Tag Archives: Jacksonville

Tasting Tuesday: The Bourbon Hunt Shouldn’t Feel Like a Shakedown

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Bourbon hunting should feel like discovery, not a shakedown. Some liquor stores build loyalty with fair prices, good picks and real customer relationships. Others treat bourbon drinkers like walking wallets — and those stores may find out the hard way that we remember. Continue reading →

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The Best Thing to Do in Jacksonville Is Often Not in Jacksonville

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Jacksonville has its charms, but the best thing to do here is not always technically here. Sometimes Jacksonville works best as a launching pad. Continue reading →

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The Risk That Rewrote My Life

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

A few risks change more than your location. They quietly reshape who you become. Continue reading →

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Describe a decision you made in the past that helped you learn or grow.

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

I thought I was moving toward one future. Instead, unemployment pushed me toward a completely different life than the one I had planned. Continue reading →

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Favorite Restaurant? Depends on the Craving

Posted on April 14, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Some questions sound simple until you try to answer them honestly. “Favorite restaurant” depends entirely on what kind of meal you’re after—and Jacksonville gives you plenty of ways to answer. Continue reading →

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How would you improve your community?

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

If I were going to improve my community, I wouldn’t start with some giant government program, a ribbon cutting, or a slogan painted on a sign near the interstate. Communities usually don’t struggle because they lack slogans. They struggle because … Continue reading →

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AFC Wild Card: Buffalo at Jacksonville

Posted on January 11, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Buffalo Bills (12-5) visit Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) in AFC Wild Card action on Jan. 11 at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS. Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville’s elite run defense neutralize Josh Allen and James Cook, riding home momentum for the upset. Prediction: Jaguars 31, Bills 24. Continue reading →

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Mascot and Colors (Apparently That’s Enough)

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Monday’s WordPress question asks for a mascot and team colors—without bothering to specify the sport, the city, or even the logic behind the choice. So naturally, I tried to be responsible, worked backward, explored several ridiculous sports, enhanced flag football beyond necessity, and only then picked a mascot. Because vibes alone felt insufficient. Continue reading →

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Jacksonville’s Fun Cousins and the Search for a Hometown Favorite

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

I don’t think I’ve officially discovered my favorite place in Jacksonville yet. There are plenty of spots I enjoy, but when I really want something memorable, I usually end up taking a short drive to one of our neighboring cities with stronger personality and built-in fun. I’m still hopeful that Jacksonville’s best “go-to” place just hasn’t opened its doors yet. Continue reading →

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Finding My Why in Jacksonville

Posted on August 17, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

If I’m being honest, Jacksonville isn’t the most interesting city in America. We’ve spent decades chasing development projects only to watch them go elsewhere (Disney and Six Flags, anyone?). Our downtown is mostly quiet, though there are some recent signs … Continue reading →

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