressed in honey brown tabletops and chairs, as well as a wall of upholstered booths at the back. The bar presents a pleasing visual draw with a tower of simple, black-framed shelves brimming with glasses and bottles of spirits illuminated by the light from windows peeking in from behind. A covered patio is a nice addition to the dining room, though the view isn’t much to see.

Dinner service starts at 4 PM. Happy hour drink specials offered weekdays 4-6 PM. Full bar service, specializing in whiskeys and local craft beers. Closed Mondays. Reservations accepted. 60 Shops Blvd., St. Johns (904) 531-5185.

Back it Up

By

Mandy Pettit

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June 9, 2021

Your dream yard may be just a few steps outside.

There’s a new home trend that’s becoming more and more commonplace. Often called “back-yarding,” the term refers to the idea of how so many indoor activities—from working in an office or classroom to dining and recreation—have moved to outdoors. Under pandemic conditions, our yards and other residential landscapes became safe havens for family gatherings, meals, games, studying and more.

Last year, the number of home improvement projects undertaken across the country skyrocketed, many of them focusing on back yard landscaping. The demand for things like patio pavers, ornamental trees and shrubs, pergolas, storage sheds and in-ground pools reached record levels, a wave that is still being ridden today. And it’s not hard to understand why.

Research shows simply spending time in nature is good for reducing stress, boosting heart health and vitamin D levels, and enhancing memory. That “nature” you need may be located just a few steps outside your back door. The trick to creating your own back-yarding escape is to plan ahead. Consider the following:

Invest in the yard. When designing a dream lawn and garden, consider its purpose. Don’t just create something that looks good. Do you have kids and pets who need a place to play? Will you be hosting gatherings? Do you need a place for rest and relaxation or are games and activities more important?

Get the family involved. Have everyone in the house think about ways to move some of your indoor life to the great outdoors. For example, can you take office calls and video meetings to the porch or patio? Can your kids participate in online learning outdoors? How often do you believe you’ll want to eat outside, keeping the Northeast Florida summer months in mind?

Get planting. Adding trees, bushes, ornamental grasses and flowering plants adds color but can also be wise investments. Always consider how long it will take whatever you plant to mature. And be mindful of a plant’s location, maintenance needed, sunlight and watering requirements.

Think “active.” It will be hot come June, July and August, but can you create a shady space for activities like your workouts, yoga sessions or meditation time in the yard? Also, yard work is a workout. Mowing the grass, trimming hedges and edging the lawn are chores than let off steam and get the heart pumping. Working in the yard not only helps the landscape look better, but it also may give you a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Plan a staycation. A DIY “resort” or vacation spot outside your back door is attainable. Pitch a tent, build a campfire, hang a sheet to make a movie screen, set up the badminton net—the ways to enhance your private retreat are endless.

Don’t forget Mother Nature. Your yard is part of the larger ecosystem, so check your climate zone for landscaping options that support native birds, butterflies, bees and other wild creatures. Now get outside.

Diamonds Are Forever

By

Mandy Pettit

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June 9, 2021

The sounds of a wooden bat hitting a baseball, vendors hawking cold beer and peanuts, and crowds cheering a towering home run are American summertime traditions going back more than 100 years. The pandemic halted the in-person experiences pro baseball fans dearly love. But the start of the 2021 season saw the return of the call to “play ball!” For Northeast Floridians, there are three relatively close options to see Major League Baseball in action—Atlanta, Miami and St. Petersburg. We’ll head southwest for this road trip.

St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field, home of the American League’s defending champions Tampa Bay Rays, sits about four hours from Jax, barring traffic snarls on I-4 when passing through Orlando. The Rays play a total of 48 games in St. Pete during June, July and August, with tickets starting around $50. In May, fan capacity was limited to only a small fraction of seats actually inside the ballpark, about 9,000 fans per game. Snarky baseball fans might say, “9,000 fans? Sounds like a typical Rays home crowd.” While that may be true, the number of seats offered for each game will increase to 20,000 starting in June.
Tropicana Field is much maligned in the MLB as being something of albatross around the Ray’s neck. Some of the criticism is deserved, however, much of it is not. The facility features big league amenities and easy access for fans. Want Cracker Jack and a Nathan’s hot dog? They’ve got them, as well as short-rib grilled cheese sandwiches, tuna poke bowls, hand-carved roast beef, and lobster rolls. There are wine bars and cocktail lounge spaces, too. Plus, it’s indoors and air-conditioned, no small luxury during a long Florida summer.

There are countless options for overnight lodgings in the St. Petersburg area. Hotels, resorts, airbnb rentals—take your pick. For stadium convenience it’s hard to beat The Wayland, an apartment high-rise complex that offers short-term rentals including one-night stays. The walk from one’s room to the stadium’s front gate takes all of about ten minutes. Rates start around $100 per night.

The beaches of St. Pete are a short drive away, as are attractions like the Dali Museum, the Sunken Gardens, Morean Arts Center, Florida Holocaust Museum, and the St. Pete Pier. But for this trip, let’s skip the sand. Tropicana Field hugs the city’s Edge and Central Arts districts, a half-dozen blocks stretching along Central Avenue and home to an eclectic range of restaurants, galleries, boutiques and pubs. Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, Green Bench Brewing Co., Hawker’s Asian Street Food, and Nash’s Hot Chicken are just a few of the eateries lining both sides of the street. A public trolly bus system runs right down the center. Save the beach for your next visit. The ballpark is calling.

100th Anniversary of The Acosta Bridge

By

Mandy Pettit

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June 4, 2021

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Acosta Bridge, a span connecting the neighborhoods of San Marco and Riverside over the St. Johns River. The San Marco Preservation Society and the Jacksonville Historical Society will distinguish the historical opening during the last week of June with a multi-day celebration, featuring a variety of activities including an illustrated presentation by local author and historian Dr. Wayne Wood. In addition, plans are for vintage car parade across the bridge and festivities to be held at Balis Park in San Marco Square.

Before its completion in 1921, there weren’t any bridges in the that crossed over the St. Johns, forcing everyone and everything to commute via ferry. Today there are seven bridges that span the river within the city limits. Originally called the St. Johns River Bridge, it was St. Elmo W. Acosta, a city commissioner and state legislator, who championed the cause for a bridge that could accommodate both pedestrian and automobile traffic. After completion of the structure, Acosta led the first parade across the bridge to celebrate the achievement on July 1, 1921.

The bridge was re-dedicated in his name in 1949, two years after his death. This engineering wonder contributed to an expansion of notable residential areas, giving rise in populations to the neighborhoods known today as San Marco, Stockton, Whatley and Davin. The bridge also contributed directly to the Florida Land Boom of the 1920s, as it allowed easier access to points farther south. In 1990, construction began on a new version of the bridge, which was completed in 1994. The present bridge spans six lanes for automobile traffic, two sidewalks for pedestrians, as well as a pair of Skyway Express tracks that run through the middle.

Robin Robinson, a Board Member and Historian of the San Marco Preservation Society explains how this event is a significant moment in history for the city of Jacksonville. “It was the first bridge that gave the local people access to areas around the city,” she says. “It was the first automobile bridge to cross the St. Johns River and allowed developers to come to the South Bank. San Marco was built up after the bridge was built and allowed people to go from Jacksonville to areas south. It had a dramatic effect on our area.”

On Saturday, June 26, San Marco Preservation Society sponsors a parade of classic autos, marking a similar event that took place a century before. Beginning around 11 a.m., cars will be asked to line up at the start of the parade route, at the Museum of Science & History. Next, the participating vehicles will head northbound across the St. Johns, before circling around Bay Street and crossing back once again heading southbound. The parade will conclude at San Marco Square where the cars will park for display. Further celebrations with food and drinks will continue in Balis Park.

Sweet Success

By

Mandy Pettit

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May 12, 2021

words: Gabby Ervin, photo: Hannah Reedy

Foodies, tune in. Hosted by local pastry chef Rebecca Reed, Plated is an online cooking show guaranteed to satisfy Northeast Florida’s sweet tooth. In each episode, Reed welcomes guests into her home kitchen to create delicious treats and share baking tips.

When it comes to how she got the role, some would say it was fate. During the pandemic, Reed was tuning into Celebration Church online when she heard a mention of the church’s new network, AWKNG TV, and how their content would include cooking shows.
“I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of it,” says Reed. “I originally thought I could volunteer or consult behind the scenes, but it turned out that they were looking for a host. Things just fell into place.”

Viewers can expect to see local faces as guests including TV host Shae Wilbur, Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo and Pastor Marie Hodges. Reed instructs her guests on how to bake the perfect chocolate cake, create tasty treats for community bake sales, and indulge in Southern favorites like sweet and savory biscuits.

“It has been a dream of mine to be a part of a cooking show, so I could not be more honored or delighted by this opportunity,” says the chef. “For me, it’s all about making the world a sweeter place, one plate at a time.”

When not in front of the camera, Reed is the Corporate Pastry Chef for Black Sheep Restaurant Group, where she oversees the pastry programs at local favorites Black Sheep Restaurant, Restaurant Orsay, and Bellwether. Stay up-to-date with the chef, her show, virtual cooking classes, and more at ChefRebeccaReed.com. Plated may be viewed at AWKNGTV.com.

The new issue of Home is here!

By

Mandy Pettit

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May 10, 2021

They say beautiful architecture and rich history are why people first visit the Springfield Historic District. That may be true, but it’s the sense of community that causes so many to return. For one weekend a year, visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the unique character and quirks of the neighborhood by exploring some of the beautiful homes and gardens that pepper its tree-shaded streets.

The 42nd Historic Springfield Tour of Homes & Gardens takes place May 15 and 16, hosted by Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR). The following pages provide a first look at the homes and gardens featured on this year’s tour, as well as additional details about the grassroots fundraiser and what makes the neighborhood special.

See this story and more in our new issue of Home!

Read here.

Into the Wild

By

Mandy Pettit

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April 30, 2021

Photo by: Ken McCray

Jacksonville continues to stretch northward, with new homes popping up closer and closer to the Georgia border. Among the region’s newest neighborhoods is Wildlight, a planned community being designed with a “Florida Low Country” aesthetic—think South Carolina coastal style blended with Sunshine State charm. Approximately half of the 2,900-acre community is devoted to green space including parks and nature trails. The other half features a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, rental apartments and a Del Webb active adult neighborhood, as well as office space, shops and restaurants. Construction of a new shopping center anchored by a Publix grocery store, Crossings at Wildlight, began in March, with an expected completion date of spring 2022. “Adding a supermarket with quality products and legendary customer service has been at the top of our priority list,” says Chris Corr, president of Raydient Places + Property, developers of Wildlight. “We know the new store and shopping center will greatly serve our residents and the larger community for years.”

At Your Service

By

Mandy Pettit

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April 22, 2021

It took a small army to cater to the appetites of America’s Gilded Age titans and their families.

by Kara Pound / Photos courtesy of MOSAIC, Jekyll Island Museum

In 1886, Jekyll Island was purchased by the newly formed Jekyll Island Club and became a playground for America’s wealthy during the Gilded Age of opulence. Munsey’s Magazine, one of the foremost publications at the time, described it as, “the richest, the most exclusive, the most inaccessible club in the world.”

Back then, in the time that is referred to as the ‘Club Era,’ there were only two ways to make it onto Jekyll Island. You either had to be one of the richest people in the world or you had to work for them. Families with familiar names like Morgan, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Pulitzer vacationed on the small coastal Georgia island just over an hour’s drive from Jacksonville. But it was lesser-known names like the Hill family that were amongst those who kept the club running smoothly and its members’ every need taken care of.

When Jekyll Island Club officially opened its doors in January 1888, it would quickly become a retreat for families that represented one-sixth of the world’s wealth. The families–affluent snowbirds traveling from cities in the north–brought with them servants and staff to care for their children, clean their cottages, cook their meals, and everything in between. The club itself also had full-time staff that would live on the island year-round.

It’s these stories, the stories of the hundreds of men and women who took the back staircases, slept in outbuildings, and spent their days laundering the clothes of American royalty and rearing their children, that is at the forefront of thoughtfully curated exhibits at MOSAIC Gallery at Jekyll Island Museum.

“There was an expectation of quality and there was an expectation of working hard for the money, but they were also paid better than they would have expected to be paid elsewhere, whether on the mainland or in other positions not related to the Jekyll Island Club,” says MOSAIC curator Andrea Marroquin, of the staff that worked for the club. “There were laborers on the island, and then there were others who ran the gamut as far as valets, nurses, companions, caretakers, groundskeepers, caddies, and people who ran the boats.”

One of the most well documented staff members is Charlie Hill. Hill was employed on the island for 51 years, starting in 1891, with most of that time as the Maurice family coachman and caretaker. He is often referred to as the “patriarch of Jekyll servants” and is said to have been a part of the first group of workers that was sent to the island back in the 1880s when it was being considered for development.

“His family was integrally connected with all aspects of the club’s operation,” Marroquin says. “His daughter was a schoolteacher on the island, his nephew was a caddie, his brother was head of the groundsmen for the Jekyll Island Club, he was a foreman. Another family member ran the store on the island. Basically, they were just an integral part of the club operations and they really did form a community.”

Working as a staff member for the Club brought with it the same societal expectations of the mainland. For one, the full-time island-dwellers were segregated and white women made twice as much as black women. On the other hand, guests were only on the island for about three months out of the year. This meant that during the off-season, staff could swim at the beach, use the bowling alleys and tennis courts, hit some balls at the golf course, or even host their own dances and costume balls.

The Jekyll Island Club continued to flourish during the 1930s, but half of the members dropped out during the Great Depression. In the early ‘40s, when the United States government ordered an evacuation of the island due to the threat of enemy submarines off the coast, the Club shuttered. Wealthy guests and their staff (like the Hill Family) returned to the mainland and what was once considered among the most prestigious private retreats in the world, with membership reserved for only a select few, never reopened in the same capacity.

“The closure of the Club coincided with World War II, so I don’t think that, at first, people really realized that this was a permanent situation,” Marroquin explains. “I think that just like everywhere in the world, there was a sense of patriotism of, ‘We need to do what we can for the war effort and our efforts need to go to support the war effort.’ There were a lot of people who probably went off to fight and basically those resources were no longer there to operate the club.”

MOSAIC Gallery at Jekyll Island Museum offers self-guided tours seven days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is $9 for adults (13+ years), $7 for children (4 to 12 years), and free for children 3 and under. Guided tours, including Landmark Historic Trolly Tour, Faith Chapel Tours, and Cottage Tours are also available. For more information, visit www.jekyllisland.com/history/museum/ or call 912-635-4036.

Guest Sweet

By

Mandy Pettit

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April 16, 2021

Blending contemporary with traditional in a new coastal showstopper

words by Gabby Ervin / photos by Jessie Preza

When Kristine Cherek and Kirk Larsen began their build in 2017, they knew exactly what they wanted for their ultimate dream home. Located within the Ponte Vedra neighborhood of The Plantation, their U-shaped house is a thoughtful blend of contemporary design and a touch of tradition. Built upon the community’s golf course, the home has much more to offer than just a beautiful view. With finishes such as exposed beams and bright white cabinetry alongside an abstract art collection, the finished residence encompasses coastal living without compromising the couple’s contemporary aesthetic.

Completed in 2019, the two-story dwelling is a white concrete block construction with black finishes on the doors and windows, providing a stunning contrast on the exterior. The project took just under two years to complete and was facilitated by Carey and Tammy Elam of House & Home. “This is the third house we’ve built, and this build was much more collaborative and much more of a team effort than I could have ever imagined,” says Kristine. “The team of House & Home not only worked diligently with me throughout the process but also worked well together to reach a stunning end result. It was truly a group effort.”

Tammy Elam of House & Home was Kristine’s interior designer, helping her make decisions every step of the way. “Tammy was 100 percent the genesis of trim work, ceilings, shiplap, brick walls, and exposed beam finishes,” says Kristine. “She accompanied me to every store as we searched for tile, stone, and cabinetry, and we consistently bounced ideas off of each other. If left to my own devices, I never would have come up with half of the ideas that she had, which is just what you want when it comes to a designer.”

Kristine and Kirk built the 6,700-square-foot home with one goal in mind—to entertain. The open floor plan blends functionality and convenience without compromising design. The bright white kitchen features a double-island for company to gather around comfortably, and the space flows into the dining room and through the family room before reaching the covered lanai.

“We wanted to optimize all of our square footage with this home,” says Kristine. “We realized in our previous homes that we never utilized any ‘formal’ room setting. They just didn’t fit our lifestyle. We wanted this home to feel open and inviting for our friends and family to come together.”

GUEST WING

“A huge reason why we wanted to build this house was to host parents, siblings, friends, and their children comfortably,” says Kristine. The upstairs guest wing is complete with three bedroom suites, a snack bar, reading loft, and media room. With its own stairwell as the entry point, guests are provided with optimal privacy during their stay.

HOME OFFICE

With stark black sliding doors, a shiplap ceiling, and plenty of natural light, the home office offers comfortability and style. “From a design standpoint, the office is my favorite room in the house!,” Kristine gushes. “I wanted it to feel as high-design as the rest of the home, so I’m very pleased with how it turned out.” The office is not accessible through the main house, only through a back door, providing a secluded space when working from home.

THE WINE CELLAR

The wine cellar is a primary focal point of the home’s eye-catching design, centered within the main living area for all to see. “Our project manager Chris has a background in wine, so we worked together to develop the design,” says Kristine. The finished product resulted in a glass-enclosed cellar that uses wine bottles as art, beautifully displaying them upon carbon-fiber racks.

OUTDOOR LIVING

When Kristine and Kirk first moved to Florida from Wisconsin, they knew they wanted to enjoy the perks of outdoor living. With a covered outdoor kitchen and living area, an infinity-edge pool, and a fire pit, the home makes for the perfect outdoor oasis. The lower level offers a sunbathing shelf and putting green. While the upper-level Skydeck includes a gas firepit for cold evenings, a comfortable lounge area, and a stunning view of the green. “The Skydeck is a space that we never intended on having when we first broke ground,” recalls Kristine. “It has easily become one of our favorite parts of the house as it provides the perfect place to sit and relax, enjoy a glass of wine, and spend time with family and friends.”

Builder: House & Home • Architect: Element Designs

Interior Designer: Tammy Elam • Tile: Traditions in Tile and Stone

Interior/Exterior Painting: My Painting Services

Plumbing: Stewart Plumbing • Plumbing Materials: Hollingsworth

Electric: Stewart Electric • Cabinetry: Bennett’s Custom Cabinets

Roofing: Premier Roofing • Artwork: Hillary Whitaker Gallery

Escape Plan

By

Mandy Pettit

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April 1, 2021

Bathrooms are evolving to become private spas as well as luxurious hideaways

A growing number of people with plans to build or renovate their homes are dreaming of a bathroom that can do more. They are imagining a place where they can switch off, relax and escape. Today’s new luxury bathrooms are as much spas as they are lavatories.

As bathroom architecture and design evolve into lifestyle space and its enhanced functions turn the room into a private retreat, the classic idea of what a bathroom can be is undergoing a thorough update. In fact, there is no other room that brings together the desire for cosiness and the fun of styling a special setting where the desire for “wellness” can be combined with a passion for fitness. And the wellness effect translates into fixtures like rainfall showers, saunas and premium furnishing, as well as softer features such as pleasing ambiance, warmth and sensuous surroundings.

To help ensure high design quality, a luxurious spa/bath should stick to a consistent color and materials concept that coordinates with the walls, flooring, countertops, hardware and fixtures. That’s not always as easy as it may sound. Keep in mind no two shades of “white” are the same, and it’s essential that all the colors and materials harmonize—even under varying light conditions.

Time was when walls were among the most important parts of any bathroom design. Why? To hide the plumbing. Today, an increasing number of tubs and sinks can be detached from the wall and integrated into an open-room concept. Especially in new builds, this means the architect and designer are free to imagine a bath in a way that’s similar to how islands revolutionized kitchens. Moving the plumbing under the floor or in the ceiling also allows for bigger windows and more light.

An uncluttered bathroom plays an important part in creating a pleasant overall impression in a great bathroom. A contemporary storage concept, built-in shelving and furniture with large, well-organized drawers and cabinets to help hide the necessities of daily life is what’s needed. In return, consoles and display shelves can serve as a stage for showing
off select bathroom items and decorative touches to perfection.

Few other design trends have had such a major impact on the bathroom over the last few years as the idea of an overall home-like ambiance. Warm materials like wood or textiles, furniture, carpet or even decorative wall coverings and flooring are key components for designing a private spa escape. However, because the humidity in the bathroom is subject to extreme changes, designers must keep imitation and water-resistant materials in mind.

Finally, for any well-designed interior space, lighting is arguably the most important component of all. A professional lighting plan is a must for creating the conditions needed to enjoy lots of personal moments in your new bath sanctuary. At the same time, the interaction between natural light over the course of the day and the artificial light plays an important role. Depending on how the bathroom is being used at any particular time, either functional or more emotional lighting is called for. After all, the whole point of a private retreat is enjoy it to its fullest morning, noon or night.

Bright Sites, Small City

By

Mandy Pettit

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April 1, 2021

Wedged midway between Orlando and Tampa along the I-4 corridor rests the city of Lakeland. While too big to call a town, Lakeland possesses a folksy charm due to beautiful natural terrain, a mix of historic and mid-century architecture and palpable youthful vibe. Home to Florida Southern College (and its 2,500 students), there’s a welcoming blend of Old Florida and artsy weirdness, something all great college burgs can claim.

Florida Southern is a center of higher education dating back to 1938 that contains the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. Its 80-acre campus is an attraction unto itself featuring architectural treasures like the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel (pictured) as part of an overall vision Wright deemed his “Child of the Sun.” Wright’s genius is clearly evident in structures like the Ordway Building. His short stature can be imagined while walking under the campus’ network of covered esplanades, which in some sections are barely over six feet high.

True to its name, lakes pepper the landscape. Florida Southern hugs Lake Hollingsworth, as does Lakeland Country Club and many gorgeous private residences. Tiny Lake Morton (pictured) is a natural anomaly that attracts an amazing array of birds—white and black swans, alabaster pelicans, and flocks of egrets and ducks. Among the other sites worthy of seeing are the 1928 Polk Theatre, Joker Marchant Stadium (home of Low-A baseball’s Lakeland Flying Tigers) and the Polk Museum of Art (hosting a 230-piece Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition through May 23).

The Terrace Hotel building debuted in the 1920s. The inn is showing some of that age, though a hefty renovation is underway and should be complete by summer. Plans are for a new restaurant, updated lobby and guest rooms. The Terrace’s most noteworthy attribute is its location.

Situated in the Downtown district, the hotel is within walking distance of a dozen terrific restaurants and nightspots. Right around the corner is Fresco’s, serving Southern flavors like fried green tomatoes and mason jar charcuterie along with flatbread pizzas, braised short ribs and tomahawk pork chops. A block away is Nineteen Sixty-One, a chic chef-owned bistro preparing Latin classics such as rope vieja, empanadas and seafood paella. A bit farther of a walk, and around Mirror Lake, is Texas Cattle Company, a 40-year-old local landmark searing beef over a wood-burning fire nightly. The interior is something of a wood-paneled time capsule, the setting of a fine steakhouse your grandparents would have enjoyed. One can almost picture them arriving by train at the Lakeland station, which lies between the restaurant and the Terrace hotel. Amtrak passenger trains still serve the station, a fitting symbol of Lakeland’s vibrant past and present.

Berry, Berry Good

By

Mandy Pettit

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March 31, 2021

by Caterina Calabretta

Buying a pint of blueberries from your local grocery store is easy enough. Doing the same at a farmers’ market is another option, and it may even be the less expensive route. However, for the true farm to table experience, a trip to a blueberry farm is what’s required. Lucky for you, dear Jacksonville Magazine reader, blueberry season is upon us and there are a handful of Northeast Florida farms ready for the picking.

With the weather warming up, blueberry season is in full swing. While many regional commercial farmers have already harvested most of their berries to be placed on store shelves, April and May are the months to head out to a “U-Pick Farm,” where blueberry bushes are full and ripe. U-Pick Farms are a fun way to get outdoors and enjoy some family time, all while getting to hand-pick the berries of your choice.

There are scores of U-Pick Farms scattered all across Florida and Georgia. One of the most popular farms in Northeast Florida is Blu by U, located off Long Branch Road. Here, in addition to picking fruit, guests can enjoy the farm’s petting zoo, even get up close to the resident Jerusalem Donkeys. Don’t leave before seeing the butterfly garden, too.

Other notable guest-friendly farms in Northeast Florida include Braddock Blueberry Farm and Dowless Blueberry Farm. For a lengthy list of U-Pick Farms in different regions of Florida, visit the Florida Blueberry Growers Association website.

Not all blueberry farms are mom-and-pop operations. Large-scale agricultural enterprises are in the game, to the tune of some $60 million in revenue each year. And the process and science of growing delish eats in the Sunshine State is always changing, In fact, a new blueberry variety is joining the Florida blueberry family. The University of Florida has developed and released their newest variety, which they have named the ‘Sentinel.’ Developed by Patricio Muñoz, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of horticultural sciences, the name of this variety pays tribute to Alto Straughn, a longtime, strong supporter of the school’s blueberry breeding program. Muñoz spoke on how the name of the variety is symbolic because the word ‘Sentinel’ stands for “guardian.” Alto “‘watched and guarded’ the blueberry breeding program for many years,” says Muñoz. The Sentinel is a low-chill southern highbush variety, making it a great variety to be grown in the South and will increase the farmers’ yield for central and northern Florida.

So, before heading out to pick your own bushel of berries, keep a few things in mind. Be sure to apply sunscreen, wear comfy clothing and shoes, and don’t forget drinking water and containers for your harvest. Each farm is different with fees, but expect the price range to fall somewhere around $4 per lb.

Southern Comforts

By

Mandy Pettit

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March 25, 2021

The Southern twang of Nashville meets island peace and serenity with an inaugural music event heading to Jekyll Island in May. The Southern Drifter Music Festival is a vacation getaway for music lovers who are looking to escape to the sandy beaches of the Georgia barrier island located just an hour’s drive from Jax.

The new festival will feature live performances from a cast of singer/songwriters in the courtyard of the oceanfront Weston Hotel. Among the musical acts playing the three-day event are Thompson Square, Love and Theft, Alex Seier, Cory Batten, Leslie Satcher, and John Caldwell.

Jekyll has been a vacation escape for more than 100 years, in fact. The island’s resort destination begins back in the late 1800s, when it was an exclusive club for wealthy families—think Rockefeller, Morgan, and Pulitzer. After World War II, the private club was beginning to wind down and, eventually, practically the entire island was purchased by the state of Georgia. Today, tourists flock to Jekyll eager to discover its history and seek out relaxation and adventure amidst the beaches, forests and historic sites. The Southern Drifter Music Festival, May 21-23, aims to give visitors the best of both worlds.

Ticket package prices range from $251-$437, which includes concert tickets and accommodations. Packages include oceanfront hotel rooms, after-hour activities, and bites and beverages during the festival. Music-only tickets are also available. With three different stages and the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, relaxation and good vibes are sure to be in the air. Guests staying at the Westin Hotel are even provided the luxury of enjoying the shows from their own balconies.

After the shows on Friday and Saturday, there is no need to call it a night. Head on down to nearby bars (in walking distance from the Westin) to jam to even more live music and enjoy a cold drink or two. In addition to the live performances, the festival features a singer/songwriter workshop and the hotel and island offer all sorts of leisure opportunities such as luxurious spa treatments or restorative yoga, golf, biking, historic site seeing, shopping and even a hands-on nature center.

Buy Tickets Now

Giant Additions

By

Mandy Pettit

-

March 22, 2021

Photo Credit: John Reed

The Jacksonville Zoo welcomes three adorable new inhabitants. And you are welcome to come visit with them.

Few things in nature elicit more exclamations of, “awww, it’s so cute!” than otters. So, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ score on the animal cuteness chart rocketed skyward with the public debut of three, six-month-old Giant Otter pups earlier this month. Giant otters are endangered and the rarest mammal on the South American continent, facing threats from hunting and habitat loss. What many don’t realize is that the Jacksonville Zoo has emerged as a valued partner in the global effort to save the species.

The first few months after birth are a critical time for otter pups, so Zoo staff have been carefully monitoring the trio behind the scenes. The pups’ parents are nine-year-old Sarave, who was relocated to Jax in 2018, and 13-year-old Buddy, who arrived in 2011 as a rehabilitated animal from Guyana.

Buddy is blind and considered the most genetically valuable animal part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ giant otter species survival plan—a coordinated database and mating system tracking otters cared for in zoos around the world. He was born on the banks of the Rupununi River in southwestern Guyana, one of the most biodiverse regions in South America. Orphaned as a pup, Buddy got a second chance at life at the Karanambu Lodge and Trust, a facility dedicated to rehabilitating and reintroducing giant otters to the wild.

Buddy was blinded in an accident at young age and come to rely on his surrogate mother, Diane McTurk, and her staff for his care. Though buddy learned to be a successful hunter through trips to the Rupunumi River, the fact that he was blind made it impossible for him to return to the wild. McTurk decided to send Buddy to the Jacksonville Zoo, where he joined the giant otter Species Survival Plan (SSP) to be matched with a potential mate.

“Buddy’s second litter is a huge success for the captive population,” says Dan Maloney, deputy zoo director for animal care, conservation and wellness. “We were elated to celebrate the first pups and now we are even more excited to welcome their siblings. This is not only Buddy’s and Sarave’s success story, but a win for conservation of this endangered species as we strive to maintain a healthy, and diverse population.”

The pups may be viewed in the Zoo’s Emerald Forest Aviary within the Range of the Jaguar portion of the attraction. Also splashing about the enclosure are their one-year-old brothers and sisters Aiden, Eleanor, Olivia and Coker. Tickets to the Jacksonville Zoo must be purchased online and in advance at JacksonvilleZoo.org.

Jax River Jams Concert Series

By

Mandy Pettit

-

March 16, 2021

The Spring 2021 Jax River Jams Concert Series in Downtown Jax kicks off in April. Taking place at Riverfront Plaza (you know, the grassy field where the Landing once stood), multi-genre bands will perform each week of the month. Plus, there will be food trucks and vendors selling local craft beer and spirits. The best part about it? It’s completely free.

Concerts will take place every Thursday in April, performed by bands that may appease people of all tastes in music, including country, hip hop and punk pop. On April 8, country singer-songwriter Chase Rice performs with local opener Firewater Tent Revival. On April 15, punk pop band New Found Glory plays their biggest hits, including “My Friends Over You” and “Kiss Me” along with local opener Universal Green. A week later on April 22, hip hop artists and Jacksonville natives Quad City DJ’s perform their hits such as “Tootsie Roll” and “Space Jam,” with LPT opening. Lastly, rock band Sugar Ray ends the series with a bang, performing some of their chart-toppers like “Fly”, “Every Morning”, and “Someday.” Local blues trio, Honey Hounds, opens the show.

Along with the concerts, the series will feature a Small Business and Artist Market. Fans are encouraged to bring their own chairs and picnic blankets to make the entire experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The concert series, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union, will be held in accordance with CDC guidelines with hand sanitizer stations and face masks being available on site. Social distancing and face masks will be required at all times. So, if you’re looking for a safe way to spend your Thursday nights, head out to the St. Johns riverfront for nights full of music and fun.

Go With the Flow

By

Mandy Pettit

-

March 8, 2021

Social Distancing Activities for Spring Break 2021 in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a Northeast Florida visitor destination due to its beautiful beaches, many golf courses, and expanding dining scene. Jacksonville has a growing brewery scene as well as a wealth of outdoor opportunities with its nature and wildlife preserves and countless miles of streams, rivers and shoreline.

Visitors, as well as locals, can opt for a number of experiences in and around Jacksonville that offer safe, socially distanced fun to create a memorable spring break. With its mild temperatures and easy access to outdoor activities, it is easy to take advantage of the fresh air and warm breezes that abound across Florida’s “First Coast.”

Animals from Near and Far

The 115-acre Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is home to over 2,000 creatures including animals from Africa, Asia, South America, and Australia, as well as species indigenous to the Everglades and other parts of Florida. What’s great about the Jacksonville Zoo is that is only one of seven zoos in the U.S. that support an animal wellness team to provide the best care for its animals. Another area facility that cares deeply about its animals is the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, home to dozens of rescuesd tigers, lions and other big cats.

If you want to see local wildlife in its natural environment, consider renting a boat from nearby Fleming Island for a day on the water, where you are sure to see a variety of waterfowl, fish, turtles, alligators and other creatures that swim below or fly above us.

Photo Credit: Boatsetter

Boogie Nights and Cocktail Cruises

Spring Break 2021 may not be the best time to pack into the newest hot spot at St. Johns Town Center, but it is a great time to take the party offshore. Let’s face it—you are going to hang out with the same people all night, so why not hang in your very own lounge while you clink your martini glasses (or beer cans—we’re not judging) and watch the setting sun turn the sky on fire?

Pack a picnic, bring your own beverages, or book a gourmet dinner for a sunset cruise on a Manta Ray Catamaran for an unforgettable evening with your family or closest friends. Don’t fret, the captain will make sure you all get back to shore safely, and you won’t even have to worry about where you left your credit card. So slip off your shoes, turn up the music, and raise a glass to the sea!

Photo Credit: Boatsetter

Making a Splash (Or Not)

Ready for a little adventure? Forget roller coasters and waterparks, and make a splash with watersports instead. The Jacksonville area boasts a number of beachy parks, such as Little Talbot Island State Park or Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, where visitors can camp, canoe, kayak, and enjoy hiking trails that meander through coastal hammocks and along unspoiled beaches. Birdwatching and beachcombing are excellent activities for anyone wishing to reset their mood and appreciate all the wonders of the natural world.

For a bit more splash, adventurers of all ages may enjoy tubing, wakeboarding, or cruising from the comfort and privacy of their own boat. Boat rental opportunities like the pristine 26-foot Sea Fox provide access to water sports for all the thrill as well as cushy comfort for all the chill.

Photo Credit: Boatsetter

There Are Always More Fish in the Sea (and Lakes and Intercoastal Waterway)

If you’re interested in a relaxing day of freshwater fishing, many local rivers allow fishing from shore. But if you are interested in true social distancing and access to deeper waters, consider heading toward one of the area marinas and renting a fishing vessel complete with fish finder, depth finder, live well, and rod holders, like the Mako Marine at Doctors Lake.

If you are looking for a more intimate, guided experience on ocean waters, head toward the Intercoastal Waterway to rent a Scout 350LXF or other seafaring vessel. Enjoy a day on the bay, try your hand at deep-sea fishing, or, for a truly intimate, luxurious experience, spend the night on a nearby island.

Photo Credit: Boatsetter

A River Runs Through Jacksonville

The beautiful St. Johns River cuts through the heart of downtown Jacksonville, and river parks offer bridge views, bike paths, and access to local artist’s work. Not unlike the transportation options of Venice, Jacksonville visitors are sure to be delighted by the vibrant hues of a sunset while taking a water taxi ride to a local watering hole or restaurant.

For visitors who want to helm their own Downtown waterway tour, consider renting a jet boat that will give you access to views of five of Jacksonville’s main bridges, the shipyards, downtown skyscrapers, and the historic communities that line the St. Johns River.

Make Me An Offer

By

Mandy Pettit

-

March 4, 2021

Picture Woodstock meets roadside yard sale. That image is something close to what greets those arriving at Rennigers flea market outside of Mount Dora. The flea market and its accompanying cluster of permanent antique vendors operate weekly at the rural site. However, a few times each year the property opens its gates to some 800 vendors selling collectibles, vintage, and stuff of all shapes and kinds at its Antiques and Collectors Extravaganza.

Furniture, record albums, t-shirts, jewelry, china, toys, chandeliers, hardware, architectural salvage—if you can slap a price tag on it, someone is likely selling it here. Row upon row of tents cover acres of rolling terrain (note: wear comfy shoes and be prepared to walk) creating something like a pre-game tailgate party where instead of footballs being tossed through the air, buyers and sellers are throwing offers and counter-offers. The amount of merchandise is staggering and while a lot is junk (or another man’s treasure), there are true antiques to be found, as well as artwork and handmade crafts. Need a rusty Texaco gas station sign? Make a offer. How about a 100-year-old steamer trunk? Yep, plenty of those. A vintage KISS concert t-shirt? Sure, but it will cost you.

More than just a yard sale, Rennigers’ extravaganzas include food trucks, live music performances and some of the best people-watching anywhere. The scents of wood-fired pizzas, kettle corn and grilled meat-on-a-stick fills the air, with most meals running about $10. A can of Bud Light costs $4.

Parking is free, though expect a line of cars to snake out onto US 441 as patrons line up to enter. You’ll likely be parking at the top of the oak tree-covered hill. Follow the slope and the crowds down to the entrance and the vendor tents beyond. Admission ranges from $4-$10 per person and, to illustrate the number of vendors and size of the event, three-day passes are offered for $15. You can’t haggle over the cost to get in, as that’s set in stone. But you’d be a sucker for not bargaining for everything else from that point on.