Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

You could call Jacksonville the secret city of Florida because even many natives have a tough time pinning down its defining features and best spots. But for anyone willing to dig beneath the surface, theres no shortage of incredible sights, hidden histories and unusual relics just waiting to be discovered. Want to see the worlds largest Native American woodcarving, chart the roots of Southern rock, or eat curly fries at the barbecue joint that claims to have invented them? Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure is dedicated to telling the stories behind forgotten, mysterious and just plain interesting spots across Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach and the surrounding communities. Here youll find out where you can see a long forgotten Florida waterfall with connections to Jacksonvilles founder, and learn why theres a tombstone in the middle of a neighborhood sidewalk. Youll hear the stories behind local delicacies like Jacksonville-style garlic crabs, datil peppers, Mayport shrimp and camel rider sandwiches. And of course, youll learn what exactly is up with that orange roadside dinosaur everyones always talking about. Jacksonville writer Bill Delaney has a deep passion for his hometown and a keen interest in underrepresented stories. From folklore to history and everything in between, join him to explore a side of the Bold City you can only find by leaving the well-trodden path.