Discovering Jacksonville’s Hidden Gems
If you’re from Jacksonville, born and bred, like the personal injury attorneys Eddie Farah and Charlie E. Farah, you may think you know all there is to know about this southern city. But as with every great city, especially one with a historic past and sizeable population as Jacksonville, there are plenty of hidden gems around every corner that even the most knowledgeable Florida native may have missed. Without further ado, here are some of our favorite secret spots in the city that are worth checking out.
The Main Library’s “Secret” Courtyard
While The Main Library, located in the center of downtown Jacksonville, is well-known, its rooftop courtyard is a stunning oasis that often goes unnoticed by locals and tourists alike. Stop by The Betsy Lovett Courtyard for a moment of repose under the swaying palm trees and gaze into the blue tiled reflecting pool. Best of all, it’s open to the public and available for private events, as well.
Treaty Oak
Located in a quaint little park in downtown Jacksonville called Jesse Ball DuPont Park is an enormous, sprawling live oak tree that is more than two centuries old and 70 feet tall. It’s impressive size and twisting, reaching branches are a sight to behold, for sure. The tree apparently got its name when a man named Pat Moran wrote an article claiming the oak was the site of a peace treaty between settlers and natives. The story is untrue, but it saved the tree and kept this remarkable natural wonder in place for generations to enjoy.
King Street Studios and Gallery
Downtown Jacksonville’s burgeoning arts district is gaining ground thanks to places like King Street Studios and Gallery. From silk screening to pottery to blacksmithing, if there’s an art or craft you’d like to learn, this is where you should go. There are plenty of specialty classes to choose from and a gallery of various types of art housed in this lofty warehouse.
Sun-Ray Cinema
This unassuming movie theatre is unlike any other in the city. The vintage furniture and retro artwork contained in the atmospheric lobby pays tribute to Hollywood and old school films. The theatre is proud to now have two screens showing indie, limited-release movies for Jacksonville locals.
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