Spring. The most perfect time of year. The weather is beautiful, the flowers start to bloom, clothes become lighter and brighter, and menus start to change! So many things to celebrate as the season changes, and I got to celebrate all of those things with some pretty amazing local bloggers for a much-needed girls night out at One Ocean Resort.
If you’re not familiar with One Ocean, it is a beautiful beachfront resort located here in Jacksonville right along Neptune Beach. In addition to being a hotel, they have a wonderful spa, beautiful poolside area, and a delicious restaurant, Azurea, with a lounge and bar on the other side. I have yet to fully dine at the restaurant or enjoy an overnight stay at the resort (though that’s on mine and the hubby’s bucket list!) so I can’t speak fully to those, but I can tell you about our delicious experience at the lounge. So if you’re looking for a fantastic place for a date night, a girls night out, a celebration or just a great spot for a waterfront happy hour, keep reading!
THE EVENT
This event was a bit different than most because I actually got to plan it! My friend and fellow blogger Sabrina (of Sabrina Renee Blog) and I were talking about wanting to throw a happy hour event, and One Ocean was so gracious for hosting us. We invited the ladies from our fabulous blogger community, coordinated with a few local businesses to make it even better (more on that below), and voila! The perfect GNO was formed. We were blown away by the graciousness of One Ocean and the local shops who donated goodies and services to us, and thrilled so many ladies could join us. It ended up being cold and rainy – not what you want when you’re trying to celebrate Spring – but that didn’t keep us from having a great time. Seriously, if you’re looking for a fabulous location for happy hour or a girls night, the Lounge at Azurea is PERFECT.
THE VENUE, FOOD + COCKTAILS
If you can’t tell from these photos, Azurea Lounge is absolutely beautiful. I’d say it’s very coastal chic: it feels like you’re at the beach, while still feeling classy and trendy, but not stuffy or too frilly. Does that make sense? Plus the staff is so friendly and knowledgeable, so that’s a major bonus. We got a little sneak peek at the new food and drink items they’re rolling out for Spring, which I’m excited to share launched this week! Thank goodness because I have been craving the Ocean Aperol Spritz and the Azurea 75. SO GOOD.
We got to hear from the mixologist who creates all of their hand-crafted cocktails, as well as the chef who created the seasonal menu, and it was so neat hearing first hand about everything that goes into what they do. If they can source the ingredient locally, they do. Meaning everything from the fruits used in the cocktails, some of the liquors, the meats, seafood and cheeses, vegetables, even the olive oils in the foods and the garnishes in the cocktails are local. Talk about fresh AND delicious! I could go on for days, but just do yourself a favor and get out there to experience it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed! You can check out the rest of their menus here. If you’re not local to Jax I highly suggest adding a stop here to the top of your to-do list for a very Florida experience.While you’re at it, just book a room and stay a while!
THE GOODIES
Several local shops and businesses were so kind to provide their services and send us home with some amazing goodies. Everything and everyone was SO NICE!
- Sally Manlove Photography took all of these beautiful photos (thank you, Sally!). I’ve loved working with her lately! If you’re looking for a fantastic Jax-based photographer for any photography needs, she’s wonderful! (Contact here.)
- No event is complete without a photo booth! Thank you Legacy Events 119 for putting up with our crazy shenanigans and letting us be ourselves. So much fun to have printed photos to take away from such a great night! They do weddings, events, parties … anything in the Jacksonville area. (Contact here.)
- Mrs. Sweetley’s made us the most adorable cookies to coordinate with the theme of our event. They tasted as good as they look! She can create custom cookies for any occasions and at great prices. (Contact here.)
- Several local shops were beyond generous and created the sweetest swag bags for us, including Ellie’s Sparkles, Jaffi’s, Fig & Willow and LulaMae. THANK YOU! If you’re looking for adorable clothing in the beaches area, they are your MUST shop places! Ellie’s Sparkles makes the cutest wire-wrapped jewelry and can be purchased online HERE (use code BLAKELEY20 for 20% off).
THE LADIES
No event is complete without your squad. I’m so thankful to have met these beautiful ladies over the past years, and that we’ve built such a strong blogger community here in North Florida. It’s the best thing to be able to surround yourself with like-minded people who lift you up instead of trying to bring you down! If you’re looking for some wonderful bloggers to follow for great local tips, fashion, beauty, food, lifestyle and parenting tips, these are your girls. Already looking forward to our next get-together.
Again, thank you SO MUCH One Ocean for having us and treating us to your newest menu items. They’re even better than I could have expected and can’t wait to get over there and try some more!
