
What we’re about
A group for Jacksonville area residents primarily aged 30s-40s to enjoy conversation and connection. We'll gather at area restaurants, the beach, parks, and other attractions for healthy food, fun times, and great company.
When does the group meet?
Most events will take place on the weekends. Depending on the area, we may go for dessert or a refreshment after dinner.
Who's in?
This group seeks to create a welcoming environment for all newcomers. Let's be open and cordial to everyone.
Demographics
Though the group is primarily oriented towards those in their 30s-40s, it also welcomes those aged 25-55 who are willing to comport with the group's values and attendance policies.
What's for Dinner?
Restaurants with a diverse menu catering to various dietary needs, including vegetarians, will be prioritized to accommodate as many people as possible.
- Review the Restaurant RSVP Policy below this section.
- Restaurant No Message/No Show - Failing to notify an event host that you cannot attend a restaurant event will result in removal from the group, with exceptions granted at the sole discretion of the event host.
Restaurant RSVP Policy
Summary Criteria
- Majority of seats will be given to members who have reliably attended past events. Please see qualifying tiers below. Tiers are subject to change without notice.
- Approximate gender balance, when applicable.
- Minority of seats will be given to new members, or those who haven't previously dined with the group.
Qualifying Tiers
Group members will be prioritized using the following tiers. This is meant to reward regulars and those who have reliably attended past group events:
- Platinum - 2+ Dining Events
- Gold - 1+ Dining Events
- Silver - 2+ Other Events
- Bronze - 1+ Other Events
- All others
Invitation Procedure
- Host will DM invitees no less than 2 days before - Reply "YES" to confirm. Update your RSVP if you cannot go.
- Host will DM "Waitlist" to fill open seats - Reply "YES" if you can come last minute.
- You are responsible for managing RSVPs - Multiple reminders from Meetup and the host both constitute sufficient notice. ✅
~-~ Please be proactive and responsible regarding your RSVPs. ~-~
Ideas and Suggestions?
Feel free to share your ideas, events, and places we could meet in the future.
Question and Answers
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns in advance of the next scheduled event. I would be happy to hear from you.
Event Hosting Guidelines
To maintain group best practices, please review the following guidelines before hosting an event:
- Choose an activity that matches the group's values and current membership.
- Plan the event in advance - Find a Meetup location, suggest parking, and locate public restrooms (if applicable). Research restaurant menus, event tickets, etc. ahead of time. Advise members if admission is free or paid.
- Answer Member Questions - Be ready to answer any questions from members before the event. Also, manage the waitlist if applicable.
- Arrive early, stay late - Arrive early in case there are any last minute hiccups. Stay until the event concludes.
Please contact me via direct message to host your first event. I can help you with the event announcement if you're new to the Meetup App. Thanks very much for offering your time and energy to help this group grow!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Avondale Evening Walk and Dinner - RescheduledMellow Mushroom Avondale, Jacksonville, FL
The Itinerary
Rescheduled for 5/18/25 - (Third time's a charm!) - Join us for a 70 minute walk from Mellow Mushroom, Avondale to Stinson Park, Ortega.
Our popular evening walks typically attract 20+ group members. Afterwards, we'll regroup at Mellow Mushroom, Brick, Southern Grounds, or another nearby restaurant for a walk-in dinner or casual lite bite.
Meetup Location - 3611 St. Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Parking - (Allow 10-15 minutes to park in Avondale)
- St. Johns Avenue commercial center (limited availability)
- Side streets - Dancy, Riverside Ave, Pine Street (5-6 min away)
- Van Wert Ave/Boone Park (5-6 min away)
- Oak Street, Herschel Street (6-8 min away)
Walk-in Dinner TBD, there will be no advance reservation:
- Mellow Mushroom - 3611 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205 - open until 12am.
- Brick Avondale - 3585 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205 - open until 9pm.
- Southern Grounds Avondale - 3562 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205 - open until 9pm.
- Biscottis - 3556 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205 - open until 9pm.
- Hoptinger Five Points - (8 mins drive) - 1037 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204 - open until 2am.
The Route
Follow St. Johns Avenue southwest to Herschel Street. Cross Big Fishwier Creek, making a quick left on to Woodmere Drive.Follow Woodmere Drive south along the shoreline to San Juan Avenue. Then head east on San Juan about 300 meters to Stinson Park, stopping briefly for a rest or photo opportunity.
Retrace route back to Avondale.
Optional (+15 minutes): Cross Ortega Drawbridge before returning to Avondale.
The Nickel Tour
The Shoppes of Avondale is one of Jacksonville's most idyllic and vital commercial centers. Replete with casual and fine dining, plus an ample number of quaint stores, Avondale is the perfect place to spend an enjoyable afternoon or evening.
Baker Point Park and Stinson Park both abut the St. John's River, anchoring the start of the Ortega Drawbridge. Adequately sized and well kept, each park offers visitors sweeping views of the St. John's River, Ortega, and downtown Jacksonville.
The Notes
- Only RSVP if you plan to attend. We'll wait a few minutes for latecomers, but no-message/no-shows WILL NOT be appreciated.
- Dinner at Mesa - Avondale - Memorial Day Weekend4260 Herschel St, Jacksonville, FL
The Itinerary
Join us for Indian food at Mesa Restaurant in the picturesque Avondale, Jacksonville neighborhood as we kick off Memorial Day Weekend with a unique culinary experience! Mesa offers a diverse and interesting menu of food, featuring some wonderful vegetarian and vegan dishes.
We'll start with 10 seats, stretching to 12 if there's substantial interest. Though this event is dinner only, we can always discuss regrouping in nearby Avondale afterward.
Note: This dinner is not part of the 1,000 member celebration. :)
Join the Waitlist for your Invitation
Group members will be prioritized for invitation using the following tiers. This is meant to reward regulars and those who have reliably attended past group events:- Platinum - 2+ Dining Events
- Gold - 1+ Dining Events
- Silver - 2+ Other Events
- Bronze - 1+ Other Events
- All others
~-~Confirmations will commence 5/16/2025 until 10 have been seated~-~
The Nickel Tour
Opened in 2021, Mesa is a critically acclaimed local restaurant serving unique and creative Indian food. "Mesa" is a Malayalam word that means table. While dining at Mesa, the owners strive to further their cultural ethos, treating each guest as God (Atithi Devo Bhava).
The Skinny
- Dinner Menu | Drinks Menu
- Location - 4260 Herschel St, Jacksonville, FL 32210
- Parking - Allow 10 minutes to park. Look for spaces on Herschel street, heading East (towards downtown) if you can't find a spot.
- Dress - Nicer casual appreciated.
- Arrival - Please try to arrive at 7:55PM to get seated promptly.
- I'm running late - Please notify me as soon as possible via Meetup Comments or Chat, thank you.
The Notes
- No-Message/No-Show - Removal from group with exceptions granted at the sole discretion of the event host.
- Host will confirm your attendance by direct message no less than 48 hours before the event. Please respond promptly, thank you.
Tap this link to review RSVP Policy. - Tap out the group's "About" text.
- June Beach Party - 1,000 Member Event SeriesMargaritaville Beach Hotel - Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, FL
The Itinerary
Join us for our June Beach Party & Social off Jacksonville Beach's 7th Avenue North entrance, north of Margaritaville beyond the volleyball nets. Look for a green tent with cornhole set up in front.This will be one of multiple gatherings to celebrate the 1,000 member milestone. Stop by and introduce yourself, then stay for summertime fun!
Note: This party starts at 3:00pm, a bit later to catch the early evening breeze and cooler temperatures closer to 5:00pm.
~Weather Advisory~
Persistent high winds, rain, or lightning will cancel the event. Will post a cancellation notice by early afternoon.Packing List
- Sunscreen, Chair, Towel, Umbrella
- Water, food, drinks, snacks
- PROHIBITED: Glass Containers
- Note: Alcohol is not permitted on the beach
We'll Have
- Blanket, water, table & first aid kit
- Small Event tent
- Regulation cornhole
- Volleyball
- Yard Pong/Ball Toss
Google Directions - Go Here
Parking
- Jacksonville Beach Public Parking - 1st Street North, paid. Walk to 7th avenue North beach access.
- 6th Avenue North - free, limited spaces.
- 7th Avenue North - free, limited spaces.
Restrooms
- 1st Ave North (5 mins) - Exit beach to boardwalk, past Margaritaville, heading south towards the large Jacksonville Beach public parking lot.
- 2nd Ave South (8 mins) - Exit beach to boardwalk, heading south past the Jacksonville Beach parking lot & Best Western.
The Notes
- No attendance policy - Please be on time if you want to join the group.
- Keep RSVP current - For event planning purposes.
- *New 2025* - Beach Party attendance will no longer count towards Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze club memberships. Previous beach party attendees will be grandfathered.