Florida Favorites: Featuring Travel Blogger Amy West

I’m interviewing fellow travel bloggers to find out about their favorite things about the Sunshine State.

Next on my list is travel and lifestyle expert, Amy West. Based in Jacksonville, Amy is the creator of AmyWestTravel.com, and the TV show “Like Love Want Need.” A jet-setting globetrotter, Amy writes for USA Today’s 10Best.com and regularly appears as a guest on several media outlets including WJXT News 4 Jax Morning show, WJCT NPR radio show “First Coast Connect” and JaxMomsBlog.com. Amy has also been featured in the pages of Jacksonville Magazine, Florida Travel and Life and American Baby.

Let’s find out about Amy’s favorite places to stay, dine and play in her hometown of Jacksonville Beach.

Where to Stay:

One Ocean Resort and Spa in Atlantic Beach (five miles north of Jax Beach) is by far my favorite place to stay in the region. Modern design intent on immersing you in the seascape of this coastal location transports you to another place. A walk through the Azurea Promenade will make you feel like you are in the City of Atlantis rediscovered, and curated artwork throughout the resort will fascinate and inspire at every turn.

In addition to enjoying the luxurious seaside accommodations and first class service, I highly suggest booking a couples massage in the Spa. One Ocean’s Spa features one of my favorite relaxation rooms I’ve yet to visit. Floor to ceiling windows frame a sweeping view of the Atlantic ocean where dolphins are commonly seen playing in the surf.

When you are ready to imbibe, you must visit Hugh Thompson — the lobby bar mixologist who handcrafts his own signature cocktails and will regale you with stories of the First Coast, as only a southern gent can do. Azurea is One Ocean’s award winning fine dining restaurant with locally inspired fare prepared at the height of elegance. Truly One Ocean is an iconic spot guests and locals love to return to.

Where to Dine:

For fine dining in the heart of Jax Beach, Eleven South Bistro and Bar impresses with eight consecutive Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence. This waterfront jewel is hidden amongst the beaches residences, but certainly isn’t hurting for business. A classic favorite for years, this institution continues to wow diners by staying true to a distinctive flavor profile, yet taking the innovative risks needed to stay fresh and relevant. Try the house favorite the Black Grouper for a guaranteed home run, or other classics like the Atlantic Salmon and Baseball Cut Top Sirloin.

The wine list is miles long, but never fear, the knowledgable staff will have just the right pairing as menu items are conceived with wine pairings in mind. The dining room is intimate and the bar is hopping, but my favorite spot is the patio complete with twinkling lights and relaxing fountain nearby. Finish the evening off with the impeccable Creme Brûlée and you are certain to enter a dreamlike state of culinary satisfaction.

Where to Play:

If you are at the beach what else would you want to do besides soak up the sun and play in the surf? For a little activity rent a board from one of the local surf shops or a beach cruiser to explore the 20 plus miles of pristine beaches the area offers.

Take a stroll on the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier ($1 per person) and keep your eye out for dolphins. Kayaks, paddle boards, and kite surfing are also popular activities that are sure to entertain old and young alike. Kite surfing is a popular activity while on vacation as it’s one of those things that everyone wants to try. There are many kite surfing clubs and companies out there, not just in Florida, such as Kite Control, that are ready to help newbies and those that want to get confident on the water. Local beach side water park Adventure Landing is also a fun place to feel like a kid again. Compete in laser tag, go carts, and put put but be sure to look out for the pet gators (well enclosed) for a eyeful of Florida’s treasured wildlife.

Connect: To connect with Amy, check out her website: AmyWestTravel.com. And follow her on Facebook and Twitter.