Jacksonville
Our Insiders ’ Guide
Mary Lee Willetts , Margaret Gallagher and Mary Shaffer Sealey
Situated along the sprawling St . Johns River and just a stone ’ s throw to beautiful beaches makes Jacksonville an ideal place if you enjoy the great outdoors ! I love starting my day with the sounds of the drawbridge going up and the sights of sailboats cruising by and ending the day with a walk among the gorgeous live oaks and magnificent sunsets on the river . This city is “ old Florida ” at its best , and the heart of Jacksonville is indeed the kind and giving people that make up the various neighborhoods that are built up around the river and coast . Living here for over 25 years , I would not trade places with anyone , anywhere . — Mary Lee
We ’ ve been lucky enough to call Florida ’ s First Coast home for nearly 25 years ! There ’ s so much to love about this ( somewhat hidden ) gem of a town — from the sunny , warm weather to the sprawling live oak trees that cascade along the St . Johns River and the proximity to the beaches and other destinations within the Sunshine State ( hello , quick-ish drives to Palm Beach and Boca Grande !). But what really stands out are the people : it ’ s a warm , welcoming and tight-knit community of friends who feel like family . — Mary Shaffer
48 PEACHYTHEMAGAZINE . COM