How to make the most of your break

Tiffany Salameh
August 9, 2016

With less than two weeks left until fall semester begins, we’ve reached the point in the summer where, besides working, we often find ourselves with nothing to do. If you can cope with cheating on Netflix, there are lots of fun things to do locally and nearby (if you don’t mind a drive) to get that last kick of summer fun.

local
Graphic by Cassidy Alexander

Local

$5 Movie Night at Tinseltown

  • Every Tuesday, all day enjoy $5 movie night at Tinseltown Theatre on Southside Boulevard. Things can get crazy here so arrive early or buy tickets online to avoid the lines.

“One Way Out” game

  • This is a mind game you can play with four friends. The idea is, you’re locked in a room and given clues and an hour to beat the clock and save your life. You can book a room and pick a theme online.

The Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Enjoy a guided tour of wildlife from white bengal tigers to leopards and bobcats. Some tours also involve a feeding time. Tickets are $10 per person and can be booked online.
    Bright colored candies fill this second-floor room at Sweet Pete’s. Photo by Justin Belichis
    Bright colored candies fill this second-floor room at Sweet Pete’s. Photo by Justin Belichis

Visit Sweet Pete’s 

  • Located in the heart of Downtown Jax, Sweet Pete’s is the ultimate stop for a sweet tooth. Candy is sold by weight and customers can fill little baggies with things like gourmet gummies, licorice, jaw breakers, salt water taffy and more. Candy apples, gourmet sodas, and ice cream is also served here.

Go “big-kid” go-karting at Autobahn Speedway

  • Ever feel like the go-kart just didn’t go fast enough? Well, at Autobahn you can try indoor “pro-karting” reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. No reservations are needed but you can check out pricing online.

Visit Chamblin’s Uptown 

  • If you’ve never been to Chamblin’s you’re in for a treat. Downstairs is a cute little coffee shop and around the corner and up the stairs is an enormous collection of used books. I’m talking weird and even banned books sometimes.

Visit The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

  • Located in Riverside, the Cummer arts and gardens are a sight to see. There’s even a gift shop and cafe you can visit.

Visit MOSH

  • If you grew up in Jacksonville, you’ve likely been to the Museum of Science and History. However, it’s worth a revisit. Being older and in a museum is a whole new experience. For science and history majors; this is your playground.

Visit Hanna Park

  • Hanna Park offers camping sites, more than 20 miles of biking and hiking trails, and a beautiful beach location that’s a little different from the Jax Beach scene. The beach is also know as “The Poles” and is a surfer hotspot. Make sure to bring cash because admission to the park is $5 at the door.

Visit Big Talbot Island State Park

  • You know those instagram model pics next to the pretty tree on the ground? Well, you can make instagram come to life here. Sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking at this sea island. You can also hike Black Rock trail to the shore line. Admission is $3 at the door, cash only.

Camp on the beach at Huguenot Park

  • This is one of the only spots in Jax where you can legally camp on the beach. At least, a few steps away from the beach. Camping fees can be online. Gather friends and rent some tents and kayaks from Eco Adventure with your Osprey 1Card. Entry to the park is also $5 at the door or $3 for early-birds, cash only.
    2016.08.08_BlueOrchidPic1_CourtneyStringfellow
    Photo by Courtney Stringfellow

Try New Local Eateries

  • There are so many amazing local eateries around Jacksonville that blow chain restaurants out of the water. If you’re looking to try something new, you can visit https://unfspinnaker.com/?s=local+eatery for a list of local restaurants.
kind-of-local
Graphic by Cassidy Alexander

Kind-Of Local

Visit Anastasia Park

  • Beach access
  • Picnic areas
  • Wind-surfing, kayaking and canoeing

Visit Amelia Island

  • Ritz Carlton
  • Hanging Shark photo-op
  • Shopping

Visit St. Augustine 

Go on a Ghost Tour

not-local
Graphic by Cassidy Alexander

Not Local

Visit Florida’s Springs

Go to Disney World

Go to Universal’s Studios

Visit College Towns

  • Gainesville, University of Florida
  • Tallahassee, Florida State University

Visit Orlando

Visit Daytona

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