
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.
*New June 2025* - Visit our official JaxAbout website now!
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- Cooper's Hawk Sunday Dinner - Columbus Day WeekendCoopers Hawk Winery, Jacksonville, FL
The Itinerary
Let's gather at Cooper's Hawk for a stylish Sunday Dinner on Columbus Day Weekend. A table for 8 has been reserved at 6:00pm, an earlier start to allow those who have to work on Monday a regular bedtime. We may stretch to 10 if there's enough interest.No after-party is planned unless the group decides to have a night cap at a nearby establishment. We can discuss this during dinner.
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 10/3/2025 until 8 have been seated~-~
The Nickel Tour
OpenTable recently ranked Cooper's Hawk among the top-10 most popular restaurants in Jacksonville. With this superlative in mind, the group will try this St. John's Town Center favorite for its reasonably priced dinner menu and fully stocked bar.More than all else, Cooper's Hawk is known for its exquisite wine selection sourced from the finest vineyards around the globe. Carefully curated and hand-picked, its wine has won multiple accolades: the Lux Pinot Noir and Lux Meritage have garnered in excess of 50 awards combined, with the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon not far behind.
Pair one of these amazing glasses of wine with a savory entree off Cooper's Hawk varied and reasonably-priced menu, properly garnished and simultaneously served with both elegance and simplicity.
Non-alcoholic cocktails and lighter fare are also available!
The Skinny
- Cooper's Hawk - Menu | Wine Catalog
- Dress - Smart Casual to Dressy Recommended
- I'm running late - Please notify me as soon as possible via Meetup Comments, thank you.
- Please drink responsibly.
Parking
Ample parking will be available right next to the restaurant. Walk 1 minute to the entrance.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.
- October Beach Party - Last One for 2025Margaritaville Beach Hotel - Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, FL
The Itinerary
Join us for our October 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 the last beach party of 2025, so stop by, say "Hello" and enjoy Jax Beach's pleasant fall temperatures, still warm enough for a swim!
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.
- Ravine Gardens State Park 2025 + Palatka LunchRavine Gardens State Park, Palatka, FL
The Itinerary
Reprising last year's popular Thanksgiving Weekend getaway, let's visit Ravine Gardens State Park to get some fresh air and exercise. We'll start with a leisurely 1.5 - 2 hour hike.
Bring athletic footwear or hiking shoes, and an extra layer if it's cold!
Afterwards, we'll regroup for an optional lunch at one of the following restaurants in Palatka, or another reasonably priced establishment:
- Angel's Dining Car - 209 Reid St, Palatka, FL 32177
Travel: 6 minutes from Ravine Gardens
Menu: Burgers, sandwiches, sides - outdoor seating - Corky Bell's Seafood - 185 US-17, East Palatka, FL - 32131
Travel: 8 minutes from Ravine Gardens
Menu: Seafood, steak, salads, sides - indoor/outdoor seating
~~ Weather Advisory~~
Persistent rain, high winds, or unseasonably cold temperatures will cancel this event. Please keep tabs on the weather.The Nickel Tour
Ravine Gardens is one of Florida's most serene and picturesque state parks, particularly when its 18 species of azaleas are in bloom. It's one of nine New Deal era Florida State parks - with some of the landscaping and design as old as 1933 - when the Works Progress Administration transformed the glacial-forged ravines into an impressive garden.
Visitors can walk on or off a 1.8 mile paved road, in addition to miles of packed dirt paths winding up and down rolling terrain.
Ravine Gardens Trail Map - Tap Here
The Skinny
- Location - 1600 Twigg St. Palatka FL 32177
- Driving Time - About 1 hour 10 minutes from Downtown Jax
- Parking Fee - $5 cash fee upon entry
- Bathrooms - Inside visitor center, some outdoor toilets
- Shoes - Bring hiking shoes or athletic footwear, the terrain can be uneven and muddy in some locations.
- Bottled Water & First Aid - Will be available during the hike.
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.
- Angel's Dining Car - 209 Reid St, Palatka, FL 32177