Where To Go: Riverside Arts Market Opening Day!

I am so excited about the opening of the Riverside Arts Market (RAM)! One of my favorite places to go on a Saturday morning with my dog. My little boy absolutely loves going to RAM because of the attention he gets and the other dogs that he can go stare, sniff, and touch noses with.

Here he is last November, it was a windy day, can't you tell?

Opening day is Saturday, March 1st, 2014. It will be open every Saturday from 10am-4pm. Expect to see the Opening Day Parade throughout RAM as well as families and pets shopping around and enjoying the day. Remember if you're bringing your pets don't forget that they need to be on a leash! Speaking of pets you will find a few vendors who sells cool handmade pet stuff such as treats, shampoo, collars, bows, and bandanas. Even if you think you're not going to buy anything I would recommend you bring some cash as well, I mean you might get hungry or thirsty.

I am a sucker for handmade jewelry because a lot of times the designs are unique. I think every time I go to RAM I leave with at least one piece of jewelry.

I love buying my fruits and vegetables here as well. It is a much better deal than what you get from the supermarket and to me it kind of taste a little better as well. Don't forget your recyclable tote if you have one!

One of the reasons to bring your family out here is the entertainment. You'll have the live band by the river and other entertainers such as this guy here and balloon artists. Kids and even some adults are amused by acts like this.

Come out and support local artists!

Click here for more info on RAM

Where To Go: Welcome To Rockville

It's almost that time again! Welcome To Rockville returns to Jacksonville on April 26, 2014 - April 27, 2014. Who has their ticket? Who is waiting to win their ticket? Over 30 bands will take stage at this year's event. Be warned, it's going to get hot, you're going to want to take your clothes off. Not kidding. I've seen people who shouldn't even take their shirts, with their shirts off! Aye! So what I am trying to say is please wear something light and put on some SPF. Just be prepared to sweat and keep hydrated as well.

I was fortunate enough a couple of years ago to have a Production Pass to the event and caught some interesting photos. I was on one of the main stages when I took this one. How fun is that! I don't remember who was performing at the time, I was just amazed I was even able to stand there.

In this year's line up I am very much looking forward to seeing Alter Bridge. I LOVE Myles' voice. Somehow it gives me goosebumps. I have to say my favorite song from them is "In Loving Memory." I almost want to cry every time I hear it. Just everything about it, the music and the lyrics, both so beautiful.

If you've never heard it, I want you to listen to it. It has held a special place in my heart and maybe for some of you.



Click here for more information on Welcome To Rockville's line up and ticket info

Where to Drink: Riverside Craft Beer Fest

Jacksonville has a very good craft beer culture that continues to grow rapidly. Craft beer fans are loyal to the culture as it thrives. As some of you may know we have several breweries here in town and several stores that carries a great selection of craft beer as well.

On Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 12pm-5pm the Riverside Rotary Club of Jacksonville will hold the Riverside Craft Beer Fest. Entrance to this event is free, however there is a VIP option for $100 ($125 day of event if available). The VIP ticket will include a private area catered by Mojo’s BBQ, 12oz souvenir beer stein, 4 complementary beers, and exclusive VIP beers.

Beer tickets are $2.00 per 7oz cup.

The proceeds from beer sales will go to the Riverside Rotary Foundation and to fund the building of a track at Stockton Elementary School. The purpose of building the track is to promote better health to the students and the local community.

As you taste craft beer from local and national breweries, find your way to a number of food trucks that will be attending the event. Enjoy live music from local bands Cougar Barrel and Grandpa’s Cough Medicine.

You must be 21 or older to drink. Please drink responsibly.

P.S. Don’t forget your ID.

When & Where:
February 22nd, 2014
12pm-5pm
Riverside Arts Market
715 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32204

Purchase VIP Tickets Here
Where To Drink Craftbeer

Where To Eat: Hawkers Asian Street Fare

A blog can't fully describe how excited I am about the opening of the Hawkers Asian Street Fare restaurant in Jacksonville. I've tasted them in Orlando and I am so happy they have chosen Jacksonville as their new home. They still have their Orlando location, but the Riverside location is sure going to be a hit here.

Hawkers serve their food tapas style, meaning they are not large portions. This is a great thing because that gives you a chance to try multiple dishes from their menu. I believe the pricing is reasonable for what you get. My most favorite item to get is the Roti Canai, which is Malaysian flat breads served with a side of spicy curry dipping sauce. My mouth is watering just describing that. Yum! Expect to find menu items such as noodle soup bowls, stir-fry noodles, tacos, salads, egg rolls...I can go on and on, but you know what? Check this place out yourself. They will open Monday, February 10th, 2014 at 11am!

The Hawkers in Orlando has a great variety of craft beer and wine to choose from, I can't confirm just yet if our Jacksonville location will have the same.

The Roti Canai

Malaysian Satay Chicken, Beef, and Shrimp Skewers.

1001 Park St Jacksonville, FL 32204
Photo source: Hawkers Street Fare on Facebook

Where To Eat: Koja Sushi

Several months ago, a company I interned for called Where To Eat Jacksonville did television segments on First Coast Living on WTLV NBC 12. One of the segments we did was with our client, Koja Sushi at the Jacksonville Landing. Koja Sushi has been serving Jacksonville since 2009 and has won Best of Jax in 2006, 2011, and 2012.  Choose from a great variety of sushi, dinner boxes, steaks and seafood, noodles, and desserts. When the weather is right, Koja is a great place to dine outdoors where it overlooks the St. Johns River. They are open for lunch and dinner Monday thru Friday and dinner only on Saturday and Sunday.

Here is a video from the segment with hosts Casey DeSantis and Nick Loren:


Click here for more info on Koja Sushi.