I realized that I haven't written anything about Jacksonville since we got here, and we've been here for about four months (gasp). I thought I better correct that lest you think I don't like it here. Well, it's been unusually cold here (THAT I don't like), I actually think it broke a record from 15 or some years ago with the most consecutive cold days in a row. Longtime Jacksonville residents claim that yes, they get cold snaps, but they are not supposed to last this long. I'm beginning to think it has something to do with where we go. When we were in Spokane last winter, they had a record-breaking snow fall, we come to Jacksonville, they have a record-breaking cold days in a row. OK. kidding here, but I do sympathize with the the northeastern states residents in these tough winter conditions.
Jacksonville is the largest city land area-wise in the continental USA; the city limits actually contain almost the whole Duval County minus the beaches and Baldwin. The St. Johns River runs through the city and defines the city's north, south and west sides. The downtown area, which is,like the city, spread out, congregates around the river. I must say, I was very impressed by the sight of the St Johns River, I am not even sure I realized that it existed here. The river is one of the very few rivers in the US that runs north, I am still a bit confused every time I look at it, it looks like it runs backward. At 310 miles long, the St Johns is the longest river in Florida and forms many lakes. Its widest point as a river is three miles between Palatka and Jacksonville. The river is also home to manatees, which I still have to spot one. I heard recently that the severe winter conditions are putting the manatees in danger.
The Landing is Jacksonville's river marketplace with a few shops, riverfront restaurants and live entertainment(in good weather). The Gators Stadium is also on the river, the other side from the Landing. A water taxi shuttles people across the St Johns landmarks. And as you can imagine, the St Johns is a mecca for boating and water sports, and there is a nice boardwalk (well one we know of, maybe there are more) that makes for a perfect sunset stroll (again in good weather).
The house we bought is outside Jacksonville's city limits in a small town in St. Johns County known as St. Johns, everyone still calls it Jacksonville though. Our location is midway between Jacksonville downtown and St. Augustine downtown, which was a big deciding factor for us for choosing the neighborhood we ended up in. The St Johns River runs in the back of the neighborhood and we can reach its banks in a less than five-minute drive. So far, we love it.
Comments (11)
That's funny, that you guys bring the crazy weather with you. Were you in NC in January? We had a two-week period where it never got above freezing...unheard of. It's just been a crazy winter all over this year.
Love the photos. I've driven through Jacksonville several times but never stopped. I didn't realize the river was so impressive. I did stop one time and spend an afternoon in St. Augustine and really enjoyed that. Looking forward to reading more about your explorations down there in the Sunshine State!
Posted by Annie | February 25, 2010 7:38 PM
Posted on February 25, 2010 19:38
Hi Candi, great introductory post about your new home. The location of your new home sounds wonderful and it looks and sounds like it is in a great area. I'm looking forward to learning more this part of Florida.
Thanks so much for sharing your photos too. Have a great weekend!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | February 26, 2010 12:10 AM
Posted on February 26, 2010 00:10
Wow, Candi, your new home city looks so interesting. Sorry to hear that you've been plagued by cold weather, it can really make winter seem long and miserable.
Posted by sandrac | February 26, 2010 10:51 AM
Posted on February 26, 2010 10:51
Jacksonville sounds really lovely. I'm glad you're enjoying this new home! The photos remind me a fair bit of Halifax. I work downtown but live half an hour outside the city. I must take some photos and post those on my blog.
Posted by Anne | February 27, 2010 1:01 PM
Posted on February 27, 2010 13:01
So glad you are enjoying your new home/city,Candi. Too bad about the weather - which seems to be doing strange things all over! Hope it warms up soon.
Posted by sheri | February 27, 2010 10:45 PM
Posted on February 27, 2010 22:45
Love reading about your new hometown. When we lived in Tampa we drove a couple of times to Jacksonville to visit my husband's relatives but it was in the outskirts of the city. I have always been impressed by the fact that it is the largest city in the country.
I love St Augustine! You live in a great area and so close to so many interesting places in FL.
Enjoy your new home and hometown!
Posted by Maria I. | February 28, 2010 2:25 PM
Posted on February 28, 2010 14:25
Thanks all for the nice comments. We had a great weather this weekend:)
Annie, sorry, there must be another explanation, we weren't in NC this winter:grin:
Posted by Candi | February 28, 2010 3:37 PM
Posted on February 28, 2010 15:37
I guess that I must have missed soemthing. It sounds as if you're putting down roots! Cool. I hope that you enjoy the area - I can't wait to read more about your corner of Florida.
Posted by Jerry | February 28, 2010 4:36 PM
Posted on February 28, 2010 16:36
Jerry, we are easing into settling down, we'll be still going away to work for part of the year.
Posted by Candi | February 28, 2010 8:07 PM
Posted on February 28, 2010 20:07
Last winter was the coldest winter in Hawaii in years! I had my down comforter on my bed all winter long. I even remember using my comforter a few days in April. This year I have only used it a few times (our usual winter). Now weren't you in Hawaii also for part of the winter last year?
I never knew Jacksonville was so big! Glad you are enjoying your new home.
Posted by girasoli | March 1, 2010 2:17 AM
Posted on March 1, 2010 02:17
I forgot to add... thank you so much for your concern. It has been the 3rd tsunami watch I have been through - with this one being the most serious. We certainly lucked out escaping getting hit by anything big enough to do damage.
Posted by girasoli | March 1, 2010 2:20 AM
Posted on March 1, 2010 02:20