Glenn and Tracie offered to drive us down to the cruise the night before, and as a bonus, his brother offered to host us to help break up the drive. We were able to spend the day in Neptune Beach before heading on to Cape Canaveral the next morning.
We arrived at Gerry’s at lunchtime and headed out on foot to The Lemon Bar.
It was warm enough to look for shade, but the breeze off the water made me realize I’d forgotten a sweatshirt or jacket.
After lunch, we wandered through town. This area is part of the Beaches Town Center, where Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach blend together with palm lined streets, local shops, and restaurants all within easy walking distance.
We learned that Glenn’s brothers recently opened up a new craft cocktail bar The Grande in Atlantic Beach and we were excited to check it out. I love the logo.
It wasn’t open yet, which made it the perfect time to look around and take photos. The first thing that caught my eye was the mermaid inside—an unexpected conversation piece that fits perfectly.
From there, the long, curved bar pulls you through the room. There are little niches throughout the space, and they naturally draw your eye and invite you to stop and look.
In the back, two oversized, gold-framed chairs—one black, one white—are clearly meant to stop people in their tracks.
The bathrooms follow the same design language, each one different and thoughtfully decorated.
Since we planned to return later that night, we headed back into town to do some quick shopping. Tracie helped me find a warm layer while the boys grabbed a quick beer at Sliders Oyster Bar.
On the walk back, Gerry pointed out a small jewelry store we would have walked right past otherwise, Jewels By Lubeck. He told us it was where the designer behind Taylor Swift’s engagement ring first learned her craft. She grew up there, working in her father’s shop, before eventually moving on and designing the ring that suddenly put this quiet little place on the map.
Back at Gerry’s, from the upstairs we could see the beach and decided it was time to go enjoy the beach.
He handed us beach chairs, two bottles of wine, and we set out to enjoy the beach.
One of the surprises was watching the powered paragliders flying along the beach.
Then later we saw someone with a motorized skateboard moving down the beach.
It was a nice relaxing afternoon soaking up sunshine!
Later, we got ready for the evening and walked back into town, enjoying a pause for the sunset!
Pete’s Bar has been around since 1933 and is known locally as one of the oldest bars in the Beaches. It’s known as a classic Neptune Beach dive with cold beer, pool tables, and a long history in the community.
That long history is also what led to the opening of The Grande. The goal wasn’t to replace Pete’s, but to offer a more upscale option in the same neighborhood—an intentional craft cocktail bar where people could stop before or after dinner, dress up a bit, and enjoy well-made drinks in a more polished setting.
Seeing both places side by side makes the contrast clear, and it works. They serve different moods and different moments, and together they say a lot about how the Beaches have evolved.
We headed down to The Grande and ordered some cocktails.
Since it was Dry January, they also offered non alcoholic options. I ordered the Rossa Spritz mocktail finished with a dried blood orange and it was really good.
Suddenly our server rolled a cart over to us to make our drinks tableside. Not only was it entertaining but Glenn declared his Old Fashioned was the best he ever had!
After that, we headed to dinner at Salumeria 104. They offer a rustic, trattoria-style Italian menu with house-made pastas, salumi, antipasta and classic Italian dishes that highlight fresh, high quality ingredients.
We were especially happy to get a round table, which always makes conversation easier. The food was really delicious, and our server was excellent.
We walked home beside the lighted palm trees, and by a frozen custard shop called Whit’s, Gerry recommended it! I wish I had room to give it a try because I love custard style ice cream.
We passed a few bikes strung with lights. We needed to be on the road by 8 a.m., so we ended our night fairly early and went to bed. What a fun stop—meeting Glenn’s brother, and discovering a true gem of beach town along the way.
Happiness is Possible 