Crescent 9 THC Seltzer is Jacksonville’s #1 Alcohol Alternative 27 Mar 7:22 AM (7 days ago)
Since Crescent 9 THC Seltzer made its debut in 2023, the hemp-derived THC beverage has become much more than a novelty. It has redefined what it means to be a social drinker.
Jacksonville’s nightlife and social scene are evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation are alcohol alternatives like Crescent 9 THC Seltzer. Providing a buzz without booze, Crescent 9 THC Seltzer offers Jacksonville residents a better way to unwind.
Why try Crescent 9 THC Seltzer?
In 2023, the global market for cannabis beverages was valued at more than a billion dollars, and it’s projected to be worth nearly 4 billion by 2030. Crescent 9 is one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the country.
Its explosive success is largely due to the quality of the product, its affordable price point, and the demand for alcohol alternatives as more people prioritize wellness, reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption in their lives.
Here are a few of the many reasons to try Crescent 9
• It’s a great way to get away from booze
Fast-acting and producing an uplifting buzz, THC drinks have helped many American adults who are trying to drink less alcohol. While THC edibles take an hour or more to kick in, Crescent 9 offers delightful effects in about 15 minutes.
With Crescent 9, you get to feel good without having to feel bad afterward. According to a survey of customers, more than two-thirds have reduced or eliminated their consumption of alcohol, with many saying they’ve switched to avoid hangovers.
• It’s low in calories
Unlike traditional cocktails or beer, which may pack 150 or more calories per serving, Crescent 9 THC Seltzer contains as few as 40 calories per can, making it an attractive option for health-conscious consumers.
• It’s deliciously refreshing
Naturally flavored and made from premium hemp, Crescent 9 THC Seltzer won more than 20 awards in 2024. Many hemp beverages taste bitter and leave an undesirable aftertaste. Crescent 9 is always highly satisfying and delicious, with flavors including Tropical, Strawberry Lemonade, and Raspberry Lime.
Crescent 9 THC Seltzer is great for relaxing at home and great for partying with your friends. With an array of THC potencies, as well as caffeinated and caffeine-free options, it offers a euphoric, uplifting buzz perfect for any occasion.
Where to Find Crescent 9 THC Seltzer in Jacksonville
Crescent 9 THC Seltzer is available at hundreds of locations throughout Florida including Winn Dixie and Total Wine & More. Find a location near you. Crescent 9 THC Seltzer is also available online at crescentcanna.com.
You must be 21 or older to purchase or consume THC products. Consult a doctor if you have a health condition or are taking medication.
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The post Crescent 9 THC Seltzer is Jacksonville’s #1 Alcohol Alternative appeared first on Jacksonville Magazine.
Take a Hike 18 Mar 7:15 AM (16 days ago)
It’s been said that playing golf is a long walk spoiled. So, this spring, leave the clubs at home and let your feet do the walking while enjoying some of the region’s best spots to take a hike.
Even the most picturesque landscapes in and around Jacksonville don’t feature dramatic peaks or snow-covered mountains. No, our natural scenery is more subtle, it unfolds with swaying marsh grasses, twisted oak tree limbs, spindly palm trees and white sandy shores. These sights are no less beautiful than mountainous vistas and to truly appreciate our natural wonders one needs to be willing to explore what’s down a few paths less traveled. Here, we do just that. Join us on a journey to a handful of First Coast and Southeast Georgia destinations that allow visitors to experience nature at its best. The heat of summer isn’t quite here yet. Now’s the time enjoy Mother Nature’s handiwork—all just a short distance from your front door.
Northeast Florida is among the fastest growing regions in the state. So, to have something like the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve located here is a true natural treasure. The Reserve stretches across an astonishing 75,000 acres, from Ponte Vedra south into Flagler County. How important is it to the region’s wildlife? A species list recently compiled indicated the presence of at least 44 mammal, 358 bird, 41 reptile, 21 amphibian, 303 fish and 580 plant species.
The Guana River Wildlife Management Area, located between Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine along Hwy. A1A, is an outdoor-lover’s dream. Here, visitors can enjoy miles of open Atlantic Ocean beachfront as well as a laundry list of recreational opportunities. Hunting, fishing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, birding… this stretch of barrier island offers it all. The park is so large it will take several visits to explore it from top to bottom.
Some 18 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the park, including the five-mile Hammock Loop and the shorter Live Oak Loop. An observation tower overlooking the marshes and Tolomato River is a popular destination for hikers along the two-mile Savannah Loop. Another tower is located near the northern edge of the park. Picnic spots and rest areas are peppered around the reserve and restrooms are available near the South Entrance. This entry point is best for hikers, as several trails shadow the 2,000-acre Lake Ponte Vedra. The wildlife here ranges from roseate spoonbills and peregrine falcons to white-tail deer and alligators. The lake is home to redfish, sea trout and black drum, as well as crab—all of which can be caught with a fishing license.
Hidden away along the Intracoastal Waterway as it flows past Atlantic Beach is Dutton Island Preserve, a pristine salt marsh ecosystem that is favored for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Actually, two parks in one, visitors can walk three miles of trails through pine flatwoods and live oak hammocks. Dutton Island I includes an observation viewing deck and fishing pier on the north end and a kayak and canoe launch site at the south end. There is a marked kayak trail among the salt marsh to guide paddlers. Amenities include covered picnic tables, elevated boardwalks and restrooms. Primitive tent-only camps sites are available with a reserved permit. Campers do have access to bathrooms and outdoor showers. There are residential neighborhoods only a stone’s throw away but after entering the park, open daily sunrise to sunset, they seem miles away. Admission and parking are free. Pets are allowed.
Jennings State Forest covers more than 25,000 acres and straddles northwestern Clay and southern Duval counties. The sheer size of the preserve means it’s ideal for very long walks in the woods. Also, the landscape features a variety of terrain. Flat pine forests give way to rolling hills dotted with spindly oaks, which gave way to swamps and meandering creeks. The changes in terrain make the forest suitable habitat for all sorts of animals, including fox squirrels, bobcat, deer, turkey and alligators.
Trails here can stretch more than 15 miles. There are several public entrance points, so decide upon a starting point before heading into the woods or you may find yourself hours from your hiking destination of choice. For example, the Evans Long Loop is just that—a very long loop that snakes through the property for nearly 17 miles. The Pioneer Trail is a good one for shorter walks, though hikers should expect some fairly dramatic elevation changes, steep slopes and narrow paths. Much of it follows the path of a lazy creek, complete with a few tiny waterfalls. This is a good one on hot days, as there is ample shade provided by the tree canopy. Easier on the legs is the Dunn’s Farm Trail, which is a flat cut through tower pine trees.
The hiking trails are open daily during daylight hours. Plus, the property can be enjoyed for horseback riding, picnics, fishing, swimming and canoeing. And there are primitive campsites that can be reserved for overnight stays.
Fort George Island is one of Northeast Florida’s true natural and historical gems. Situated between Jacksonville and Amelia Island, the island is home to the Kingsley Plantation historic site and the Ribault Club, a beautiful event space that’s popular for weddings and receptions. There is a marked hiking trail that loops around a good portion of the eastern part of the island. Walking along the island’s bumpy and dusty two roads make for pleasant hikes as well; however, be mindful of passing cars and be prepared to hug close to a tree because the unpaved road is very narrow in spots. Off-road biking is a quicker way to take in the breadth of the property. As you walk or ride imagine this—some 200 years ago, the island was mostly farm, devoid of all the palms and oaks that grow in abundance today.
The Kingsley Plantation grounds, which is managed by the National Park Service and include the original planter’s house built in 1798 (making it the oldest standing plantation house in Florida), as well as the ruins of several slave cabins, is one of the most significant historical sites in the region. The site name comes from Anna and Zephaniah Kingsley, who lived here from 1814 to 1837. Any exploration of the island should begin here. Walk through the house, the barn, kitchen house, interpretive garden and the remains of 25 tabby slave quarters. A broad lawn overlooking the Fort George River and dotted with palms makes for a pleasant picnic spot. Watch where you drop your blanket because there are ants aplenty. You may even see a wandering gopher tortoise.
The nearly three-mile loop trail winds through what used to be a golf course, first played in the 1920s. Behind the Ribault Club is a public access point to the river. It’s a quiet spot to put in a kayak, cast a line or wade into the salty water. Be sure to stop by St. George Episcopal Church before leaving the island. Built in 1882, the church is an outstanding example of Carpenter Gothic architecture. The stained-glass windows are 140 years old.
Follow the Jimmy Buffet Memorial Highway (also known as Hwy. A1A) to the northern tip of Big Talbot Island State Park and pull off at the Bluff Scenic Shoreline Picnic Area. The beach access point here has been washed away but for those looking for Big Talbot’s signature Boneyard Beach, this is the closest place to park. Follow the marked path to reach the beach, a walk of less than ten minutes. Get the camera ready. This stretch of shoreline is awash in the tangled and sun-bleached skeletons of trees that succumbed to surf and sand. There is no shortage of picture-perfect angles for a family photo. Kids take to the fallen trees like monkeys in the jungle. Pack a picnic to enjoy the views of Nassau Sound and Amelia Island across the water. Swimming is not recommended here due to the strong currents
In all, the park contains more than five miles of beach, three miles of paved bike paths and a handful of hiking trails—all of which are relatively flat and accessible to most everyone. On the west side of Hwy. A1A are the Old Kings Highway Trail and Jones Cut Trail, picturesque walks through the island thick maritime hammock and scrubby landscape. On the ocean side of the park is Black Rock Trail, a winding path through dense saw palmetto that leads to a First Coast geologic anomaly, a shoreline peppered with tide pools and dark “rocks” poking through the sand. More weather-battered trees line the beach here, too. It’s about a half-mile to the shore—so, not much of a hike, per se, but well worth the walk to soak in the view.
Parking can be a challenge at Talbot’s public access points, especially on weekends. There are less than 20 spaces at the Blackrock Beach access. Additional spaces are located about a mile north. Time your visit to coincide with low tide to enjoy the beach at its widest. The paved Timucuan Trail runs more than three miles north-to-south and connects the various access points to the park. Joggers, bikers, in-line skaters, strollers—it’s an easy route for most anything with wheels and/or legs.
On February 20, 1864, more than 10,000 cavalry, infantry and artillery Union and Confederate troops fought a five-hour battle in the pine forests near Olustee, Florida, about 40 miles due west of Jacksonville. The battle ended with more than 2,800 casualties and the retreat of Union forces to Jacksonville until the war’s end 14 months later. Among the combatants was the 54th Massachusetts, one of the first black units formed during the Civil War, made famous by the 1989 film Glory. Although the movie does not include events at the Battle of Olustee, portions of the movie were filmed at the park.
Throughout much of the day, soldiers exchanged fire, repeatedly gaining and losing ground to the enemy. Confederate forces were close to breaking through the Union lines when they ran low on ammunition. When more arrived, the attack continued. Weary from the fight, Union troops withdrew from the battlefield and marched back east to Jacksonville. The victory kept the Confederates in control of Florida’s interior for the rest of the war
A huge reenactment of the battle is staged each year in February. The Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park (the first of its kind in Florida, dedicated in 1921 during a ceremony that was attended by veterans of the battle) is open daily and features a shady picnic area, a small museum and a memorial to commemorate the event. The interpretive center/museum provides a quick overview of the park and its history. Outside, a one-mile trail with interpretive signs follows the battle lines. A long walk it’s not. And the scenery is little more than flat land and pine trees. But the path traces the happenings during a significant day in the state’s history. Parks hours are 9 AM to 5 PM daily. Admission is free.
There are more than 50 miles of hiking trails and unpaved road lacing Cumberland Island, a Georgia barrier island located a stone’s throw across the Florida state line. Unlike most of the Southeast coast, the Cumberland Island National Seashore is nearly free of homes and other lodgings. Only a handful of private residences remain on a stretch of sand that once was a secluded retreat for a privileged few. Today, 17 miles of beach cozy up against the Atlantic Ocean, without a single home or hotel in sight.
The island can only be reached by private boat or Park Service ferry and cars are not allowed for visitors. So, unless you plan to camp overnight or stay at the uber-exclusive Greyfield Inn, your exploration will be limited to the southern tip of Cumberland. But that’s okay. There’s plenty to see, even if you can’t reach but a few miles of the island. Most one-day visitors take the Southend Loop, a four-and-a-half mile walk through the forest, past the marsh and out to the unspoiled beach flush with shells and songbirds. The trail runs right past the crumbling ruins of Dungeness, a once-grand mansion owned by the Carnegie family that caught fire in 1959, leaving only stone walls and brick chimneys standing. The grounds surrounding the old home are frequented by Cumberland’s signature wild horses. The Southend Loop is a comfortable three- or four-hour hike for first-time visitors that provides a taste of the island’s diversity.
The River Trail is about one-mile in length and runs directly north and south, connecting the Sea Camp and Dungeness docks. Use this trail to avoid bikes and vehicles along the main road. Both ends of path parallel the Intracoastal Waterway and offer postcard views of the river and marshlands. The middle portion of the trail is a great spot for birding, with a combination of forest and river habitats. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and warblers. The woodsy path is also used by the island’s wildlife, so seeing deer, turkeys and horses is common.
Many of the island’s trails cut through mature maritime forests, shaded under live oak canopies and between dense stands of palmettos. Other sandy paths lead to interior wetlands, marsh ecosystems and the island’s beaches. A bonus to staying at the south end of Cumberland is the park service’s restrooms and drinking fountains. For the more adventurous seeking a real backcountry experience, a walk along the Parallel Trail or one of the many other Wilderness trails may be in order. The Nightingale Trail is a tamer, 30-minute hike into the forest.
The Cumberland ferry schedule changes with the seasons, so check before heading north to Saint Marys, Georgia. Also, space on the boat is limited and daily sell-outs are common. Make reservations online well before your planned hiking date. And make sure you arrive at the ferry landing about an hour prior to its morning departure time, packed and ready to go with water, sun screen, bug spray and food.
You don’t need to drive miles and miles outside of the city to take a hike. Nope, there are more than three miles of trail inside Tillie Fowler Regional Park, a nature preserve that hugs Roosevelt Boulevard where it passes the entrances and runways of NAS Jax. The roar of US Navy P-8 planes and Seahawk helicopters can take the serenity out of the setting but only for brief moments. The park is complete with two hiking paths, a 2.5-mile off-road bike trail, two enclosed dog areas, picnic tables, a relatively new playground and a nature center.
The Island Trail is a loop that stretches more than two miles into the pine woods, circling back where the marsh brushes against the Ortega River. The shorter Tower Trail winds a little over one mile, roundtrip. Both begin near a parking lot and the park’s small nature center, a worthy stop for those hiking with kids. The Tower Trail ends at what you might expect, a 30-foot observation tower. The terrain here is mostly flat and because of its proximity to the river can become quite wet in some areas, especially following a heavy rain. Remnants of an old brick road built in the early 1990s and that once linked Ortega to Jacksonville cross the trails in several spots.
There is a public kayak launch located downstream on the Ortega River. The launch site is inside the boundary of Tillie Fowler Park but has a separate parking area near the Timuquana Road bridge. The nature center is open in the afternoon Friday through Sunday.
Just a few miles west of Downtown, near where I-295 crosses 1-10, lies Bulls Bay Preserve. This 1,200-acre property is part of a conservation easement that consists mostly of wetlands with tributaries to the Trout and Ortega rivers originating in the swamps that buffer the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail. The public park includes a one-mile loop trail dotted with huge oak trees and ferns. There’s also a trail dedicated for mountain bikes. While the overall distance is short, the hiking loop does have plenty of dips and rises. There’s a pretty lily pond and a picnic area. All the trail loops are linked so it’s darn near impossible to get lost. The star attraction here is a small waterfall—and we use that word liberally. A small creek spills over a drop of a few feet. Niagara it’s not. But the site is something of a natural anomaly in Northeast Florida and one of the few places where one can hear the trickling of water in nature. Parking and admission is free. Restroom on site is a nice perk, particularly if visiting with kids. Dogs especially love this park.
Heading north back to Georgia, takes us to Jekyll Island. About 120 years ago, this small barrier island was arguably the most exclusive resort in the country. It is said that the members of the Jekyll Island Club represented one-sixth of the world’s wealth when its clubhouse opened in the late 1880s. If you weren’t a club member, specifically invited by one, or employed by one, stepping foot on the island was not permitted. That rule stayed in effect until 1942. The names of Rockefellers, Vaderbilts, Goulds, Morgans and Goodyears adorn the register when the clubhouse debuted in 1888, Some built winter residences on the island, a few of which still stand and make up the island’s National Historic Landmark District.
Purchased by the state of Georgia in 1947, Jekyll continues its legacy as a magnet to vacationers—and one need not be a millionaire to enjoy its nine miles of beaches, restaurants, golf courses, summer waterpark and more. Sixty-five percent of the island has been preserved in its natural state, making it a terrific place to explore on foot or via bicycle. Miles of paved walking and biking paths circle the island, from St. Andrews Beach Park at the southern tip to the Clam Creek Fishing Pier at the northern shoreline.
Not far from the fishing pier is Jekyll’s very own Driftwood Beach, similar to those in Jax. The beach and its signature driftwood formed as a result of years of erosion. What was once a maritime forest is now a sandy shore lined with weathered tree trunks and branches. The beach is ideal for afternoon picnics or late-night stargazing.
Jekyll is not a destination for those looking to “rough it” in the wild. No, the island has too many upscale hotel rooms and restaurants for that. But for exploring a beautiful seaside setting, touring some grand old homes, sipping a margarita overlooking the ocean after a long walk—few places in the Southeast can beat it. Parking at all the island’s beaches is free; however, there is an $8 per day fee to access the island.
The post Take a Hike appeared first on Jacksonville Magazine.
A Fresh Start 18 Mar 6:57 AM (16 days ago)
Surviving illness and divorce, one local family builds a home to embrace what comes next.
By Lauren Weedon Hopkins | Photos by Muriel Silva Photography
“It began with a painting of a tennis court,” says Janet Thomasson, owner/designer of Thomasson Interiors. The vibrant pink and green painting by Kelly Mason Fielden of Mason Brookes Design now hangs in Casey Cohen’s kitchen. “The pop of color was the inspiration for the home’s aesthetic,” she adds. Appropriately, Casey and Janet were also tennis partners and longtime friends.
Casey Cohen has persevered through many challenges—her daughter is a pediatric leukemia survivor, her son has autism, and a marriage that didn’t survive. She had been living in the same Ponte Vedra neighborhood since 2011 when she found her new home and took the leap to purchase it. “This home was a fresh start,” recalls Casey.
With the help of Janet and her partner Serena Schupler, Casey worked with builder Brad Scott to take the home down to the studs, redo the floors, add a second story, and put in a swimming pool. It took about a year for completion and Casey’s family moved into their fully remodeled home in 2022.
Today, her son is 14 and her daughter is 12 (and cancer-free for 7 years!). It’s the perfect place for her thriving family. “I love color. This is a happy house,” exclaims Casey.
Interior design is in Janet’s blood. Her mother and her big sister were both interior designers. However, even though her college roommate was majoring in design, Janet decided to major in business. After college, she worked in Chicago and New York in marketing positions. She enjoyed helping friends decorate their homes but it was just a hobby at the time.
After having children and with her husband’s encouragement, she and a partner opened a design studio in Annapolis, Maryland in 2009. Then, her family relocated to Ponte Vedra, and she started her own design business in 2014. She joined forces with partner Serena Schupler in 2020. “I prefer neutrals, clean lines and a classic look,” Janet shares of her design philosophy. “Casey loves color, which was fun to incorporate. Color is happy.”
Janet believes one’s home should tell a story and reflect their unique personality. “Adding something old and personal, every time you walk by it in your house, it will remind you of those memories,” she says.
The home she designed for Casey features fun bursts of color and beautiful furnishings, but it also had to be practical and functional to accommodate her two children and two dogs, Bolt and Pumpkin. Bolt, a Bernedoodle, was her daughter’s “Dream” at age 3 through Dreams Come True, a local nonprofit wish-granting organization for children battling life-threatening illnesses. Pumpkin is a mini doodle.
Guests can experience the vibrant color of Casey’s home even before they step foot inside. Her front door is painted a stunning aqua, which is carried into the foyer and a table on which “the queen of the house” vase welcomes all.
“That vase was the first piece Janet and Serena bought for the house, along with a lemon bowl for the kitchen,” says Casey. “When I saw the pieces, I adored them right away and I knew I was going to love everything about working with Janet and Serena to decorate my house.” The design duo had traveled to Palm Beach for market and sourced many accessories, furniture, wallpaper and fabrics there.
“I love the Palm Beach feel and the little details Janet and Serena incorporated, like the striped awning on the front of the house,” she adds.
Wallpaper is another design aesthetic Casey appreciates. One bathroom features the signature Dorothy Draper Brazilliance wallpaper of the classic banana leaf pattern. The master bedroom has grass cloth wallpaper. “I would paper the whole house if I could,” Casey laughs.
Janet’s favorite room is the family room because it’s functional and fun. The built-in bookshelves feature custom hardware with pink jewels at the center. “I always wanted a green velvet sofa and Janet found one for me.
The children’s bedroom designs reflect their hobbies. Swimming is Casey’s son’s favorite pastime. He enjoys the ocean, the beach and sharks, a theme Janet wove into his bedroom with antique lanterns and shark head clips as clothing hooks.
Casey’s daughter’s bedroom is very cheerful, with pretty pinks and bright yellows. Her gold flamingo lamp is a whimsical favorite. Her bathroom design was created around a painting of a butterfly gifted to Casey by a close friend as a birthday/Christmas gift as Casey was born on Christmas Day. It features fuchsia pink wallpaper and a feminine, scalloped-bottom vanity.
After many tough years, Casey and her children are now flourishing, much like the joyfulness reflected in their new home. “This is a warm, cozy cottage and a comfortable haven for our family,” she says.
The post A Fresh Start appeared first on Jacksonville Magazine.
Lemon Orzo Chicken with Kale 18 Mar 6:46 AM (16 days ago)
By Chef Matthew Medure | Photos by Andy Varnes
Matthew’s Restaurant has been a San Marco fine dining standout for a quarter-century. Founder and executive chef Matthew Medure’s culinary roots run deep in Northeast Florida, dating back to 1991 when he arrived to help open the signature restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Since then, he and brother David have created an award-winning collection of eateries ranging from gourmet burger joints (M Shack) to a classic bistro (Rue Saint Marc) to a Ponte Vedra Beach favorite (Restaurant Medure). If one can cook it, chances are Matthew has, and done so many times. Here, he shares the recipe of a relatively simple dish of Lemon Orzo Chicken with Kale, one sure to please even the most finicky gourmand.
Ingredients
2 Tbls butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 lemons. one sliced thin & one juiced
6 chicken thighs, bone-in
2 Tbls olive oil
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup avocado oil
1 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup white wine
2 cups chicken broth
8-10 oz. kale, picked and washed
5-6 fresh thyme sprigs
Procedure
1. Place a heavy bottom cast iron casserole dish on medium heat and melt the butter
2. Add the minced garlic and lemon slices and gently cook on both sides for a few minutes until softened
3. Transfer lemons and garlic into a small dish and reserve for later use
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season generously with salt and fresh ground pepper
5. In the same pan, turn the heat up to medium high and add the avocado oil
6. Place the chicken skin side down and brown for a few minutes, then do the same on the other side. Transfer to a resting plate leaving the fat in the pan
7. In the same pan, add the orzo and lightly brown for a minute, then add the wine
8. Reduce the wine by half (about two minutes) then add chicken broth and kale
9. Transfer the chicken, skin side up, back to the pan, top the chicken with the reserved lemon slices and thyme
10. Add the juice of one lemon, place the lid on top and bake in a 350-degree oven for one hour
11. Remove the pan from the oven and let rest covered for 30 minutes before serving
The post Lemon Orzo Chicken with Kale appeared first on Jacksonville Magazine.
Smothered & Covered 18 Mar 6:39 AM (16 days ago)
Comfort foods that lift your spirits and nourish your soul.
by Jeffrey Spear
Whether it’s the existential threats posed by nefarious weather, combative political climate, upheavals at work, or a relationship on the rocks, it’s easy to understand that mood-boosting, high-fat and high-sugar comfort foods can be an effective remedy during stressful times. While some of the most popular are pizza, ice cream and chocolate, the early days of Spring may call for something considerably warmer and cozier. Whether you’re working to overcome dramas, or simply want to bring a little warmth and sunshine into an otherwise dreary day, there are places in Jacksonville serving deliciously smothered and covered comfort foods.
Crispy French fries, especially those loaded with toppings, are at the top of the list never-fail foods. If you agree, Epik on Atlantic Boulevard has more than a dozen highly creative, flavor-forward options that should not be missed. Of note is the Big Fatty Fries layered with bleu cheese, cheese sauce, gravy, sriracha aioli, sunny egg, chopped bacon, scallions and hot sauce ($16). Well known for juicy burgers, Epik’s J’ville Poutine pairs datil seasoned fries with cheese curds, gravy, bacon, datil sauce, hot sauce and scallions ($12). If you prefer Asian flavors, its Korean barbecue fries are tossed in gochugaru red pepper flakes, then topped with gochujang aioli, sriracha aioli, scallions and kimchi ($8).
If the one-two punch of potatoes and pulled pork lifts your spirits, head over to Coop 303 for the Loaded Tots, dripping with barbecue pulled pork, queso, Fresno chiles and hot sauce aioli ($13). Similarly, Valley Smoke in Palm Valley offers a brisket poutine, a hearty serving of barbecue brisket, white cheddar cheese curds, smokey gravy and Alabama white sauce ($14).
Foods smothered in an abundance of gravy are another way to beat the blues, warming you from the inside out. Head over to Shut Em Down, a classic Southern joint on the Westside, for the pork chops ($16), fried chicken ($12) or meatloaf ($12), each generously coated in brown gravy, as well as oxtail in oxtail gravy ($18). You may also enjoy some of the options at Barbara Jeans on the Water in Palm Valley. Whether it’s the country-fried steak consisting of hand-battered cubed steak drenched in your choice of cream or brown gravy ($19), chicken fried chicken with cream gravy ($19), or meat loaf, proclaimed as “better than Mom’s or Grandma’s,” served with either tomato sauce or brown gravy ($19), one of these classics is sure to lift your spirits. Or at least fill your stomach.
Of course, one of the most soothing, satisfying and warming dishes to come out of the South is biscuits and gravy. Metro Diner (seven area locations) offers this classic, served with two eggs and hash browns ($12). If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try the chicken and waffles from the recently arrived Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar, a dish that tastefully marries malted waffles, crispy chicken tenders, sunny side eggs, maple syrup and house country gravy ($20).
Another top contender in the world of comfort food, also a Southern classic, is mac-n-cheese. While frequently listed on menus as a side dish, the best ones are proudly served as a main course. This is certainly the case at Spliff’s Gastropub in Riverside, where you can enjoy the String Cheese Incident, an incredibly cheesy presentation that blends cheddar, Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, smoked gouda and goat cheeses ($15). If you like mac-n-cheese with a bit more flair, they have a long list of tasty options from which to choose.
While the world’s turmoil can dampen one’s outlook from time to time, there’s plenty of tasty and soul-warming relief available all over town. Just pick a destination, grab a fork, dig in and smile.
The post Smothered & Covered appeared first on Jacksonville Magazine.
Weight For Me 18 Mar 6:31 AM (16 days ago)
Obesity continues to be a significant global health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide.
Recognizing the urgency to combat this pervasive issue, medical advancements have paved the way for the development of various weight-loss drugs or anti-obesity medications. These pharmaceutical interventions aim to assist patients in achieving their weight loss goals by supplementing lifestyle changes and promoting sustainable results.
But, as with any medication, questions and concerns naturally arise among patients considering or prescribed these anti-obesity weight-loss drugs. It is important that patients have accurate information and a clear understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with such medications.
For example, some are oral medications while others are self-administered once-a-week injections. Also, prescription weight loss medications work in different ways to treat overweight and obese patients.
Some medications make it harder for your body to absorb fat from the foods you eat, according to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Anti-obesity medications may also target cravings, food preferences and thoughts about food.
“GLP-1 medications work by helping your body manage blood sugar levels and control appetite,” says Hannah Nelson, APRN, Nurse Practitioner at Jacksonville’s Serotonin Centers. “They mimic a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate how much insulin you produce and how quickly your stomach empties. This can make you feel fuller for longer, which helps with weight management. Essentially, they support your body’s natural processes to help you achieve your health goals.”
The first generation of weight-loss drugs was developed in the 1930s through the 1960s. These agents were stimulants—such as dinitrophenol and methamphetamine—and are only approved for short-term use for weight-loss because some are amphetamine-based, which is a cause of concern of addiction. With the withdrawal of fenfluramine—part of Fen-Phen—and dexfenfluramine as well as a better understanding of obesity, a second generation of weight loss medications were developed. These targeted the central regions of the brain as well as the digestive system, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Now there are newer weight loss drugs that have turned their attention to gut hormones—such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)—which are involved in appetite and weight regulation. The newest anti-obesity medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is semaglutide, which is known as Wegovy. This is a higher dose of the same medication, Ozempic, which was approved four years earlier for type 2 diabetes. Saxenda (liraglutide) is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist and is the same class as semaglutide.
“Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, bloating, appetite changes, and injection site reactions,” says Nelson, adding that the duration of GLP-1 medication use varies, but it could be a year or longer. “It depends on how well you adhere to your program. Sometimes, hormone optimization can lead to significant improvements beyond the need for GLP-1. These medications are suitable for individuals looking to lose a significant amount of weight or those aiming to shed the last 10 to 20 pounds.”
Another medication that has been making headlines is tirzepatide, which is sold under the brand name Mounjaro. Use of tirzepatide resulted in more than a 20% weight reduction in those with obesity. But this has not been approved by the FDA for use as an anti-obesity medication. It is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, though, and the drug trial’s sponsor is working towards FDA approval for weight loss, according to Yale Medicine.
Additionally, a new anti-obesity medication that has completed a phase 2 trial is from Eli Lilly. The phase 2 trial was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and showed that patients with obesity lost an average of 58 pounds at the end of a 48-week treatment course. This weight-loss drug from Eli Lilly is an injectable called retatrutide. It has not been approved yet.
“Weight loss results can vary as we consider all “5 Pillars of Health,” including sleep optimization, food intake, supplementation, and workouts (cardio, resistance training, and core/stability),” says Serotonin Centers’ Nelson. “Our goal is to help you make lasting changes at the cellular level and develop new, beneficial habits.”
Of course, working together with a medical professional is the best way to determine if a medication to treat obesity is the best option. When choosing a medication, it is important to keep a few things in mind, including the likely benefits of weight loss, the medication’s possible side effects, a patient’s current health issues and other medications being taken, and, of course, the cost. So, what are you weight-ing for?
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Do You Mind 18 Mar 6:27 AM (16 days ago)
Are you constantly multitasking, with your thoughts racing from one idea to another?
Does this describe you? Does preparing for the future or reliving the past take up the better part of your day? Constant mental chatter such as this can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of disconnectedness from the present moment. Mindfulness, a practice rooted in ancient Eastern traditions, offers a powerful antidote to these contemporary challenges. The practice involves using different tools and techniques to help your mind become more aware of the present moment. Also, it encourages not being critical, not holding on too tightly, and accepting the whole journey, even when it’s tough.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help people—kids, teens and adults—become more aware of the things that cause stress and one’s reactions to them. So, by staying present and non-judgmental, practicing mindfulness allows many to manage stress more effectively. In addition, mindfulness can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety disorders. It teaches people to observe anxious thoughts and physical sensations without judgment. This awareness can reduce the intensity of anxiety and prevent rumination, ultimately helping individuals gain better control over their anxious responses.
In a nutshell, the concept of mindfulness encourages self-reflection and self-awareness. The philosophy says people can gain insights into their behavior and reactions by paying attention to their thoughts and feelings. This self-awareness can help identify harmful thought patterns and habits, allowing for positive changes in behavior and self-perception.
Proponents say mindfulness exercises, such as meditation, strengthen the attention muscle. Practitioners learn to sustain their focus on the present moment, improving their ability to concentrate and resist distractions. This can be particularly helpful for people with attention disorders or those who struggle with productivity. It’s an idea that’s gaining traction, especially for kids and teens.
Imagine introducing mindfulness techniques early in childhood as a way to help decrease negative thoughts and behaviors and build self-confidence before a child reaches a level of crisis. What parent wouldn’t want this for their children? After all, in the post-Covid 19 era, emotional and behavioral struggles are front and center in homes and schools across the country. Every tool to help kids navigate their most impressionable years is welcomed and needed, perhaps now more than ever.
When many think of mindfulness, they first think of yoga. While it is true yoga is a form of mindfulness, there are many other tools, too. Simply put, mindfulness is all about awareness, of the right here and now. It is the practice of paying attention to one’s thoughts, body sensations and sounds around us. Most importantly, mindfulness teaches one the power of responding versus reacting. In fact, research shows that mindfulness can be beneficial for children in a variety of ways. For example, it promotes empathy and optimism, helps regulate stress, improves impulse control, and can lead to lower levels of depression and aggression.
For many, the mind is often focused on daily worries, fears, anger, and regrets, and they are not thinking of just being present. This state is frequently referred to as “forgetfulness”—you are there but you are not. One is caught in the past or in the future, and is not there in the present moment, living your life. The opposite of forgetfulness is mindfulness. Instead, picture yourself breathing in and out mindfully, bringing your mind back to where your body is. Practitioners believe when your mind is in tune with the body, you are established in the present moment. Then you can recognize the many conditions of happiness that are in you and around. As a result, happiness comes more naturally.
In addition, research shows that mindfulness-based therapy supports treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use disorders, stress disorders, and other mental health issues. Many believe practices such as mindfulness meditation, guided meditation and deep breathing, may even reduce symptoms of mental health issues and lessen fatigue, pain, and insomnia, and negative thoughts.
There are three primary techniques to beginning mindfulness practice. For starters, carve out some time and create a pleasant space yourself. Even just one minute of mindfulness can be a great introduction if you’re unfamiliar with or hesitant to begin. Over time, as you feel more comfortable, add to your time and remember to release any judgments or expectations of yourself or the practice.
Also, note that it is natural for your mind to wander. When it does, let go of the interruption by returning to the tool. Your eyes can be closed, or if that is not comfortable, relax your eyes on one spot. Make sure the body is comfortable. For some, sitting in a chair is more comfortable. For others, sitting on the floor or even lying down can be most comfortable. Whichever position feels right for your body is the best way to begin to practice mindfulness—which can range from five-minute breathing exercises to extended periods of full-blown meditation. Regardless of your practice, consistency and intention are key.
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Walk in the Park 18 Mar 6:24 AM (16 days ago)
Close to Orlando but world’s away in charm
I have always been a sucker for a small town. Or at least the idea of a small town where everyone knows each other, and all the activity usually takes place on a picture-perfect Main Street that’s home to myriad fun places and quirky characters. The funny thing is, while this idea seems super fun, it turns out that I, like so many of you, have a bit of an elevated sense of what today’s amazing small town should be. Do I really want to eat at Al’s Pancake World (Stars Hollow) or shop in a store where Aunt Bea might have purchased a floral house dress (Mayberry)? I’m thinking, no! I’m a Floridian so obviously I enjoy things that are quirky or even a bit rustic. I love a good hole-in-the-wall seafood shack but I also adore fabulous shopping, fine dining, and boutique hotels that offer upscale amenities.
If you’re like me and are looking for a small, walkable town for a weekend getaway that fits this bill, you’re in luck. Jacksonville is an easy drive to uber-cute Winter Park. Located a little north of Orlando just off of I-4, this hamlet brings all of the main street “feels” that one desires. Stay in the beautiful Alfond Inn, where you can enjoy poolside cocktails, spa treatments, or a meal before walking a few steps to the bustling village just around the corner.
The main thoroughfare is Park Avenue and it’s surrounded by Central Park, a lovely green space that’s perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Park Avenue itself is filled with independent boutiques, antique and curiosity shops, and chef-owned restaurants. Don’t miss The Briar Patch for breakfast or lunch but plan to arrive early. There is usually a line of customers waiting for the mimosas and to-die-for brunch fare. After a day of shopping, hit Prato for dinner and sample modern takes on classic Italian dishes. This chic spot boasts a beautiful outdoor patio and is a favorite for wood-fired pizzas and seasonal pastas.
Soak in a bit of culture with a visit to the Morse Museum of American Art, where you can view the most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world. Or, head back to the Alfond Inn to admire their collection of contemporary art. Installations change periodically and are courtesy of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College. For the ultimate weekend treat, take one of the hour-long Scenic Boat Tours that launch daily from 312 East Morse Blvd. Enjoy gorgeous views of historic homes, parks and natural areas while cruising through a chain of lakes and scenic canals.
Wrap up the weekend by strolling through the beautiful Spanish Mediterranean architecture of Rollins College. You might be lucky enough to catch a play or choral concert while you’re there. One of the best parts of this small town is that all the places shared with you are within walking distance of each other. Jax Maggie & Co love that! Winter Park is more than just a pretty face. It’s a true Florida gem that combines a small town feel with a modern sense of luxury, historic charm and natural beauty.
— Maggie
Look for more of Jax Maggie’s travels in upcoming editions of Jacksonville Magazine.
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If These Walls Could Talk 18 Mar 6:16 AM (16 days ago)
The Handy Dandy was more than just a neighborhood corner store
by Tim Gilmore
Through these front corner doors at Herschel and James streets in Riverside, in the old corner grocery, the Handy Dandy, deep Jax histories cross, stories of hippie musicians not yet famous, of the old Lebanese family that’s given the city two mayors, of a dog named Stonewall who almost died but instead was loved into a long life.
In 1925, the wood-frame building was home to a Whiddon’s Cash Store and Hiram Jones Meats. For a nickel, you could purchase a Whiddon’s coupon the size of a dollar bill that was worth a quarter. For much of the 20th century, two of the Jacksonville’s most prominent Middle Eastern families owned or operated this corner grocery, the Nasrallahs and the Hazouris, years before Tommy Hazouri was elected mayor in 1987 or his cousin Donna Deegan became the city’s first female mayor in 2023.
Rumors still float around Riverside that musicians from this band or that played upstairs, but city directories list the apartment as “vacant” in the late 1960s. Donna Goddard doesn’t remember it happening; she hung out all over the neighborhood and her first husband Gary played the Willowbranch Park “be-ins” in 1968 with his band, Wapaho Aspirin Company. Richard “Hombre” Price, the classically trained musician who played bass in Sarasota and then Jax with the band The Load, doesn’t recall it.
Then Linda Miller tells me, “That’s where I first took LSD.” She’d met a bassist named Berry Oakley and stayed with him once at the Pickwick Apartments downtown. Then he came to her place above the Handy Dandy and stayed. “We’d all go hear the Second Coming play at The Scene,” Miller says. “Then we’d all come back to the apartment, Berry and John [Meeks, a drummer] would play their acoustic guitars, and we’d all sit around, making the room all smoky and listening to music.”
The Second Coming would partially morph into the Allman Brothers Band. The Scene was a psychedelic music club on the Westside. Oakley and guitarist Dickey Betts, both Allman Brothers Band founding members, Dickey’s wife Dale, who sang and played organ, and Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt, who later played guitar with Iron Butterfly all played in Second Coming and all came back to the apartment over the Handy Dandy late at night.
Miller, who later married Oakley, remembers so much from the few months, February to June, 1968, that she and Oakley lived upstairs, before they moved into the infamous Green House on Riverside Avenue. They made calls from the payphone downstairs in the grocery and when people called, Dorothy Hazouri would holler for them to come down. “Berry and I would wake up late in the morning and he’d go down, or we’d go down, and we’d buy bologna and white bread and fresh tomatoes and cottage cheese and cookies and sodas.”
John Meeks and Miller both loved to draw and Miller’s first acid trips coincided with their own Magic Marker murals of Lewis Carroll illustrations. She says the first night she tripped might have been the night they all listened to Jefferson Airplane’s Surrealistic Pillow and albums by Cream, Donovan, Country Joe and Bob Dylan. Another night Linda Miller the White Rabbit and Meeks drew the Queen of Hearts and her cards.
She remembers laying back and watching their illustrations like a movie. “The cards were flipping through the air, the caterpillar was smoking his hookah, the White Rabbit was checking his pocketwatch. Everything was moving.” A friend who later rented the apartment told her the owners had painted over the wall drawings, but they still showed eerily from underneath the whitewash.
Almost 30 years later, in 1995, Richard Ceriello, a speech pathologist from Long Island, bought the building for a song. Eight months later, his longtime partner, Tony O’Connor, died from AIDS. Thirty-year-old photos show Tony and the couple’s dog Stonewall standing out front. “Stonewall showed up in our driveway almost dead,” Ceriello recalls. “He had been hit by a car, had a dislocated rear leg, was starving, and as we found out when we took him to the vet, had a bullet in his chest.” Stonewall was about nine months old. He lived for the next 16 years.
Ceriello restored an original front wall of windows long enclosed with newer smaller windows beneath a metal awning. The front door was plywood, covered with locks. The whole house had sunk where the freezer had rotted out the floor and sills beneath it. It was hard to open the front door, because the floor, “linoleum on top of linoleum on top of patched plywood,” tilted dramatically.
He kept some of the original shelving. An original Coca-Cola ad and butcher block inhabit the large front room. Ceriello says a story of the freezer being used “to chill bodies” during the wait for funerals came from Edna Starling, an elderly neighbor who died in 2012. He describes her as “somewhat difficult to talk to, but I think she was correct.”
This old building has been lots of things to lots of people over the years. Decades before Ceriello moved in, lost his partner and found Stonewall, Dorothy Hazouri sold shampoo and frozen steaks, while her husband stealthily sold beer on the Lord’s Day. Meanwhile, Linda Miller recalls, “We had that whole big apartment upstairs and hardly any furniture, it was like being in the body of a big ship, and we would fill it up at night with friends and smoke and music.”
The post If These Walls Could Talk appeared first on Jacksonville Magazine.
Only in Florida 18 Mar 6:08 AM (16 days ago)
Strange But True Stories from Across the Sunshine State
“I will do anything for you, Daddy.” So was the promise made by 22-year-old Hooters waitress Sophia Ross during a reported November 2024 traffic stop. A Sarasota Police Department officer’s body camera recorded the interaction following a traffic stop. “I can’t keep my hands off you,” she added, repeatedly calling him “Babe” and “Daddy.” “Unfortunately, you’re gonna have to,” the officer responded. The arrest report states witnesses saw Ross’s car driving erratically and the driver was asleep when first approached by police. Ross, who admitted being under the influence, explained she was not driving. “Swear to God,” she insisted. She was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Her blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.
Speaking of police interactions, in December, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stopped driver Jason Arrington because he allegedly drove through a red light. Bodycam video shows Arrington being compliant during the stop, even telling an officer that he had a pistol on his person. A second officer, Mindy Cardwell, attempted to extract the gun from Arrington’s waistband. Camera footage shows Cardwell tugging on the gun several times, including one when it discharged, with a bullet striking Arrington in the leg. Arrington’s traffic citation was dismissed a week later. CBS News reported Cardwell was fired from the Sheriff’s Office.
Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, 47, became the principal of Roosevelt Elementary School in Cocoa Beach in May of 2024. According to the school’s website, she was “over the moon excited to be the new principal.” Apparently, she was so excited she decided to host a party—one at which more than 100 underage kids attended, many who were consuming the alcoholic beverages available in coolers at the home. Also attending was teacher Karly Anderson, 45. Both face charges of child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, say police reports.
In January, an unnamed Florida man was admitted to Tampa General Hospital with a very unusual condition—painless yellow lesions all over the soles of his feet, palms and elbows. The patient, approximately 40, reported that he had begun a carnivore-style diet eight months prior and was only eating meat, fish, eggs and cheese. He admitted to consuming up to nine pounds of cheese and butter per day. Doctors determined that excess cholesterol was the cause of the lesions, as it was oozing out of his blood vessels. Tests showed his cholesterol levels were five times more than normal.
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