Pick up any paper around town and you’re sure to find all kinds of excellent information on the who, what, when, where and why of One Spark.
And, with so much to see, it’s important to brush up ahead of time because starting tomorrow, Downtown will ignite with five days of festival fever–creators, performers and speakers–all connected by crowdfunding.
But if you’re looking for recommendations on Downtown’s best places to grab a bite or a drink, shop local or even take a few minutes to relax amid the festivities, we’ve got you covered with our staff picks.
Cheryl
Shop: Pick up some eco-friendly health and beauty products at N.A.I.W.BE at The Jacksonville Landing and stay for their day spa services.
Dine: The crab soup is a lunchtime favorite at Corner Diner. (100 E. Forsyth St.)
Get Around: Get your crab soup to go, and take the Water Taxi to Friendship Fountain for a scenic picnic. All day Water Taxi passes are just $6.
Jenn
Shop: Indulge in retro-inspired, rockabilly-chic clothing and accessories at Grease Rags. (40 W. Monroe St.)
Drink: If you love whiskey, savor the Adams St. Original Sazerac at The Volstead. (115 W. Adams St.)
Kids: Ride the Skyway, even if just between two stops – it’s free!
Kat
Shop (or window shop): The Art Center and TAC II have original artworks at all price levels. (31 W. Adams St. and 229 N. Hogan St.)
Dine: Like a little heat? Try the Pad Woon Sen – spice level five – at Indochine. (21. E. Adams St.)
Relax: Treat yourself to a new hairstyle at Daniel James Salon, then show it off at One Spark. (45 W. Bay St.)
Liz
Dine: Olio’s burgers and fries can’t be beat, so you’ve got to get there early for lunch. (301 E. Bay St.)
Shop: Find something for him at Icon Boutique – they carry great local brands, 108 E. Adams St.
Drink: Have you seen how many beer taps there are at Burro Bar? (100 E. Adams St.)
Morgan
Shop: Browse aisle after aisle of books (two floors worth) at Chamblin’s Uptown, 215 N. Laura St.
Dine: Try the Waldorf Salad at Chomp Chomp, 106 E. Adams St. Oh, and have you heard of Chomp Chips yet?
Drink: Sip on the Raspberry Lagerita at the award-winning Dos Gatos. (123 E. Adams St.)
Sarah
Dine: Be careful, your eyes will be bigger than your stomach at Zodiac Grill’s mediterranean lunch buffet. (120 W. Adams St.)
Relax: Stroll along the Riverwalk and spy dolphins splashing around.
Shop: Find something to soothe your stress or handmade jewelry for her at Diversions. (201 N. Laura St.)
Terry
Relax: Take in the beauty of the Main Library courtyard, and bring your lunch to dine al fresco. (303 N. Laura St.)
Dine: Friday from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. treat yourself and give back at the same time when you lunch at Clara’s at the Cathedral. (256 E. Church St.)
Reflect: Sunday morning, attend mass at the stunning Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at 10 a.m. or noon. (121 E. Duval St.)
Val
Kids: Check out MOSH for a change of pace, and don’t miss the Green Revolution exhibit, 1025 Museum Circle.
Shop: Find unique and artful gifts at the Museum Shop at MOCA, 333 N. Laura St.
Drink: Sit back, relax and let the luscious libations flow at The Volstead.
Have questions on Downtown? Looking for a specific recommendation? Stop by our Downtown is on Fire tent at One Spark to chat with DVI staff. We’ll be located near the corner of Laura and Monroe Streets next to Snyder Memorial from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
While you’re there, pick up the full Downtown Guide & Map, grab some swag, play some cornhole, learn how you can become more involved in Downtown and enter to win tickets to the Oyster Jam Music Festival, Southeast US Boat Show and gift certificates to The Jacksonville Landing and Daniel James Salon.