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.
Waitlist Policy
Waitlisted attendees will be added to events on a first-come, first-served basis until further notice. If you are at the top of the waitlist, be sure to remove yourself if you can no longer attend.
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. Please be considerate to the event host, other group members, and the restaurant hosting us.
Restaurant RSVP Policy
- Host will DM "Going" list 48 hours 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. ✅
There's money on the table and the group's reputation at stake with restaurant reservations.
--- 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 (4)
See all- Ravine Gardens State Park + Palatka LunchRavine Gardens State Park, Palatka, FL
The Itinerary
Let's visit Ravine Gardens State Park to get some post-Thanksgiving fresh air and exercise. First, we'll have 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:
- 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
- Jax Zoo Colors of the Wild - Holiday Weekend Part #1Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Jacksonville, FL
The Itinerary
Join us for a walk around the Jacksonville Zoo's famous "Colors of the Wild" holiday exhibit, serving as Part #1 of this group's 2024 Holiday Weekend.
~~~ Bring an extra layer if it's chilly! ~~~
Ticket Purchase Required
Purchase your ticket ASAP, waiting no later than 3-5 days before the event:Zoo Members - $20-$25
Non-Members - $25-$30Jacksonville Zoo Map - Tap Here
~~~Weather Advisory~~~
Persistent rain, thunder, or unseasonably cold temperatures will cancel this event.The Nickel Tour
The Jacksonville Zoo is home to multiple species of rare and exotic animals, grouped by the continents they call home. Tour the zoo using its main path, branching out to exhibits as they present themselves. You can also ride a train around the property's perimeter.The "Colors of the Wild" event features Asian Lanterns, dramatic holiday lights, and beautiful displays of color, all styled for the human culture of each animal's habitat.
This must-see event is one of the city's favorite holiday traditions!
The Skinny
- Location - Jacksonville Zoo - 370 Zoo Parkway Jacksonville, FL 32218
- Travel & Parking - Add 15-20 minutes travel time for event-related traffic. Be careful approaching the zoo's I-95 exit.
- Arrival - Please arrive before 7:00pm so we can explore as a group.
- I'm running late - Please notify me as soon as possible via Meetup Comments.
The Notes
- No Attendance Policy - Please come if you can! Happy Holidays to all and see you again in the New Year!
- Luminaria Riverside - Holiday Weekend Part #22650 Park St, Jacksonville, FL
The Itinerary
Join us for our annual holiday Meet and Greet with the Jacksonville 35+ Social Singles Meetup! Wear your ugly sweaters, your funny hats, and your Xmas lights.
Wear comfortable walking shoes!
First, we'll gather at the Riverside Baptist Church at Park and King Streets. Next, we'll walk around the Riverside neighborhood on sidewalks lit by luminaries, as we enjoy decorated homes, holiday carolers, and even some live music performances.
We may grab a bite to eat or refreshment after, time-permitting.
~~~Weather Advisory~~~
Bring an umbrella, poncho, and old shoes just in case it's raining. We'll delay the walk a few minutes in case of inclement weather.The Nickel Tour
Riverside Avondale Preservation organizes the annual Luminaria event in the Riverside, Jacksonville neighborhood.Homeowners on the the route place luminaries on their sidewalks. Some will also festoon their property with holiday decorations, while others will host small gatherings and local musicians.
The Skinny
- Location - Riverside Baptist Church at Park & King St - 2650 Park Street · Jacksonville, FL
- Parking - Allow 10-15 minutes to park. You'll need to find a space off Park St, Herschel St, or Oak St.
- Dress - Ugly sweaters, Christmas lights, Santa Hats, or other holiday attire encouraged (but not required).
- Arrival - Please try to arrive by 6:30 PM so the group can start the walk together.
- I'm running late - Please notify me as soon as possible via Meetup Comments, thank you.
The Notes
- No Attendance Policy - Please come if you can! Happy Holidays to all and see you again in the New Year!
- Dinner at Orsay/Avondale Nightlife: Before & After3630 Park St, Jacksonville, FL
The Itinerary
Let's begin 2025 in style at Orsay, Avondale's finest French restaurant. Pair an exquisite glass of wine or other beverage with a savory entree, while you delight in the company of your favorite Jax Meetup group!
After (Optional): We'll retire to the lounge for conversation. Or, we'll regroup in the Avondale Historic district on St. John's Avenue.
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 1/4/2025 until 8 have been seated~~~
The Nickel Tour
Recognized as one of the best restaurants for French Cuisine in Jacksonville, Orsay's outstanding food and engaging ambience are the perfect highlight to your weekend. Its diverse and creative menu offers an expansive selection of delectable entrees, including plates for both vegetarians and vegans. Moreover, its scrumptious desserts and weekend brunch are both strong draws for this unparalleled Jacksonville eatery.The Skinny
- Dinner Menu | Wine Menu
- Location - 3630 Park Street Jacksonville, FL 32205
- Parking - Allow 10-15 minutes to park. Orsay's parking lot has limited availability. Park on surrounding side streets, taking care to avoid driveways and fire hydrants.
- Dress - Dress to impress, it's Saturday night!
- Arrival - Please arrive five minutes early so we can be seated together at once.
- I'm running late - Please notify me as soon as possible via Meetup Comments, 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 48 hours before the event. Please respond promptly, thank you.