Beautiful Historic Avondale Florida

As I sit here watching the sun rise over the St. John’s River, listening to Andre Rieu’s La Vie Est Belle, “Life is Beautiful”, I pause to ask, “What is it that makes life beautiful?” I believe that, it’s different things to different people, at different times in their lives. I feel that life is beautiful when I’m at home.

A fellow Hubber recently shared his own home with beautiful pictures and a great history, and at that moment to him, and those who shared his story, life was beautiful.

Beautiful homes are a dime a dozen, but a beautiful home with a rich history is inspiring.

Let me just say that I am not knowledgeable with the history of my home, however, the area of Florida where I live, is historical, and I would like to share it with you.

Avondale is a historical area just east of downtown Jacksonville, Florida, that runs along the St. John’s River. The streets are lined with large Oak trees and a gallery of elegant homes nicknamed the “The Row”. In 1901 James R. Challen named it Avondale, and it was advertised as a place where only the “correct” and “well to do” people would live. he said that “it was desirable because, the right kind of people have recognized its worth and because the wrong kind of people can find property more to their liking elsewhere.”

The neighborhood has a variety of architectures, many homes used Coquina for foundations and fireplaces, most still have the original hardwood floors and bathroom fixtures and tubs.

There are 15 small parks with trees and plants including live oaks, magnolias, palms, azaleas, and dogwoods, conveying a strong sense of time and place.

The area is only a few miles square, and everything is within walking distance. There are antique shops, boutiques and restaurants at each end One end is called 5points, because 5 streets all meet at this point, with only a small yellow blinking light in the center of the streets to direct traffic. At the other end are the shops of Avondale, and right in the middle is a hospital, shopping area with a grocery chain, post office, more restaurants and shops.

The Riverside/Avondale area is well know for it’s art, many local artist find their inspiration painting along the river. The Cummer Museum and Riverside Art Walk draw large crowds throughout the year.

Many visitors stay at one of the 6 bed and breakfast because of their southern charm and hospitality.

If you would like to see more, here is a slide show, enjoy.

http://www.riversideavondale.org/index.php?id=20

I hope you enjoyed my corner of the world, and I encourage you to visit James Watkins Hub

http://hubpages.com/hub/My-Home-is-the-Oldest-House-in-Orlando