It’s Friday and I’m thinking about what this weekend will hold, and I’m also reflecting on what a perfect Jacksonville weekend I had last week.  A little shopping on the Southside, an artsy morning in Five Points, an evening overlooking the ocean and closing the weekend down with fresh seafood along the Intracoastal.  What could be better?  Let me tell you more and perhaps you’ll pick-up a few tips for your weekend in Jacksonville.

The St. Johns Town Center has recently opened a Farmer’s Market; open on Friday from 3 - 8 p.m.  Keep looking and you’ll find it outside Dick’s Sporting Goods.  Vendors have fresh herbs, beautiful fruits and vegetables and even cupcakes (and you know how I adore a good cupcake).  I even saw a few familiar friends from the Riverside Arts Market, like to artist with the cool scrabble art (you must check it out, to really appreciate it).  It was a bit rainy this particular day, but I overheard several regulars say that there are usually even more vendors and shoppers on sunnier days.  Even so, I was impressed and ready to return. 

Saturday morning we began at the Riverside Arts Market, open every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. under the Fuller Warren Bridge in Riverside.  This place continues to wow me every time I return.  The artwork on display is innovative and affordable.  Hand-crafted earrings were only $15!  The rain struck again, but the covering of the overpass really does keep you protected (as its promoters promise) and it was a great opportunity to check-out the live entertainment on the amphitheater stage. 

Lunch was next and then a walk through Five Points.  We browsed antiques; window shopped at pricier boutiques and scoured the sale rack at Midnight Sun for cute skirts.  We even made a stop at Riverside Park to take a shopping break and let my son play on the playground.  The park is beautiful and well kept. 

Later that day it was off to a friend’s beach house for a cookout and drinks.  Breathtaking views and good company!  The evening ended with fresh seafood and views of the Intracoastal Waterway at Cap’s on the Water.  This is a local favorite for Bloody Marys and oysters on the expansive deck.  The restaurant has recently revamped the interior and now offers a quiet dining experience with the same incredible views.  I recommend the Shrimp Vilano - succulent shrimp in a Thai chili sauce over a crispy bed of friend spinach.  Sweet, spicy and just perfect!  My husband I also shared the Florida Gumbo, which was jam-packed with fresh seafood.  If you haven’t been, go this weekend. 

The perfect Jacksonville weekend with a little of everything that Jacksonville has to offer - arts, fresh seafood and beautiful beaches.  Get out and create your perfect Jacksonville weekend and let us know about it.