Zac & Scott’s Guidebook: 4573 Merson Ln
Food scene
2.9 mi.- Delicious tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare, including several vegan options. Our favorites are the vegan chorizo tacos , chicken burritos (huge), and empanadas. Outdoor seating only. Closed Sunday & Monday.
10 abantu bendawo batusa
Nacho Taco
751 Stockton St2.9 mi.- Delicious tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare, including several vegan options. Our favorites are the vegan chorizo tacos , chicken burritos (huge), and empanadas. Outdoor seating only. Closed Sunday & Monday.
3.3 mi. - Traditional Mexican recipes including regional specialties in a tiny venue with indoor & patio seating, in the trendy 5 Points dining and entertainment district of Riverside. Zac’s favorite is the roasted cactus & roasted corn taco. Excellent cocktails.
10 abantu bendawo batusa
Taqueria Cinco
809 Lomax St3.3 mi. - Traditional Mexican recipes including regional specialties in a tiny venue with indoor & patio seating, in the trendy 5 Points dining and entertainment district of Riverside. Zac’s favorite is the roasted cactus & roasted corn taco. Excellent cocktails.
1.3 mi. - Savory and sweet baked goods, bread, breakfast and lunch items all made mostly organic with vegan options. They also serve coffee & teas.
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Community Loaves
1116 Edgewood Ave S1.3 mi. - Savory and sweet baked goods, bread, breakfast and lunch items all made mostly organic with vegan options. They also serve coffee & teas.
1.3 mi. - Lunch and dinner vegan cafe with interesting options. Mostly sandwiches and salads the last time we visited. Open late some nights.
8 abantu bendawo batusa
Murray Hillbilly
1044 Edgewood Ave S1.3 mi. - Lunch and dinner vegan cafe with interesting options. Mostly sandwiches and salads the last time we visited. Open late some nights.
1.3 mi. - some of our favorite pizza in Jax, with good salads, and a selection of beer & wine.
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Moon River Pizza
1176 Edgewood Ave S1.3 mi. - some of our favorite pizza in Jax, with good salads, and a selection of beer & wine.
1.3 mi.- Irish pub with a full bar, some microbrews, good pub food including traditional Irish fare like fish & chips, corned beef, etc. Great live music by a band playing Irish music some nights.
The Stout Snug
1190 Edgewood Ave S1.3 mi.- Irish pub with a full bar, some microbrews, good pub food including traditional Irish fare like fish & chips, corned beef, etc. Great live music by a band playing Irish music some nights.
1.3 mi. - Good breakfast & lunch option with everything you can imagine of a biscuit.
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Maple Street Biscuit Company- Murray Hill
1171 Edgewood Ave S1.3 mi. - Good breakfast & lunch option with everything you can imagine of a biscuit.
1.3 mi. - Tasty Tex Mex cuisine with excellent margaritas. We especially like the chicken or shrimp mole, pork carnitas tacos with grilled pineapple, and posole. Try the tres leches or flan for dessert. Sports playing on TV at the bar.
10 abantu bendawo batusa
EL JEFE
947 Edgewood Ave S1.3 mi. - Tasty Tex Mex cuisine with excellent margaritas. We especially like the chicken or shrimp mole, pork carnitas tacos with grilled pineapple, and posole. Try the tres leches or flan for dessert. Sports playing on TV at the bar.
1.3 mi.- one of our favorite breakfast diners with some good standard lunch items, too. Good pancakes and cheddar cornbread waffles with fried chicken.
Edgewood Diner
954 Edgewood Ave S1.3 mi.- one of our favorite breakfast diners with some good standard lunch items, too. Good pancakes and cheddar cornbread waffles with fried chicken.
1.5 mi. - Delicious pizza and Italian specialty dishes in an intimate family-run cafe with table service.
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Ale Pie House
3951 St Johns Ave1.5 mi. - Delicious pizza and Italian specialty dishes in an intimate family-run cafe with table service.
1.7 mi. - upscale French dining with seasonal menu and nightly specials. Excellent wine list. Full bar in the back and outdoor dining on the patio.
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Restaurant Orsay
3630 Park St1.7 mi. - upscale French dining with seasonal menu and nightly specials. Excellent wine list. Full bar in the back and outdoor dining on the patio.
2.1 mi. - Vintage diner popular with locals for breakfast and lunch fare.
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Fox Restaurant
3580 St Johns Ave2.1 mi. - Vintage diner popular with locals for breakfast and lunch fare.
2.1 mi. - Smoky BBQ in the Shoppes of Avondale. Our favorite is the burnt ends with collard greens. Good banana pudding.
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MOJO no.4, Urban BBQ Whiskey Bar
3572 St Johns Ave2.1 mi. - Smoky BBQ in the Shoppes of Avondale. Our favorite is the burnt ends with collard greens. Good banana pudding.
2.1 mi. - tasty Middle Eastern food with indoor & courtyard seating, cozy ambiance, small bar. We like the chicken & lamb skewers, kibbeh, and other specialties. Live music some nights, especially weekends.
35 abantu bendawo batusa
Casbah Cafe
3628 St Johns Ave2.1 mi. - tasty Middle Eastern food with indoor & courtyard seating, cozy ambiance, small bar. We like the chicken & lamb skewers, kibbeh, and other specialties. Live music some nights, especially weekends.
2.2 mi. - Daily specials for lunch & dinner provide excellent upscale dining opportunities to complement standard menu of pizzas, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. Good wine list, large bar, with a bit of an artsy vibe. Best dessert case in town - ask the server for the tour of the dessert case.
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Biscottis
3556 St Johns Ave2.2 mi. - Daily specials for lunch & dinner provide excellent upscale dining opportunities to complement standard menu of pizzas, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. Good wine list, large bar, with a bit of an artsy vibe. Best dessert case in town - ask the server for the tour of the dessert case.
2.2 mi.- Great selection of standard American fare, from fish tacos to mango Ahi tuna salad, to grilled salmon, burgers, sandwiches and other entrees. Nice bar area. Excellent weekend brunch spot. Live music some nights.
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Brick Restaurant
3585 St Johns Ave2.2 mi.- Great selection of standard American fare, from fish tacos to mango Ahi tuna salad, to grilled salmon, burgers, sandwiches and other entrees. Nice bar area. Excellent weekend brunch spot. Live music some nights.
2.2 mi. - The best fresh seafood and steaks near our house. Excellent weekend brunch bar spread. Great happy hour specials. Indoor, sidewalk, rear patio & upstairs bar seating available.
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Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar
3551 St Johns Ave2.2 mi. - The best fresh seafood and steaks near our house. Excellent weekend brunch bar spread. Great happy hour specials. Indoor, sidewalk, rear patio & upstairs bar seating available.
2.4 mi. - Selection of over 300 beers and nearly as many sandwiches. The desserts look delicious, but ask how long they have been in the case. Many beers, wine, and candies can we purchased for takeaway.
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European Street Cafe
1704 San Marco Blvd2.4 mi. - Selection of over 300 beers and nearly as many sandwiches. The desserts look delicious, but ask how long they have been in the case. Many beers, wine, and candies can we purchased for takeaway.
2.6 mi. - Riverside - For over a decade, this has been one of our favorite breakfast and lunch spots in Jacksonville. Specials change daily, and run from pumpkin pancakes to stuffed French toast, shrimp & grits, to traditional Costa Rican breakfast with chorizo & eggs, to omelets and breakfast sandwiches. The morning glory muffin is our long-standing favorite - ask for it grilled. Indoor & sidewalk seating available.
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Cool Moose Cafe
2708 Park St2.6 mi. - Riverside - For over a decade, this has been one of our favorite breakfast and lunch spots in Jacksonville. Specials change daily, and run from pumpkin pancakes to stuffed French toast, shrimp & grits, to traditional Costa Rican breakfast with chorizo & eggs, to omelets and breakfast sandwiches. The morning glory muffin is our long-standing favorite - ask for it grilled. Indoor & sidewalk seating available.
2.6 mi. - Riverside - the breakfast and lunch options here are vegan, organic, and mostly locally sourced. Everything we have tried was delicious. Good coffee and tea options.
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Southern Roots Filling Station
1275 King St2.6 mi. - Riverside - the breakfast and lunch options here are vegan, organic, and mostly locally sourced. Everything we have tried was delicious. Good coffee and tea options.
2.6 mi. - Riverside - good seafood in the heart of the King St. dining/entertainment district. Good wine & cocktail list.
Two Dudes Seafood Riverside
2.6 mi. - Riverside - good seafood in the heart of the King St. dining/entertainment district. Good wine & cocktail list.
2.6 mi. - Riverside - We especially like the ginger chicken and pad Thai here, but it’s all good. Good vegetarian and vegan selections.
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Pattaya Thai Grille
1526 King St2.6 mi. - Riverside - We especially like the ginger chicken and pad Thai here, but it’s all good. Good vegetarian and vegan selections.
2.6 mi. - Riverside - Largest margarita list we’ve seen. The portions are generous, combinations are interesting, and staff always friendly. We especially like the curry chicken empanadas, sweet potato empanadas, and one of the vegan burritos. Many interesting combinations on a large menu.
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Lola's Burrito & Burger Joint
1522 King St2.6 mi. - Riverside - Largest margarita list we’ve seen. The portions are generous, combinations are interesting, and staff always friendly. We especially like the curry chicken empanadas, sweet potato empanadas, and one of the vegan burritos. Many interesting combinations on a large menu.
2.8 mi. - Riverside - This tiny venue offers up the best Spanish tapas in Jacksonville. We really like the homemade chorizo, mango curry chicken, and olives, but everything is good. Best tres leches we’ve ever eaten. With only about 7 to 10 tables for couples, it can sometimes be difficult to get in, so call ahead for reservations and then just show up. We hear they sometimes limite advance reservations to 50% of the tables, leaving the east for walk-Ins.
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13 Gypsies
887 Stockton St2.8 mi. - Riverside - This tiny venue offers up the best Spanish tapas in Jacksonville. We really like the homemade chorizo, mango curry chicken, and olives, but everything is good. Best tres leches we’ve ever eaten. With only about 7 to 10 tables for couples, it can sometimes be difficult to get in, so call ahead for reservations and then just show up. We hear they sometimes limite advance reservations to 50% of the tables, leaving the east for walk-Ins.
3.3 mi. - 5 Points/Riverside - this casual dining establishment offers some of the best kibbeh and baba ganoush we’ve ever had, along with other savory selections. Counter service for lunch, table service for dinner.
10 abantu bendawo batusa
Hovan Gourmet Mediterranean
2005 Park St3.3 mi. - 5 Points/Riverside - this casual dining establishment offers some of the best kibbeh and baba ganoush we’ve ever had, along with other savory selections. Counter service for lunch, table service for dinner.
The seafood baskets and chicken baskets here make a good lunch or dinner, in the heart of Riverside’s 5 Points dining scene.
10 abantu bendawo batusa
Timoti's Seafood Shak
1043 Park StThe seafood baskets and chicken baskets here make a good lunch or dinner, in the heart of Riverside’s 5 Points dining scene.
This place has many savory treats for lunch and dinner. Our favorites include fish tacos, pulled pork tostadas, meatloaf, mahi sandwich, and many others. Try the key lime pie! Great margaritas. Full bar.
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The Mossfire Grill
1537 Margaret StThis place has many savory treats for lunch and dinner. Our favorites include fish tacos, pulled pork tostadas, meatloaf, mahi sandwich, and many others. Try the key lime pie! Great margaritas. Full bar.
Great rooftop bar with a view of the city and the St Johns River, which is very popular at happy hour and in warmer weather. The bar carries a limited menu focused on sandwiches and appetizers, whereas the ground floor dining room features some of Jacksonville’s best upscale dining. Reservations recommended.
Black Sheep Restaurant
1534 Oak StreetGreat rooftop bar with a view of the city and the St Johns River, which is very popular at happy hour and in warmer weather. The bar carries a limited menu focused on sandwiches and appetizers, whereas the ground floor dining room features some of Jacksonville’s best upscale dining. Reservations recommended.
The first floor dining room menu features many exquisite seafood, steak and other entrees with a few vegetarian options. The rooftop bar carries a more limited bar menu, and is extremely popular due to the river views. Reservations recommended.
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River & Post
1000 Riverside AveThe first floor dining room menu features many exquisite seafood, steak and other entrees with a few vegetarian options. The rooftop bar carries a more limited bar menu, and is extremely popular due to the river views. Reservations recommended.
The sushi and sashimi selection is quite good here, along with the teriyaki and other grilled options. They carry a wide variety of cooked sushi rolls for those who are leery of raw fish.
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Sushiko Japanese Restaurant
3620 St Johns AveThe sushi and sashimi selection is quite good here, along with the teriyaki and other grilled options. They carry a wide variety of cooked sushi rolls for those who are leery of raw fish.
0.9 mi - Basic, inexpensive Mexican fare in a sit down restaurant with a full bar. Inexpensive margaritas. Not the most authentic Mexican food by a long shot, but it will fill you up.
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La Nopalera Mexican Restaurant
4530 St Johns Ave0.9 mi - Basic, inexpensive Mexican fare in a sit down restaurant with a full bar. Inexpensive margaritas. Not the most authentic Mexican food by a long shot, but it will fill you up.
3.0 mi - Excellent family run restaurant in the peaceful heart of Ortega. Nightly dinner specials are really good.
Simply Sara's
2902 Corinthian Ave3.0 mi - Excellent family run restaurant in the peaceful heart of Ortega. Nightly dinner specials are really good.
1.7 mi.- A local favor that has expanded due to television fame. Excellent chicken & waffles, crab Benedict, specialty pancakes, as well as many other breakfast and lunch options.
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Metro Diner
3302 Hendricks Ave1.7 mi.- A local favor that has expanded due to television fame. Excellent chicken & waffles, crab Benedict, specialty pancakes, as well as many other breakfast and lunch options.
Coffee, tea & baked goods
Coffee, tea, locally made baked goods
Delicious locally roasted coffee and handmade pastries that change every day. Excellent cappuccino. Small tea selection. Games available inside. Small outdoor seating area out back.
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Vagabond Coffee
934 Edgewood Ave SDelicious locally roasted coffee and handmade pastries that change every day. Excellent cappuccino. Small tea selection. Games available inside. Small outdoor seating area out back.
2.6 mi. - Riverside - Delicious Bakery, all dairy-free with many gluten-free options. The selection changes daily, it a few favorites are the maple bacon doughnuts, GF carrot cake, GF lemon pound cake, and GF blueberry bread.
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Sweet Theory Baking Co.
1243 King St2.6 mi. - Riverside - Delicious Bakery, all dairy-free with many gluten-free options. The selection changes daily, it a few favorites are the maple bacon doughnuts, GF carrot cake, GF lemon pound cake, and GF blueberry bread.
2.8 mi. - Riverside- The locally roasted coffee here is always good, with a selection of teas and hand made pastries and quiches filling out the selection. Live music some nights.
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Bold Bean Coffee Roasters
869 Stockton St2.8 mi. - Riverside- The locally roasted coffee here is always good, with a selection of teas and hand made pastries and quiches filling out the selection. Live music some nights.
The almond croissants, blue berry or apricot pastries, or ham & egg sandwiches on croissant are sure to make you a delicious breakfast. For lunch, try one of the many sandwich or dessert options.
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Bakery Ribault
3901 813 Lomax StThe almond croissants, blue berry or apricot pastries, or ham & egg sandwiches on croissant are sure to make you a delicious breakfast. For lunch, try one of the many sandwich or dessert options.
Bars & Nightclubs
Metro
859 Willow Branch Ave2.0 mi. - Gay nightclub with a cabaret bar, dance floor and tiki bar. Friendly bar tenders.
2.4 mi. - Gay bar with large outside patio, pool tables, small dance floor, and possibly the least expensive drinks in Jacksonville.
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Park Place Lounge
931 King St2.4 mi. - Gay bar with large outside patio, pool tables, small dance floor, and possibly the least expensive drinks in Jacksonville.
2.4 mi. - popular bar among locals, especially younger professionals.
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The Rogue
927 King St2.4 mi. - popular bar among locals, especially younger professionals.
Tradewinds
955 Edgewood Ave S1.2 mi. - Local dive bar popular among locals. Pool tables.
2.4 mi.- Popular bar with DJ in the heart of Riverside’s King St. dining & entertainment district.
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theLOFT
925 King St2.4 mi.- Popular bar with DJ in the heart of Riverside’s King St. dining & entertainment district.
Jazz Bars & Restaurants
Special category for favorite Jazz bars/ restaurants in Jax.
2.4 mi.- We like the Southern food here, from chicken wings to fried chicken, crab cakes to pork chops. The pineapple bread pudding totally rocks. But the real reason to visit isn’t the food — it’s the local jazz musician talent. Live music the latter part of the week through the weekend. Arrive early (6:00-6:30) on weekends, as the musicians usually perform from 7:30-10:30 PM - but if you wait that late to visit there will be a long wait for a table on Friday & Saturday.
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Jazzy's Restaurant & Lounge
901 King St2.4 mi.- We like the Southern food here, from chicken wings to fried chicken, crab cakes to pork chops. The pineapple bread pudding totally rocks. But the real reason to visit isn’t the food — it’s the local jazz musician talent. Live music the latter part of the week through the weekend. Arrive early (6:00-6:30) on weekends, as the musicians usually perform from 7:30-10:30 PM - but if you wait that late to visit there will be a long wait for a table on Friday & Saturday.
6.1 mi. - downtown- Whiskey bar with excellent cocktails and frequent live jazz. Cover charge some nights.
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The Volstead
115 W Adams St6.1 mi. - downtown- Whiskey bar with excellent cocktails and frequent live jazz. Cover charge some nights.
6.1 mi. - downtown- Jazz bar with talented live musicians. The menu is limited and focused on Southern food, but good. The wine list, which contains many selections from the San Sebastián winery in St. Augustine, runs rather sweet for our tastes.
Breezy Jazz Club
6.1 mi. - downtown- Jazz bar with talented live musicians. The menu is limited and focused on Southern food, but good. The wine list, which contains many selections from the San Sebastián winery in St. Augustine, runs rather sweet for our tastes.
Transportation
4.6 miles from house - Megabus stops near the Prime Osborn Convention Center at the edge of the downtown/Brooklyn/Riverside neighborhoods and costs about $25-$30 each way from Atlanta or Orlando. Rude sharing to our house probably costs about $10-$12 each way - maybe less.
Megabus Jacksonville
1111 West Forsyth Street4.6 miles from house - Megabus stops near the Prime Osborn Convention Center at the edge of the downtown/Brooklyn/Riverside neighborhoods and costs about $25-$30 each way from Atlanta or Orlando. Rude sharing to our house probably costs about $10-$12 each way - maybe less.
AmTrak’s Jacksonville station is 6 miles from our house. Ride sharing from the station would probably cost $15+/-.
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Jacksonville Station
3570 Clifford LnAmTrak’s Jacksonville station is 6 miles from our house. Ride sharing from the station would probably cost $15+/-.
Jacksonville International Airport
2400 Yankee Clipper Dr18 miles from house
Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville, FL
9810 August Dr16 miles from house
Entertainment
Movies, show venues and sporting venues
3.3 miles - Excellent 2-screen theater in historic building running a mix of Hollywood favorites and indie films. Bar offers good micro brews and wine, as well as good casual food including several vegan options, brownies and candy.
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Sun-Ray Cinema
1028 Park St3.3 miles - Excellent 2-screen theater in historic building running a mix of Hollywood favorites and indie films. Bar offers good micro brews and wine, as well as good casual food including several vegan options, brownies and candy.
Home of the Jacksonville Symphony, with 2 other theaters on site for small to medium sized shows.
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Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts
300 Water StHome of the Jacksonville Symphony, with 2 other theaters on site for small to medium sized shows.
5.5 miles - Downtown- This is our favorite local venue for concerts, comedians and traveling shows. Check out the website www.floridatheatre.com for upcoming shows. Same day tickets sometimes available. Call or visit box office for the best deals.
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Florida Theatre
128 E Forsyth St5.5 miles - Downtown- This is our favorite local venue for concerts, comedians and traveling shows. Check out the website www.floridatheatre.com for upcoming shows. Same day tickets sometimes available. Call or visit box office for the best deals.
6.5 miles- large venue for sports and concerts.
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Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
300 A Philip Randolph Blvd6.5 miles- large venue for sports and concerts.
7.6 miles- large venue for sports and entertainment, including concerts at Dailey’s place, the amphitheater that shares the parking lot.
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TIAA Bank Field
1 EverBank Stadium Dr7.6 miles- large venue for sports and entertainment, including concerts at Dailey’s place, the amphitheater that shares the parking lot.
History and Culture
Museums, arts and cultural sites to visit around Jacksonville and surrounding areas.
3.9 miles- Jacksonville’s museum of fine arts with world-class traveling exhibitions, nice gift shop, and beautiful gardens overlooking the St Johns River. Parking across the street in Riverside Ave.
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I-Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
829 Riverside Ave3.9 miles- Jacksonville’s museum of fine arts with world-class traveling exhibitions, nice gift shop, and beautiful gardens overlooking the St Johns River. Parking across the street in Riverside Ave.
5.7 miles- downtown- Excellent museum of contemporary art with exhibitions on 2nd and 3rd floors and nice lunch cafe on 1st floor.
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Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville
333 N Laura St5.7 miles- downtown- Excellent museum of contemporary art with exhibitions on 2nd and 3rd floors and nice lunch cafe on 1st floor.
4.0 miles - Riverside- arts and boutique food market operating under I-95 bridge spanning the St Johns River. Operates 10:00 AM-2:00 PM most Saturdays, March through November.
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I-Riverside Arts Market
715 Riverside Ave4.0 miles - Riverside- arts and boutique food market operating under I-95 bridge spanning the St Johns River. Operates 10:00 AM-2:00 PM most Saturdays, March through November.