My View – April 2019

With wildflowers in full bloom and the weather warming up, April is one of the nicest months in Jacksonville to get out and discover something new—on foot. Yes, I said on foot.

Sure, it’s a nice experience to drive through our historic town in a car and marvel at the historic buildings on California Street and the web of other streets. But, it’s an entirely different—dare I say BETTER experience to meander about in “pedestrian style,” where you can take a side street or an alleyway and discover new things and new places.

For those looking to take a magical walk through the woods, one doesn’t need to look far for inspiration with miles of hiking/walking trails in the Forest Park and Jacksonville Woodland trail systems. Although the Jacksonville Woodlands Association is no longer holding its annual Hike-a-Thon, April is still a great time to honor their immense contribution by getting outdoors and hitting a trail—or two.

While compiling this April issue, a theme developed early on with a slew of new business ventures opening in Jacksonville. On the following pages, you’ll read about passionate entrepreneurs who’ve opened a new coffee shop, a soon-to-open bakery and an artisan wine shop, a unique linens & more store and a professional coaching business. You’ll also read about the new pastor at Jacksonville Presbyterian and get to know more about Jim Lewis, one of town’s true gentleman/statesman in “Sensational Seniors.” In her feature story, Peggy Dover introduces us to the owners and collectors who make Pickety Place tick and why it’s one of the region’s favorite antique stores.

As always, we’ve packed this issue with plenty of suggestions on “what to do.” For example, our friends at the Art Presence Art Center have a new exhibit hanging and are staging “Poets on the Loose” in the downtown core. Over on the Britt Hill, the 2019 Orchestral Season lineup will be followed by the announcement of the popular concerts coming to the hill this summer. For history buffs, several offering by the Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery and Historic Jacksonville, Inc. offer plenty of interesting topics and events.

When you add in the live music, dining, wine tasting and so much more, it makes for a busy time in Our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!