Most college kids sleep late. It’s a well-known fact. So, going out for breakfast on weekends, in particular, may not be an option. Brunch, however, is generally a good option on weekends and there are quite a few choices not far from UNF’s campus. However, if you can get your student out of bed early and breakfast is what you want; check out our blog Wakey, Wakey Eggs & Bakey. Some things to consider beforehand are price and time. It is not unusual for there to be a considerable wait, even with a reservation, on a game weekend or graduation, at some of the more popular selections.

Try these….

Another Broken Egg Cafe – Open for breakfast as well!  7:00 am-2:00 pm.

Biscotti’s – A nicer place that I would recommend making a reservation to go to.  Brunch is Saturday and Sundays from 8:00 am-3:00 pm.

Black Sheep –  Located in the Five Points district of Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood, they serve brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 – 3 pm

Brick – located in historic Avondale, if you are looking to spend a day there, check out their menu, served on Saturday & Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm.

Copeland’s – This New Orlean’s influenced restaurant offers brunch on Sundays from 10 am – 3 pm featuring a beignet station, brioche french toast, Belgian waffles, and made to order omelet station.

Culhane’s Irish Pub – This Irish Pub has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Brunch is served from 9 am to 2 pm Saturday & Sunday. Offers everything from eggs to corned beef hash (did we mention this is an Irish Pub?) and even a Traditional Irish Breakfast of eggs, rashers, banger, black n’ white puddings, – don’t forget to add in Irish baked beans.

First Watch– While this isn’t typically open for brunch, they serve breakfast foods and close at 3 pm so this would be perfect for a late breakfast.

Jax Beach Brunch Haus – Great place for breakfast brunch or lunch! 7:00 am-2:30 pm.

Le Petit Paris – Pastries, coffees, teas, and more.  Open 8:00 am-8:00 pm.

Maggiano’s –  Serves brunch, lunch, and dinner open at 11:00 am.

Mellow Mushroom– Several locations including Town Center.  They offer brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-2 pm. The brunch menu is really interesting, with sandwiches, breakfast pizzas, shrimp and grits, and an insane french toast! They also serve bottomless mimosas for $12 with a purchase of any food dish.

Orsay – This is definitely one of the more upscale places to go for brunch. Brunch is served from 11 am – 3:30 pm every weekend offering a balance of breakfast options like eggs, french toast as well as some lunch options.

The Bread & Board – Small menu served Sundays from 9:00 am-3:00 pm.

The Cheesecake Factory  They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner open at 11:00 am.

The Local – Offering a lovely menu Friday 8:00 am-10:30 am and Saturday and Sundays from 8:00 am-4:00 pm

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook,  Instagram,  Twitter, and Pinterest. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com. New to HUH, here is how to use the site.

The post Brunch is Breakfast plus Lunch plus Fun appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Most every time I Face Time with my daughter, she always asks to see our dog. We all love our pets. We can be talking on the phone and I can guarantee you that she will ask me to drive to see her dog.  Four hours in a car with my dog? No thank you! I love my daughter and I love my dog however that is not happening!  So, what is the second-best thing to my daughter other than seeing our dog on campus?  Having her get a pet of her own.  Whether she was to adopt or buy a dog, it is important that she knows the campus guidelines for having a pet.  Non-aggressive fish are allowed on campus, however, there is one area on campus that students are allowed, with proper documentation, to have pets other than fish and that is known as The Flats at UNF.  This, of course, does not include students who have service animals. There are not too many allowed into dorms; however, they do try to accommodate qualified students. For the guidelines for requesting an Emotional Support Animal accommodation on campus, click here.

Considering this choice your student might want to consider living off-campus in an apartment that allows pets.  Here are a few that allow pets.

Courtney Meadows

The Club at Town Center

The Oasis at Town Center

And while having a dog (or cat) may not be the best choice for your student, perhaps when you visit them, you can bring the family pet. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants that accommodate your fur baby.

Dog-friendly Restaurants: 

When it comes to dog-friendly restaurants unless you have a Service/Emotional Support animal, dog-friendly means you may eat outside with them.

Harpoon Louie’s

M Shack

Orsay

River City Brewing Company

The Blue Fish

The Brick Restaurant

Taverna

Uptown Kitchen and Bar

Pet-friendly Hotels:

Be sure, when making reservations, you tell them you are traveling with a pet. Some have fees

Hampton Inn and Suites

Holiday Inn Express

Residence Inn Butler

Sheraton Jacksonville

Local Dog Parks:

Such a fun treat to take your dog to a dog park near UNF. Pets rule!

Dog Wood Park of Jacksonville – Roomy dog park offering open fields & a big pond, along with walking trails through the woods.

Brew-Hound Dog Park & Bar  –  On an acre parklike grounds, BrewHound is a unique gathering place for dogs and their owners to play and mingle outside, enjoy delicious cold (or hot) beverages, and relax in the beautiful sunshine.

Confederate Park Dog Park – Part of the Jacksonville park system.  Located a short distance from UNF.

Paws Dog Park – An off-leash dog park with a large and small dog area, watering bowls and benches.  Located right at Jacksonville beach!

Whether you need a pet sitter while you are away or at classes or you want to become a pet sitter, check out Rover

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Pets in School appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Everyone has their favorite place, here are the places we love to frequent, which one is your favorite restaurant?

Restaurants Within 2 Miles of UNF Campus

Angie’s Subs – Highly recommended by myself, my daughter (who frequents at least once a week) and many of the UNF students, this sub place is anything but ordinary.  More on the casual side, you order at the counter and have your sub brought to your table.  Serving everything from tuna sub to vegetarian, they also have a cheeseburger sub.  Sounds like this is a definite must stop! Open from 10:00 am-9:00 pm every day and Sunday from 11:00 am-4:00 pm.

Bahama Breeze Island Grill – Caribbean-inspired food with a vibrant island atmosphere.  Music plays a major part in our restaurant’s fun island-vibe. Conveniently located 5 minutes from the UNF campus near E Beltway 295 and St Johns Town Center Mall.  Hours are 11:00 am-11:00 pm Monday – Thursday and open until midnight Friday and Saturday.

California Pizza Kitchen – Specializing in pizzas and salad, CPK has something for everyone.  From soups, salads, flatbread, and pizzas this is the perfect place to bring the whole family.  Open daily from 11:00 am-10:00 pm (Sunday’s closing at 8) CPK offers lunch and dinner.

J.Alexander’s – Restaurant chain serving wood-fired American fare in a contemporary space with a bar.  The menu features a wide selection of American classics including prime rib of beef, steaks, fresh seafood, sandwiches and entrée salads.  The restaurant has a full-service bare. Hours are 11:00 am-10:00 pm closing at 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday and 9:00 pm on Sunday.

Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant – Semi-upscale chain for classic Italian fare served family-style in a relaxed, polished space.  Maggiano’s is the perfect place to take a large group of your student’s friends or family. With fair prices and good food, Maggiano’s is always a good choice.

Prati Italia (Moxie’s Kitchen and Cocktails) – Industrial-chic scene with a glam vibe plating carefully-sourced American fare & stylish drinks.  Moxie’s has something for everyone with a very eclectic menu. This locally owned and locally grown restaurant just opened its second location a year ago.  Open every day from 11:00-10:00, weekend hours are extended. Reservations are not required but suggested.

Seasons 52 – Calorie-conscious diners will have a field day at Seasons 52.  Delicious meals cooked with fresh ingredients and delivered to your table in a casually sophisticated atmosphere.  When looking for variety and something different Seasons 52 will put a check in all of your boxes. Open for lunch and dinner and brunch on Sundays.  The hours are Sunday 10:00 am-9:00 pm, Monday-Thursday 11:00 am-10:00 pm and Friday and Saturday 11:00 am-11:00 pm.

The Capital Grille – Although this may be on the expensive side, the food at The Capital Grille is well worth it.  The upscale restaurant offers the finest of everything from delicious appetizers to soups and salads for lunch and the dinner menu incorporates steak, lamb, chicken, and fish.  And don’t forget the incredible side dishes! Hours vary at the Jacksonville location and a reservation is highly recommended.

The House of Leaf and Bean – This organic restaurant is a little bit further away from UNF but it is well worth the drive. The menu is a healthy mix of Asian and Western foods.  They offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and low carb options while serving meat as well. They have smoothies, coffee, and even alcoholic beverages. Closed on Mondays they offer lunch and dinner options.

Topgolf – We know what you are thinking..a good restaurant in an interactive golfing top spot? YES, this restaurant is delicious!  Granted you can order food while you golf, however, if you want to take some time while you wait for your golfing range then consider Topgolf restaurant.  The menu has pages and pages of different choices. Brunch is also offered weekdays until noon and weekends until 2:00 pm. The restaurant is open 9:00 am-12:00 am every day with Friday and Saturday closing at 2:00 am.

Downtown Restaurants

Burrito Gallery – With 3 locations there will never be a shortage of burritos! From burritos to salads, tacos and “dillas” there is something for everyone on this menu.  One location is downtown, one location is at Jax beach and one location is called Burrito Gallery Brooklyn. All 3 menus are very similar. Hours vary with each location.

Bellwether – Dine In or take out, Bellwether is great for lunch, dinner or happy hour.  Bellwether has a very eclectic southern-inspired menu with some Korean flare as well.  The menu is quite varied so make sure you review it before headed out. Bellwether is open for lunch and dinner and closed on Sundays.  Reservations are only available for parties of 6 or more.

Casa Dora – Very casual Italian eatery.  Specializing in pizza Casa Dora serves pasta, main dishes, and subs.  Perfect spot if you want to bring in dinner!

Chart House – If you want a truly incredible dining experience with an amazing view of the St Johns river than Chart House is for you.  Chart House has a vast menu with a large assortment of items to choose from. From shrimp cocktail to oysters, seafood and a limited amount of “land” items to choose from the Chart House is not to be missed.  Open from 4:30 pm-9:30 pm daily (10 on Friday and Saturday.)

Murray Hill Restaurants

13 Gypsies – With a heritage rooted in Spain, 13 Gypsies strives and succeeds in bringing a taste of True Mediterranean flavors.  Homemade bread, spices, sausage, cheese, and pickled vegetables 13 Gypsies is a treat for any palette. Closed on the weekends 13 Gypsies is open 11:00 am-2:00 pm and 5:00 pm-10:00 pm reservations are highly recommended.

Biscottis – This lively bistro serves small plates, sandwiches, salads & brunch in a historic, brick-lined space. Biscottis has a wide and interesting menu along with an enticing brunch menu.  Hours vary daily.

Black Sheep– Casual eatery serving lunch and dinner.  Bar food at its finest, you can’t go wrong at this Jax favorite.  Closed on Mondays hours vary daily and open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Bread & Board – Think of the Bread & Boar as equal parts fun-loving sandwich shop and fine dining kitchen. The Bread & Board is an independently owned, fast-casual restaurant.  The Bread and Board serve classic deli sandwiches and use premium, house-made ingredients to make your meal an experience you won’t forget. Reservations are not accepted. Open daily from 11:00am-10:00pm.

Carmine’s Pie House – Chicago deep-dish & NYC-style pies are on offer at this vibrant local pizza pub with pasta & subs.  Open for lunch and dinner every day from 11:00 am – 10:30 pm.

Casbah Café – Festive spot with a lively bar, Middle Eastern fare, hookahs & belly dancing. From lamb kabobs to falafel this is a must go to when in the area.  Open from 11:00am – 2:00am daily.

European Street Café – With 3 locations, check out this casual German-inspired restaurant with a patio offering a huge selection of beer, pub grub & sweets. Open every day from 10:00am-9:00pm.

Hovan Mediterranean Gourmet – Mediterranean fare such as falafel, kebabs & lavash wraps at a bright counter serve with a patio. Closed on Sundays and open every other day from 10:00 am-9:30 pm.

Mossfire Grill – Spice, Fresh Fun!  Mossfire is not your typical “everything made from scratch” restaurant.  Rustic mainstay featuring Tex-Mex comfort food downstairs & a tequila bar upstairs. Closed on Mondays open every day from 11:00 am-10:00 pm.

Orsay – A bit on the pricier side, this might just be the perfect place for graduation dinner.  Seasonal French food & creative cocktails meet in this dining room with plush seats & exposed beams. Hours vary and reservations are requested.

Sake House – 3 locations in the Jacksonville area this Japanese eatery offers sushi & hibachi fare in a laid-back atmosphere with reasonable prices.  Hours vary by location.

San Marco Restaurants

Green Erth Bistro – No we didn’t make a mistake in the spelling of this health-focused café. Enjoy  Middle Eastern kebabs, wraps & spreads, plus vegan options, in this warm inviting location.  Open from 11:00am-2:30pm and 5:30pm-9:00pm and closed on Sundays.

Matthew’s Restaurant – Matthew’s is set in the heart of San Marco and hosts a variety of fine dining options with a vast wine list.  Open only for dinner from 5:00 pm-10:00 pm Monday – Saturday. Reservations are recommended.

Taverna San Marco – Trendy wine bar serving brick-oven pizzas & seasonal Italian & Spanish food.  Warm and cozy décor makes this a must go to. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are recommended. Open daily from 11:00 am-10:00 pm.

Town Hall – This new American style restaurant is the talk of the town.  With an artisan-inspired menu, this farm-fresh place is not to be missed.  Open for dinner nightly and brunch on Sundays.

The Wine Cellar – Since 1974 The Wine Cellar has been a favorite amongst Jax locals.  Experience the old-world charm of a French countryside as you dine beneath the shade of a majestic oak tree in their brick-paved garden. From scallops to chicken and pretty much in between you will soon see why this is so popular.  Open from 10:30am-10:00pm, reservations are requested.

V Pizza – With 3 locations in Jacksonville, this wood oven cooks up pizza in no time.  Serving wings, salad and a small assortment of other menu items. V Pizza’s locations are basically open every day from 11:00 am-10:00 pm.  Please check your desired location to check the closing time as hours vary slightly.

Jacksonville Beach – A little further from campus, but worth the drive.

Beach Road Chicken Dinner – Some down-home fried chicken dinners, hearty sides, and Southern cooking since 1939.  Don’t waste your time looking for a website because you won’t find one. Located almost directly on St. John’s River.  Open daily at 11:30 am, closed on Monday.

Eleven South – Destination for elegant dining delivers sophisticated New American fare & an extensive wine list. Another good restaurant perfect for graduation.  Eleven South’s food philosophy is simple – a taste for every palate and a palette for every season. Don’t miss this special dining spot. Reservations recommended.  Open Tuesday – Friday 11:00 am-11:00 pm and Saturday – Monday 5:00 pm-11:00 pm

MOJO Kitchen BBQ – This casual branch of a local barbecue chain serves up smoked meats & showcases blues musicians.  Deep dish bowls filled with baked beans, coleslaw, and ribs, don’t miss this flavorful location.

TacoLu Baja Mexicana – A favorite with the locals and UNF students.  This Mexican restaurant offers a wide variety of Mexicana food including delicious queso and incredible tacos.  If you really want to experience heaven try their Carne Royale taco with a tasty Margarita! Closed on Mondays, you can expect a wait any night of the week.

The Blind Rabbit – Hip bar & eatery serving gourmet burgers, upscale comfort food & whiskey in a sleek setting.  The menu is filled with so many different types of burgers from a Whiskey Burger to a Mushroom Bacon Cheese Melt.  Open 11:30am-2:00am daily.

Atlantic/Neptune Beach – Just a bit north and east of campus – a cute little beachside town with great restaurants! Oh and make sure you make a stop at Whit’s for dessert..!

Coop 303  – Really cool vibe in this contemporary restaurant. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.  Reservations are recommended especially during season and football season.

North Beach Fish Camp – Lively, “beachy” vibe, amazing food!  All words to describe North Beach Fish Camp.  This past parent’s weekend we made a stop at NBFC and we weren’t disappointed.  Grilled octopus, shrimp and grits and pasta with seafood – all so delicious!

The Local – You cannot miss this place when you drive up to the beach!  The sign is completely lit up! From brunch, lunch, and dinner – from starters to dessert The Local shouldn’t be missed.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Dinner, It’s Time Check out these Restaurants appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Congratulations if your daughter has joined a sorority!  Joining a sorority was one of the best decisions I made while being in college.  I made amazing friends and connections. I am still friends with many sorority sisters; in fact, the owners of the website of these blogs are two of my sorority sisters. At UNF, every sorority is a little different as it relates to academic requirements, philanthropic requirements, and social requirements. Your daughter will be expected to attend chapter meetings and participate in their sorority’s events. They are paired up with fraternities for socials which may be mandatory. Some sororities require you to dress up for chapter meetings; others do not care if you come straight from the gym. Obviously, with social distancing being in place many of these events may be via zoom.

Be prepared for an entire wardrobe change as they can often be seen wearing frat tanks (some girls sell their collection for as little as $5 a shirt), sorority shirts, sweatshirts, jewelry and more, proudly wearing their sorority’s letters or name ( Some new members are not allowed to wear the letters until after initiation). And get ready for some major arts & crafting as your daughter prepares to get her little sister for the first time. Between Big/Little, Orientation, and Bid Day, they have accumulated jewelry, water bottles, stationery, wall signs and so much more. And while I know eventually after they graduate college and move into an apartment their decorating tastes switch, seeing them enjoying this bond with so many young women and the impact the sorority makes during their college years is well worth having all of the sorority items they collect.

Being in a sorority is not just about the social aspect, although that is a big part of joining. Many of the sororities require their members to participate in the philanthropy aspect teaching them about helping those less fortunate. They are expected to keep up their grades as well.  They can be found holding positions for Homecoming, Student Government, Food Drives, and many other events. This opens the door for new members to have the opportunity to get involved on campus through compassion, camaraderie, and community. Browse through the UNF PanHellenic Council Facebook page for some of the interesting events they recently planned here.

Should you decide to get them a congratulatory gift, we have some suggestions here from:

Desert Cactus Greek, Brit and Bee, Alexandra and Company, Go Greek Chic, Cotton Sisters, Sorority Shop, Signature Tumblers, Greek Gear, Greek Creations, All that Jas, BaubleBar and Gild the Lily. Even Bed, Bath & Beyond carries Greek merchandise including tumblers, pillows, poufs and more!

Some sororities not only have Family Weekends every year, some in the fall and some in the spring, they also have Mother-Daughter and Father-Daughter Weekends. Not every sorority at UNF is required to participate in these events so check with your daughter to see if her sorority has one planned. Most colleges are extremely strict today when it comes to drinking and hazing. I am not going to cherry coat this; it does happen. UNF is no different. Sororities have been put on probation for alcohol consumption and not been allowed to have any socials. Your daughter should never feel pressured to do something that makes her feel uncomfortable.

Without a doubt joining a sorority was the greatest experience during my college years and I hope it will be for your daughters as well.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Sorority Girl – The Inside Scoop appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

While visiting UNF and the Jacksonville area, there are plenty of things to do for entertainment.  The campus is within 20 minutes from the beach if you want to go for a beautiful moonlight walk or spend time walking along the St. John’s River.  You will find incredible restaurants in downtown Jacksonville, some of which are located at The Landings, an outdoor waterfront area filled with shops and restaurants. Food can be entertainment too!

Something more low key would be catching a movie at Cinemark Tinseltown & XD which has multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks. Another great nighttime option is Top Golf. Located within minutes of UNF this is a really fun activity to do with the whole family. What about bowling? There are several bowling alleys near UNF with Bowl America being the closest serving food and drinks with an arcade room.

More Entertainment

A comedy club is always a hit.  The neighborhood of Mandarin has an excellent comedy club (for guests 21 and older) called The Comedy Zone. If you want to go to a show, the Fine Arts Center is close to campus and it is a college theater that showcases dance performance, plays and lectures from college students and professors.  Or if you want live music, Jacksonville Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts houses the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, one of the nation’s top ensembles which produces concerts of opera, gospel, big band, ballet and classical from Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven.

Want to try something really exciting and fun?  Check out Class Axe Throwing! Fun to do with just a few people or a group.  Class Axe is located in Arlington.  Or check out The Great Escape Room.  Escape rooms are very popular with groups of people all trying to figure out how to escape.

History and music share the stage at the historic Florida Theatre. It was built in 1927, this is one of the last remaining examples of America’s “Picture Palace” era and is one of only four remaining high-style movie palaces built in Florida during this period. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been the site of many acts and concerts (Elvis performed one of his first indoor concerts there). Today, performances range from country, rock and classical music favorites, dance ensembles, classic rock album recreations, and spoken word.

MOCA or Museum of Contemporary Art is in downtown Jacksonville and hosts changing exhibits, permanent exhibits, and a children’s area.  It might be nice to head to the museum in the afternoon and then for dinner downtown. Check out our blog on restaurants.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram,  Twitter, and Pinterest. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com. Are you new to HaveUHeard? Here is how to best use the site.

The post Entertainment is Entertaining! appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Jacksonville is host to a massive amount of lunch options, with restaurants dotting the streets of Town Center and Southside. While all these options mean never getting bored, it can be a little overwhelming to sift through all the options for the best meals. Here are some of the best places to stop by for lunch, looking at variety, speed, and price.

• Chipotle –  Located in Town Center, it’s a staple fast, affordable, and tasty lunch spot. As a Chipotle fanatic myself, it’s always important for me to locate the closest one to campus. About 10 minutes from school, Chipotle is an easy place to grab a bite in between classes, or even get to go and bring up to the library with you.
• Blaze Pizza  – Blaze offers tasty pizza at a decent price and gives buyers a lot of options on customizing their pies. Also located in Town Center, but even closer to campus at just a 5-minute drive, Blaze is a great option for a speedy lunch, and the pizza can easily be boxed up and taken to go.
• Bento – Another pretty well-known chain located in Town Center.  Offering sushi, fried rice, poké bowls, and a lot of classic Asian dishes, Bento is a great fast option.  Bento is a little pricier however the portion sizes are fairly large and could definitely end up being two meals instead of one. Bento is also a sit-down or take-out restaurant.
• Chicken Salad Chick  – One of my daughter’s favorites.  Chicken Salad Chick offers a different spin on classic chicken salad.   Also on the healthier side, it’s a great option for a lighter meal. CSC is also located in Town Center. Also a sit-down or take out option.
• Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen  – Cheddar’s is located across the street from the shops at Town Center and offers classic American food. This option is great because of its large variety of options – from burgers to salads to pasta.  While you can sit down, it is also a takeout restaurant.
• Zoës Kitchen – With a Mediterranean cuisine, Zoës offers salads, kebabs, sandwiches, pitas, and piadinas, protein-packed bowls, and awesome sides and desserts. They also have an option for delivery online. ( Our interns really love this place, food is unique, healthy, and tasty!)
• Noodles & Company  – Craving noodles?  Try Noodles & Company in Town Center for anything pasta related.  From classic pasta like pesto and spaghetti and meatballs to a variety of mac and cheeses to Asian style noodles and ramen, and even some healthy vegetable noodles like zoodles (zucchini noodles) and cauliflower infused rigatoni. Their large range doesn’t limit you to carb or fat-heavy options, despite being a pasta focused joint. Their vegetable noodle dishes and salad options are great for a lighter choice. That also has an option for delivery online.
• Mellow Mushroom  – If you’re looking for pizza but want something a little more next level than Blaze, Mellow Mushroom is a great option for some really innovative and interesting pies. They’re a little pricier but similar to Bento they can definitely be more than one meal, and they offer lots of different deals like happy hour discounts on small pies and appetizers. While Mellow itself is a sit-down restaurant, they offer take out and also offer delivery through sites like grub hub and bite squad. They also have salads and hoagies stacked full of toppings. (Our UNF intern works here and says “the takeout is quick and the pizzas are seriously insane.”)
• Chuy’s – Located in Town center, Chuy’s is a Tex-Mex restaurant with unbelievably cute and wacky decor and atmosphere. If you’re looking for pretty quick service but a step up from your typical Moe’s, this is a great option. Their menu features soups and salads, burritos, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, as well as house specialties and Tex-Mex classics. They are a sit-down restaurant but offer delivery orders online.
• Mission BBQ – If you’re looking for a quick counter service like Chipotle or Panera, Mission BBQ  offers that for tasty all American bbq. They offer smoked meats, ribs, and classic sides like coleslaw and mac & cheese. They also are large supporters of military servicemen and veterans! They make it a mission to hire those who have served and donate heavily to organizations like the USO, Special Ops Warrior Foundation, Navy Seal Foundation, Semper Fi, Concerns of Police Survivors, and many more.
• DOMU – If you’re looking for a casual place with creative dishes and more of a fine-dining feel, DOMU is a great option. DOMU is known for its incredibly fresh and seasonal ingredients, offering house-made noodles vegan options, and creative takes on small plates, DOMU is a very popular Asian restaurant in Town Center. Their quick service lunch hours are Monday-Friday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. This option is one for when you have a little more time, as they do not offer takeout.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Lunch Bunch appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

If you have committed to becoming an Osprey, there are a few bucket list things that you might want to check out over your next four years at UNF.  Some are just plain fun and others sort of obvious. Either way, your time at UNF shouldn’t only be about studying. There is so much more to UNF and Jacksonville. Check out our “bucket list.”

On-Campus Bucket

• Rock climbing wall – The rock climbing wall is undoubtedly what makes UNF’s gym unique. Dubbed the ‘Osprey Cliff’, it is approximately 34 feet tall and offers routes that vary from semester to semester. This is a free, fun, and really interesting way to get in a workout!
• Osprey Challenge Course/Zipline – Another really fun and unique activity to try out during your four years as an Osprey! Zipline over the lake or navigate the ropes course high up in the trees
• Adventure Trips – Students can check out free camping gear; tents, sleeping bags, kayaks, canoes, and surfboards. If you don’t know a great place to go, though, the school offers adventure trips, Eco-Adventure leaders plan and lead overnight and day wilderness trips which feature activities such as hiking, climbing, kayaking, skiing, and white water rafting.

Off-Campus

• Big Talbot Island ‘Boneyard Beach’ – This state park is a bit of a drive north from campus but is a beautiful staple of Jacksonville that lots of people take the time to visit at least once. It is nicknamed ‘boneyard beach’ do to the husks of dried-out driftwood that scatter the shore, giving it a beautiful yet eerie vibe.
• Oktoberfest –  Happening annually in, of course, October, this is a fun beachside celebration of music and beer. There are vendors selling art, apparel, jewelry, and more, two stages with bands playing all day and night long, and lots of food trucks and craft beers. It’s a really fun time to spend with friends, even if you can’t drink beer!
• The Players Championship – The Players Championship is an annual golf tournament on the PGA Tour that takes place at the TPC Sawgrass, located just 24 minutes from UNF. Students love to go for the tournament, drink (if you’re 21), and see golf stars such as Tiger Woods in the flesh.
• Florida-Georgia football game – The Florida Georgia game, played at the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium, is basically a holiday for UNF students, with students from both Georgia and UF coming to join in on the festivities. With no football team ourselves, people love to get together at the stadium and tailgate for the game, so even if you don’t snag tickets, pick a side, dress up, and get your tailgate on!
• Go to a Jags game – There aren’t many cities with as much team pride as Jacksonville. Jaguars stickers, hats, and shirts can be spotted everywhere, and the trademark ‘Duval’ chant is a slogan for anyone living in Jacksonville. Attending a Jaguars game with friends is a fun way to spend a night and get into the spirit of our city.
• Night of Lights St. Augustine – Once a year, St. Augustine locals and visitors gather together to watch the flip switched on 3 million lights, and to see the historic district transformed into a winter wonderland of lights. The event opens and closes with live music from the All-Star Orchestra. While the lights flipped on is the official ‘night of lights’ (this season the event happened on November 23, but I’m not sure it’s the same day every year), the lights remain up until February 2, which leave plenty of opportunities to see this beautiful scene.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Bucket List for Osprey’s appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Another Broken Egg Café – Start your day the delicious way with southern-style biscuit beignets, gourmet omelets, a variety of unique eggs benedicts and more. You can find everything from bowls to pancakes, from chocolate stuffed waffles to crab cakes with fried green tomatoes.  The hours are 7:00 am-2:00 pm, come early because there is usually a wait.

Canopy Road Cafe – Check out the sweet potato pancakes with maple syrup and pecans. Sure it is slightly more like dessert but fabulous. Based out of Tallahassee, they just opened in the Shoppes of Bayard at 12525 Philips Highway. It is breakfast and lunch only, which by my standards means no mimosas; and that’s right, they do not serve alcohol. About a 12-minute drive from UNF but well worth the visit.

Deerwood Bistro – A full traditional menu is available at the Deerwood Bistro.  Offering everything from eggs to pancakes and waffles Deerwood Bistro is open 7:00 am-3:00 pm for breakfast and lunch Sunday – Wednesday.  Thursday – Saturday the hours are extended to include dinner until 8:30 pm.

First Watch – Several locations around Jacksonville.  Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups. The avocado toast is delicious and enough to feed two people.  Everything is fresh and can be made to order. Get there early because a wait is almost guaranteed. Open from 7:00am-2:00pm.

Florida Cracker Kitchen – What this small inornate restaurant lacks in size, it definitely makes up for it with their mouth-watering breakfast and lunch items.  From something as basic as pancakes to the Cracker Cristo Sandwich (ham, scrambled eggs, American cheese between two pieces of French toast) Florida Cracker Kitchen will have something for everyone.  Open for breakfast and lunch from Tuesday – Sunday from 7:00 am-2:30 pm.

Johnny’s Angels Diner – This 50’s inspired diner serves breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast! Open from 7:00 am-3:00 pm Monday – Thursday and Until 9:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe – Don’t miss this excellent breakfast places the next time you are visiting your student.  There is typically a little bit of a wait but it is worth it.  The service is fast and the food is great!  Don’t miss the egg white and veggie wrap, it is excellent!  Open daily 7:00am-2:30.

Maple Street Biscuit Company – Casual cafe serving biscuit sandwiches & Southern sides for breakfast & lunch. Get in line for some of the most delicious and uniquely created biscuits.  Fried chicken with gravy topped with melted cheese, French toast with pecans and cinnamon chips toasted in – the only thing healthy about Maple Street is the water! Open 7:00 am-3:00 pm daily, but closed on Sundays. This is one place that you don’t want to miss.

Secret Garden Café – Drive too fast down Beach Blvd and you will miss this amazing little find.  Secret Garden Café offers a variety of breakfast and lunch items. One of the most interesting things on the menu is the pork chop and waffles.  Open from 7:30 am-2:00 pm SGC serves breakfast and lunch all day.

Southern Grounds  – A few different locations in Jacksonville.  A really cool, interesting coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch and dinner place to eat.  Open every day from 6:30am-9:00pm!  Definitely, a must-go-to place on my next trip to UNF.

If brunch is more your style, check out our Brunch recommendations.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Wakey Wakey- Eggs and Bakey Breakfast appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

As incoming freshmen, students are guided by their advisors to take their core academic classes.  Advisors will mix in some of the more popular well-known electives here and there. But to really know which are some of the more fun electives, the best thing to do is to ask students.  So with that being said, below is a list of some of the fun electives that UNF offers.  We did not include all the drawing, painting, and basic art classes as the list would simply get too long and repetitive. For those with an interest in art, those classes would, of course, be good choices, but we decided to focus on more unique and probably lesser known classes.

Our interns offer the following information

• The History and Appreciation of Rock (MUH2017) – Studies the origins and development of rock and roll music, from rhythm and blues, country and western, to current trends in pop and rock. A few of my friends and my brother have taken this class, and all of them really enjoyed it.
• Ceramics (ART3786C) – One thing UNF offers that is pretty unique in that we have our very own ceramics building, complete with large kilns. The ceramics class at UNF covers hand building ceramic pieces, wheel throwing (pottery on a spinning wheel), glazing, and the firing process itself. This is a super hands-on and fun art class.
• Introduction to Printmaking (ART2400C) – Intro to traditional printmaking techniques. This is also a more unique course than your typical drawing class, where they teach relief (a printing block has ink applied aside for its carved out areas, and is pressed to paper), intaglio (the opposite of relief, a design is engraved onto a material and the ink is in the engraved portions), and planographic (printing from a flat surface) printing techniques.
• Introduction to Photography (PGY2401C)  – (prereq: at least 30 undergrad hours) Introduces students to the technical aspects of traditional black & white photography including camera operation, film exposure and processing, darkroom printing, and professional presentation of photographic works. This is a really cool class as not many people would ever have the opportunity to learn about and work with traditional film and developing in a dark room.
• Digital Photography for Non-Photography Majors (PGY2807C) – (prereq: at least 30 undergrad hours) For those with a more modern photography interest, this course provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of digital photography. Emphasis is on digital camera controls, computer editing tools, and essential strategies for taking photographs.
• African American Art History (ARH3631) – This course can interest those who love either art or history and allows a look into African American culture and history within the United States spanning colonial times to the present.
• Creating Mobile Apps (CEN1361) – This course is designed for students of any major who want to develop or learn to develop a mobile app. Not only is this interesting in our modern world, but who knows when that groundbreaking app idea will hit and how valuable this information would then become. Students will learn to create and understand technology, about privacy, security, and the social implications of computing, to develop apps that scan, talk, play music, play video, make phone calls, and games (the kind that depends on tilting the phone).
• Programming I (COP2220) – This course provides an introduction to problem-solving techniques and the computer programming process. For those with an interest in technology or code, this class could be very informative and intriguing. Topics in the course include data types, flow control, functions, program structure, software design techniques, memory allocation, and more.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Fun Electives to Take as a Freshman appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

There is nothing like a father and son or father and daughter weekend to get the bonding time flowing! I truly believe there is nothing more valuable than one on one time with your dad and if you are a mom reading this blog, it also gives you the opportunity to have some alone time as well to catch up on things that you like to do (i.e. sleeping, yoga classes, reading, shopping, etc.).

Dad’s weekend isn’t exactly official at UNF, meaning there isn’t one specific weekend that it is called for, but many sororities and fraternities have one. Some will rotate years with mother-daughter or mother-son weekends but when they come for an “unofficial” visit, it is all about Dad and your son or daughter.

UNF and the Jacksonville area offer so many things for dads and their college students to do together.  Jacksonville has a ton of parks, sporting events, and outdoor activities. Check out our suggestions regarding activities in Jacksonville, however, I have also listed a few more ideas as well. Jacksonville is home to the largest urban park system in the nation, with 10 state and national parks, there are also a bunch of local parks that are a must-see as well. The top 10 parks in the Jax area.

If parks are not your thing then how about:

• Class Axe Throwing – Located in Arlington. Ax throwing is the latest craze. My son and I threw axes near our home and had a blast!
• The Great Escape Room – ***Temporarily closed.  Can be done as a duo but also great as a group. Put your minds together and figure out how to escape your room!
• The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens –  Located at 300 Zoo Pkwy. Since 1914 the Jacksonville Zoo has supported wildlife conservation on a stunning riverfront landscape. It has a Tiger Exhibit, an Africa Overlook, an Australian Adventure, and even a Jaguar show.
• Riverside Arts Market – Located at 715 Riverside Arts Market. The market is located along the St Johns River and under the Fuller Warren Bridge. The Riverside Arts Market is every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., rain or shine. RAM features a variety of small businesses, everything from artists to farmers to makers and bakers.
• TIAA Bank Field – If your trip coincides with football season why not grab a Jaguars football game? The stadium is located about 20 minutes from UNF.
• Topgolf Jax – Located within minutes of UNF at 10531 Brightman Blvd. TopGolf is a great way to golf and also enjoy great food, drinks, and fun times.  They are open 7 days a week and up to 12 players can play at a time. Reservations are highly recommended especially on the weekends.

For the 21 and older crowd, Jacksonville also boasts many interesting breweries. A great way to try a bunch of the breweries Jacksonville has to offer is by visiting the Jax Ale Trail website. They offer a “Brewery Passport” which allows owners to win prizes as they try different breweries. They also offer tours and activities on their site. Here is a list of some of the breweries:

• Aardwolf Brewing Company
• Bold City Brewery
• Bottlenose Brewing
• Engine 15 Brewing Co.
• Fishweir Brewing Co.
• Green Room Brewing
• Hyperion Brewing Co.
• Intuition Ale Works
• Legacy Ale Works
• Main & Six Brewing Company
• Pinglehead Brewing Company
• Reve Brewing
• Southern Swells Brewing Co.
• Strings Sports Brewery
• Tabula Rasa Brewing
• Veterans United Craft Brewery
• Wicked Barley Brewing Company

A favorite of mine is River City Brewing Company, which features an in-house microbrewery that guests can see. The restaurant and bar are located on the river, with large decks providing gorgeous views across the water. River City is host to many concerts and shows, which has made it popular for lots of UNF students. I personally have been quite a few times when some of my favorite artists come to play.

Check out some dinner and breakfast suggestions while enjoying your stay. Regardless of how the time is spent with your student, the weekend will be so memorable and meaningful.  Enjoy!

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Weekend with Dad appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.