The Jacksonville Landing: From Riverfront Rockstar to a Farewell Flop (with Hopefully Hilarious History)
Ah, the Jacksonville Landing. Once the crown jewel of Jacksonville's downtown, it was a place where families could shop, couples could stroll by the river whispering sweet nothings (or arguing about which restaurant to try), and tourists could marvel at the sheer amount of neon that could be crammed into one location.
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| What Was The Jacksonville Landing |
The Glory Days: A Mall on the River (That Wasn't a Trap)
Built in 1987, the Landing was the brainchild of The Rouse Company, the folks who brought us other festival marketplaces like Faneuil Hall. It boasted a mix of stores, from the classic mall staples like The Gap (because who doesn't need a new khaki emergency outfit while on vacation?) to waterfront restaurants with menus that could rival Moby Dick in size (and possibly contained some of the same questionable creatures).
There were even boat tours! Imagine, escaping the clutches of your overenthusiastic aunt who kept trying to convince you to buy a bedazzled dolphin phone case by hopping on a vessel and pretending to be a swashbuckling pirate for 20 minutes. Pure brilliance.
Fun Fact: The Landing's grand opening involved a drum corps, a mass balloon release, and community choirs. Basically, it was a party that would make even Ron Swanson crack a smile (although probably only because there were likely free sausages involved).
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
The Not-So-Glory Days: When the Party Died Down
Now, let's fast forward a couple of decades. The shiny facade of the Landing started to show some cracks. Stores started pulling out, replaced by purveyors of finer things like knock-off watches and inflatable pool toys shaped like mythical creatures. The food court became a battleground for pigeons and the strong-stomached.
Important Announcement: If you ever find yourself in a time machine and inexplicably land in the Jacksonville Landing circa 2018, here's a pro-tip: Do not challenge a pigeon to a staring contest. You will lose.
By 2019, the party was well and truly over. The Landing closed its doors, and the only sounds echoing through its vacant halls were the whispers of what once was.
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
So, What Now?
The future of the Landing is still up in the air. There have been talks of redevelopment, but for now, it remains a ghostly reminder of a bygone era.
But hey, at least it gave us some good stories (and maybe a slightly irrational fear of pigeons).
FAQ: You Asked, We (Kind Of) Answered!
How to get to the Jacksonville Landing?
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
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Well, you can't exactly. As of June 2024, the Landing is closed. But if you're feeling adventurous, you could always visit the site and whisper sweet nothings (or curses) at the empty buildings.
How to know if the Jacksonville Landing is haunted?
If you hear the faint strains of 90s pop music and see the shimmering outline of a neon dolphin phone case, you might be onto something.
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How to avoid a staring contest with a pigeon?
Wear sunglasses. Always wear sunglasses.
How to recreate the magic of the Jacksonville Landing at home?
Blast your favorite 90s playlist, dim the lights, and scatter inflatable pool toys around your living room. Bonus points for dressing up as a pirate.
How to move on from the loss of the Jacksonville Landing?
Retail therapy is always a good option. Just maybe take your business elsewhere.
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