Valentine's Day Staff Picks

Valentine’s Day is giving us the warm and fuzzies this season. Whether enjoying the beautiful parks, romantic restaurants or fun attractions, Jacksonville is full of spots for you to enjoy in the season of love.

The Visit Jax team loves (like really loves) Jacksonville, and we picked some of our favorite hidden gems, date night spots and phenomenal restaurants to enjoy with your best friends, partners or anyone you love this Valentine's Day!

IT’S AMORE:

Sarina, Chief Operating Officer

Our foodie town is a haven for lovers of great food and local atmosphere. Our COO’s favorite spot? Picasso’s in the Mandarin neighborhood. Sarina says: “My two most favorite things on the menu- the Pizza a la Blanco and the Coconut Pecan Cake. All of the desserts are made fresh by Pastry Chef “Mama” Evans. They have a chalkboard with an amazing wine selection including varieties that you cannot really find anywhere else in Jax. Sometimes I just stop by for a slice of the coconut cake to go!"

OLD-FASHIONED DATE:

Becky, Senior Manager of Convention Services

Step back in time to a speakeasy that makes you feel like a rum runner in the original 20’s. Take a date and enjoy a drink in the prohibition-themed space. Our Services Team Manager Becky says: “The Volstead is my go-to for creative craft cocktails where the bartenders love showing off their skills. The speakeasy atmosphere is great to relax and enjoy good conversation or live music. I enjoy the old movies they show on the wall and they also have a courtyard out back to enjoy the good Florida weather.”

LOVE ON THE CHEAP:

Brian, Director of Finance and Administration

One of the best things about Jacksonville are the experiences hidden behind nondescript buildings. Our Finance Director Brian loves a delicious yet low-key breakfast or lunch date by grabbing a pita or sandwich from Russ Doe’s near the Sports Complex. Don’t forget your cash, since Russ Doe’s is cash-only. “Make sure to order a Russ Doe’s Special, which has seasoned ground beef and your choice of toppings in a pita. You can’t go here without getting a slice of pie from the homemade dessert menu. With a drink, lunch will run you under $10.”

GREEN LOVE:

Katie, Director of Marketing & Communications

If your valentine is the quiet, thoughtful type bring them for a stroll and picnic in the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens. Our Marketing VP Katie: “The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is such a hidden gem! Located just minutes away from Downtown in Arlington and tucked into a location you might miss if you didn't use GPS is this wonderland of trails - each of which is unique. I love to take my dogs there for trail walks. The Arboretum is great for all, there are even paved trails for those with accessibility issues.”

A SPECTRUM OF COLORS AND LOVE:

Alanna, Marketing Assistant Manager

Looking for a simple way to show your love and spend a few moments together? Watch the sunset (or sunrise!) from one of the great vantage points around the city. The Riverfront Park in San Marco has a stunning skyline background as you watch the sunset, the shore at Jacksonville Beach provides a serene spot to soak up the love and peace of a quiet early morning. Our Marketing Assistant Manager, Alanna loves watching the sun glimmer on the water: “it doesn’t matter whether you’re on the beach or the river, watching the sun is the perfect way to spend a quiet moment with someone special.”

Looking for more date night inspiration? Check out these romantic parks in Jacksonville.

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Lauren

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