Fun Friday!

This is a very exciting edition of "Fun Friday!" for this weekend marks the largest outdoor cocktail party of the year: Florida v. Georgia. Whether you're a Georgia fan, a Florida fan, or a fan of neither, Downtown Jacksonville is the ultimate stomping ground for anyone who loves to party. Don't have a ticket to the game? Don't let that stop you. There are plenty of events going on the day before and of, as well as jumbotrons throughout Downtown, to make it seem as if you're in the stadium yourself.

Here are some FL/GA events:
Friday night:
The Jacksonville Landing is hosting a Street Festival tonight starting at 5 p.m. and going until 2 a.m. Admission is $10 at the gate but includes live music by Ryan Hickey & the Saints, Pearly Whites and HORNIT.

As well, country music sensation, Zac Brown Band, will be playing live at the Veterans Memorial Arena at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available and range from $60-100. http://stadiumtickets.org/ResultsTicket.aspx?evtid=1716475&event=Zac+Brown+Band&ppcsrc=7499481842&nid=1&eid=EA&egid=B

Florida-Georgia weekend is all about tradition and Geogia alumni and underground country singer, Corey Smith, is a huge part of that tradition. As usual, Corey will be playing a live pre-game show at the Florida Theatre to kick off the weekend in style. Doors open at 7. Tickets are still available. http://www.floridatheatre.com/DesktopModules/EventsCalendar/Popup.aspx?ItemID=397&Mid=512&PortalID=0&TabID=62&selecteddate=20111028&culture=en-US

Game day:
This game puts another tailgating experience to shame. Downtown Jacksonville and the areas surrounding the stadium become a gridlock of tents, beer pong tables, grills and rowdy fans. If you are planning on parking anywhere near the stadium, I suggest you get there really early to avoid the traffic and the people nonchalantly walking through the streets. Also, please be safe. This weekend can get dangerous, fast.

Events like this aren't your thing? Want to get out of town to avoid those uproarious Gator and Bulldog fans? Have no fear, here is what you can do to avoid the madness of this weekend.

You can travel to the gorgeously historic city of Savannah. Only about a two and a half hour drive north, Savannah has a lot to offer for a day getaway. Whether you’re walking down River Street, or touring the historic spots, you can spend hours in the city and not even realize it. Also, if I may offer a small recommendation if you go, eat at Spanky’s. You won’t regret it.

Or, you can travel to Orlando and visit the parks. The weather is just perfect for a day of walking around amusement parks.

And last but not least, there is always good old St. Augustine. I sometimes feel as if I take the fact that the oldest city in the country is a mere 30 minutes away. St. Augustine, just like Savannah, is a city you could spend hours in without even realizing it. You can visit the fort, walk through the shops, and if you stay long enough, take a ghost tour. With Halloween only three days away, I think taking a ghost tour would be extra spooktacular.

Have a nice weekend, everyone. Please stay safe.

“Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted.” - John Lennon

Are YOU ready for some football?

Are you?! It's Monday, meaning tonight is Monday Night Football. The night every football fan in the nation watches, whether their team is playing or not. The night that had it's own theme song for over 20 years, until Hank Williams, Jr. went and said some pretty terrible things. A night that is so filled with electricity that it could light the city it is in for a week. And tonight, our very own Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Baltimore Ravens for the penultimate sporting event of the week. Though this season has not been all that great for our beloved Jags... Okay, it's been awful, but hopefully with the thought of millions of people watching, this is our week. I mean, it's Monday night! Anything can happen on Monday night. So don't forget to sport your favorite Jaguar attire and travel downtown or tune into ESPN to watch!

GO JAGS!

"Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit." - Vince Lombardi

Fun Friday!

This weekend is going to be a truly marvelous weekend with clear skies and highs in the low 70's. Just the absolute perfect fall weather. As per usual, here are some ideas to get you thinking about what to do this weekend.

Friday:

Let's do the Time Warp again!
Doors open at 9:30, show starts at 10.
Children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent.
The Fine Arts Center of the University of North Florida
This year marks the 36th anniversary of the The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This film is the epitome of a cult classic (especially around Halloween) where people dress up as characters, dance to the Time Warp and act out the show while it's going on. If you've never been to one before, brace yourself, it's an experience unlike any other yet one you will never forget. In a good way I hope.

Spooktacular!
6:30 p.m.
All ages
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
$8 for members, $10 for non-members
The 24th annual Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is nine nights of Halloween fun where the grounds come alive with hundreds of pumpkins, dancing, trick-or-treating, bounce houses, giant slides and a chance to see your favorite zoo animals!
For more information, visit the event website: http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/index.php/events/event_details/2011_spooktacular

Saturday;

Mardi Gras of the Caribbean!
All ages
Met Park
Admission: $10. Children under 10 enter for free.
Though it may be a bit chilly outside, this even is sure to bring the heat. Kicking off with a spectacular parade filled with steel drums and beautiful costumes, this event goes until 10 p.m. Enrich yourself with outstanding Caribbean cuisine while spending time learning about the culture and spending time with your family.

College game day!
After a rocky couple of weeks, Florida State was able to come away with a victory last weekend after their game against Duke. Hoping to keep it going, they take on Maryland, at home, for a 3:30 game. You cant watch this game on ABC.

Luckily it's Florida's bye-week so they can take a breather after their three past losses.

Fall Family Festival!
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
All ages
Jacksonville Landing
FREE
This is a day you and your family will not want to miss. There will be bounce houses, pumpkin patches, face painting, live music, tons of prizes, great food, science experiments and MORE.

Monday:

I know what you're thinking, what happened to Sunday, right? Well, let Sunday be your day to relax from all the fun you had on Friday and Saturday and before the events of Monday... You do know what Monday night is, correct? IT'S MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL HERE IN JACKSONVILLE! Make sure you're wearing TEAL to support the Jags! Though they have had a pretty rough season, let's hope they can pull out a win against the Ravens under the lights of Monday Night.

 

"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." - Abraham Lincoln

Five reasons to buy a home!

The market is moving and there is no better time than now to buy a home in Florida. Here are some reasons why!

1. Motivated sellers!
2. Lowest housing prices in years!
3. Historically low rates!
4. Interest rates are expected to go up!
5. Home builders are eager to sell and are offering great incentives!

Call me, Marie, today to discuss market opportunities that may fit your area and your budget!
904.742.8534

"Every strike brings me closer to the next homerun." - Babe Ruth

Fun Friday!

Last weekend was a bit rainy, but this weekend is shaping up to be nothing less than spectacular!

Here's a few ideas to get your fun juices flowing!

Friday:

2nd Annual Oktoberfest!
7:30 - 11 p.m.
Must be 21+ to attend.
Nothing says October quite like some high quality German beers. The Springfield Brew Crew and the Springfield Women's Club are teamimg up to bring to celebrate this great fall tradition. Make sure to wear your lederhosen and dirndls and put on your dancing shoes for some polkas. Also, don't forget to designate a driver, safety first! Please drink responsibly.
http://www.sprbrewcrew.com/

Haunted Houses!
7 p.m.
Not suitable for children 12 and under.
A good scare every once in a while is good for the soul. It jump starts the heart and gets your blood flowing. Not to mention, screaming can be fun as well. And isn't that saying, "Two is better than one," correct? Well, if you're one of the ones who thinks so, then the Haunt Nights at Adventure Landing are just for you. According to them, two haunts are deader than one. Spoooky. Here, you can explore two of Northeast Florida's most hauntingly horrific houses: Nightmare, Happily Never After and Morbid Hotel, Doom Service. I'm getting shivers just thinking about them.
For more information on pricing and times, please visit here: http://hauntnights.com/index.html

Free Wine Tasting!
5 - 8 p.m.
Ages 21+
Every Friday night Monkey's Uncle Tavern and Liquor Store hosts a FREE wine tasting. Wines from around the world can be sampled, while craft beers and spirits often make an appearance. Also, if you buy any of the wines you taste, you can enjoy it at Monkey's Uncle, without an uncorking fee, and you just can't beat that.
http://www.monkeysuncletavern.com/

Saturday:

Are you ready for some football?
Yes sir, it's another Saturday in the middle of fall, meaning COLLEGE FOOTBALL.

Florida State, after losing to Wake Forest, is hoping to turn around their season with a game against Duke. I have to find if this game will be televised or not.

Florida has had a rough couple of weeks as well, losing to both Alabama and LSU has not dampened their spirits, though. They take on Alabama at 7 p.m. You can watch this game on ESPN.

I feel pretty, oh, so pretty!
8 p.m.
Florida Theatre and Deep Blue
Some of the most treasured film classics are musicals. Think about it, The Sound of Music, Singin' in the Rain, Mary Poppins, Grease, Funny Girl... West Side Story . The Florida Theatre is celebrating the 50th annivesary of this true Hollywood classic in true Hollywood style. In celebration of the colorful and fun genre, Jax Film Fest will host a Saturday night Gala complete with a costume contest (with great prizes!) celebrating your favorite musical character, music, food and an all star performance from members of Broadway Dreams.

Ice, ice baby!
8 - 10 p.m.
Jacksonville Ice and Sports Complex
Skate the night away, or atleast until 10, with cosmic skating and music by DJ Spex. $10 includes your skates!


Have a nice weekend! Stay safe!

"All grand thoughts come from the heart." - Marquis De Vauvenargues

Fun Friday!

Welcome to today's Fun Friday! The weather this week was beautiful and I can only hope it will stay this way for a while.

Here are some ideas for your weekend.

Friday:

"A Taste of Jacksonville"
6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Garden Club of Jacksonville
This is a celebration of the wonderful local chefs and restaurants we have. This event, which includes signature dishes and dancing, is $25 in advance and $35 at the door.

Brew at the Zoo
7 p.m.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
This exciting event offers wonderful restaurant dishes, an open bar, live music, animal encounters, carousel rides and prize drawings. Tickets are $30 for members; $40 for nonmembers, $50 at the door and $10 for VIP upgrade.

Saturday:

Another Saturday means another fun-filled day of College Football.

Refreshed from their bye-week and ready for action, Florida State takes on Wake Forest, who is fresh off a win agaisnt Boston College, for a 12:30 away game. Sadly, this game will not be aired.

After last week's defeat against Alabama, Florida is ready to take on LSU for a 3:30 away game. You can watch this game on CBS.

Jax Mud Fest
This is an all day event to raise support for the Boselli Foundation's after school care program. Starting at 8:15 a.m. and going until 5, events include a 5k mud run, a kids mud run and an outdoor festival.
Visit the website for more information: http://www.jaxmudfest.com/

Dogtoberfest
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Registration for this event begins at 10 a.m.
Activities for this event include a Trick or Treat dog walk at 11 a.m., live music, a silent auction, JSO K-9 demonstration, and a prize winning costume contest.
For more information: http://www.dogtoberfest.org/

Gator Country Concert Series
Every Saturday night, 99.9 Gator Country is offering a free country concert at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. This Saturday, country sensations Jason Michael Carroll and Brett Eldredge perform.
Show starts at 8 p.m.

Sunday:

Good for a Jacksonville FIRST DOWN!
Though this season has been a little for our Jags, we're hoping this Sunday can turn it all around. The Jags will take on the Cincinnati Bengels at Ever Bank Field at 1 p.m. Tickets are still available and range from $40-100. Don't foget your black and teal to show your support!

Here comes the bride!
The Marriot Hotel on Salisbury Road is the place to be this Sunday if you are a bride to be. With a bridal show, a luncheon, vendors, seminars, live entertainment and give-aways, if you are planning on making that trip down the aisle in the near future, you do not want to miss this event.
For more information on this event, please visit: http://www.themajesticplanner.com/fall-extravaganza.html
Or visit their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fallextravaganza


There you have it! Enjoy your weekend!

“Temper is what gets most of us into trouble. Pride is what keeps us there." - Mark Twain