I haven't posted here in a while, but my exDB that I still frequently talk to and kinda still with(long story) just got stationed there and arrived yesterday. Could any of you tell me what life is like in Mayport? So far he's told it's boring and spread out, is it like that all the time? And whats Jacksonville like?

hahha is that boring that no one knows about it? shesshhh

The area is actually pretty nice. I was just there this past weekend. I recommend the beach on base, because no one is ever there and you can sometimes see dolphins swimming. You have to go to St. Augustine, it is absolutely one of my favoritist places ever and it would takes weeks to do everything that there is to do there. Ft. Caroline is nearby and has a nice little nature trail. The Jacksonville Zoo is very pretty and just opened a sting ray exhibit where you can pet them. Nearby is also a Budwieser Brewery and San Sebastian winery, both are open for tours and sampling. Also, Orlando is just 2 hrs away and have your guy ask about the thing where military gets into Sea World for free. I'll write more as I remember stuff. Hope these help.


http://www.oldcity.com/
http://www.visitjacksonville.com/
http://www.wegoplaces.com/FLJacksonville_Region_36.aspx
http://www.budweisertours.com/home.html
http://www.sansebastianwinery.com/

I've lived in the Jacksonville area since 1996 and I love it. There's a great mall, the zoo is great, there's a couple museums downtown that are nice plus there's the "Landing" which is like a small mall on the river. North of Jax is pretty if you drive up Heckscher Drive which you can take the ferry to from Mayport. If you like water sports there's plenty of water. Across from Mayport is a park called Huguenot which is cool because you can drive your vehicle on the beach. Fort Clinch is north of Jax in Fernandina. Fernandina has a quaint downtown area on Centre St. There's great restaurants and tons of bars in Jax and Fernandina too.

Also if you like Ghost Hunters you can take the "Dark of the Moon" tour at the St. Augustine Light House. It's just like on the show and totally in the dark. Just wear comfy shoes.
http://www.staugustinelighthouse.com/

Your XDB probably thinks that Jax is spread out because it is. It's actually the largest city (landwise) in the US because the county (Duval) is the city of Jacksonville. I've lived here for 23 years and love it, honestly wouldn't live anywhere else. There's museums, libraries, the beach, and lots more cultural stuff happening than how it was just 10 or so years ago. Tell your XDB to pick up a Folio, that lists alot of restaurants, live music, and other happenings around Jax.

I know nothing about that area...but I just wanted to say I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE BACK!!! yay!!! hope things are going well!!!

Thank you guys so much for your help, i'll be sure to tell him about it. He's been living on the ship and just having trouble making friends, but i'm sure he will get settled more, and hopefully i'll get to visit.

ps. anyone have SO's on the underwood?

It's normal to dislike a new place since you don't know anyone or where anything is but Jacksonville is actually a great place to be stationed. I live in Columbia SC and there a lot of Army people here who would gladly trade places! I am hoping to move to J'ville myself once my Sailor gets back from deployment and buys a house - he has been ordered there for 5 years. I noticed it's normal to hate where you are stationed - Sailors I know in Norfolk hate it there and Marines I know in Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and Paratroopers in Ft Bragg hate those places. Once he gets used to it there he will probably really like it. My ex-BF was stationed at Pearl Harbor and HATED Hawaii - go figure!! lol

I live in Jacksonville and have for 7 years! I love it here. My husband is stationed at NAS in Orange Park. If you don't live in Mayport, it's nice. When I first moved here, I lived in Mayport and there was drug deals going down in the apartment below me..
There is plenty of things to do here. PM me if you have any questions

what's SO mean?

what's SO mean?

significant other

There's also Star Wars weekends going on at Disney with parades F-Sun this month. And most parks have FL residents and military discounts.

gotcha! that's what i thought SO meant..