We decided to head on down to Palatka, Fl. and see what all the fuss was about. From where we live here on the north side of Saint Augustine or better yet the south side of Jacksonville it was a 35 or so minute drive down 17. We made the last minute decision to go check this out because it was advertised on TV and we wanted to do something different. For reasons beyond me we decided to head out around 10 am to join in the festivities. When we arrived it was a very comfortable low 80’s and the downtown area was packed with artisans and shoppers. We wanted a little lunch so we found a little restaurant on the main road and had a wonderful little lunch in a place that was reminiscent of a 1950’s soda shop. I know, what were we thinking not partaking in the seafood? It was a temporary lapse of judgment.
The people were all very friendly and there were all walks of life represented. Old, young, pierced, and tattooed were present enjoying the bands and the artist’s stands. There was the requisite carnival rides for the kids. The number of large families outnumbered everyone else and the kids seemed to be enjoying themselves thoroughly. There were K-9 shows and some really good bands there. There was an area near the river that is set up specifically for outdoor musical events. This was a very nice area and if we ever heard of a good band coming to that venue we would love to go down in the evening to enjoy a night next to the river. There was a little shower mid-day and that sent the temperatures skyrocketing into the 90’s very quickly and that ran us out of town. All in all it was an enjoyable day. I think it’s worth a trip for those who have never been to the area. We wouldn’t recommend going in the morning but maybe waiting until later in the day when temperatures drop a bit.
Palatka, at least what we saw of it, was a little piece of Americana. It was your typical small town where you could tell many of the locals knew one another. Which still catches us off guard because it seems everyone is a stranger here in J’ville. We cannot say what the town is like when the festivities are not there but for this one day it was a little slice of Norman Rockwell’s best. Here are some pictures for you all.
I had to have a picture of this I don't know why I tickled us so much.
Even Captain Jack Sparrow was present. He had the mannersims and language down pat.....Savvy
A couple of side notes:
Recently we drove down around the Doctors inlet, Eagle landing areas. We were very impressed with the whole area. It seemed everything that one would need was there and all in a nice clean environment. It also had the feeling of a small town, which some might find stifling but we found the area very inviting. I would not rec’d the area for those who have to commute to D’town J’ville. But if you don’t have to commute that far this is an undiscovered gem. The only drawback for us is the distance to the beach from this area but dang it if we didn’t like the area.
We also checked out a local landmark recently. Can you name this place?
The chicken was really good and the side dishes were down home and the ambience was all about history of the area. The family next to us shared that they had been coming to the restaurant since the 1950’s and they were there with their teen-aged children enjoying Sunday dinner as they do every weekend. What a nice little place to enjoy dinner with those you love. If you haven’t tried it, you’re missing a great little experience. We will try to make it back there one more time before we depart J,ville.
Until next time..... Be kind to one another
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Palatka Blue Crab Festival 2008
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