Falling in Love on the First Coast – Recipe’s for Great Dates

Fall in love on the First Coast

In the largest city in the US, there is plenty of space to fall deeper in love and have some fun dates!

Romantic moments will find you easily on the First Coast.  With our vast landscapes, starry night riverfronts, and quaint beach communities-any setting you seek, to walk hand and hand with your sweetheart, is possible.

Recipe for: the River City Nights and Lights

Start your day off with a cup of tea and homemade and scones at Cozy Tea in the 5 Points area.  This quaint café is perfect for quite conversation in a relaxing atmosphere.  Stroll over to the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and walk through their amazing exhibits.  Their permanent and temporarily collections are a can’t miss!  Take a walk in the gardens along the St. Johns River and sit and relax awhile, just taking in the scenery.  For dinner, I would suggest a table for two at The Chart House, River City Brewing Company or at the University Club.   The views of downtown at night  and the boats cruising up and down the river will make a lasting impression.  The Jacksonville Landing is just across the Main Street Bridge.  Find a seat in the courtyard and listen to live music or go inside Rush Street, Fionn MacCools or Vitos and have an after dinner drink for dessert.

12pm – Cozy Tea

2 pm – The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

5pm – Walk the river walk

6pm – slip in for a glass of wine

7pm – Eat

8pm – live music in Downtown Jacksonville

Recipe for: the Back to Basics of Love

For the active nature loving couple, get back to the basics and enjoy the natural beauty of the First Coast.  Take the scenic drive on Heckscher to Kayak Amelia.  Rent a canoe built for two and grab a guide map to explore the marsh of Big Talbot Island.  Pack some light snacks and take the time to beach the canoe and bask in the sun. Head to north to Amelia Island, as Heckcher drives turns into A1A, you will find your way to the Historic Fernandina Beach.  Grab the self directed walking tour brochure, and learn about the Victorian architecture that gives Fernandina its Southern Charm.  After all your play, you should be hungry.  Go to Sliders Seaside Grill, located on the ocean front.  Experience what fresh seafood should taste like.  Before the sun dips into the intracoastal, take a stroll along the marina and watch it settle in for the night.

11am – stop and pack a picnic drive the A1A route

1pm – rent a kayak – find a spot to eat

4 pm – walk the historic streets of Fernandina Beach, grab a cup of coffee

6pm – Dinner at Sliders Seaside Grill

7pm – walk outside on the pier and watch the sunset on the water

Recipe for: the Forever Romantic Soul

Take the picturesque drive, south on A1A towards St. Augustine.  Stop along beach access in Guana State Park Cross the road and walk through the twisted palmettos to the ocean where you can collect a sea shell or two.  As you cross over the Vilano Bridge take a moment to enjoy the skyline of the Oldest City in America.  Head to the San Sebastian Winery where you can take a tour and a tasting.  Enjoy the live music, a glass of wine and a light appetizer on the upstairs patio.  Walk to the bay front and take a horse and carriage ride.  Learn about the history and romance of the city.  Have them let you off at OC Whites or 95 Cordova at the historic Casa Monica Hotel for a romantic dinner!

11am – drive down A1A towards St. Augusine, stop at Guana State park, run across A1A and walk on the beach,  collect a sea shell or two

1pm – San Sebastian Winery, the Wine Celler upstairs, taste wine, listen to live music and have appetizers

3pm – take the horse drawn carriage ride through the streets of st. Augustine walk st. George street and find keepsake

6pm – Dinner at 95 Cordova or OC Whites

8pm – find the Tree of Love, where the palm tree grows out of the oak tree, legend is , if you kiss your sweetheart under the tree, you will be together for always.