5 Things to Do in JAX: When Your Friends Have Homework and You Don’t

By Carley Stickney

This week for #WanderingWednesday, I wandered around Riverside and along the beautiful St. Johns River. Historic Riverside is full of small businesses, delicious restaurants, and trendy activities that make for a lovely Saturday afternoon!

Northbank Riverwalk | 56 W. Coastline Dr.

You can take a walk along the St. Johns River, starting at the Berkman Plaza and ending right at The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and Riverside Arts Market (on market days). There is also a canoe/kayak launch located on the walk!

Riverside Arts Market | 715 Riverside Ave

Every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. artists come to the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) to showcase original and local works. Artisans sell decor and jewelry, and area farmers and gardeners sell produce, plants, and flowers. You can try new and delicious meals and treats from food trucks and dessert stands while listening to the sounds of home-grown musicians or watching dance performances.

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens | 829 Riverside Ave.

Enjoy the permanent and traveling art exhibitions in this beautiful Riverside museum and be a kid again in the museum’s interactive center, “Art Connections.” Then, sit out in the garden and enjoy the reflection ponds, flowers, and some of the oldest trees in Jacksonville, in view of the St. Johns River.

Midnight Sun Imports | 1055 Park St.

Find your inner zen at Midnight Sun Imports in Riverside. Explore books on yoga and meditation, essential oils, aromatherapy candles, and beautiful imported home decor.

Sweet Theory | 1243 King St.

Grab a guilt-free treat at this Riverside bakery, where the food is free of allergens like soy, egg, dairy, peanut, and (usually) gluten.

There is free street parking all around the Riverside area and a free parking lot located directly across the street from the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.  As always, there is free parking for the Riverside Arts Market directly to the left of the market, in the Black Knight Financial lot.

If you find yourself visiting any of these places, post your adventures on Instagram using #WanderingWednesdays! Until next time, stay curious.

“Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures.”