I’m not sure I’ve officially found my favorite place to go in Jacksonville yet. I like the city and there are plenty of places that are perfectly enjoyable, but when I’m in the mood for something memorable, exciting, or that “let’s-make-a-day-of-it” feeling, I usually end up heading somewhere outside Jacksonville. St. Augustine, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Orlando, even Wild Adventures up in Valdosta — they’re like Jacksonville’s fun, energetic cousins who always seem to know where the party is. Meanwhile, Jacksonville feels like the cousin who owns a comfortable recliner and says, “You’re welcome to hang out… but nothing crazy.”
We did have The Landing once upon a time, and for a while it looked like it might become a true destination — a waterfront hangout spot with personality and potential. But it slowly faded, lost its spark, and eventually was torn down, leaving a kind of entertainment vacuum right where something iconic could have been.
That’s why I’m keeping my eye on Riverfront Plaza and Music Heritage Park. The early ideas look creative, and if Jacksonville really leans into its personality — instead of trying to copy every other city’s offerings — we might finally get a place that feels like a true hometown favorite. Maybe Jacksonville is still in its character-development season: not quite the hero yet, but definitely in training.
So for now, I’m cheering from the sidelines with my sunscreen, beach towel, and GPS ready… because someday soon, we might finally be able to say, “Remember when Jacksonville didn’t have that place? Glad those days are over.”
Copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt.
