WalkingBuddies.com

Written by Kristin Raasch
First Coast Trail Forgers

Coastal Florida is changing by the minute. Small, concrete block homes and larger utilitarian wood frame homes built in the 50’s and 60’s are giving way to condominiums and large, elaborate homes. Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach offer the opportunity to see the best of both. They also have recently revitalized commercial areas that offer unique shops and restaurants. Begin your walk on February 19th in the Town Centre section of Neptune Beach. This small beach community has many local restaurants and shops, including Pete’s Bar made famous in John Grisham’s novel “The Brethren”. The area also sports an art gallery, bookstore, health food store, gift shops, jewelry and clothing store and many other fun places. Your walk then proceeds through eclectic residential areas of Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach. You will walk out onto the new Jacksonville Beach pier (bring $1.00 to get on the pier) and enjoy the ocean view. Then continue into the newly redeveloped pavilion area of Jacksonville Beach with more local restaurants and shops. This area has dance clubs and high-end restaurants with a totally different flavor from Town Centre. After enjoying Ocean Front Park you will head down to the beach for the return to the start point.

Saturday - 19 February 2005
Sponsored by the First Coast Trail Forgers - AVA 868

STARTING LOCATION: Courtyard of 200 First Street, Neptune Beach, FL
START/FINISH: 9:00 AM - 12:00 noon start - 3:00 PM finish
AWARDS/FEES: AVA Credit only - $3.00. No pre-registration.

TRAIL: Begin your walk in the Town Centre section of Neptune Beach. This small beach community has many local restaurants and shops, including Pete’s Bar made famous in John Grisham’s novel “The Brethren”. Your walk then proceeds through eclectic residential areas of Neptune Beach with many old Florida 1950 and 1960’s style beach homes. You will walk out onto the new Jacksonville Beach pier and enjoy the ocean view. Then continue into the newly redeveloped pavilion area of Jacksonville Beach with more local restaurants and shops. After enjoying Ocean Front Park you will head down to the beach for the return to the start point. Trail is rated 1+ on paved sidewalks/streets and sandy beach. Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Pets not allowed on the beach.

INFORMATION: Walks will be held regardless of weather. POC for information, Kristin Raasch, 904-221-2021 or eraasch@bellsouth.net. Event is open to everyone. Water and candy will be available at the start/finish point and checkpoint but it is always a good idea to carry your own water. Rest Rooms will be available along the route. The sponsor is not liable for accidents, thefts, and/or material damage. Every effort will be made by the sponsor to make this a safe, enjoyable and memorable event.

DIRECTIONS:
From the SOUTH - take I-95 north to J. Turner Butler Blvd, SR 202. Proceed east (right) on Butler to Kernan Blvd. Go north (left) on Kernan to Atlantic Blvd, SR 10. Turn right on Atlantic Blvd. Go approximately 5.8 miles. You will be in Neptune Beach.
From the NORTH - take I-95 south to State Road 9A. Proceed east (left) on 9A to the Atlantic Blvd, SR 10 exit. Go east (left) for approximately 9 miles. You will be in Neptune Beach.

Free parking is available in a parking lot on the south side of Atlantic Blvd. between East Coast Dr. and 1st St. and in diagonal parking spaces along 1st St. and several other streets in the general area. There will be signs to direct you to the starting point in the courtyard of 200 First St.

We hope you can join us for this fun experience!