Burnt Glassworks- Glass Blowing In Jax, FL

Glass blowing has been high on my bucket list for years. I was always fascinated by the colors and shapes that could be formed from dust to glass. When I got my first job working as a security guard for an art museum in my teens, I would admire the glass scuptures by the famed glass blower, Chihuly, that sat in our gift shop, and vowed to save up enough money to buy one. When looking for a college near by, there was one university that offered glass blowing glasses but it was not the best option financially so I had to pass it up. Now as an adult, I still admire Chihuly’s work and even got to see some of his famous installations in Las Vegas at the Bellagio hotel.

Fast foward to now and I’m still drawn to the art, and I was finally able take my first glass blowing class right her in Jacksonville, FL at Burnt Glassworks. This local studio offers a wide range of classes that focus on making one individual item for you to be able to take home with you. These could include glass orb ornament, hearts, flowers, starfish, or a wine glass. Most classes range from $40-67 per person and last anywhere from 10 min to 45 min in length depending on difficulty. In includes one-on-one instruction form a glass professional to ensure you go home with what you create in the studio. You can also take a couples class which makes for a fun date night. If you’re feeling especially inspired, Burntglass now offers glass blowing workshop to become a true master of the glass art!

When you sign up for your class, the first step when you walk in the studio is selecting your sand. These sands are made up of different minerals that offer a wide selection of colors in every hue you can think of. My buddy and I made stemless wine glasses to celebrate my birthday and my feminine side was drawn to a combination of pink and white sand that reminded me of Valentine’s Day while my friend chose a lovely purple hyacinth.

Our instructor was very fun and detailed in his instructions making it easy to follow without fear of burning ourselves in the process. We also got the option of making a traditional wine glass or using one of their molds to add “pineapple-like” texture to our creation. With repeated movements from in and out of the kiln to balancing the rods on bases to roll and blow our melted glass into full-blown wine glasses, it was a fun and exhilirating process to take part in. Our instructor provided individual instruction by reading the needs of the glass as is formed right in front of us. The process can be a delicate one requiring varying levels of force when blowing or pressure when when shaping for the correct results. I had a miscalculation when it came time to tap, and even when I messed up, my instructor was able to salvage my piece into something I love to look upon. In fact, I love to look for the mistake I made on my glass whenever I use it because it reminds me that even mistakes can lead to something beautiful.

Check out their website and facebook for upcoming events!

Fun Things to Do in Jax- Mayport Ferry

A beautiful sunny day in Jacksonville can pull you to the beach and make you dream of spending time on the water. One way to accomplish this without breaking the bank is rolling up to the Mayport Ferry for quick cruise over the St John’s River followed by a seafood dinner at for the whole family.

You can start your day at Huguenot Memorial Park for some fun in the sun. This beach does allow car access to get access to the Atlantic Ocean but 4-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended to avoid getting stuck in the sand. Otherwise, there is parking on the Family Beach with designed parking areas. Afterwords, follow Heckscher Drive towards Fort George Ferry Landing to get in line for your trip on the Ferry.

Open daily, times frames vary but normally open between 6:15-7:15AM and close at 7:15 PM on weekdays and 8:45 Fri-Sun. One car would cost $6-$7 depending on the day and departs every half hour.

Once on board, you are permitted to get out of your vehicle for a better view of the River where you may spot dolphins and pelicans along the way. There’s also a chance to watch as huge freights transport their cargo as you pass the river which can dwarf the ferry and be pretty exciting for any children to see.

Once across the river, Singleton’s Seafood Shack is next door to the Mayport Ferry Landing and makes a great final destination to grab some fresh fish after spending a long day in the Florida Sun.

Singleton’s got a history. Found in 1969, Singleton’s is family owned and features the largest overwater deck in Jacksonville. The outside is decorated with murals by local artist Gary Mack and the inside offers a wooden boat museum created by the Captain Ray, husband of Miss Ann, who first started cooking fish from their charter fishing operation and led to what we know today.

We treated ourselves with the oysters including Oyster Rockefeller, Parmesan Crusted and Key Lime Panko Crusted. Then our family shared the Fried Mariner’s Combination for Two which included a combo of shrimp, oysters, scallops, clam strips, fish, & two deviled crabs with your choice of two sides. For $55, this fed a family of 3 with leftovers! They also offer a full bar with some specialty cocktails such as Rays Pride, Duval Teal and St John’s Slinger.

With summer coming around or with friends from out of town, the St John’s Ferry and Singleton’s Seafood Shack make for a unique way experience Jacksonville, FL any time of the year.

The Florida Theatre- So Much to Experience

Since being a child, I’ve visited the theater multiple times. First on a field trip for a play. Later I actually got the chance to perform onstage in a group piano recital. Now as an adult, I’ve been finding myself drawn more to their variety of events that seem more engaging than a trip to the movie theaters. Here are just a few examples of the types of shows you can expect from The Florida Theatre.

SPECIAL MOVIE VIEWINGS

Just this past year, I’ve attended The Princess Bride viewing with live guest, Cary Elwes, who answered submitted questions from audience members. Hearing straight from Westley made the experience truly unique as you got to hear first hand stories about life on set and working with fellow actors like Andre the Giant.

LIVE CONCERTS

Also this year, my friends and I attended The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight which involved live orchestra live on stage, in their best gothic garb, jamming out to favorite rock ballads from ACDC to Evanescence to The Cranberries and more. The set was transformed into a gothic cathedral lit up by candle light and adorned with skulls. You could feel the energy of the performs as they put their souls into their music.

SHOWS AND TALKS

Along with music and dance, the theaters offers some non-traditional talks and presentations including The Psychology of Serial Killers. Presented by Dr. Rachel Toles, she brings with her years of clinical experience researching and working with serial killers, and presents her formula for how someone becomes a serial killer. During this talk, a few talking points include: step-by-step breakdown of her nine part formula for what leads to some people becoming serial killers, explanation of some DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) terminology for better understanding, and clinical explanation of brain changes during trauma and how this can impact empathy centers. I don’t want to spoil too much but if you like learning about the dark side of psychology, this talk is information and for you. Dr. Rachel Toles also plans to have a book coming out this October and I’m looking forward to it.

Find out what amazing events are coming up next at The Florida Theatre !

Fun Things to Do In Jax- Check Out a Show at The Florida Theater

If you live in Jacksonville, FL, you know our downtown are is…well…lacking, but if there is one place worth visiting- it’s the Florida Theater . Located at the corner of Forsyth St and Newman, St stands what was the largest theatre in the State of Florida when it first opened in 1927 and now acts as a nonprofit arts center with old-world charm.

A HISTORY

Along with the charm, The Florida Theater brings some historical notoriety. In 1956, it’s believed Elvis Presley himself performed on stage with his infamous gyrating hips which led to public concern from city officials and congregations around the country. This didn’t effect tickets sales as the theater sold out every one of his shows.

Now in the present, the Florida Theatre’s mission is “To enhance the quality of life in North Florida by providing diverse and memorable arts and entertainment experiences and by maintaining a unique historic Jacksonville landmark.” It is also one of only three theaters in Florida left from the 1920’s with the same elaborate and vintage theater aesthetic.

A here’s just one example of the memories that can be made when you visit the Florida Theatre. My mother grew up in the 60’s with artists like The Turtles, The Cowsills, The Little Anthony, and The Vogues,and playing their music on the airwaves

I wanted to surprise her with tickets to the Happy Together Tour to relive those childhood memories. She was so excited, she went and bought a new dress for the date. It was not until we were in front of the theater that I noticed what my mom was wearing. She called it her “palm-tree dress” and I had to explain to my very innocent mother that those were not palm trees.

Happy Together Tour

Beyond Monet The Immersive Experience

Beyond Monet, the fully immersive art exhibit featuring the works of Claude Monet, will take you on a whimsical stroll through the artist’s life where the artist’s life’s works comes alive around you in a story of brush strokes and paint splatters.

This new style of installation was created by the Paquin Entertainment Group, and prior exhibits include Van Gogh and King Tut which I heard were amazing as well. They create the magic by projecting images on smooth walls and columns with a soundtrack to match the mood and moving elements of the paintings. If you want to get your culture on but find it hard to embrace the quiet focus required for reading a book or plaque, this may be a fun way for you to learn more about art.

Here’s what to expect at Beyond Monet:

Starting off in the lobby, the mood is set with a dark entrance with the only light coming from large lit displays of several of Monet’s painting to exclaim you are in the right place while also serving as a perfect photo drop. Next room holds a small bar to splurge on a cocktail. I got the themed drink, Th Water Lilly Harmony, which came in, what we called, souvenir “adult sippy cups” to prevent those inevitable spills that occur regardless of age.

Speaking of accidents, the security guard made it very clear before we enter to fight the urge of leaning on the walls because they are in fact sheets that will result in altering the show for everyone and most likely an embarrassing tumble.

Once inside the exhibit, they do a good job making you feel like your walking into a painting with large frames to pass through, sheets of translucent colors to guide your way, and even a bridge to cross as you read how Monet’s gentle appearing Impressionism was actually considered a form of artistic rebellion in a time when carefully planned perfection was considered the rule.

The main room is where the magic starts. Imagjne a large auditorium with walls that smoothly transition from painted seas to busy railways to lush gardens. The floor ripples with colors and a light melody plays as paintings come to life- sometimes brush stroke by brush stroke. There are a few small benches lined around the room to sit and admire but I preferred sitting in the middle among friends to and watch the history unfold.

Finally, after you’re through, you can move on to the lounge where you can grab a bite to eat or cocktail while you share your experience among one another. An element I appreciated about this lounge was their thoughtfully designed kids area complete with child sized furniture and their own Monet coloring pages.

My experience was had with a great group of friends and I look forward to including my daughter soon for a fun way to introduce her the world of art history

Beyond Monet- Find it in a City Near You

Spy x Family CODE: White

I grew up in the 90’s when parents had no idea what anime was. I would walk down the Blockbuster aisle admiring the colorful video cases of shows like Akira, Princess Mononoke, Sailor Moon, and Project A-Ko. Because they were so unknown back then, most videos were Unrated meaning parents had no idea the video with the cartoon cover had some adult themes with fan service tropes common in most shows.

That being said, now that I’m a parent, I’m making sure to be careful with whatever my daughter watches. Anime is so much more popular and available now than when I was a kid, and while I’m still cautious, it’s also been fun to bond with my daughter over it. Her favorite anime so far has been Spy x Family, so as soon as my daughter heard the new Spy x Family CODE: White was coming to theaters, she had to go. These are my thoughts, starting with the series itself.

Spy x Family follows an international super spy, Lloyd Forger, who is trying to go under cover to reach a powerful diplomat and prevent war between the East and West, but to do so he needs to infiltrate his inner circle of a prestigious school. This would require having a family which results in him taking on Yor as his fake wife. It may sound harsh but Yor has a secret as well. She’s actually a skilled assassin and “marrying” LLoyd helps her stay under the radar to complete her goals. Finally, the young and adorable Anya comes into the picture to complete the family, and of course, she has her own secret as well. She’s a telepath which helps her along the way to complete her goal- to have a real family- with often hilarious results.

That being said, the overall message of the show is about family unity with heart warming moments that over shadow the occasional fight scenes. It plays the part of both a wholesome family anime and intense spy show with the occasional curse worse, fighting scenes, and blood stain on the wall (usually caused by Yor). As for the movie, I will say, the very first scene of the movie had me a little nervous because it contained a flirtatious opening scene that literally showed a bit of ankle but thankfully changed directions fast.

I’ll admit, most anime movies have their glaring flares with plot and I think we overlook them because we just love them for what they are, but I felt CODE: White was able to incorporate a lot of subplots well to make the story exciting, hilarious, and still keep everyone’s secret in tact to continue the series without a hitch. My daughter could not stop laughing out loud at Anya’s antics and you could tell the animators had fun exaggerating her childish imagination during her “crappy” situation.

Also, there is something nostalgic about playing claw machines at movie theaters. Just something magical about seeing a movie with a parents followed by a new stuffed toy.

Nerdy News- Harley Quinn and The Joker: Sound Mind Podcast

I just started listening to the Spotify original series, Harley Quinn and The Joker: Sound Mind, and I’m hooked.

The series is a retelling of Harley Quinn’s origin story, and follows Dr. Quinzel who is fresh out of college, trying to care for her patients at Arkham Asylum while satisfying the unprofessional standards and sexist behavior of her boss in order to keep her job. Things really take off when J becomes Harleen’s patient, and they both seem to be psychoanalyzing each other. Christina Ricci voices Harley and brings a whole new side to the character. She’s not flirty and obsessed like the original Harley in Batman: The Animated Series, nor is she maniac and fierce like the new Harley from Suicide Squad. Ricci’s Harley is calculated, relatable, and endearing in the dark world that is so well crafted for an audio series.

The whole production is well-scripted, and I love Billy Magnussen as Joker. He has the ability to capture elements of past portrayals of the Joker but still make him his own, in one crazy package.

The seven-episode podcast is worth a listen and I’m hoping to see more studios present some of our favorite series in this way and with this much hard work and attention put in. What story or series would you like to see made into a podcast?

Florida Life- De Leon Springs, Florida

For my daughter’s eighth birthday this year, I took her to De Leon State Park for a day of swimming, learning, and pancakes! My daughter had never visited a spring before which had to be fixed- especially being a Floridian. It’s a totally different experience than a trip to the beach. We felt more submersed in nature and Florida history and had a blast playing in the sun. Here’s what we did, what we saw, and what you should know if you too would like to jump in the spring known as “The Fountain of Youth”

Before any trip, I did my research. The spring is open 365 days a year, open at 8AM-sunset, and costs $6 per vehicle. The park has a designated swimming area which is 500 feet in circumference and the water is a crisp 72 degrees, but if you go on a hot-summer day, the cool water is a welcome relief on you sun-kissed skin. Separating the swimming area from the gorgeous Spring Garden Run is a concrete walkway that leads to rental area, Eco/Heritage Boat Tour, and small history room. The swimming area was not too deep for myself so we rented one raft for my daughter, brought our towels, checked out the concession stand for a snack, road the boat tour, took a quick tour of the museum on site, and dined at the Old Spanish Museum.

Rentals Fees

Canoe & Kayak Rentals: $22 first hour; $11 for each additional hour
Single Kayak:$15 first hour; $7.50 for each additional hour
Tubes: $5 all-day

Eco/Heritage Bout Tour

For $15 per person, the tour is a 45 minute long boat ride and gives you the opportunity to see some beautfiul, native flora and fauna. We saw plenty of gators swimming by our boat and they boast potential sightings of otters, manatees, deer, osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes and black bear. I’d have to say, this was the most informative tour i’ve been on. From the history of the park and how its changed over the years to the medicianal uses of marsh plants, I felt I learned a lot. My favorite bit of history were about mallow flowers that native Americans used to make marshmallows.

History Museum

The history museum was a very small room with a few children running around as they took a small break from enjoying the spring. Despite its size, I did enjoy reading about the Mayaca who lived at the location for at least 6,000 years. The spring has a unique history with involvement in the Civil War before becoming a tourist attraction. In the early 1900’s, there was a hotel and casino at the site and even a passing circus with a water skiing elephant!

Building on far side of the spring with bathrooms and small history room

Old Spanish Mill Restaurant

As I’m writing this entree, I just learned the Old Spanish Mill is official closed as of September 12! I am both sad to learn such a wonderful and fun piece of history is gone but I also feel so blessed we got to experience it. The restaurant is located in a 100-year-old replica of the 1830s sugar mill, features cook-your-own pancakes at the table and freshly made bread and cookies. We loved making our own pancakes on the table griddle and topping with chocolate chips and homemade peanut butter.

Old Spanish Mill Restaurant

What To Know Before You Go

Visiting a spring is a nice change from the beach. I felt very safe with my daughter in the water with no rip currents to be wary off and a clear sepration from the spring for anyone worried about access from alligators. It was a busy summer day but still felt we had a comfortable distance from other visitors.

Bring what you would typically bring to the beach (towels, sunscreen, tube, packed lunch, water) but some visitors may feel umcomfortable with the natural growth on the spring’s floors so I’d consider bringing water shoes as some spots are very slippery. A person that day told me she slipped on the steps going in and injuried herself so severely, they had to call their trip short early so be cautious! Otherwise, pack up a lunch and the kids to check out a spring before the last of Florida’s heat has passed!

De Leon Springs State Park

Lookout Mountain

Our winter road trip started with a trip to Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This mountain is home to three amazing attractions; Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway. Be ready with some comfy walking shoes because you will be climbing to the peak for epic views of Tennessee valley, delve deep underground into the mountain to witness hidden, natural wonders, and go for a ride through history up the side of Lookout Mountain.

Rock City

There is just something magical about Rock City. It is a nature trail that is 1700 feet above sea level with a 4,100-foot Enchanted Trail with twisting walkways through beautiful rock formations, woods, and gardens. While there you can also view the 100-foot waterfall known as Lover’s Leap, cross the 200-foot Swing-A-Long Bridge, and explore the Fairytale Caverns created by founder, Frieda Utermoehlen Carter who was influenced by her love for European folklore. At the very top, you can also enjoy the Flag Court and See Seven States while enjoying a beverage or snack from their café. This location is so whimsical and I kept getting Tolkien vibes on the trails.

Tickets were $24.95 for adults and $14.95 for children.

See Rock City Website

Ruby Falls

I’m going to start off by saying that I am fascinated by caves so the thought of descending 260 feet underground to walk nearly 3 miles to see the tallest and deepened underground waterfall in the United States did not faze me…so long as I didn’t think too hard about it. Our tour guide was funny, friendly, and informative. They have you watch a very motivational movie right before your tour begins which is about Leo Lambert who accidentally discovered the falls in 1928 and named it after his wife, Ruby. Watch it! It was actually well done and helped you envision what it must have been like to crawl into a mountain only to find a waterfall. Along the way, you will see some fascinating cave formations, and finally, the falls themselves deep within the mountain.

Tickets for the Cave Walk to Falls Tour were $24.95 for adults and $13.95 for children (3-12)

Ruby Falls Website

Incline Railway

The last stop was the Incline Railway which takes you in a railway car to the top of Lookout Mountain on what is one of the steepest inclines (72.7% grade) in the world. Known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile”, the Incline has carried millions of riders from around the world in complete safety since 1895. A ride on the incline is about 15 minutes in each direction and you will learn the history of the area as you take in beautiful views. There is a gift shop at the top but we explored the neighborhood surrounding the top of the mountain which led us to Point Park, a National Park and battlefield during the Civil War. We enjoyed the ride, the views, and learning about the technical endeavors of history.

Tickets are $15.00 roundtrip for adults, $7.00 for children (ages 3-12). There is metered parking at both the bottom and top.

Ride The Incline Website

Travel Tips for Lookout Mountain

I have visited Rocky City and Ruby Falls twice now. First when my daughter was 4 and again when she was 7 and we loved it both times. I also took her by myself during the first trip and felt very safe doing it. This is what I would recommend to anyone planning to explore Lookout Mountain.

Be prepared for lots of walking and wear comfortable shoes and socks.
I would not recommend bringing a stroller to Rock City or Ruby Falls due to some very tight spots and lots of stairs.
For Rock City, I would go as early as possible (opens at 8:30AM) to take my time and enjoy the beauty and magical vibes of the trails in peace.
Plan a nap in the middle of the day to keep little ones’ energy up if you plan to do multiple attractions on the same day.
I always bring a small backpack with me for snacks, drinks, band-aids, a place for discarded clothing, and a small toy for bored or fussing emergencies.
Some locations still require you buy tickets before showing up so make sure to check the website before your trip.

Family Roadtrip- Tips for Winter Travel in the Smoky Mountains

Our first family road trip that created some of the most amazing memories as a family, all started when my husband got talked into sitting through a timeshare presentation. Long story short, my husband was at a Bass Pro Shop and Blue-Green Resorts offered a deal for a 3 days, 2 nights stay at any resort in the country BUT you have to sit through a timeshare presentation first. I was pretty apprehensive, to say the least, and we actually sat on the credits for almost a year before using them, but we were desperately overdue for a vacation.

Since the start of the pandemic, my husband and I hadn’t had more than 3 consecutive days off at the same time for the past 2 years with the exception of someone’s death, being a caregiver for a sick family member, or having COVID- none of which was very relaxing. I think we could tackle a little timeshare presentation if it meant getting away for a while.

Being Floridians, we actually enjoy going on trips during fall and winter. We also love off-season so we can explore more and there are fewer crowds. That led us to our decision to drive up to Chattanooga, Tennessee followed by Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area, before finishing up with a stop in Kentucky for what would be a week-long road-trip for a chilly mountain getaway.

A Floridian’s Tips for Hiking in Winter

As I mentioned before, my husband and I are born and raised Floridians, and we still get overly excited about snow and mountains so we planned to explore National Parks and get out in nature. We did our research and had a great, safe time. Here are some tips for beach bums like us who want to hike chilly in February weather in the mountains.

Wear Layers– I did so much research on what to wear! I was so nervous about my 7-year-old and could already imagine her crying about being cold so I asked everyone I knew for tips. The reoccurring mantra was “wear layers” so you can always add or take away if you get too cold or hot. I did invest in a thermal layer for both my daughter and me to wear under our clothes. We then finished with a nice insulated jacket and we were fine all week.

With a long sleeve shirt and Bib-Overall set, my daughter was warm without a coat for a hike

Accessories– I am so thankful I got snow gloves. We came across ice and snow, and having the resistant gloves to keep my hands dry was a game-changer for me. I felt like, so long as my hands were warm, I was fine. I also found this multi-pack of face masks on Amazon that really helped keep my nose warm. Lastly, everyone said wool socks are the way to go.

Snacks– Do not forget water and snacks! I bring a small backpack that is comfortable but I can at least hold water bottles and some light snacks while hiking. Even though it’s cold, it’s still important to stay hydrated. Also, walking can take a lot out of you, and my blood sugar will keep dropping when I’m too excited to remember to eat. My go-to snack is dried apricots for quick carbohydrates but granola bars, fruit, and nuts make convenient snacks too.

Hiking Staff– These are not a necessity but they can be useful and fun. My little family each got a unique wooden stick from a local National Park that had a sale but you can purchase metal trekking poles as well. These can be useful for walking on uneven ground and help with posture and balance. Lastly, most National Parks sell these collectible hiking staff medallions you can add to your staff as a little souvenir!

Extra Warmth– Another reoccurring tip was to bring a thermos with hot soup or cocoa to drink. Adults and kids would appreciate a warm and comforting treat after a long, chilly day. My friend also gave me some heated pads that can be kept in pockets for added warmth.

Do Your Research– We have taken on a few hikes that were pretty challenging. Play it save and research your hike first to see if you and your little ones are safe and prepared. Try AllTrails which helps find local trails and breaks them down by difficulty levels. It’s a great way to get out in the wild while playing it safe.

What are your tips for chilly trips? Next up, I’ll share some amazing spots to check out in Tennessee.

That Nerdy Mom

Mom+Nerd+Artist

Author: Kat Margaritas