1. The Club Continental On The St. Johns
City: Orange Park, FL
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (904) 264-6070, (800) 877-6070
Address: 2143 Astor St.
Description: Step back in time to Old Florida in the early 1920s, when wealthy Northerners built Mediterranean-style estates with Spanish tile, shady courtyards, and gentle fountains under the live oak trees. Such is the look of the Club Continental on the St. Johns River, built in 1923 by Caleb Johnson, heir to the Palmolive Soap Company. He called his home Mira Rio, and judging by some old photographs hanging in the club’s bar, it was quite the party house—complete with a signature drink still served at the bar today, the formula for which is a well-kept secret. The property, with its beautiful gardens, has stayed in Johnson’s family and today is owned and operated by his heirs. They’ve managed to retain the Old Florida feel while turning it into a successful business. Club Continental is a private dining and tennis club, plus a 22-room bed-and-breakfast inn. Seven of the rooms are in Mira Rio, the old house, and most of these have river views. The remaining 15 are suites, which are housed in a separate building. These rooms are by far more popular. All have balconies overlooking the St. Johns River, free wireless Internet, microwaves, and refrigerators. Several of the rooms have a Jacuzzi and a gas fireplace. Guests in Mira Rio can enjoy a free continental breakfast. Pets are allowed by request, and the inn is wheelchair accessible. There are seven tennis courts, and children will enjoy swimming in one of the property’s three pools. You can even arrive by yacht and dock at the club’s marina. This may well be the only inn in Florida where turtles living in an elaborate courtyard fountain come when you call them. Be sure and have the turtle food ready!
2. The Mug Race
City: Orange Park, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (904) 264-4094
Address: 8533 Malaga Ave.
Description: This annual race, held on the first Saturday in May and sponsored by the Rudder Club of Jacksonville’s sailing aficionados, is billed as the longest river race for sailboats in the country. Over 200 sailboats enter the 38-mile race from Palatka to Jacksonville every year. The winner gets bragging rights for a year and “The Mug.” Wind or no wind, The Rudder Club awards 100 trophies, including ones for the fastest and slowest boats (which, in 2008, logged 8 hours and 12 hours, respectively).
3. The Golf Club At Fleming Island
City: Orange Park, FL
Category: Golf
Telephone: (904) 269-1440
Address: 2260 Town Center Blvd.
Description: Opened in September 2000, this semiprivate club features a championship layout designed by Bobby Weed. The par-71 course, offering playing lengths from 4,801 to 6,801 yards, can challenge golfers at every skill level. Fleming Island Golf Club has two PGA golf professionals on staff. To reach the course, take US 17 south past County Road 220 to Fleming Island in Orange Park. Greens fees are $48 during the week and $58 on the weekend.
4. The Poker Room At Orange Park Kennel Club
City: Orange Park, FL
Category: Nightlife
Address: 455 Park Ave.
5. Dock Holiday Boat Rentals
City: Orange Park, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (904) 215-5363
Address: 3108 Highway 17 South
Description: Dock Holiday specializes in renting Glastron sport boats, 20- to 24-foot pontoon boats, and Hurricane Fun Decks. If you want to be sure that one is available when you need it, make a reservation. Dock Holiday is located at Doctors Lake Marina in Orange Park and is convenient to the St. Johns River. They don’t allow any of the rental boats to go north of the Buckman Bridge on the St. Johns River because of the swift currents that run through Downtown Jacksonville. The boats can be taken as far south on the St. Johns as a renter wants. They do not rent PWCs.
6. Jacksonville Sailing School At Whitey’S Marine
City: Orange Park, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (904) 2690027
Address: 3027 Highway 17
Description: The sailing school at Whitney’s Marine, located about 30 nautical miles from the ocean on the St. Johns River in Orange Park, teaches “the gospel of sailing” through instructors qualified by the U.S. Coast Guard and certified by the American Sailing Association. Captain Montie Froelich was recognized by the A.S.A. as an Outstanding Instructor in both 2005 and 2006. The Sailing School, certified by the U.S. Sailing Association, offers lessons from basic sailing all the way to offshore coastal sailing. Learn the basics on their 306 Hunter with in-mast furling, or commit to a week and live aboard Whitey’s new 38-foot Hunter yacht.
7. Whitey’S Fish Camp
City: Orange Park, FL
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (904) 269-4198
Address: 2032 County Rd. 220
Description: In the words of my favorite raised-at-the-beach Insider, “Whether you drive up to Whitey’s or paddle up to Whitey’s, prepare for overflowing plates and fulsome local hospitality at this fish camp. Their riverfront dining room and covered outside tables offer a great way to take a break from the sun or to wait out an afternoon storm before you get back on the water.” Thanks, Anna! I couldn’t have said it better myself. See the Love Letter to a Fish Camp sidebar in this section to understand the full extent of our devotion.