If you’re looking for bougie date ideas in Jax, you’ve come to the right place. Jacksonville has so many hidden gems, you just have to be open to dig them up and you will have the best time ever any day of the week. This article is an antidote for a typical day, where there was ‘nothing to do’.
Keep reading for awesome bougie date ideas, and if you don’t have anyone to tag along with, everything on this list is totally solo date approved.
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An Impromptu Bougie Date Night
When it comes to living in Jacksonville, Fl. and how I showcase the city on my IG account. I am often asked ‘Do we live in the same city?’ lol. Yes, we do love. The the key to living a big city lifestyle in a small town is your mindset.
I recently had a good friend (who is a Jax native) land in town and wanted to get us out of the house for a bougie approved evening. This was one of those typical Friday nights, where there was nothing to do outside of club. (eye roll)
Dress || Shoes || Jacket || Bag
I am the friend who is always relied on to make the plans, because I think about every detail; from distance to items needed. I will admit this particular date night was planned last minute and involved slight collective planning. Today’s bougie activities can be found in the San Marco Neighborhood, all locations mentioned are within 8 minutes or less of each other. Of course, you can do exactly what I did, or you can pick and choose. The small list is just ahead, keep reading.
1. Try Dinner At A New Spot
Jacksonville seems to have new restaurants popping up every week. Put on your finest and go try one. For this night in particular I chose Taverna’s newest addition Oceana. It’s their version of fresh seafood.
My Honest Review Of Taverna Ocean
Inside the spot is beautiful, modern, hip and airy. The service was top notch. I mean 10/10. However, the food experience is where it fell short for me.
Wine – Ceretto Arnais. A slight sweet white wine. SUPERB. I’m not a big drinker these days. One glass was perfect. 10/10
Roasted Oysters – These were Oceana’s version of a signature Rockefeller Oyster minus the breadcrumbs. They were a little on the small side, but packed with flavor. 8.5/ 10
Vietnamese Seafood Stew – Mussels, clams, prawns, calamari, crab, coconut cream, lemongrass, chili, cilantro, lime. I don’t care for stewed calamari, I had them substitute it for crab.
I honestly don’t recall eating crab and the clams and mussels were thrown on top. Eating them solely, they were fresh and literally tasted like fresh seafood. No flavor. The saving grace for this dish was the sauce in which everything was stewed in. Once I pulled all of the meat out of the shell, this dish was enjoyable. (6.5 /10)
Seafood Pasta – House-made fettucini, lobster, shrimp, scallops, crab, lobster cream sauce. This meal completely lacked any flavor build up. The seafood again was fresh and huge a plus. But the flavors fell completely short of what this could be. Unfortunately this plate was sent back. (1/10)
Mizo Glazed Chilean Sea Bass – Baby bok choy, shiitake, dashi. Just as the seafood pasta it lacked flavor. The cut of Sea Bass was generous and fresh. But the flavor was literally Sea Bass. Unfortunately this too was sent back (1/10)
Overall I would not personally return to Oceana. The flavor pallets could use work. Of course I am no food critic. If you had plans to visit, don’t let me stop you. 🙂
Taverna Oceana – : 1988 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
2. Painting With a Twist.
Painting with a twist is an oldie but goodie but the perfect bougie date idea. This is an interactive event where you go into a real life art studio with an instructor. The best part? You can BYOB or whatever you want an light snacks. The class is about 2 hours and they walk you through creating your work of art. Even if you have no idea how to draw, it’s the cutest idea. I will admit, it’s hilarious to look around at other people’s work.
Throughout the day they have different sessions with a piece of art that will be painted. You pop in and make your version of the topic on a canvas you take home at the end of the class.
You can do this alone or with a friend. Not only is it a unique experience, it’s an intimate setting giving you and your date the opportunity to relax and communicate. Totally bougie approved.
Take this idea to the next level. Grab Snacks and Fave Wine.
Before our night began, we popped into The Fresh Market and grabbed, cheese, meats, and a delicious pre-made sangria. Upon arrival we prepped our snacks and drinks were poured. It was the best idea because we snacked and sipped making the painting experience even better. If you’re going to do sangria, bring fruit along to drop in your cup. Delish.
Painting with a twist offers wine openers and cups. However, you would need to have your own plates and cutlery.
For more information on Painting With A Twist, visit them online. I highly recommend the San Marco location, it’s minutes from great foodie spots and the instructors are awesome. BUT, If you’re outside of Jacksonville, don’t fret they are everywhere. It costs about $40.00.
Painting with a twist – 1525 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
3. Ice Cream At Mayday
Nothing completes a bougie date night better than ending on a sweet note. I finally gave Mayday ice cream a try.
The concept of this creamery is that you’re a lost pilot. Cute. The San Marco location is in alignment with the concept and the flavors are innovative and plenty to choose from. They have a huge outdoor patio, the perfect spot to catch a breeze. If you’re with someone another chance to have conversation.
Flavors I Chose
Cloud 9 (GF) – a deliciously light sweet and salty almond ice cream with flakes of sea salt and a homemade marshmallow fluff (8.5/10)
Gillesprie’s Bourbon Pecan– butter pecan’s younger brother! Buffalo Trace Bourbon soaked into ice cream with pieces of chopped, roasted pecans (9.0/10)
Unfortunately they don’t offer sugar and lactose free options. If you’re looking for ice cream that is dairy and sugar free you’ve got to give Waffle Cone a try, read my article about it here.
Mayday Ice Cream – 1432 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
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-Ash
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