For more amazing photos of the RH experience go to southmag.com/rh

Play / Shop

Take one dash of metropolitan flair, a healthy shake of Southern hospitality, drench with moonshine and craft beer then add a twist of quirky Floridian flair and you have yourself the beverage of choice for the host city for the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party™, Jacksonville. 

Effortlessly charming, the River City beckons all visitors with an up-and-coming culinary scene, a music scene befitting the birthplace of Lynyrd Skynyrd, arts and culture and of course outdoor activities that take full advantage of the First Coast wonders just beyond the 295 outerbelt.

Maybe you’re passing through on the way to that theme park mecca to the South. Maybe you’re going to join the crowds cheering on Urban Meyer and the Jags. Maybe you just need a dose of big-city sophistication. Whatever your reason, there’s plenty to discover in the Gateway to Florida.

RH Jacksonville, The Gallery at St. Johns Town Center

It almost feels reductive to refer to RH’s gloriously massive Jacksonville location as a place to shop. At more than 70,000 square feet, these three stories of indoor and outdoor amazement offer so much more than just some of the finest retail therapy known to man. 

There is, of course, plenty to browse, with RH’s exquisite lines well represented by RH Modern – the largest fully integrated assortment of modern furnishings, lighting, textiles and décor under one brand in the world – as well as the RH Interior Design Firm & Atelier.

But ascend the grand stairs and you’ll discover layers of entertainment starting with the wine bar on level three and concluding with the breathtaking rooftop restaurant, designed to mirror the grand gardens of Europe. Offering up mesmerizing views of Jacksonville amid the carefully curated spaces of Restoration Hardware, this elegant space is the ultimate expression of style. rh.com

Eat

Bellwether

Reflective of chef and owner Jon Insetta’s fervent devotion to local ingredients, Bellwether offers a delicious opportunity to dine on the offerings grown and sewn in northern Florida. Taking those ingredients in brilliant new directions, the menu gleefully dances between chicken and dumplings and Korean fried broccoli (and everything in between). bellwetherjax.com

Blacksheep

If Bellwether is the fun, quirky sister, Black Sheep is the more refined, cosmopolitan sibling. Situated in the historic Five Points neighborhood, this contemporary establishment takes the same approach to local sourcing, infusing fresh flavors into an upscale menu of steak, seafood and small plates.  blacksheep5points.com

TacoLu

The name of TacoLu’s game is: fresh. Dine in at this vibrant, quirky Jacksonville Beach location and choose from house-made guacamole; corn, flour or lettuce wrap tacos; vegetarian options; mahi, shrimp, scallop, salmon, and more fresh fish options; and the best mezcal selection in northern Florida. tacolu.com

Domu

A slang term for “a dream come true,” DOMU is just that for chef and owner Sean “Sonny” Nguyen. DOMU is a lively neighborhood spot that specializes in house-made noodles, creative small plates and seasonal cocktails. Guests can expect plenty of healthy options and substitutions for food allergies. Domufl.com

Go

Photography / Agnes Lopez

Cummer Museum

Inside and out, there is no end to the artistic inspiration you’ll find around the grounds of this dazzling museum — the largest of its kind in northeast Florida. Take a tour of the gallery and behold a brilliantly curated blend of modern and classical art, encompassing both the original 60-piece Cummer collection as well as 5,000 works from regional and national artists. 

But not all works of art belong on a wall, as the museums historic gardens demonstrate. Built along the banks of the St. Johns River, this century-old horticultural gem evokes the stately gardens of Italy, England and the new world through inspired landscaping and hardscaping. 

There’s fresh inspiration around every corner, so set aside a few hours to truly soak in the artistic brilliance. cummermuseum.org

Eat / Stay

Cowford Chophouse

Based in the now-restored historic Renaissance Revival landmark, Cowford Chophouse is a magnificent representative of Jacksonville’s rising star in the culinary world. 

Overseeing the culinary brilliance on offer is executive chef Ian Lynch, whose impact can be felt with every bite at the exquisite raw bar and among the luxury beef cuts, indulgent sides and extravagant desserts.

And while the cuisine itself would be enough to recommend it, the atmosphere cultivated by owner Jacques Klempf is not to be discounted. Starting from scratch with the abandoned remains of a Renaissance Revival masterpiece, what Cowford Chophouse has created in this space creates an unforgettable meal ideal for special occasions. cowfordchophouse.com

Hyatt Place Jacksonville (St. Johns Town Center)

A glittering jewel in the crown of this sparkling new entertainment complex, the Hyatt Place Jacksonville St Johns Town Center offers the utmost in style and sophistication in a location perfectly suited for capturing the sights, sounds and flavors of the River City.

In keeping with Hyatt’s reputation for upscale sophistication, each room from the studio queen to the marvelous Presidential Suite embodies contemporary style and indulges with lush comfort. Not that you’ll want to spend too much time in your room, with the on-site restaurant and bar plus the glamor of St Johns Town Center beckoning.

And once you emerge refreshed and reinvigorated, the finest attractions of Jacksonville are just steps away. Hyatt.com

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