Lisa Barton

Tomorrow, June 20th, is the third Saturday of the month, and that means that Nocatee will be hosting its monthly Farmers Market again. Local farmers will be offering fresh fruits and vegetables (remember, it is peach season). There will also be handmade crafts, artwork and prepared food for sale, as well as live music and children’s activities. The Farmers Market will begin at noon and last until 4:00 and will be located off Crosswater Parkway. You won’t want to miss it!

Last month I purchased a Toyota Prius and I couldn’t be happier. I’m averaging 48 miles a gallon and can fill the 11 gallon tank up with regular gasoline. Believe it or not, the interior is roomy and I can comfortably fit 4 adults in the car. When I’m working with a family or a larger group of people a bigger car is necessary, but usually I’m showing properties to only one or two people. I did purchase the navigation system and the blue-tooth capability—essential tools for any real estate agent. The car also has a back-up camera which projects onto the navigation screen. Very cool!

Last Saturday I spent the afternoon at the Green Market in Neptune Beach . This farmers market is held every Saturday from 2:00-5:00 in Jarboe Park, which is in the heart of Neptune Beach. Neptune Beach is just south of Atlantic Beach and just North of Jacksonville Beach. There was plenty of parking, a live band and a festive atmosphere. We had a blast! The Beaches Local Food Network organizes this market and they also coordinate the Beaches Community Garden.

Need an excuse to get away for part of a day and enjoy the fabulous weather? Visit THE PLAYERS Championship at the TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach! Starting this Thursday, you can watch world-class golfers, including local Ponte Vedra resident, Vijay Singh, compete for part of a $9.5 million purse.

2009 represents a year of change for women’s tennis in Northeast Florida.  For many of us who have made the annual trek to Amelia Island for top quality women’s tennis, this will be the first year of enjoying the tournament right here at home at the Sawgrass Country Club.  A number of top 10 womens players have already indicated they will be playing, including Petrova, the ‘06 Champion and Cibulkova, the 08 runner-up. The tournament runs from April 6-12, 2009, and is a Sony Ericsson WTA Tour event. Call 800 486 8366 for tickets and come out and enjoy!

Throughout the year I am constantly visiting homes on real estate caravan tours and keeping up on what is coming on the market. Sometimes I participate in home tours sponsored by civic organizations to raise funds. An interesting twist is the forthcoming modern architecture at the Beaches symposium to be held on Saturday, March 7th. Sponsored by the Jacksonville chapter of the American Institute of architects and DOCOMOMO/US, this event will be held at St Paul’s By-the-Sea Episcopal church, 465 11th Ave., Jacksonville Beach. The symposium should be a terrific opportunity to learn more about our modern architectural heritage, about local architects, and about efforts underway to protect and preserve many structures that are considered endangered

While I was out collecting photos for my website, I realized again that Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a true gem for the residents of Jacksonville and the Beaches. Located just on the Atlantic Ocean in Atlantic Beach, Hanna Park can be found on State Road A1A, just south of the Mayport Naval Station. At Hanna Park, you can pick a spot for the numerous outdoor activities along the 1.5 miles of white, sandy beaches. Relax with a good book, play in the surf, or bring your fishing gear, kayak, or canoe to paddle around the 60-acre freshwater lake.

These past few months we’ve seen a vibrant addition to the Ponte Vedra cultural scene.

On National Public Radio the radio announcer said that today is the “National Day of Listening”, which is part of an annual project. What a curious concept—a day devoted to an ordinary activity. I’ve spent the day trying to be a conscious listener, which is certainly more demanding than passively hearing.

The Ponte Vedra Beach area has so much to offer in terms of beautiful natural areas.  One of my favorites is Guana State Park, now known as Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Esturarine Research Reserve (GTM).  We went there this Sunday afternoon for a hike. The main entrance is about twelve miles south of Ponte Vedra off of A1A.  Parking is $3 per vehicle and the trails are open to hiking/biking daily from 8am to sunset.