In our first official interview podcast episode, we are thrilled that we've been able to interview Jacksonville Beach local Alban Brooke, who just happens to be the head of marketing for Buzzsprout, our podcast hosting company.   Alban loves living in Jax Beach, and he's always willing to talk about why he loves it and share tips and suggestions for people who may want to visit there.   Whether you're a golfer coming to play the awesome courses, or an avid traveller looking for a Florida trip that's a little more "off the beaten path", this trip is for you.    As Heather always says, "travel like a local" !   

Watch the video podcast version of this interview on YouTube

Alban's suggestions from this episode :  

Beaches

• Mayport: "Industrially raw, with a strong naval and fishing presence."
• Atlantic Beach: "Tranquil and suburban, occasionally veering into the mundane."
• Neptune Beach: "Small-town charm meets trendy up-and-coming energy."
• Jax Beach: "Vibrant social scene with a mix of bars, festivals, and surf culture."
• Ponte Vedra: "Affluent and exclusive, focused on luxury and status."

Where to stay

• Ponte Vedra Inn ($550/night)
  • Pool, gym
  • Restaurants on the ocean
  • Ocean Course
  • Lagoon Course
• One Ocean ($200/night)
• Palms ($215/night)

Things to do

• Beaches: Surf, swim, sunbathe, beach cruise
• Intercostal: fish, kayak, small hikes,
• Explore: Hanna Park up in Mayport, beach access, pond, trails
• Shop: shop in Atlantic Beach Town Center
• Golf: TPC Sawgrass, Jax Beach, get onto private course

Restaurants & bars

• Lunch
  • Hanger Bay - Hellfire Ramen, fried chicken, Saporro beer
  • Angies Subs/Angies Grom - Peruvian Sub with knick nack, toasted on white, fries with ranch, sweeeet tea
  • Bearded Pig - Brisket, beans
• Casual Dinner
  • Valley Smoke - Brisket and bourbon
  • Taco Lu - Banging shrimp, carne royal, and Deer & Beer (Dos X Amber)
• Nice dinner
  • O-Ku
  • North Beach Fish Camp - Blackened Catch with Grits, Collards & Tasso Ham Gravy
    • Seafood should be fresh caught from Mayport that day
  • Dwights - Sea Bass, ravioli, glass of wine
• Bars
  • Lemon Bar - Lime gatorade
  • Casa Marina rooftop - mixed drink
    • skipping Margarittaville and Surfer
  • Mangos
• After the bars - Biggies Pizza

Over the ditch

• Jax Zoo
• Jaguars game
• Jumbo Shrimp
• Jax Theater
• Towncenter to shop

Alban Brooke

Head of Marketing, Buzzsprout

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