My View – March 2019

When it comes to fun and interesting things to do in Jacksonville, the month of March certainly comes in like a lion…and remains that way!

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the Chamber of Commerce is once again sponsoring a day-long event, “Celebrate the Shamrock,” on Saturday, March 16. Thanks to participating merchant-members of the Chamber, shoppers will have a chance to win prizes and gift baskets and will also enjoy special offerings from participating restaurant members. The event features live music, street performances and a first-ever and not-to-be-missed “selfie-station,” where you’ll have a chance to snap fun photos at a booth and share them on social media! Special thanks go to Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Tim Balfour for his ongoing enthusiasm and marketing skill as well as the merchant team organizing the event which includes Sandi Whittle of LaBoheme, Jo Parker of WillowCreek, Lorraine Akin of Jacksonville Company and Cindi Hickey of Blue Door Garden Store.

And when it comes to fun activities…our cover story this month features a relatively new business in town—The Miners’ Bazaar. Located in the historic 1868 Dr. Jackson house at 235 E. California Street, this venue is dubbed a “project bar and cafe,” and offers guests a chance to tap their inner artist/crafter and get creative. To give you the full picture, we sent contributor Peggy Dover and a friend to spend the afternoon crafting (and sipping wine) with Rosie Taylor, the owner of the establishment. In her cover piece, Peggy explains how Rosie’s exciting new business is literally drawing people from the region to Jacksonville and why supporting “art” is critically important.

Speaking of bringing people to Jacksonville, our extensive hiking trails top the list. In this issue, I am thrilled to be publishing a copy of the new Forest Park Trail map on page 30. In the near future, be on the lookout for more hiking maps of the Forest Park and the Jacksonville Woodlands Trail system. And to help get you in the hiking spirit, don’t miss Clayton Gillette’s always-insightful column, “Trail Talk,” and to get you in better physical shape, catch Lori Grabel’s piece, “Yoga and Hiking—A Natural Pairing.”

From fun-filled festivals and activities, to world-class hiking trails and more, you’ll find it all in Our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!