Monday, June 22, 2026 / by Janell Smith
When most people think about catching a sunset in Northeast Florida, they picture sandy toes, crashing waves, and an ocean horizon. Don't get me wrong, our beaches put on quite a show. But some of the most beautiful sunsets in our corner of Florida happen far from the shoreline.
In fact, some of the best sunset views can be found along rivers, marshes, historic waterfronts, and quiet parks where the crowds are smaller and the scenery feels a little more personal. If you're looking for a new place to end the day, here are a few local favorites worth adding to your sunset bucket list.
One of the most underrated spots has to be the waterfront in downtown Fernandina Beach. As the sun begins to dip behind the marshes, the sky often explodes with shades of orange, pink, and purple that reflect off the water and dance around the shrimp boats docked along the harbor. Grab an ice cream, take a stroll down Centre Street, and make your way toward the marina for a front row s ...
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real estate, florida, florida life, fun, ne florida, trips, vacation, family, kidapproved
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 / by Janell Smith
In Northeast Florida, a sunny morning can quickly turn into an afternoon thunderstorm.
While rain may change your plans, it doesn’t have to ruin them.
In fact, some of the area’s best experiences happen when the weather encourages us to slow down and explore indoors.
From museums and bookstores to family attractions and creative spaces, Northeast Florida offers plenty of ways to make the most of a rainy day.
For those who love history, there is no shortage of places to explore. In Fernandina Beach, the Amelia Island Museum of History, located at 233 South Third Street, invites visitors to step back in time and discover the stories that helped shape our community. Housed inside the former Nassau County Jail, the museum offers exhibits covering everything from pirates and shrimping to the eight flags that once flew over Amelia Island. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
A rainy day also provides ...
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real estate, florida, florida life, fun, family, kidapproved, kidfriendly, kids
Monday, June 8, 2026 / by Janell Smith
Jacksonville Zoo is Having a Moment and Honestly, It Deserves It!
Some places are just part of growing up around here, and the Jacksonville Zoo is one of them. For a whole lot of us, it is tied to field trips, sticky hands, stroller days, family outings, and that one child who absolutely had to see the giraffes before anybody else. But the Jacksonville Zoo is not just a childhood memory that has managed to stick around. It is a Jacksonville staple that has continued to grow, change, and somehow keep getting better with age.
The zoo’s roots go all the way back to 1914, when it first opened in Springfield with just a tiny animal collection. In 1925, it moved to its current home along the Trout River, and over the years it has grown into a 122 acre destination with more than 2,000 animals and over 1,000 plant specimens. That alone is impressive, but what really makes it special is the way it has become more than just a place to look at animals. It ...
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buyers, real estate, florida, florida life, fun, ne florida, trips, vacation
Monday, December 29, 2025 / by Janell Smith
Tracy Hayes
Published Dec 12, 2025
The Brokerage Model Built to Win: Why Exit One Stop Realty Dominates Jacksonville and Fernandina
In a crowded field of brokerages promising support, few deliver like EXIT 1 STOP Realty. If you're an agent in Jacksonville or Fernandina Beach looking for real mentorship, leadership, and growth, Exit One Stop is the brokerage to watch.
Meet the Leadership That Drives the Results
At the core of Exit One Stop's success is a powerhouse trio:
· Valerie Womble – A producing broker who doesn't just lead from behind a desk. Valerie built her business by saying yes when others said no—mastering short sales and mentoring agents through complex deals. Her hands-on leadership ensures every agent has a model to follow.
· Walter Collins – A consistent top prod. ...
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