'Around the World' without Leaving Avondale and Riverside!

How, you may be asking, can one go 'around the world' without leaving the Avondale-Riverside area?

Easy! Yesterday I had the BEST BLT wrap at The European Cafe, and while I was sitting at the counter munching my lunch I noticed that there is a not so large sign over to the right. It states that it will give those who complete their 'Beer Around the World' challenge a year of free beverage (for exact details go and ask them!). Then, after receiving excellent service and a soda to go, I wandered to pay the check. There, on that counter were small little Toblerones (which I have no doubt misspelled, sorry). These little chocolate morsels are yummy and from Europe I believe. They are a treat that my dad used to 'bribe' me with. So, for a mere .59 cents I purchased one----and regretted later not buying three!

The point is this, if we open our eyes and look around opportunity to find 'the World' is out here. Locally. In our favorite restaurants, in our favorite deli's or coffee houses' (did someone say coffee? I need a refill!) Or just hanging out at Memorial Park. If you head anywhere public and take a moment to look around you may be surprised by the multi-cultural diversity in Riverside, and in Avondale. It is what makes this area so unique. It is the area in Jacksonville where, in my opinion, differences are celebrated instead of quieted. Where come as you are, and be who you are is okay. Even my 5 year old has noticed this.

A few weeks ago we visited the Arts Market on Saturday. It is one of our favorite places! There is a small group that we see and they have a snake (or two). He really, really wanted to hold it! Lucky for me the young group was smart and know not to let my child hold their pet! The cool thing is and was that in this area on this Saturday bringing your dog, or snake, or child (okay, I am not comparing children to animals...it's a blog, go with it!) out in public is not an issue, but rather a part of life here. It is part of what I enjoy about Avondale and Riverside. That as we enjoy our lunch, perhaps outside, or take a walk by the river you just never know who or what you will meet! And isn't that why we often go to exotic places on vacation? To see what we do not always see? To experience what we do not always experience?

My challenge to anyone considering real estate in the Riverside or Avondale area is this--go hang out and enjoy the weekend where there are people. See if the international view of this area works for you! And if it does this Realtor would be proud and honored to assist you in finding your next backyard.

Have a wonderful weekend, hope to see you in the park!