City Guide: Jacksonville

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An explorer’s dream. A songwriter’s muse. A chef’s garden. From its marshy outposts to the banks of the St. Johns River and deep into its urban core, a cultural storm surge has washed over greater Jacksonville. In its wake, a bounty of old and new treasures forged by creative thinkers, tastemakers, designers and entrepreneurs is exploding from the riverfront to the beach. In Flamingo’s Summer 2018 City Guide, we spotlight one of our state’s most beloved locales, previewing the must-see places, venues and experiences in Jacksonville and the Beaches.

CUMMER MUSEUM OF ARTS & GARDENS

OPENED: 1961
FOUNDER: Ninah Cummer

SPECIALTIES: The Cummer, as locals affectionately call it, blends art, gardens and education to inspire imagination and passion. With a nationally renowned permanent collection including works by Romare Bearden and Norman Rockwell, the museum offers thought-provoking exhibitions and programs for seasoned art aficionados, those new to the art world and families looking for a creative space.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Riverside
cummermuseum.org

UNDERWOODS JEWELERS

OWNER: Clayton Bromberg
OPENED: 1928

SPECIALTIES: As one of the best jewelers in the South, Underwood’s remains the area’s exclusive representative of many of the finest jewelry and watch brands in the world, including Rolex, David Yurman, Forevermark Diamonds, Lagos, Roberto Coin, Mikimoto, John Hardy, Ippolita, Erica Courtney, Dao Fournier and more. With locations throughout Greater Jacksonville, its Ponte Vedra location opened 22 years ago.

QUOTE: “Quality is not just materials and craftsmanship. It also includes design, presentation, service, integrity and your experience in our store.” —Clayton Bromberg

NEIGHBORHOOD: Ponte Vedra Beach
underwoodjewelers.com

ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING

OPENED: December 1967
OWNERS: Craig Smith and Theatre Partners

SPECIALTIES: This historic stage is the nation’s longest-running professional dinner theater; patrons have been making memories here for more than 50 years. See Broadway-quality performances of shows like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Kiss Me Kate while sipping a cocktail and enjoying seasonal upscale cuisine by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy.

NEIGHBORHOOD: 1200 Beach Boulevard
alhambrajax.com

THE HYPPO GOURMET ICE POPS

OPENED: June 2010
OWNER: Stephen DiMare

SPECIALTIES: The Hyppo makes delightful, all-natural ice pops from everything under the sun. And with more than 450 flavor combinations, they’re still growing! They use only the freshest fruit they can find. That means the only time fruit is frozen is when it becomes an ice pop. Treats are flash frozen, to lock in freshness. Does it get any better than that?

NEIGHBORHOODS: Riverside and San Marco
thehyppo.com

THE MINI BAR

OPENED: January 2018
OWNERS: Chase and Brooke Sams

SPECIALTIES: Pop in for made-to-order mini donuts and artisan coffee at this stylish donut shop with a large outdoor courtyard and games. From classic combinations like cinnamon sugar to complex creations like s’mores and maple bacon, there’s a favorite for everyone. Chase down the minis with a cappuccino, wine, mimosa, or one of the local craft beers on tap.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Jacksonville Beach
minibardonuts.com

TRASCA & CO. EATERY

OPENED: 2015
OWNER: Sara Frasca

SPECIALTIES: The local cafe with a vintage atmosphere and cozy outdoor patio bustles with hungry locals enjoying Trasca’s signature Paninos—warm, satisfying pockets of homemade dough filled with cheese and other delicious goodies. The menu features family recipes including cracker pizzas, salads, homemade desserts and scones.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Ponte Vedra Beach
trascaandco.com

BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS

OPENED: Roasting since 2007, cafes added in 2011
OWNERS: Family Owned

SPECIALTIES: Great coffee doesn’t just happen; it’s a process. Bold Bean serves single-origin coffees, signature blends, espressos and nitro coffee as well as handcrafted syrups, in-house baked goods, craft beers and wines. We will source, roast, brew and serve outstanding coffee, learn continuously and foster community, be good people and have fun.

NEIGHBORHOODS: San Marco, Riverside and Jacksonville Beach
RETAIL-WHOLESALE-ONLINE boldbeancoffee.com

PENELOPE T

OPENED: Jacksonville Beach location in 2011; Tampa location in 2005

OWNERS: Manne White and Nickie Smith

SPECIALTIES: For more than 10 years, these two friends have curated a selection of merchandise from big to small contemporary designers who inspire them. In addition to denim, dresses, tops and tees, they carry an array of jewelry, accessories, shoes and lingerie. Find high-quality, creative pieces you never knew you needed but can’t live without.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Jacksonville Beach
penelopetboutique.com

RUTH’S CHRIS

OPENED: 1965

SPECIALTIES: The New Orleans steakhouse is a local fixture for happy hour, holidays and those craving that signature usda prime steak, served sizzling on a 500-degree plate. Equally as popular as the classic cuisine, a world-class wine selection and hand-crafted cocktails have engendered a loyal fan base. Reserve a place at Ruth’s Tastemaker dinners for an education on Caymus, Wagner Family of Wines.

NEIGHBORHOODS: Ponte Vedra Beach and Downtown Jacksonville riverfront
ruthschris.com

HOTEL PALMS

OPENED: October 2016
OWNERS: Greg and Julie Schwartzenberger and Stevan Brown

SPECIALTIES: Dotted with elements of nostalgia for Old Florida, this contemporary 11-room motor court inn was designed by Neptune Beach firm Edge & Lines. The beer and wine lounge and private courtyard lend themselves to a relaxing evening after a day at the beach, which is just three blocks from the property.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Atlantic Beach
thehotelpalms.com

JAFFI’S

OPENED: 2001
OWNER: Emilie Christenson

SPECIALTIES: Jaffi’s is a women’s clothing boutique, one block from the beach, offering a hand-selected collection of the best styles each season has to offer. The shop offers a wide range of national brands from J Brand and Hard Tail to local favorites like Lisa Kaminski Swimwear. The selection, coupled with warm and helpful customer service make Jaffi’s a favorite local shopping destination.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Beaches Town Center
jaffisneptunebeach.com

KMH HOME

OPENS: June 2018

SPECIALTIES: KMH Home has curated a collection of everyday essentials that make life a little less complicated, more comforting and balanced. We focus on each area of the home, from living room and kitchen to bedroom and bath, selecting items that fit together like pieces of a puzzle. The staff at KMH home are here to provide you with a personalized shopping experience, whether that is helping you discover your own curated collection or find a well-selected gift for that special occasion.

by Sponsored Content | May 28, 2018