Things to do on a Budget in Jacksonville Beach! Part 1

I've lived in Jacksonville Beach since 1983 and I think we have a LOT to be grateful for in our community. For those of you have have never explored our area or for all of us that already live hear, I just wanted to go through a few of the wonderful ways to enjoy Jax Beach!

Budget friendly things to do: FREE-$5

1. Go for a bike ride:I know this is a no brainer, but I have recently become addicted to riding my bike around the beach and with gas prices this option is definitely worth considering! I made a small investment in a wire basket for the front (around $20 at the BIKE SHOP by CHIZU on 3rd street- ask for Freddy he's the best) that is removable for trips to the grocery store, carrying the dog, or picking up dinner. This, along with a hat and an ipod, has made my cycling adventures all the more entertaining! Not to mention that I can burn a calorie or two this way : )

2. Been to the library lately? Okay, I have to admit that I don't love the Jacksonville Beach library (located on 3rd street in Neptune Beach). Last time I was there it was not a pleasant experience- I won't go in to details, but let it suffice to say that I will not be headed back there any time soon.I DO love to go to the library, however, and discovered that for a nominal fee ($30/Year for non St. Johns County residents) you can go to the Ponte Vedra Library (off Solano Road near Winn Dixie). It is clean, fairly new, has computers and even a quite room. I have found a pretty good selection of audio books there as well as a really neat online service for downloading audio and e-books... There is a link to this service in their website http://www.sjcpls.org/

3. Check out the new park AND get a workout in! There is a great little park now in Jacksonville Beach right off of South Beach Parkway. Even if you don't have kids it's worth checking out. They have a tennis court, basketball courts, a track, and my personal favorite- workout stations. You can walk around the track to each station and get a full body workout for FREE! It's a perfect place to meet up with your work out buddies or even bring your four legged friends (on the leash).

4. Speaking of DOGS...If you are fortunate enough to have one of these furry friends, consider returning some of the love and taking them to the Dog Park in Jacksonville Beach (off of Fairway Lane next to Wingate Park and the Police Station). Suge is our black lab and she LOVES the dog park. It is so much fun to see her get to play with all the other little pooches and it is totally FREE. They make it easier for newcomers by providing a list of friendly rules to follow in order to keep the doggie peace (Link to rules below) I have read through it thoroughly and it helps to make it a better experience for all involved. They even provide you with poopie bags in case you forget yours at home. It is a must for dog lovers out at the beach! http://www.jacksonvillebeach.org/DocumentView.asp?DID=15

These are just a few folks... more to follow! Let me know if you have found some great budget friendly ways to enjoy our area as well! I'd love to hear from you!