Archive by Author

Mary Elizabeth Says ‘Goodbye’ to Jacksonville

Mary Elizabeth Says ‘Goodbye’ to Jacksonville

My lease on the floor of my sister’s one bedroom apartment is up. I have packed my car, folded up my air mattress and removed the last of my belongings from the closet I was given. I spent two months and a few days in Jacksonville. I went new places...
Filed in: The Archive
2
Town Centers Around Shopping, Fun

Town Centers Around Shopping, Fun

My birthday was fast approaching and I was in need of a major piece of my new birthday outfit. I had heard some interesting advice to check out the St. Johns Town Center and wanted to shop around the outdoor mall to see what I could find. The five-year-old...
Filed in: The Archive
7
A Princess Builds Her Own Castle… Out of Sand

A Princess Builds Her Own Castle… Out of Sand

Last weekend I tried my annual attempt to master the sandcastle. See, the sandcastle is a work of art — one that can only be achieved through years of practice and packing sand correctly in oddly shaped buckets. I arrived at the 37th Ave. entrance...
Filed in: The Archive
A Hot Day at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

A Hot Day at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

At a sweltering 93 degrees in the Florida sun, I made my way down Zoo Parkway and into the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. I like animals, when they are cute and cuddly — typically the ones that sit stuffed on my bed. But, as per my goal to do new...
Filed in: The Archive
6
Watching the Sharks Take a Bite Out of Tampa Bay

Watching the Sharks Take a Bite Out of Tampa Bay

Chaos and mayhem roared through a sea of red and costumed fans. Scanning the audience, you could see fans dressed as hippies, hotdogs and even a few cross-dressers. Saturday’s Jacksonville Shark’s game was an experience like no other. The last...
Filed in: The Archive
The Cummer Offers a New Take on Art

The Cummer Offers a New Take on Art

When I was five, I always imagined I would grow up and become an artist. I enrolled in classes and camps until I was ten focused on improving and teaching me artistic technique. Growing up, every year my grandparents would give me art kits with paints,...
Filed in: The Archive
Biking My Way Around Town

Biking My Way Around Town

Charlotte, N.C., where I was raised, is well equipped with parking spaces in front of any business. I can park, get out of the car, and walk in before another minute passes.  Thankfully, Jacksonville is too. Jacksonville is well equipped with another...
Filed in: The Archive
4
Fishing for More Than Surf

Fishing for More Than Surf

Growing up, my brother, sister and I used to extract old fishing poles from my grandparents garage. Trying to untie any knots gathered in the lines, we would dig up worms from their garden. Using my brother as a guide, we would attempt to fashion the...
Filed in: The Archive
1
Ichetucknee Springs: Floating Along and Livin’ the Life

Ichetucknee Springs: Floating Along and Livin’ the Life

I got in the car and headed west, not knowing my exact destination. I carried with me the essentials: water bottle, camera, cell phone, shoes and a change of clothes. Last time I made a journey into the unknown, I had my car loaded down with everything...
Filed in: The Archive
1
A Night Out with The Jacksonville Suns

A Night Out with The Jacksonville Suns

I grew up going to minor league baseball games. Charlotte is the fortunate home of the Charlotte Knights and I have watched many games with a bag of peanuts or ice cream in a mini helmet. Never have I been to a minor league game quite like this one. As...
Filed in: The Archive
2
© 2011 The Jacksonville Observer. All rights reserved.