While having the summer off from teaching, it was a no brainer for me to take a spontaneous trip.  My friend Donetta, who I nicknamed “Groovy” needed to tie up some loose ends as she relocated back to Louisville.

The Sticks

I have only been to Jacksonville, FL once when I worked for S.A.F.E. Management at Ford Field.  A group of us had the opportunity to attend Super Bowl XXXIX to prepare us for Super Bowl XL in Detroit.

I cannot find the rest of my Super Bowl photos!  I worked Guest Services and saw a ton of celebrities and dignitaries. 

I dipped off on my own to sight see as Groovy handled her business.  Without having much time to plan anything, I just went off Trip Advisor for things to do.  It led me to the Friendship Fountain in the downtown area.

Friendship Fountain Jacksonville, FL

St Johns River

Next, I went to the oldest oak tree in Jacksonville for a few photos.

Jessie Ball DuPont Park

Treaty Oak Jacksonville, FL

Treaty Oak

It rained all day, which is typical for Florida in June.  By the time we made it to Jacksonville Beach the sun was ready to rise in another part of the world.  I’m used to seeing sunsets over the water on the Gulf Coast.  It was awkward to have the sun set behind me on the Atlantic Coast.  The water was very warm with fine sand.

Jax Beach Fishing Pier

We linked up with one of Groovy’s teacher friends and decided to grab a bite to eat.  Singleton’s Seafood Shack, which is featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives was closed.  We left the beach area and went to Miller’s Ale House, which is one of my favorite dining spots in Florida.

Cajun Chicken Pasta & Capt. Jack’s Buried Treasure

Other than that, Jacksonville is a pretty bland city.  As much as I love Florida, Jacksonville is not a place I would want to live.  I’m glad Groovy is back in Louisville!

“Groovy” & “Smoothie”-  Donetta has such a warm spirit.  We’ve been friends since my first day of teaching at Job Corps back in 2006.

We must take adventures to know where we truly belong!

KelsieLou