Jacksonville’s Holiday Prelude: Scenic Drives and Festive Brunches Await
Experience Jacksonville’s holiday prelude with scenic drives along the A1A and festive brunches in Riverside. With mild weather and a touch of nostalgia, it’s the perfect weekend to explore the city’s charm and history.
A Scenic Prelude to the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, Jacksonville, Florida, offers a unique blend of scenic drives and festive brunches that capture the essence of Americana nostalgia. The Florida A1A Scenic Highway is a self-guided driving tour that promises an unforgettable journey through history and nature. Starting in Jacksonville Beach, this tour takes you along a 43-mile stretch of the A1A Scenic Byway, ending at Fort Matanzas, just south of Saint Augustine. Available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM on both December 7th and 8th, this tour is perfect for early risers looking to explore the beauty of Florida’s coastline.
The drive is a tapestry of expansive white sand beaches, historic architecture, and fascinating audio stories about Florida’s history. As you cruise along, you’ll encounter Mickler’s Landing Beach, where surfing, seashells, and shark teeth await. The Old Jail Museum in St. Augustine, with its Victorian manor facade, offers a glimpse into the past, while the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument stands as a testament to Spanish engineering prowess. The tour also includes stops at the Guana Reserve, Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, and the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse.
Review (2024-09-13): This was an excellent way to spend an afternoon! The audio guide was helpful and enlightening, and we were able to make stops and detours with ease, then get back on the A1A and continue the journey. Our whole tour took about 6 hours, but that includes our stopping at a couple of the places mentioned on the tour (the two forts in St. Augustine), as well as stopping for lunch in St. Augustine. Highly recommend this as a fun morning or afternoon trip to see more sights and learn about the history and wildlife of the area!
Brunching in Riverside
On December 8th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the Riverside Brunch Tour offers a delightful culinary journey through Jacksonville’s historic Riverside district. This walking adventure takes you to four of the area’s most popular brunch spots, each offering a unique and delicious menu. Guided by a local expert, you’ll gain insider tips and uncover hidden gems along the way.
The tour promises a brunch experience that leaves you blissfully satisfied, with generous food portions and perfectly paired drinks. As you savor the flavors of Riverside, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, a renowned gathering spot that adds a touch of culture to your culinary journey.
Review (2024-11-24): Great tour to start off your day - The tour was great. Jessica was very knowledgeable and told us a lot of interesting factoids about history of Jacksonville and Florida. We had great time.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit
Jacksonville’s holiday prelude is not just about scenic drives and brunches; it’s about embracing the spirit of the season in a city that knows how to celebrate. The partly cloudy skies and mild temperatures make it an ideal time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions. With a slight chance of rain, a light jacket and an umbrella are all you need to enjoy the festivities.
The Florida A1A Scenic Highway and Riverside Brunch Tour are just the beginning of what Jacksonville has to offer. As you drive through the city, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of small-town charm and wide-open spaces, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Jacksonville’s holiday prelude promises a nostalgic journey through the heart of Americana, where the past and present come together in perfect harmony.
