Just a few miles inland from the Atlantic lies the Intracoastal Waterway. This saltwater channel, built from 1883-1912, goes from Jacksonville to Miami.
Roscoe Blvd. runs parallel with the Intracoastal, with attractive waterfront homes on the north side and horse properties on the south side. Homeowners with waterfront properties enjoy the ease of launching a boat from their backyard. They also can take pleasure in the many wonders of nature seen daily, such as bald eagles, manatees, porpoises, otters, and an occasional shark. Neighbors have even reported seeing a Florida panther in the area. The acreage to the west of the waterway belongs to the Dee Dot Ranch and will remain untouched, a natural preserve full of wildlife.
One other plus to living here are the three waterfront restaurants on Roscoe: Lulu’s, Barbara Jean’s, and Palm Valley Fish Camp.
Lulu’s Waterfront Grille is locally owned and operated by Anna and Pat Finley. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Lulu’s serves a “Culturally eclectic” cuisine. Diners can eat inside or out on the porch overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Sunday Brunch – from 11am-2pm- is a local favorite. There is a Little Lulu’s Menu for the kids and a Fun Foods menu with items like gator tail and Key Largo shrimp cocktail.
Just down the road from Lulu’s is Barbara Jean’s. Barbara Barta, and her husband, Jim, opened their first Barbara Jean’s Restaurant on St. Simons Island, Georgia in March of 1998. Not long after came the Ponte Vedra location. This restaurant specializes in seafood and made-from-scratch home-style cooking. Two local favorites are the Crab Cakes and the She Crab Soup. A perfect end to a meal is The Chocolate Stuff.
Palm Valley Fish Camp serves more than just fish. Starters include Grilled Octopus and White Bean Salad, Abaco Conch Fritters with Lemon Aioli, and Peel & Eat Mayport Shrimp Cocktail. Lunch offers sandwiches such as Grilled Salmon B.L.T. with Carol’s Pickled Zucchini and Fried Oyster Po-Boy. The dinner menu has a wide selection, including Buttermilk Pan Fried Chicken Breast with Grits, Collard Greens & Tasso Gravy or Top Sirloin Pepper Steak with a Brandy Peppercorn Demi served with Fries & Mixed Greens for the landlubbers.
A trip to Ponte Vedra is well worth the drive. The trouble will be choosing where to eat!
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